In today’s fast-paced world, seamless communication is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether for personal connections, remote work, or virtual meetings, video calling has become the cornerstone of staying connected. However, in the UAE, many global video calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are restricted, creating challenges for residents and expats who want reliable, legal, and high-quality communication.This guide will help you discover the best video calling apps in UAE, explain why certain apps are restricted, and show you safe alternatives that work without a VPN.
What Is Video Calling and Why It Matters
Video calling allows users to communicate through live video over the internet. Unlike traditional calls, video calls provide a more immersive experience by letting people see each other in real-time, making interactions feel more personal and engaging.
Benefits of Video Calling Apps in UAE:
- Seamless Communication: Stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues effortlessly.
- Cost-Effective: Many apps offer free video calls or low-cost subscriptions.
- Enhanced Productivity: Features like screen sharing, group calls, and video recording help businesses collaborate efficiently.
For residents and businesses in the UAE, choosing a TRA-approved video calling app is crucial to ensure uninterrupted communication while complying with local laws.
Why Some Video Calling Apps Are Restricted in the UAE
Several popular apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are banned in the UAE due to telecom regulations. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) regulates VoIP services to protect local telecom providers like Etisalat and Du, maintain national security, and ensure content moderation.
Main Reasons Behind the Restrictions
- Protection of Local Telecom Revenues: Unlicensed VoIP services threaten the revenue model of UAE telecom operators.
- Regulatory Compliance and Security: Encrypted global apps often bypass local monitoring requirements.
- Controlled Digital Environment: Ensures safe, secure, and culturally appropriate communication.
By using TRA-approved apps, users can enjoy secure video calls without breaking the law or risking fines and service interruptions.
Top 10 Best Video Calling Apps in UAE (2026)
Here’s a curated list of the most reliable video calling apps in UAE that are legal, high-quality, and optimized for local networks.
1. BOTIM – UAE’s Most Popular Video Calling App
BOTIM is one of the most widely used video calling apps in the UAE, officially approved by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Launched in the early 2010s, it works without a VPN and has millions of users in the UAE. The app supports messaging, group calls, and file sharing, making it suitable for both personal and professional communication.
Free or Paid
BOTIM is free to download, and basic messaging features are available without cost. However, unlimited voice and video calling require a VoIP subscription through UAE telecom providers like Etisalat or Du. Without this subscription, the full calling features are limited.
Key Features
- HD voice and video calls optimized for UAE networks.
- End-to-end encryption for secure communication.
- Group calls, messaging, and file sharing.
- Cross-platform support for Android, iOS, and desktop.
| Pros | Cons |
| TDRA-approved and works legally in the UAE without VPN. | Requires a paid VoIP package for full calling features. |
| High-quality HD calls optimized for local networks. | Limited global adoption compared to apps like WhatsApp or Zoom. |
| Supports group calls, messaging, and file sharing. | Some users report occasional connection drops during peak times. |
Monthly Users: Not officially published globally; widely used in the UAE and GCC due to TDRA approval, with high adoption among residents.
Downloads: Over 100 million+ total installs across Android app distribution channels (Play Store + Aptoide estimates)
2. Zoom – Ideal for Work and Education
Zoom is a leading video conferencing app launched in 2012 that became essential for remote work, education, and professional meetings worldwide. It’s widely adopted globally, with over 300 million daily active participants in meetings and a long history of high download activity on both Android and iOS e.g., tens of millions of downloads recorded annually across regions. In the UAE and broader MENA region, many companies and schools use Zoom for virtual collaboration without a VPN.
Free or Paid
Zoom offers a freemium model. Anyone can download and use it for free, but the free tier has limits. Free users can host meetings and video calls instantly, but group calls typically have a time cap (around 40–60 minutes) for multi‑participant sessions. To unlock extended meeting durations, larger participant limits, advanced admin controls, and webinar hosting, users must subscribe to paid plans. Paid Zoom plans range from individual subscriptions to business and enterprise tiers, each progressively unlocking features like prolonged meeting time, cloud recording, and dedicated support.
