Why Is Skype Blocked In Dubai? (Solved)

  • According to Etisalat, Skype is blocked as it “provides an unlicensed VoIP service under the prohibited contents of the United Arab Emirates Regulatory Framework”. The VOIP company can do nothing about the ban but it is possible to get around it.

Is Skype still blocked in Dubai?

Skype is blocked in the UAE. However, in some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Skype and similar services are blocked entirely. In fact, in the UAE, there are only a handful of permitted VoIP services and these tend to come with high monthly fees.

Does Skype work in Dubai 2021?

Does Skype Work In Dubai 2021? Skype cannot be used or used for purposes of taking advantage of the services of Skype. Dubai and other UAE countries are also unable to access the Skype website. Dubai does not support Skype.

Can I Skype someone in Dubai?

Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) in Dubai (UAE) blocked skype. One cannot use skype or take advantage of the services of skype. The website of skype also does not function in Dubai or other countries of UAE. Skype does not work in Dubai at all.

Why are calls blocked in Dubai?

The UAE, home to the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and the freewheeling financial hub of Dubai, long has blocked internet calling apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime, presumably due to security concerns and to protect the revenues of its monopoly state-run telecommunication companies.

Is Skype Banned in UAE 2020?

Is Skype blocked in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? It has been brought to our attention that our website and services have been blocked by the ISPs in the United Arab Emirates. That means you won’t be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates.

In which countries is Skype banned?

Countries Where Skype is Blocked or Restricted

  • Guyana.
  • Venezuela.
  • Kuwait.
  • Libya.
  • North Korea.
  • Oman.
  • Qatar.
  • UAE.

Is VPN blocked in UAE?

Strong encryption protocols: Because the UAE actively blocks VPNs, any VPN that works in this country must use the strongest-possible encryption protocols with obfuscation technology that can help users avoid detection.

Why VPN is not working in UAE?

The UAE actually has laws related to the use of VPNs. Indeed, UAE law says that a VPN is only illegal if it’s used to commit a crime. The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) is responsible for internet censorship in the UAE.

Is VPN legal in Dubai?

The usage of VPN in the UAE is not illegal if it’s used as per the guidelines of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. But the misuse can result in a heavy penalty as well as imprisonment for violating the local cyber law.

Why is Skype blocked?

This could mean your account has been hacked or compromised. You may have received a message “Help us secure your account” when trying to sign in to Skype. This could mean out-of-the-ordinary activity has taken place and Microsoft has taken steps to lock down your account until you can take action.

Does Skype business work in UAE?

Allows Microsoft Skype for Business, Google Hangout. The United Arab Emirates lifted restrictions on some programs that allow voice calls over the Internet, including Microsoft Skype for Business and Google Hangout, to help people work from home and avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Which VPN works in UAE?

The best UAE/Dubai VPN in 2022:

  • ExpressVPN. Simply the number one VPN for UAE, Dubai and everywhere.
  • NordVPN. A focus on security without sacrificing speed.
  • Surfshark. Affordable VPN powers for the UAE.
  • ProtonVPN. Speedy option for UAE and Dubai with decent free option for newbies.
  • CyberGhost.

What apps are not allowed in Dubai?

The most well-known VoIP apps that have been blocked by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE are:

  • Whatsapp.
  • FaceTime.
  • Skype.
  • Snapchat.
  • Viber.
  • Facebook Messenger.

What is blocked in UAE?

The country’s ISPs Etisalat and du (telco) ban pornography, politically sensitive material and anything against the perceived moral values of the UAE. All or most VoIP services are blocked. Both WhatsApp and Snapchat calling functions were also blocked in the UAE, to comply with VoIP regulations.

Does Dubai Block WhatsApp?

WhatsApp, like most free VoIP and messaging services, is blocked in the UAE. So, your best option is to use a VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE. You can bypass the UAE’s internet blocking by connecting to a VPN server in a different country.

UAE loosens some VoIP restrictions as residents in lockdown call for end to WhatsApp and Skype ban

Photograph by Sergei Konkov for TASS, via Getty Images DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Increasing numbers of people are clamoring for the UAE to reverse its ban on internet calling services such as Whatsapp and Facetime as inhabitants huddle down in their homes under the coronavirus lockdown, unable to travel, meet up with friends, or venture out into the open. “Given the severity of the epidemic, could you possibly waive the video prohibition on Skype and WhatsApp?

Two VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, Microsoft’s Skype for Business and Google Hangouts, were among the platforms that the UAE announced on Tuesday that it was removing its ban.

The prohibition of VoIP in order to safeguard the telephone business is analogous to the prohibition of the fax machine in order to protect carrier pigeons.

