Why can't you use WhatsApp calls in Dubai?

Why WhatsApp Calls Are Blocked in Dubai and How to Unblock Them Using a VPN

In Dubai, the capital and most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as WhatsApp calls are blocked due to strict regulations imposed by the government. This prohibition stems from the desire to protect traditional telecommunication providers and maintain control over communication channels.

The UAE government argues that VoIP services pose a threat to its national security and economy. By restricting VoIP calls, it aims to prevent the illegal circumvention of international calling rates and safeguard the interests of licensed telecommunication companies.

However, this ban has caused inconvenience for residents and visitors who rely on WhatsApp for communication. Many expats and international travelers find it frustrating to be unable to use their preferred calling app while in Dubai.

Unblocking WhatsApp Calls Using a VPN

While it is illegal to use a VPN to bypass censorship in Dubai, many individuals use this method to access blocked websites and services, including VoIP calls. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a different location. This allows you to appear as if you are accessing the internet from a permitted country, where WhatsApp calls are not blocked.

To use a VPN to unblock WhatsApp calls in Dubai, you can follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. Choose a provider that has servers in countries where WhatsApp calls are allowed.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp calls are not blocked.
4. Open WhatsApp and make a call.

Your call will now be routed through the VPN server, allowing you to bypass the local restrictions and make WhatsApp calls as if you were in a permitted location.

It is important to note that using a VPN in Dubai for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited. However, many residents use VPNs solely to access blocked services like WhatsApp calls and do not engage in any criminal activity.

In conclusion, while VoIP services are blocked in Dubai, it is possible to unblock them using a VPN. By encrypting your connection and routing it through a permitted location, you can bypass the local restrictions and make WhatsApp calls freely.