Key Features
- High‑definition video and audio conferencing with support for up to 1,000 participants.
- Screen sharing, breakout rooms, chat, and webinar hosting tools.
- Cross‑platform support on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web.
| Pros | Cons |
| HD video and audio with strong encryption and security | Free tier limits group calls (around 40–60 min) |
| Excellent scalability, supports large professional meetings | Paid plans needed for advanced features and extended meeting duration |
| Cross‑platform support (mobile, desktop, web) | Higher data usage than light chat apps |
Monthly Participants: ~300 million daily meeting participants worldwide (commonly active users attending meetings, per Zoom’s own reporting).
Downloads: Hundreds of millions of cumulative installs across platforms historically; peaked with over 500 million+ installs in early pandemic periods.
3. Microsoft Teams – All‑in‑One Collaboration
Microsoft Teams (launched in 2017) is a unified communication platform that combines video calls, messaging, file storage, and collaboration tools. It’s deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and is widely used by global enterprises and educational institutions. Worldwide, Teams has hundreds of millions of daily active users, making it one of the largest communication apps alongside Zoom.
Free or Paid
Teams offers both free and paid options. With the free tier, individuals and small groups can host video meetings, chat, and collaborate with limited storage and features. Paid plans, tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions, unlock more advanced capabilities: larger meeting participant limits, scheduled meetings, recorded sessions, deeper integration with Office apps (like Word and Excel in Teams), and enterprise‑grade security policies. Paid tiers include Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium, each adding layers of collaboration, storage, and administration.
Key Features
- Video conferencing with screen sharing and chat.
- Persistent group chat with integrated calendar and file sharing.
- Works across mobile, desktop, and browser.
| Pros | Cons |
| Combines video calls with messaging and file collaboration | Many powerful features require Microsoft 365 subscription |
| Enterprise‑grade security and compliance for businesses | Can be complex for casual users |
| Works well for both business and educational video calling | Some advanced UI options feel overwhelming |
| Deep integration with Outlook, OneDrive, & Office apps | Not ideal purely for personal calls |
Monthly Users: ~300 million monthly active users globally, widely adopted by enterprises, schools, and organizations.
Downloads: Hundreds of millions from official app stores globally, integral to Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
4. Voico – Simple and Legal Alternative
Voico is a video and voice calling app optimized for users in the UAE and GCC. Launched in the mid‑2010s, it gained traction via local telecom partnerships and regional promotions, offering communication services that comply with UAE regulations. While exact UAE download figures aren’t publicly released, Voico is frequently recommended in regional tech summaries as a reliable WhatsApp alternative in the UAE.
Free or Paid
Voico is free to download and use, and it allows users to make HD video and voice calls without a VPN. There are no upfront fees for basic calling and messaging. Some telecom providers may bundle Voico usage with data plans or offer premium features via subscription (e.g., business integrations), but the core communication services remain free.
Key Features
- HD video and voice calls without VPN.
- Secure messaging and group chats.
- Cross‑platform availability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fully TRA‑approved for video and voice calls in UAE | Smaller user base vs. Zoom/Teams |
| Free core calling features without VPN | Fewer enterprise‑grade features |
| Easy to use and cross‑platform compatible | Some premium features may require subscription |
| Good video quality for everyday use | Not as globally recognized |
Monthly Users: Not officially disclosed publicly across global metrics.
Downloads: Not widely reported on major global trackers, but regionally significant in UAE and GCC due to local compliance.
5. GoChat – Multi‑Functional UAE Calling App
GoChat was launched in 2022 by Etisalat (branded by e&) as a multi‑service digital communication platform designed for the UAE market, combining video calling, messaging, and lifestyle services into one app. It has quickly amassed several million downloads within the region due to its local optimization and telecom backing.
