WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, and many other useful features. However, WhatsApp voice and video calling is blocked in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.
Does WhatsApp call work in Dubai without a VPN?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp calls do not work in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE without a VPN. The UAE government blocks Voice over IP (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype calls. Trying to make a WhatsApp call within the UAE without a VPN will fail with an error message.
Why are WhatsApp calls blocked in the UAE?
There are a few reasons why WhatsApp and other VoIP services are blocked in the UAE:
- To protect the revenues of the state-owned telecom companies like Etisalat and du. VoIP services offer free calling, which directly competes with the telcos’ paid calling services.
- For national security reasons and to prevent misuse of communication services.
- To maintain tight control over communications entering and leaving the country.
Will a VPN allow WhatsApp calls in Dubai?
Yes, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will allow you to bypass the VoIP blocking and use WhatsApp voice and video calls anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another country, masking your IP address and location. This tricks websites and governments into thinking you are in a different country where WhatsApp calls are allowed.
How VPNs work to unblock WhatsApp calls
Here is a simple 3-step explanation of how VPNs can unblock WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE:
- You connect your device (phone, tablet, computer) to a VPN server located outside the UAE.
- The VPN encrypts your internet connection and assigns you an IP address from the server’s location, like the USA or UK.
- Websites and your internet provider see your traffic as coming from the VPN server location rather than UAE.
So when you try to make a WhatsApp call, the app connects through the VPN and works normally as if you were in the USA or UK where WhatsApp calls are allowed.
Requirements for using VPN to unblock WhatsApp calls
To successfully use WhatsApp calling in Dubai with a VPN, you need:
- A VPN subscription or app that works well in the UAE. Some VPNs are blocked.
- The VPN app installed and connected on your device before launching WhatsApp.
- A stable internet connection (WiFi or cellular data) to maintain the VPN connection.
- Patience and sometimes reconnecting the VPN when calls won’t connect.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp calls in Dubai
The top VPNs proven to unblock and allow WhatsApp calls anywhere in the UAE are:
| VPN | Speed | Reliability | Prices start at |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Very Fast | Very reliable | $8.32/month |
| NordVPN | Fast | Reliable | $3.29/month |
| Surfshark | Fast | Reliable | $2.30/month |
These premium VPN services offer fast speeds, reliable connections, apps for all devices, and very good customer support. Their server network is large and unlikely to be blocked.
Free VPNs are not recommended
While there are some free VPN options, they often have slow speeds, unreliable connections, may keep usage logs, and could be blocked at any time. For consistently working WhatsApp calls in Dubai, a paid premium VPN is highly recommended.
Step-by-step guide to using VPN for WhatsApp calls
Follow these simple steps to start using WhatsApp calls with a VPN in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE:
- Select and subscribe to a top VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Run the VPN app and connect to a server in the US, UK, Canada or other country where WhatsApp calls work.
- Once connected, open WhatsApp and start your call. It should now connect successfully.
- Make sure VPN is running in background while making your calls.
If you get an error calling at first, disconnect and reconnect the VPN until WhatsApp works smoothly. Using mobile data instead of WiFi may also help if facing connection issues.
Tips for reliable WhatsApp calls with VPN
Here are some useful tips to get the most reliable WhatsApp call experience with a VPN in Dubai:
- Always connect VPN before opening WhatsApp and keep it running in background.
- Try different VPN server locations to find the fastest connection.
- Use the VPN app’s connection tools like Smart Connect to find optimal servers.
- If calls drop, reconnect VPN and try again. Switching WiFi or mobile data can also help.
- Update your VPN app and WhatsApp regularly to latest versions.
- Contact VPN support if still having issues to troubleshoot problems.
Is using VPN legal in the UAE?
There is no specific law prohibiting the use of VPNs in the United Arab Emirates. However, VPN usage is against the terms of service of licensed telecom operators like Etisalat and du.
In 2016, both Etisalat and du sent SMS notifications to customers warning against VPN use. Some VPN websites and apps are blocked within the country by the telecom companies, but many still work.
The legality is more of a gray area. Using a personal VPN to access blocked services like WhatsApp calling is unlikely to get an individual in trouble legally. However businesses and companies working in the UAE should be more cautious about VPN usage due to corporate IT policies.
Is using WhatsApp call with VPN safe?
Generally speaking, using a mainstream VPN service from a reputable provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN is safe for accessing blocked apps and services when traveling or living in the UAE.
However, be aware that VPN usage is subject to monitoring, throttling, or blocking at any time by local telecoms. Activities like improper usage, accessing illegal content, fraud, political activism, etc could potentially put an individual at legal risk.
Conclusion
Using a quality paid VPN allows expats and travelers to successfully make WhatsApp voice and video calls from anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai. Top services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN can reliably work with WhatsApp in Dubai when using the proper connection steps.
Just bear in mind that while unlikely, there are potential risks involved depending on your usage, and VPN blocking measures can be put in place at any time. For most ordinary purposes like keeping in touch with family and friends, a VPN for WhatsApp calling in Dubai works very effectively.