WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users globally. The app allows users to send messages, photos, videos and make voice and video calls over the internet. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes the Emirate of Dubai, WhatsApp voice and video calling features have been restricted since 2017. This has caused much frustration for the large expatriate population in Dubai who rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with family and friends abroad.
In this article, we will examine the background behind the blocking of WhatsApp calls in the UAE, reasons why the authorities may be reluctant to lift the ban, and the likelihood of Dubai and the wider UAE allowing WhatsApp calls in the future.
Background on Blocking WhatsApp Calls in UAE
WhatsApp voice and video calling was blocked in the UAE in 2017 over security concerns and to protect the revenues of the country’s state-owned telecom providers Etisalat and Du. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) ordered the blocking, saying that it was done to “ensure protection of the public interest and the interest of consumers regarding these unlicensed Voice over IP (VoIP) services”.
Prior to the blocking, WhatsApp calls had been growing rapidly in popularity in the UAE and eating into the voice call revenue of Etisalat and Du. The UAE’s telecom market is tightly controlled by the state, and the blocking has been seen by many as a move to protect the profits of the two telecom giants.
Some key points on the background:
- WhatsApp calls blocked in UAE since 2017
- Blocking ordered by Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
- Stated reason was to protect consumers regarding unlicensed VoIP services
- Move seen aimed at protecting voice revenue of Etisalat and Du
The blocking of WhatsApp calls only applies to the voice and video features – the text and other messaging capabilities of WhatsApp continue to function in the UAE. However, the voice calling ban has still been a major inconvenience for both citizens and expats who rely heavily on WhatsApp.
Reasons for Continued Blocking of WhatsApp Calls
While many residents in Dubai and across the UAE continue to hope WhatsApp calls will be allowed, the authorities have so far been reluctant to lift the ban. Some of the main reasons why WhatsApp calls continue to be blocked include:
Revenue Protection for Telecoms Du and Etisalat
Lifting the ban on WhatsApp calls would allow residents to make voice and video calls over the internet, bypassing the paid calling plans of Du and Etisalat. This would eat into the calling revenue these state-owned telecoms generate.
For example, an analyst report estimated that unblocking WhatsApp calls could cost Etisalat around $195 million in lost revenue. Protecting the profits of these key state telecom firms is seen as one of the top reasons the ban remains.
Security and Censorship Concerns
The TRA has said the blocking is to protect consumers from unlicensed VoIP services. However, activists argue it also serves as a tool for state security agencies to monitor and restrict the communications of citizens.
Allowing encrypted WhatsApp calls to function freely would make monitoring calls more difficult. The ban allows calls to be routed through telecom networks, where they can be readily accessed if needed by authorities.
Market Control
The UAE telecom market is tightly controlled, with licenses only granted to a limited number of players. Unblocking WhatsApp calls would mean allowing a major foreign tech player in Facebook/Meta to compete in the domestic voice market.
Authorities likely prefer domestic voice calls go through licensed local telecoms where they can exert more control. The status quo preserves the closed, tightly regulated nature of the market.
User Security Concerns
There have been some concerns raised about the security of WhatsApp’s VoIP system and potential vulnerabilities that could see calls intercepted. However, technology experts argue that WhatsApp’s call technology has improved significantly over the years.
The security concerns may provide convenient justification, but the underlying reasons for the ban appear to be more about protecting telecom revenue streams and state control.
Likelihood of WhatsApp Calls Being Unblocked
Given the continued strong financial incentive to block WhatsApp calls, as well as censorship and control motivations, what is the likelihood of Dubai and the UAE allowing WhatsApp calls anytime soon? There are a few factors to consider:
Pressure from Expat Community
The large expatriate population in the UAE relies heavily on WhatsApp to stay in touch with family and friends worldwide. The ban causes major inconvenience for millions of expats who must now pay for international calling plans.
Expat dissatisfaction will continue building pressure on authorities to unblock WhatsApp calls. However, the TRA has so far resisted this pressure.
Alignment with Wider Relaxing of Restrictions
The UAE has recently relaxed some other restrictions, such as loosening laws on alcohol consumption, cohabitation, and other social rules.
If part of a wider reform and modernization drive, unblocking WhatsApp calls could align with this new policy direction. But telecom revenues remain a key economic priority.
Loss of Telecom Revenue Becomes Acceptable
If Etisalat and Du believe they have maximized revenue from domestic voice calls, and the loss of revenue from unblocking WhatsApp is now acceptable and manageable, then the ban may be lifted.
However, there are no signs the major state telecoms are ready to give up this voice call income.
Changing Technology Makes Ban Ineffective
As new calling technologies emerge and workarounds become commonplace, the WhatsApp ban may become redundant. For example, many now use virtual private networks (VPNs) or VoIP apps to bypass state restrictions.
If the ban becomes ineffective from a revenue and control perspective, the authorities may see little point in maintaining it. But newer technologies like 5G also offer telecoms new revenue streams.
Conclusion
In summary, while the expatriate community continues applying pressure, and gradual social relaxation occurs in the UAE, strong financial and control motivations remain for authorities to keep blocking WhatsApp calls for now.
Etisalat and Du’s voice revenue streams remain protected. Officials also retain the ability to monitor and control domestic calls made through regular telecom networks. These factors point to the status quo ban staying in place for the foreseeable future.
However, if public pressure rises considerably, losing WhatsApp call revenue becomes more acceptable, or new technologies render the ban ineffective, we could potentially see Dubai and the UAE lift the WhatsApp call restriction down the line. For now, expats and residents will likely have to continue relying on VPNs or paid international calling plans.