Sultan al Qassemi’s official website is sultanalqassemi.com.

The usage of popular phone and video calling services like WhatsApp, Facetime, and Skype (though not Skype for Business, as of Tuesday) is still prohibited in the state, forcing citizens to rely on fee-based services from one of the state’s telecommunications companies, such as Etisalat or Du, to communicate.

  • It is noticed on March 22, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that a sign has been placed indicating that the beach is temporarily closed.
  • Francois Nel captured this image for Getty Images.
  • As a response to Du’s announcement of free internet calling for its subscribers via a new app named Voico, Dubai resident Nick Regos tweeted last week, “JUST.
  • US USE.

APPS.” that the rest of the world uses, Regos wrote: “Just let us use the apps that the rest of the world uses.” Tweet1 Almost all of the responses to the Du tweet were negative, with individuals regretting the fact that they had to ask all of their connections in other countries to download an app specifically for them, as well as the difficulty in convincing their elderly relatives to utilize a new and foreign product.

“Voico, or whatever it is called, is not used by anyone. So, you’d like me to go ahead and ask my 85-year-old father to download this into his phone and set it all up, don’t you? Irresponsible, “James Raff sent a tweet about it. Du did not respond to calls for comment from CNBC.

‘A time that requires radical changes’

High-profile In particular, Sultan al Qassemi, a scholar and member of the royal family of the UAE emirate of Sharjah, has been vocal in his support for the expansion of VoIP services in the country. According to him, “the explanation that Etisalat pays several billion dollars to the government budget — which is the excuse that we’ve heard many times and that’s why VoIP is not permitted in the UAE — is a reasonable reason.” “However, we are living in a moment that necessitates radical change, and I sincerely hope that the UAE federal government reconsiders this, even if it means relaxing the limits for a limited period of a few weeks or months in the future.” According to al Qassemi, prohibiting VoIP in order to maintain the telephone sector is “similar to outlawing the fax machine in order to protect the carrier pigeons.” “It’s utterly illogical,” says the author.

  1. The skyline of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
  2. iStock |
  3. ‘The increased productivity that comes from using VoIP, in my humble opinion, is substantially more rewarding for our local economies than the cash earned by international calls for the government,’ he said in an interview with CNBC.
  4. Both Etisalat and the Telecoms Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates did not respond to calls for comment.

State security concerns

The restriction on VoIP also has to do with state security concerns and the capacity to monitor conversations, which, according to digital rights experts, explains why the UAE government prefers state-controlled telecommunications platforms such as Whatsapp over encrypted services such as Whatsapp. Al Qassemi, on the other hand, pointed out that countries with a high emphasis on security, such as Singapore, as well as Saudi Arabia, which lifted its ban on VoIP calling in 2017. Oman, a neighboring country, lifted its prohibition on Skype for Business, Webex, Zoom, and Google Hangouts just a few days ago.

According to al Qassemi, “we have to make certain that the security measures also take into consideration the economic dimension of the country.” “And I feel that there is a chance for them to coexist peacefully together.” The government’s decision this week to relax certain VoIP limitations has been hailed, and it has fueled expectations that the ban may be lifted completely.

“A permanent lifting of the restriction, from the perspective of a technology venture capitalist, can go a long way toward marketing the UAE as a location for innovative companies that virtually always need to trade with teams located in different countries.

According to national health officials, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the United Arab Emirates has more than quadrupled in the previous week to 333, with two deaths.

UAE block on internet calls eases for Expo 2020 site visitors

Building construction workers are visible at the Expo 2020 Dubai site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the 14th of September, 2021. The photograph was shot on September 14, 2021. Alexander Cornwell for Reuters

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 29 (Reuters) – It has been approved for users to make calls using WhatsApp and other internet-based applications on the grounds of the Expo 2020 Dubai global expo, providing an opening to a prohibition that has long irked companies and residents in the region. Many people have been outraged by the United Arab Emirates’ refusal to allow most apps that use Audio over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services – free internet-to-internet voice and video communications – to operate for years, particularly after the outbreak of the Ebola virus.

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When contacted by the expo organizers, they were sent to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates, which did not reply to requests for comment. As part of its efforts to revive its economy, Dubai is aiming to draw 25 million business and tourist visitors to the global fair, which is being built from the ground up over 4.3 square kilometers (1.7 square miles) of desert. It was not immediately apparent whether the waiver would last beyond the six-month duration of the expo or whether it would be extended to other parts of the United Arab Emirates, which is made up of seven different emirates.

