Gone are the days when people used to wait for days to receive/send letters or yearn to see their loved ones living across the world.

The day Graham Bell invented the first telephone, marked a significant leap in the way we communicate with each other over long distances. However, despite hearing and sending the messages over the telephone, not being able to see each other remained a missing element. 

As the technology progressed, Video calling apps were introduced that immediately became a vital component of how we communicate in this modern era. These tools eliminated the physical barriers and created more interactive communication than conventional voice calls.

Video calling apps are the now the top choice for people and professionals who wish to communicate with their loved ones and colleagues respectively, allowing them to share experiences and enhance collaborations to maintain relationships from any location worldwide.

In fact, according to Statista, revenue from the video calling apps in UAE is expected to reach $2.51 billion by 2024. [Source Statista]

Also read: Top Payment Gateways in UAE

What Are Video Calling Apps?

Video Calling apps are basically a software that allows you to talk and see the person simultaneously and in real-time. This software can be used on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. All you need is a good internet connection like WiFi or mobile data to send real-time audio and video signals and you’re good to go connecting with your loved ones.

As we are witnessing fast technological advancements, we now have access to high-definition videos and clear audio quality that makes the overall communication experience exceptional.

While some video calling apps remain the top-rated like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, there are still many options to explore with each catering to the diverse needs of the users.

From businesses looking for fast and easy conferencing qualities to individuals seeking social connectivity and entertainment – Video calling apps answer all the demands with each app providing multiple options for their users.

Benefits of Having a Video Calling App

As we embrace video calling applications, it has brought about significant transformations in our communications by delivering various benefits that positively impact personal and professional communications. Below are some of the benefits of integrating video calling apps into your life: 

Personal Connection

Among the numerous benefits video calling apps have to offer, their ability to facilitate face-to-face communication with people separated by vast distances has to be the most significant advantage. It establishes visual connections that allow individuals to sustain their relationships with loved ones more effectively as now the conversations become much more interactive than the conventional voice calls or text messaging formats.

Remote Work and Collaboration

Today, businesses are tasked to handle more complex problems which require talented employees from all around the world. Video calling apps provide a platform to make this possible, ultimately becoming an essential asset in the world of work, enabling remote collaboration and providing a wide range of benefits. With video calling apps, virtual meetings can be held with ease, facilitating teamwork on projects with important features such as sharing screens, etc.

Cost-Effective Communication

Communicating over larger distances used to be very costly. However, with the introduction of video calling apps, we now have access to free services that provide a budget-friendly option for communicating on both personal and professional levels. This, particularly, is a blessing for overseas calls that used to be very pricey via conventional phone carriers.

Enhanced Learning and Education

Education, which was once enclosed within classrooms, has now spanned the internet, especially during the pandemic where attending the classrooms physically was a threat to your own good – all thanks to video calling apps.  Video calling apps revolutionized education, as it allows online learning and virtual classrooms. With the introduction of these tools, are now able to listen to lectures, engage in group talks, and have access to popular teachers around the world from the comfort of their own homes.

Event Participation

Living overseas and can’t make it to your loved one’s special event? That could have been a problem decades ago, but now, with video calling apps, it has been made possible to participate in events that would have otherwise been out of reach. You can now attend all your gatherings and seminars without having the need to travel.

What Are the Reasons Behind Banning Certain Top Video Calling Apps in the UAE?

UAE is now becoming an industrial hub with many immigrants coming in looking for work, leaving their loved ones behind. After the hectic day, they look forward to getting in contact with their families, but the UAE is known for its strict regulations on internet services and their use of specific video calling applications. Widely used apps such as Skype, Whatsapp, and FaceTime are all banned within the state leaving very less options for video calling apps in UAE. But what are the reasons behind this stern decision? Let’s have a look:

Regulatory Control

National security is a major concern, so the government observes all the content accessible within the country through its strict supervision of internet services. Within this supervision, Voice over Internet Protocol services along with video calling apps become one of the main targets to prevent misuse of communications.

Telecommunication Revenues

UAE’s telecommunication industry is dominated by two major players: Ehtisilat and du. They are responsible for most of the revenues that go directly to the government. Free video-calling apps tend to disrupt this revenue stream as people opt for options that are more budget-friendly. Therefore, the government has no choice other than to take strict measures against these apps to enhance their financial interests.

Alternative Local Services

The government looks for services that are compliant with their regulations. Widely known apps usually have a standard and do not change their policies for any country. Hence, in response, UAE bans such apps and endorses apps that are operated and maintained locally and designed specifically for users in the UAE like Botim, C’Me, and Voico. This allows the users to have video-calling options while the government enjoys the revenues and easy supervision over the services. A win-win situation for both!

Don’t miss: Top Instant Loan Apps in UAE for Seamless Loan

15 Free & Paid Video Calling Apps in UAE (2024)

As the widely known international video calling apps are banned in UAE, residents of UAE resort to finding substitutes that offer free and quality services. So we present you a list of 15 free and paid video calling apps in UAE to make your search for the most suitable option more easier. We’ll also provide the general information of each app for you to make a choice that is best suited to your needs.