Free or Paid
GoChat is free to download, and most communication features — including HD video calls and messaging — are available without charge. Some integrated lifestyle services like advanced content access or premium subscriptions for content or services may incur fees, but day‑to‑day communication remains free.
Key Features
- HD video and voice calls.
- Multimedia chat and instant messaging.
- Integration with services like bill payments and money transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free calling and messaging with additional utility services (bills, payments) | Requires Etisalat login for full features |
| Fully compliant and works without VPN | Mostly regional (limited international recognition) |
| HD voice & video calls optimized for local internet | Some advanced functionality tied to specific telecom plans |
| All‑in‑one app for communication & lifestyle functions | Less attractive purely for messaging without lifestyle tools |
Downloads: 10 million+ installs on Google Play Store globally.
Monthly Users: Not published publicly, but likely in the low‑millions given install figures and regional usage.
6. C’Me – Lightweight Video Calling App
C’Me is a lightweight video and voice calling platform that emerged in the UAE alongside other local TRA‑approved solutions. It’s tailored for users who want simple, reliable calls without a lot of extra features — especially effective on lower bandwidth connections.
Free or Paid
C’Me is predominantly free to use for basic video calls and messaging. It doesn’t have an extensive paid ecosystem; most additional features (if offered) are part of service provider bundles with voice/data plans.
Key Features
- Instant video and voice calls without VPN.
- Minimalist, easy‑to‑navigate interface.
- Works efficiently on mobile networks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Works well on low bandwidth and weaker networks | Lacks advanced productivity features |
| Simple and fast to use | Smaller user community compared to big apps |
| Good for basic one‑on‑one calls without VPN | Few extras beyond calling & messaging |
| Efficient data & battery usage | Not ideal for business use |
Monthly Users: Not officially reported.
Downloads: No major public install count on global trackers; typically smaller than GoChat and Voico based on available store data.
7. HiU Messenger – Trusted UAE VoIP Service
HiU Messenger is a practically focused communication app widely used in the UAE for secure video and voice calls and messaging. While its download totals are modest compared to global leaders, it benefits from local support and compliance with UAE telecom frameworks.
Free or Paid
HiU Messenger is free to download and use for everyday communication. Like many regional apps, additional features or conveniences may be tied to data plans or optional in‑app purchases, but basic video calling and messaging remain accessible without direct cost.
Key Features
- High‑quality video calls without VPN.
- End‑to‑end encrypted messaging.
- Android and iOS support.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stable video calls in high‑traffic areas | Limited outside UAE usage |
| Optimized for local telecom networks | Data plan needed for best performance |
| Clear call quality with noise reduction | No advanced tools like screen sharing or recording |
| End‑to‑end encryption for privacy | Not a full collaboration suite |
Monthly Users: Not reported publicly.
Downloads: Not widely tracked on global analytics tools; usage concentrated regionally in the UAE.
8. Google Meet – Global Platform Compliant in UAE
Google Meet (originally part of Google Hangouts, rebranded in 2017) is a globally recognized video conferencing app included in Google Workspace. It’s widely adopted internationally and functions in the UAE for enterprise and educational use. Globally, Google Meet is reported to have hundreds of millions of active participants across meetings, and its integration with Gmail and Calendar makes it attractive for formal collaboration.
Free or Paid
Google Meet has a free version available with essential features like video calls, screen sharing, and chat for meetings up to a certain participant and time limit. Paid plans (via Google Workspace subscriptions) unlock extended meeting durations, larger participant limits, recording, and administrative controls. Workspace plans are tiered, from Business Starter to Business Plus and Enterprise options, each progressively enhancing collaboration tools.
Key Features
- HD video meetings with chat and screen sharing.
- Seamless integration with Gmail and Google Calendar.