  1. The government has previously said that citizens can only utilize licensed services such as BOTIM, without providing any explanation as to why this is the case.
  2. UAE citizens who were separated from their family and friends during the outbreak have been particularly affected by the ban on calls made through popular messaging programs such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype, among others.
  3. The restriction was still in place on more popular programs such as WhatsApp and Skype.
  4. By the outbreak of Ebola, the first international fair to be staged in the Middle East, Expo 2020 Dubai, had been postponed for a year.
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Lisa Barrington wrote the piece, and Andrew Heavens edited it.

The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles serve as our benchmarks.

Why is Skype banned in Dubai? – SidmartinBio

United Arab Emirates is a country in the Middle East. After determining that Skype was not properly licensed, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) shut down the service in January 2018. As a result of decreased demand for their own telecom services, operators like as Du and Etisalat may suffer revenue losses, which is why the ban has been imposed on them.

Is Skype calling allowed in Dubai?

Skype is not available in the United Arab Emirates. In order to gain access, you will require a competent virtual private network (VPN). Nonetheless, in certain countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Skype and other comparable services are completely barred from access. In reality, there are just a handful of VoIP providers that are licensed in the UAE, and they are typically associated with expensive monthly prices.

Does Skype work in Dubai 2021?

Free VoIP services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime have been blocked in the nation, leading some to seek for a decent UAE VPN to circumvent the networks’ monopoly on phone calls and communicate with their friends and family without incurring any charges. …

Is Skype free in Dubai?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a ban on Skype. Is this true? Several Internet service providers (ISPs) in the United Arab Emirates have brought to our attention that our website and services have been restricted. You will not be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates as a result of this decision.

Why WhatsApp is banned in Dubai?

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as Whatsapp and Skype are popular in other countries. Dubai Telecom (DU) and Etisalat are the two major telecommunications firms in the city. For concerns of security and to establish their supremacy over the city’s communications and cybersecurity, Dubai has prohibited the use of these services.

Are VPNS illegal in Dubai?

Despite the anti-VPN measures adopted by internet service providers such as Etisalat, it is lawful to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) in the UAE. Indeed, according to UAE legislation, a virtual private network (VPN) is only prohibited if it is used to commit a crime. The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) is in charge of internet filtering in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Are you allowed to use WhatsApp in Dubai?

WhatsApp, along with the majority of free VoIP and messaging services, is restricted in the United Arab Emirates. By connecting to a virtual private network (VPN) server in a foreign country, you can get around the UAE’s internet censorship.

Why is Skype banned in United Arab Emirates?

As of November 7, 2019, only Botim, HiU, and C’me are permitted to enter the United Arab Emirates. In 2018, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prohibited Skype and other popular programs. Applications for Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) are prohibited because they provide unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service, which is in violation of UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) regulations.

Can you use Skype or WhatsApp in UAE?

However, you will be unable to utilize services such as Facetime, Whatsapp Video Call, and I think even Skype in the United Arab Emirates. However, they do offer a local app that allows you to make video calls to anybody in the globe, as long as the other person also has the app installed on their device.

BOTIM is the name of the application. It is a paid service in the United Arab Emirates, but it is a free app everywhere else in the globe.

Why are VoIP calls banned in the UAE?

Applications for Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) are prohibited because they provide unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service, which is in violation of UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) regulations. Botim, HiU, and C’me can only be accessed if you pay a monthly fee of 50Dhs or 100Dhs (if you are connected by wifi) to service providers such as Etisalat and Du, respectively.

Why was Skype and WhatsApp banned in Morocco?

Several messaging apps, including Skype, Viber, Tango, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, were restricted in Morocco in March 2016. The restriction was subsequently lifted eight months later. During the summer of 2016, Algeria briefly shut down a number of social media platforms and messaging services in an effort to prevent students from cheating on examinations and assessments.

Skype blocked in UAE, but here are some other alternatives

Botim is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

Dubai – Telecom firms Etisalat and du confirmed the ban on Skype earlier this week.

Earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates banned Skype, a popular software application that allows users to conduct audio and video conversations between their computers, mobile phones, and tablet devices over the internet. Several UAE-based telecom firms, including Etisalat and du, have stated that access to Skype has been restricted due to the use of unlicensed VoIP conversations. This week, Etisalat said that the Skype app had been stopped because it was delivering unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, which falls under the definition of “prohibited items” according to the United Arab Emirates’ Regulatory Framework.

  • As a result, you will not be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates.” Users from all around the country reported experiencing service interruptions throughout the weekend.
  • I have a wired connection with a bandwidth of around 54mbps, however I’ve observed in the last few hours that the Skype call quality is appalling.
  • An other user reported that “I attempted to contact my only buddy using the Skype Echo voice thing and it didn’t work either.” What does the law say about this?
  • Basic concept here is that VoIP, being an Internet-based service, involves hazards relating to privacy concerns, voice phishing, and hacking, among other weaknesses, similar to those that may be expected with anything linked to the wild, wild Web (or, more specifically, the Internet).

