UAE: 7 free, paid internet calling apps that residents can use legally

UAE: 7 free, paid internet calling apps that residents can use legally

Expatriates account for around 90 per cent of the UAE’s population and they largely rely on free internet calling audio and video apps to connect to their friends and loved ones in their home countries.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology allows users to make voice and video calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of traditional phone landlines. In the Gulf region, virtual private networks (VPNs) are used to access and download free audio and video calling apps.

As per the UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021 concerning combating rumours and cybercrimes, VPN misuse can attract a fine of up Dh2 million as well as imprisonment.

Moreover, the UAE’s telecom service providers Etisalat and du offer daily and monthly Internet calling plans for GoChat, Botim and Voico that start as low as Dh5 per day.

Below is a list of both free and paid internet calling apps that residents can use to make audio and video calls.

GoChat: Etisalat UAE launched GoChat Messenger, a free voice and video calling app, on July 1. The app can be downloaded from both Android and Apple platforms by anyone worldwide, only requiring a mobile number for registration. It also allows UAE residents to remit money, pay