- Works on mobile and desktop.
| Pros | Cons |
| Trusted by millions worldwide with strong security | Free calls have time limitations |
| Works in UAE without VPN for professional use | Best when paired with Google account |
| Integrates seamlessly with Gmail & Calendar | Premium Workspace features require subscription |
| Supports up to ~250 participants in calls | Not focused on casual chat |
Monthly Users: Often reported in the 100 million+ daily participants scale (historic data shows similar usage trends).
Downloads: Hundreds of millions of installs on Android and iOS combined.
9. Zoho Meeting – Business‑Friendly UAE App
Zoho Meeting is part of the Zoho suite of productivity tools, designed for business webinars and professional collaboration. Though not as widely downloaded as Zoom or Teams, Zoho’s tools are respected in enterprise circles for secure conferencing and ease of use — particularly browser‑based meetings that don’t require additional software installation.
Free or Paid
Zoho Meeting offers a free tier with basic meeting capabilities, often suitable for small groups and internal meetings. Paid plans (part of Zoho’s broader subscription offerings) enable more participants, longer sessions, webinars, and advanced host controls.
Key Features
- Browser‑based video meetings with screen sharing.
- End‑to‑end encryption and host management.
- Integrates with other Zoho apps.
| Pros | Cons |
| Secure & encrypted video calls ideal for webinars | Limited free tier features |
| Browser‑based — no installation needed | Less popular than Zoom or Teams |
| Good moderation and meeting tools for professionals | Not ideal for casual personal calls |
| Works legally in UAE without VPN | Paid plans can be expensive for small groups |
Monthly Users: Not separately published; part of the broader Zoho suite with millions of users across web conferencing and productivity tools.
Downloads: Tens of millions across platforms (not always separately tracked as a standalone app).
10. Microsoft Skype for Business – (Now Deprecated)
Skype for Business, originally an enterprise version of Skype, has been officially retired as of May 2025, with users transitioning to Microsoft Teams. Skype itself was launched in 2003 and was a pioneer in VoIP and video calls, but usage declined as Teams and other platforms eclipsed it.
Free or Paid
Skype for Business no longer operates as a standalone service — its functions have been integrated into Teams. Consumer Skype features were deprecated, and Teams now handles video conferencing for both personal and business use under free and paid Microsoft 365 plans.
Key Features (Legacy)
- Video conferencing, chat, and calling.
- Screen sharing and file sharing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Real‑time translation during calls (great for expats) | Relatively smaller user base compared to mainstream apps |
| Free basic calling and messaging without VPN | Not as feature‑rich for business webinars |
| UAE‑compatible and TRA‑approved use cases | Some features require paid premium packs |
| Supports group video calls and chat features | Fewer third‑party integrations |
Monthly Users: Not publicly available on global trackers.
Downloads:~1 million+ installs range either globally or in select regions based on app store data and developer insights (estimate, regional niche tool).
Final Thoughts
Video calling in the UAE has unique challenges due to restrictions on popular global apps. By using TRA-approved platforms like BOTIM, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoChat, or Voico, residents and businesses can communicate legally, securely, and efficiently.With growing demand for virtual communication, selecting the right video calling app in UAE ensures uninterrupted connection, high-quality performance, and compliance with local laws—making digital communication smooth, safe, and stress-free.
FAQs
Which video calling apps work in UAE without a VPN?
BOTIM, GoChat, Voico, HiU Messenger, Zoom, and Google Meet (enterprise accounts) are safe and functional without a VPN.
Is Skype available in the UAE?
Only corporate/business accounts are allowed; personal Skype accounts remain banned.
Can I use WhatsApp video calls in Dubai?
No, WhatsApp video calls are restricted. Use a TRA-approved alternative instead.
Is it legal to use a VPN to access blocked video calling apps?
No. Using a VPN to bypass VoIP restrictions can be illegal in the UAE and may lead to fines or legal penalties if used in an unauthorized way.
Which apps offer the best video call quality in the UAE?
Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and BOTIM are known for high‑quality HD video calls. The quality also depends on your internet connection and the strength of local networks.