Another service that appears to have obtained the permission of UAE authorities may be of interest to those who are skeptical about VoIP in this area of the world – which is very unlikely because everyone appears to have his or her own method of making Web-based calls that are, most crucially, free.

  • It joins C’Me, another VoIP application that has been accessible for some time, as a service that has been approved.
  • However, in order to ‘legally’ utilize the service, you will be required to pay a monthly subscription charge.
  • The costs are automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis.
  • It goes without saying that both you and the party you intend to call should be utilizing either Botim or C’Me in order to take advantage of those countless hours of gratis.
  • It is ranked No.
  • However, if you carefully study the rules, you will discover that a VoIP service is permitted in the UAE if it fits specific requirements and restrictions.
  • It didn’t happen, and the system continues to operate smoothly to this day.

And, for a brief period of time in June of this year, WhatsApp calls appeared to be functioning properly, albeit intermittently. The TRA emphasized that it is not permitted in the United Arab Emirates. [email protected]

How To Use Skype In Uae Without Vpn?

Residents in the United Arab Emirates are unable to access Skype. The use of a virtual private network (VPN) is necessary to access this site. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a terrific method for travelers, foreign students, and expatriates to stay in touch with their friends and family back home while on the road (VoIP).

Does Skype Require Vpn?

If the Virtual Private Network (VPN) that is being used for Skype Connect has access to the Internet, then Skype Connect will function properly with your Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) (VPN). We advocate that voice traffic be isolated from data traffic utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs) in order to improve the overall Quality of Service.

Can Skype Be Used In Uae?

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Skype is not accessible. In the United Arab Emirates, we are aware that our website and services have been restricted by Internet service providers (ISPs). In the United Arab Emirates, you will not be able to access Skype.

How Can I Video Call In Dubai Without Vpn?

  • BOTIM is the most popular video calling app in the United Arab Emirates. With the help of this software, you can stay in touch with your family and friends
  • I’m going to be a little late
  • I’m on my way to MESSENGER.
  • I’m VOICO, by the way. As a Mexican, ZOOM
  • Yzer Chait.
  • I’ll take it
  • I’m sorry. Using the Internet, you may place an order for a telephone call.

Can I Use Skype In Dubai?

Using Skype or using Skype for the goal of taking advantage of its services is strictly prohibited. A similar problem has been reported for Skype website access in Dubai and other UAE nations. Dubai does not support Skype at this time. This includes the usage of Skype for exchanging messages or making phone calls, but also the exchange of photos and other data.

How Can I Use Skype In Blocked Countries?

  • Make sure you have a VPN account with a reputable provider. As a result, your device should now be linked to the VPN application. Installation of the VPN software is required. If Skype is not prohibited in your jurisdiction, you can utilize a virtual private network (VPN) server. You may now communicate with people via Skype.

Why Skype Is Banned In Uae?

What causes Skype to be banned in the first place? Before they may begin offering their services, VoIP providers in the United Arab Emirates must first receive a special license from the government. Etisalat, a national Internet service provider, is now only offering two services, both of which are operated by the firm.

Is Skype Banned In Uae 2021?

In the United Arab Emirates, we are aware that our website and services have been restricted by Internet service providers (ISPs). In the United Arab Emirates, you will not be able to access Skype.

Can You Skype In Dubai?

In the United Arab Emirates, Internet service providers (ISPs) have restricted our website and services, which we are well aware of. You will not be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates.

Why Skype Is Blocked In Uae?

Unlicensed voice over IP (VoIP) services are not permitted in the United Arab Emirates. Skype was prohibited by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in January 2018, citing the fact that the service was not licensed in the country. VoIP technology is not supported by popular messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Viber, and Snapchat.

Does Skype Work In Dubai 2021?

Using Skype or using Skype for the goal of taking advantage of its services is strictly prohibited. A similar problem has been reported for Skype website access in Dubai and other UAE nations. Dubai does not support Skype at this time.

Which Countries Have Banned Skype?

  • Guyana, the nation of Venezuela, Kuwait, Libya, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates

Can I Video Call To Dubai?

Users throughout the nation may now take use of the free video/voice calling application Voico. Du. Du Voico UAE is a mobile application that can be downloaded on both iOS and Android smartphones. All existing and new du HomeMobile users will be able to make free Internet calls utilizing the Voico UAE service as part of their subscriptions.