Note: The numbering is not in any way based on rankings.

1. Botim

• Launched on: 2017
• Owned by: Algento Cloud Computing Ltd.

 

Botim received official approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of UAE due to its exceptional encryption services. Since then, it has gained popularity in the UAE thanks to its quality video calling and messaging features including group chats. It also allows file sharing and multimedia messages, creating more use cases for individuals and professionals alike.

2. Zoom

• Launched on: 2013
• Owned by: Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

 

During the pandemic in 2020, people were isolated within their homes and desperately looked for ways to conduct their business operations. Zoom became the ultimate choice and since then, its popularity tends to be on an upward trajectory.  It offers services such as HD video calling, screen-sharing options, and recording meetings with virtual background customization features. The latter feature comes in very handy to hide your background and protect your privacy. Zoom has an easy-to-use interface, allowing people from all backgrounds to easily conduct their business operations virtually.

3. Microsoft Teams

• Launched on: 2017
• Owned by: Microsoft Corporation

 

Microsoft needs no introduction. The tech giant has been known to provide quality software and services, making people to trust whatever services they provide. Among the numerous products, Microsoft Teams stands out when it comes to communication channels. This platform, a part of Office 365, features advanced capabilities such as video conferencing, chat options, and project management tools. Microsoft Teams also allows you to message anyone within the firm seamlessly, manage your calendar, and conduct large-scale meetings with up to 10K participants, making it the ideal choice for corporates.

4. Google Meet

• Launched on: 2017
• Owned by: Google LLC

 

How can we overlook Google while discussing tech giants? Google has made its mark as one of the most reputable companies due to its quality and innovative approach to its products. Google Meet, another video calling app, offers dependable and secure video conferencing services including real-time captioning, screen sharing, and compatibility with Google Workspace. Google Meet can accommodate up to 250 attendees with the option to dial into the conference for people with no internet access – pretty good for a free service, right?

5. GoChat

• Launched on: 2020  
• Owned by: Etisalat

 

Etisalat, the UAE’s most prominent entity in telecommunication, provides a messaging and video calling app: GoChat. This is specifically designed to provide quality communication services for the UAE region, while adhering to the regulatory laws. The app operates on Etisalat’s network for optimal services and performance for end-to-end users, along with capabilities like instant messaging, video calls, and multimedia sharing.

6. Telegram

• Launched on: 2013
• Owned by: Telegram Messenger LLP

 

Telegram centers its USP around exceptional encryption services for enhanced privacy and security.  It provides encrypted video calling, messaging, and file sharing. It also allows you to have large group chats and channels, making it useful for large communities to stay in touch and enjoy daily updates from each other. To even boast their USP, they offer secret chat options where users enjoy self-destructing messages to ensure user confidentiality is maintained at all times.

7. Voico

• Launched on: 2018  
• Owned by: Voico LLC

 

Another TDRA-approved VoIP service provider, Voico, comes with a range of features including voice calls, video calls, and multimedia sharing. The superior audio/visual quality coupled with advanced features such as group chats and calls – along with its adherence to UAE regulations, it has become one of the top choices for users in UAE.

8. Cisco Webex

• Launched on: 1995
• Owned by: Cisco Systems, Inc.

 

Cisco Webex, yet another video calling app, is a dependable choice for video conferencing that businesses appreciate for its security and capabilities. HD quality video, virtual backgrounds, screen sharing, and meeting recordings are amongst the many features it provides.  The platform also allows the integration of different tools within the meetings for better productivity.

9. Slack

• Launched on: 2013
• Owned by: Salesforce, Inc.

 

Looking for an all-in-one collaboration platform equipped with video calling functionalities? Slack is the answer. It comes with features like one-on-one calls or group calls, multimedia sharing, and integration with third-party apps. Due to its simple user interface along with the aforementioned features, Slack has established itself as a highly favored option among teams and institutions alike.

10. Blackboard

• Launched on: 1997
• Owned by: Blackboard Inc.

 

We saw limitations of physical classrooms, especially during the pandemic, and have since been keen on looking for options that provide exceptional online learning experiences.

Blackboard, a platform that has revolutionized the way we conduct lessons, provides video conferencing and other tools essential for online learning and virtual classrooms. Its emphasis on education along with features like recording lectures, online lectures, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards have made it an ideal choice for teachers and students alike.

11. Avaya Spaces

• Launched: 2020
• Owned by: Avaya Inc.

 

Another new video calling app introduced in the UAE, that facilitates video conferencing, messaging, and task management. The main feature is that it can accommodate up to 1000 attendees for big meetings along with features such as screen sharing, recording options, and file sharing. Since its launch, it has aimed to increase efficiency and improve business communication channels.

12. BlueJeans

• Launched on: 2009
• Owned by: Verizon Communications Inc.

 

Verizon Communications has been a major player in the communication sector. Among its multiple products, is BlueJeans which provides video conferencing capabilities. The USP of this software is the integration of Dolby Voice sound that outputs superior HD audio along with background noise cancelation features. It also offers conventional features like screen sharing, recording functionality and virtual backgrounds for enhanced privacy.