How Can I Make Free Video Calls In Dubai?

  • Zoom video calling was formerly outlawed in the nation
  • However, this has now been lifted. Users of Du in the region may now make video and audio calls for free via the Voico service. I’m on my way to Botim. A new version of the Google Hangouts app is now available for download.
  • Teams from Microsoft, Skype, and other services

Is Video Call Not Allowed In Uae?

Most Audio over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, which allow free voice and video chats over the internet, are prohibited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

These individuals are still barred from utilizing their video and audio calling services.

Does Vpn Allow Video Calling?

Is it safe to use a VPN for video calls? Vpns (virtual private networks) safeguard your data by creating a secure tunnel and encrypting every data packet delivered. Once you have established a connection with a server, VoIP services enable you to make video and phone conversations via the Internet.

Watch how to use skype in uae without vpn Video

Skype may be unblocked in the United Arab Emirates.

Skype in UAE

Skype has been blocked in the United Arab Emirates by both Etisalat and Dubai Internet. What are our options at this point? How to unblock Skype in the United Arab Emirates in 2022? You will find a solution if you continue reading. All unlicensed and unauthorized Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are not supported in the United Arab Emirates, according to the country’s two major Internet service providers. Facebook calling, Google’s Duo video calling, Facetime, and other comparable services are no longer available in the United Arab Emirates, according to official information.

Unfortunately, Skype is not included in the list of approved applications.

How to Unblock Skype in UAE in 2022

The good news is that you will still be able to use Skype and comparable services in the United Arab Emirates in 2022. All you need is a VPN, or virtual private network, to do this. A virtual private network (VPN) hides your true IP address and allows you to circumvent any Internet restrictions. So the only requirements for using Skype in the United Arab Emirates are as follows:

  1. Get your VPN
  2. Configure your VPN connection
  3. Connect to your VPN
  4. And use Skype without any restrictions.

Some people in the United Arab Emirates are wary about utilizing a virtual private network (VPN). In contrast, according to the official TRA’s internet guidelines on prohibited content, point 14 on illegal communication services states that “This category includes internet content that promotes or allows access to illegal communication services in accordance with a regulation or decision by the competent authority.” Private individuals, with the exception of some corporate organizations, are not at risk of going to jail or paying a fine if they do not use a virtual private network (VPN) to commit any form of cybercrime.

  • With Skype in the UAE, you may communicate with your family and friends in complete confidence.
  • So, Skype isn’t working in the United Arab Emirates; does Etisalat have something to do with this problem?
  • Because the UAE has “REGULATED” the usage of VoIP applications, you’ll have to SUBSCRIBE to a package and use one of the only TWO apps that no one else uses because it’s “REGULATED.” Just when expats thought things couldn’t get much worse, they do.
  • Hopefully, 2018 will be the year that I am able to return to the free world.

— MarieClaire (@marieclaire3487), on Twitter: ” The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2017. What is the best way to use WhatsApp in Dubai? Skype Blocked in the United Arab Emirates – How to Unblock It Today How to Unblock Websites in the United Arab Emirates

Skype And Whatsapp In Dubai

Skype and Whatsapp are two of the most popular programs that everyone has been using to remain connected, exchange images and videos, hold group chats, and communicate with their friends and family. These applications are quite effective in bringing people together since they include features such as group chat, free audio and video calls, and voice messaging, among others. Skype and Whatsapp are examples of contemporary bridges that connect people. Skype and Whatsapp are used on a regular basis, and they are helping to keep the other social networking applications in competition with one another.

In general, these two applications are used to communicate with others, and they may also be used to compete and cooperate on business projects with ease.

Skype in Dubai

Skype has been banned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Dubai (UAE). Skype cannot be used or the services provided by skype cannot be accessed. In addition, the Skype website does not operate in Dubai or any of the other UAE nations. Skype is completely inaccessible in Dubai. One will not be able to use Skype to exchange messages or make phone calls, or even to share photographs and files, as a result of this.

Whatsapp in Dubai

The Dubai government has restricted access to a few Whatsapp services. It is the most handy app for facilitating connections between individuals. If you have a mobile number in your country that has a data pack in it, you will have access to Whatsapp calls and all of the other features provided by Whatsapp, with one exception. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE ALSO:DUBAI VISA FOR JORDAN CITIZENS SOne has access to Whatsapp messaging but is unable to make phone calls to other persons. Voice and video calls are not authorized in Dubai, according to the local administration.

  1. As a result, using Whatsapp may not be a major source of concern.
  2. In Dubai, it is not authorized to use Skype or Whatsapp at all.
  3. In Dubai, any other applications that allow users to communicate with one another through video or phone conversations are deemed to be unauthorized.
  4. While in any region of Dubai, it is impossible to use the Skype website or mobile application.
  5. Whatsapp may even be used to communicate files and images to other people.

Recent developments in Skype and Whatsapp services in Dubai

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the Director General of the National Electronic Security Authority of the United Arab Emirates, speculates that the UAE may impose a restriction on calls made using WhatsApp.

In an interview conducted in the year 2019, he discussed this topic. This increase in the prohibition does not have a precise date associated with it.

  • United Arab Emirates’ National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) chief Mohamed Al Kuwaiti speculates that the UAE may prohibit the use of Whatsapp for calling. In an interview conducted in the year 2019, he discussed this. Regarding the increase in the prohibition, no exact date has been provided.

Would you be interested in visiting Dubai? It is a constantly changing country with constantly changing regulations. To apply for a Dubai visa online, simply click toDubai E Visa Online and follow the simple instructions.

Why did the Dubai government ban Skype and Whatsapp in the city and at the DBX?

  • In other nations, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is provided through Whatsapp and Skype, while DU and Etisalat are the two largest telecommunications carriers in Dubai. It is the intention of Dubai to promote voice and video communications in order to encourage them and create income from them. For concerns of security and to establish their supremacy over the city’s communications and cybersecurity, Dubai has prohibited the use of these services. Due to the fact that both Skype and Whatsapp provide encrypted services, Dubai feels that these applications might represent a danger to national security by not allowing people’s actions to be visible
  • DU and Etisalat are the two Dubai-based businesses who initiated the BOTIM initiative. It is Dubai’s very own VoIP service
  • The BOTIM app may be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The program allows you to make video and audio calls to other people
  • However, the person with whom you wish to speak on the phone must also have the BOTIM app installed on their mobile device. At the airport, one must receive a DU Tourist SIM or an Etisalat Tourist SIM, depending on which provider is being used. The only way to access the internet in Dubai is to use a SIM card that has been purchased in Dubai. As you would imagine from the most wealthy and opulent country on the planet, the Internet is extremely pricey in Dubai. The BOTIM app requires a subscription fee, which must be paid in advance. It is possible that you may have to pay AED (United Arab Emirates Dirhams) 100 for an internet subscription. The government of Dubai has given their approval to the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

ToTok is a free mobile application in Dubai that has been approved by the government of the United Arab Emirates. With it, one may make free audio and video calls to other people. It does not necessitate the purchase of a membership. “HiU,” “C’Me,” “Yzer,” “Voico,” and “Botim” are just a handful of the applications that have been approved by the government of Dubai. It is possible to make voice and video calls in Dubai using these applications. FaceTime, Instagram, and a number of other VoIP applications are prohibited in Dubai.

Visa for Dubai may be obtained online.

Skype blocked in UAE? Here are the alternatives

It is still the same news for those who want to take advantage of Skype’s low-cost internet phone rates: there has been no change. Photograph courtesy of Clint Egbert/Gulf News Dubai: During this Christmas season, many expats have either returned home to enjoy the holidays or choose to remain in the UAE, and many have taken advantage of the free internet calling program Skype to communicate with friends and family. Until now, that is. In a statement released over the weekend, the UAE’s telecom carriers, Etisalat and du, confirmed that Skype is blocked throughout the nation.

Hi, In accordance with the UAE’s Regulatory Framework, access to the Skype App has been restricted because it is delivering unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, which comes under the categorization of illegal items.

The United Arab Emirates (@etisalat) on December 30, 2017 In the same vein, du reacted to consumer inquiries by stating: “Please keep in mind that any unlicensed applications or services that provide VoIP calling services are not supported in the United Arab Emirates.” @profamii Hello, Please keep in mind that any unlawful programs or services that provide VoIP calling services will not be supported in the United Arab Emirates.

Please see the following link for more information about our Internet Calling service: I appreciate it— du (@dutweets) December 30, 2017 So, what are the alternative possibilities available to you?

In addition to “unlimited” phone and video call services, both du and Etisalat have made the VoIP-based applications Botim and C’Me available as part of their “unlimited” voice and video call services. However, there is a monthly price associated with them.

Click here to know how to register for VoIP services with du.

A membership to any of the Internet Calling Plans permits you to make unlimited VoiceVideo calls with any of our supported applications (BOTIM and C’Me) using any of our supported applications. Please see the following link for further information: 30 December 2017, Etisalat UAE (@etisalat) —

Skype blocked again in the UAE

ABU DHABI / The capital of the United Arab Emirates. Skype has been blocked again again, much to the dismay of individuals who wish to communicate with and see their loved ones in their home nations via the service. After the service stopped operating over the weekend, the Microsoft-owned corporation stated on Sunday that there was little it could do to help the situation. A large number of callers reported that they were unable to connect to the service, which has more than 70 million customers worldwide.