13. HiU Messenger

• Launched on: 2018
• Owned by: Etisalat

 

The most dominant player in the telecommunication market of UAE comes with yet another video calling app known as HiU Messenger. This app is also approved by Etisalat and UAE regulations that provide voice and video calling, messaging, and multimedia sharing. It has been designed specifically for use on the reliable Etisalat network to output optimized performance across UAE.

14. C’Me

• Launched on: 2017
• Owned by: C’Me Innovations

 

Along with  HiU, GoChat, and Botim, it is yet another video calling app that has been approved by TDRA, meaning no disruptions between your important calls. It offers messaging, voice calls, video calls, and file sharing with exceptional quality. It also provides group chat and call and with its easy-to-use interface, it has become one of the top choices of users in the UAE.

15. Totok

• Launched on: 2019
• Owned by: G42

 

With its high-quality calls and user-friendly interface, it has been gaining popularity in the UAE. It offers voice and video calls, messaging, and multimedia sharing. Despite facing scrutiny and controversy regarding privacy concerns, it is still widely used due to its fast and reliable performance.

Looking For a Video Calling App of Your Own in UAE?  – Try Centric Tech UAE

Centric Tech is the most powerful force in mobile app development in UAE, with a focus on video calling apps. By focusing on user experience and cutting-edge technologies to come up with developments, Centric Tech builds apps for flawless, high-quality video communication. Their ingenuity in ensuring security and reliability makes the connection of any user effortless, truly living up to being a partner of choice in enabling businesses and individuals in the UAE to give their video calls more muscle.

Ready to take video communications to a different level? Centric Tech is the partner that will make this real. You can explore their mobile app development service by visiting their website.

Conclusion

To sum up, we have explored multiple options available for video calling apps within the UAE with each of them having their pros and cons and unique features. Seamless communication has become vital due to the high influx of immigrants coming in and the growing industry, hence, a video calling app that provides exceptional quality along with security has become very crucial.

Since widely known apps like WhatsApp and Skype are facing restrictions, people get confused in picking out the best option for their diverse needs. There are still many options available in UAE for video calling apps, and in this blog, we discussed the top 15 most popular apps in UAE.  Thus, if your personal matters necessitate the evaluation of the mentioned apps or more formal goals drive it – exploring the discussed apps will enable you to make an informed decision.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Does Skype work in UAE?

No, Skype does not work here in the UAE. The government of UAE banned Skype on account of regulatory and licensing issues. However, there exist many alternative video calling apps, approved for use in UAE like Botim and GoChat.

Q. Does WhatsApp work in the UAE?

WhatsApp is available for messaging and sharing multimedia in the UAE. Still, its voice and video call features are blocked. Botim and HiU Messenger are other video calling apps that residents and visitors can use to meet their communication needs.

Q. What is the best video calling app in UAE?

So, the best video calling app in UAE depends upon your needs. For everyday use, Botim and GoChat are strongly recommended since they respect the local regulations of the country and provide quality service. Zoom and Microsoft Teams can be excellent options if you need them for business or educational purposes.

Q. What’s the best app for video calling?

The best video calls app depends on what you’re looking for. Zoom is well-known for its reliability and very strong features, which offers a perfect solution for business meetings and webinars, but in personal use, apps like Botim or Google Meet have excellent quality and are easy to use.

Q. Which app allows the maximum number of participants in a video call?

Zoom definitely tops the list of all video call apps and allows as many as 1,000 participants in a single call. With its premium plans, this makes it very appropriate and recommended for large meetings, webinars, or generally any virtual event.

Q. Which is the number one video call app in the world?

Zoom has also been called the number one Video Call App in the world at this moment due to its high usage, easy user interface, and features that seem to target different categories of users from personal to professional. Although the surge in its popularity started with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still a favorite globally.

Q. Which app works in Dubai for calling?

Several calling apps are available in Dubai, such as Botim and other applications like C’Me and HiU Messenger. This complies with local regulations for numbing the voice and video calls.

Q. What are the free calling apps in UAE?

There exist a batch of free calling apps in UAE, each catering to varied needs.

• Botim: Provides free voice and video calls within the UAE.
• C’Me: Free voice and video calls service.
• HiU Messenger: With free voice and video calls, messaging, and sharing of multimedia content.
• Voico UAE: Offers free calls, and messaging services within the UAE.
• Google Meet: Free voice and video calls, screen sharing, and so much more.

Q. Video Call Apps in UAE without VPN?

Several video calling apps in UAE work without the need for a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These are approved principally by the TDRA, the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. 

• Botim: With its inclusion of voice and video calls, Botim is an app used by many in the UAE for communication. 
• C’Me: It’s a messaging service supplemented by voice and video calls. 
• HiU Messenger: All voice and video calls, messages and shares of multimedia are free. 
• Voico UAE: Calls and messages within the UAE are possible. 
• Totok: On top of messaging features, it offers voice and video calls.