  • “It has been brought to our attention that our website and services have been blocked by both internet service providers in the United Arab Emirates,” said Skype, a Luxembourg-based firm that provides video calling services.
  • We recommend that you talk with your Internet service provider and inquire as to why Skype is being blocked.
  • Discord, a popular in-game voice communication application, has also been restricted.
  • Users on Twitter expressed their dissatisfaction with their inability to communicate with family and friends throughout the Christmas season, with many venting their rage at telecommunications companies du and Etisalat, as well as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
  • Soon later, WhatsApp voice calls were no longer available.
  • Organizations intending to provide such services should consult with licensed service providers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).” [email protected]

Everything you need to know about the Skype ban in the UAE

If you haven’t been participating in some sort of New Year’s internet detox, you’ve probably heard that Skype looks to have been blocked in the United Arab Emirates. Again. It’s a perplexing issue, with many Skype users in the United Arab Emirates claiming varying degrees of success. For this reason, in this article, we’ve endeavored to cover all you need to know about the United Arab Emirates’ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) regulation, sometimes known as the “Skype ban.” Prepare yourself for a slew of acronyms to be thrown at you.

Hopefully, this has provided some answers to your questions. ALSO READ: The UAE’s legal perspective on virtual private network (VPN) use

What is a VoIP service?

VoIP is an abbreviation for “Voice over Internet Protocol,” which is a snazzy way of saying “internet calling.” To put it simply, VoIP is an alternate method of making a phone conversation that can generally be accomplished for a very low cost or even for free by utilizing your existing internet connection. We’ll refer to Skype throughout this post since it is one of the most well-known VoIP services available. Other well-known VoIP services include WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime – but we’ll stick with Skype for the purpose of simplicity.

Ok, so what’s the deal with these in the UAE?

Internet service providers (ISPs) in the United Arab Emirates are controlled by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA – yes, we did tell you there would be a lot of acronyms). There are two internet service providers (ISPs) in the UAE: Etisalat and Du. The TRA regulates the two ISPs. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, only these two approved companies are permitted to provide VoIP services in the UAE. Etisalat and Du will be the ones to determine whether or not Skype will be allowed on their networks.

So… does that mean Skype is blocked?

Yeah, in a way, in a way, yes. “It has been brought to our attention that our website and services have been banned by both of the ISPs in the United Arab Emirates,” according to a statement on Skype’s website. You will not be able to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates as a result.” Unfortunately, there isn’t much Skype can do to help in this circumstance. We recommend that you talk with your Internet service provider and inquire as to why Skype is being blocked. You should also request that our website and services be unblocked.”

Hang on, how come I can still use it then?

Many UAE citizens will discover that they have no issues, or perhaps the rare malfunction, when using Skype. We inquired of Mike Priest, the editor of Stuff Middle East, as to the reason behind this: “While it’s impossible to say for definite, it’s possible that it has something to do with the way the internet is designed to work.” Consider the following scenario: There is a metaphorical wall between an ISP such as Etisalat and the Internet, which is punctuated with holes known as ‘ports.’ Various elements of the internet can pass via each port and reach Etisalat’s consumers in different ways.

Netflix has its own port, WhatsApp has its own port, Skype and VoIP services have their own port, and so on.

Without a corporation explicitly declaring that they are engaging in this practice, it is difficult to determine whether or not this is in fact the case.

As a result, Skype and other VoIP firms are unlikely to acknowledge to doing so since it would seem that they are intentionally seeking to bypass UAE legislation.

Is it illegal to use Skype in the UAE?

In a technical sense, absolutely. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s website, “Any individual who uses VoIP services that are not offered by a licensee. may be committing a criminal crime.”

How else can I video call my friends and family?

Both Etisalat and Du have TRA-approved alternatives to Skype, which are referred to as C’ME and BOTIM, respectively. However, you must pay for these services, with the cheapest subscription costing Dhs50 per month. You may learn more about them by visiting this page. Is there anything else? Again, we turned to our resident IT expert, Mike Priest: In addition to the paid-for C’Me and BOTIM applications that have been approved by the TRA, there are few other choices available. The purchase of an iPhone outside of the UAE will result in the installation of the FaceTime application (iPhones built for the UAE market do not have the app), which will allow you to make calls to other iPhone users who also have the FaceTime application.”

When will Skype be ‘unblocked’?

Mr. Priest believes that until the VoIP firms reach some form of arrangement with the TRA, we will be trapped on this route for the foreseeable future, according to Stuffedit. However, he does remind out that Skype is owned by Microsoft, which is a major worldwide player in the technology industry. Furthermore, not everyone supports the prohibition. According to a Gulf Business Report article from 2016, Saeed Al Remeithi – the youngest member of the UAE Federal National Council – stated that the UAE’s prohibitions on internet calling were a “embarrassment.” In addition, it’s worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia overturned its own ban on VoIP services in 2017, which included applications such as Skype and WhatsApp.

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Skype blocked in UAE will hit businesses as well as people

Published at 15:30 UTC on April 10, 2019. According to a statement released by the Microsoft-owned corporation, the usage of Skype in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been prohibited. In the United Arab Emirates, it has been brought to our attention that our website and services have been restricted by Internet service providers (ISPs). According to Skype, this means you will be unable to use Skype in the United Arab Emirates,” the company stated on its website. “We’re working hard to get Skype back online for everyone.” The company went on to say that they were “excited about the service that Skype provides to our users throughout the world by simplifying communication and fostering collaboration.” “It’s really aggravating that Skype is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates,” one Twitter user stated.

“There is such a conflict in the 2021 Vision aims.” This ambitious national transformation effort, known as UAE 2021 Vision, comprises the adoption and development of the most up-to-date information and communication technology.

“What’s particularly frustrating for the Emirati people is the widespread suspicion that the block is being imposed for commercial reasons, given the monopolistic nature of the UAE’s telecommunications industry and the recent launch by Etisalat of a subscription-based Skype competitor service, named BOTIM,” he explained.

“It’s just not feasible to expect the rest of the world to begin utilizing video conferencing software allowed by the UAE in order to conduct business in the area.”

Read more on Cloud applications

As of Sunday, FaceTimecalls seemed to be functioning in the United Arab Emirates, suggesting that long-standing limitations on theAppleprogram in this federation of seven sheikhdoms may have been relaxed somewhat. A formal announcement on the subject was not made at the time of writing. A request for comment from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates was not immediately returned. Apple did not reply to a request for comment, as did other companies.

It has been a long time since the United Arab Emirates, home to the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and the freewheeling financial hub of Dubai, blocked internet calling apps such as WhatsApp and FaceTime, presumably due to security concerns and to protect the revenues of the country’s monopoly state-run telecommunication companies.

  1. Typically, Apple iPhones and laptops sold in the United Arab Emirates do not include the FaceTime calling application.
  2. Due to the flu epidemic, Dubai’s big world’s fair was delayed by a year, and it officially opened its doors earlier this month.
  3. Visitors to the expansive Expo fairgrounds in Dubai’s southern desert will be allowed to conduct WhatsApp and FaceTime calls while on the premises.
  4. There have been instances in the past where similar apps worked in the UAE for a short period of time before becoming inoperable owing to changes in internet filtering.

Smart Dubai chief hopeful ‘annoying’ Skype block will be lifted

In the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, FaceTimecalls seemed to be functioning, suggesting that long-standing limitations on theAppleprogram in the federation of seven sheikhdoms have been lifted. A formal announcement on the subject was not made at the time of publication. Despite a request for comment, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates did not immediately answer. Apple did not reply to a request for comment, nor did the other companies.

With its oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and freewheeling financial metropolis of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates has long restricted internet calling applications like WhatsApp and FaceTime, ostensibly to safeguard the earnings of its monopoly state-run telecommunication providers as well as national security concerns.

It is common for Apple iPhones and laptops sold in the United Arab Emirates to be devoid of the FaceTime calling program.

Following a year-long postponement due to the epidemic, Dubai launched its gigantic world’s fair earlier this month, an event that is expected to draw millions of tourists from across the world.

The loosening of limitations has received no response from the authorities.

(Check out The Economic Times for all the latest business news, breaking news events, and news updates.) The Economic Times News App is a free app that provides daily market updates as well as live business news updates.

Preserve security

Services such as Skype have had a tense relationship with regulators in the UAE since their inception, but the Microsoft-owned company has been completely throttled since last July. This means that calls can be made, but they often sound scrambled because internet providers restrict the bandwidth required for a clear call. Analysts believe that the government’s decision to prohibit voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services like as Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp is motivated by a desire to safeguard firm earnings as well as to maintain security.

This is a source of concern for governments, who may desire access to such conversations in the future.

Services that are difficult to intercept are being blocked more and more frequently as a means of forcing consumers onto locally built platforms that are more favourable to governments.

A Microsoft representative told Gulf News last week that the business was working closely with the UAE authorities to obtain a better understanding of the country’s requirements in order to have Skype reopened.

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