The UAE has a massive population of expatriates who are always looking for affordable options to stay in touch with their loved ones. Video calling apps are undoubtedly one of the most popular and highly convenient options in the UAE.
While unlicensed Voice-over-Internet-Protocol services like WhatsApp and Viber are not supported in the Middle Eastern region due to security and cybercrime concerns, there are various best video calling apps that work in UAE without VPN.
Ever since COVID-19 hit the world, the demand for video calling apps has increased to unprecedented levels. According to Precedence Research, the value of the video conferencing market was estimated at $7.89 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $25.61 billion in 2033. With respect to the emerging market, partnering with a reputable mobile app development company is the best approach.
The above graph indicates that the video calling market is not planning to slow down in the future. Rising demand for e-learning is also one reason for the market’s expansion to new heights. This blog covers all the trending video calling apps in UAE, along with their features and benefits.
Table Of Contents
Exploring Free Calling App in UAE: Top 10 Popular Platforms
Are you looking for alternative options to video chat with your family? Wondering what video call works in Dubai? Let’s dive into the top 10 video calling apps in UAE you shouldn’t miss out:
1. Botim
Google Play Ratings: 4.4
Apple Store Ratings: 4.3
Botim is a widely used video call app in UAE that offers high-quality video and voice calls. Moreover, it is officially approved by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
As far as group chats are concerned, Botim allows users to join secure and private group chats with up to 500 contacts and create group video calls with up to 21 people simultaneously.
Botim is the most trusted and reliable UAE free video call app which is known for its advanced tools and intuitive interface. Here are the following features it entails:
AES-256 Encryption
It is one of the most secure encryption methods with a 256-bit key, which ensures your data security and privacy.
Seamless Video and Voice Calls
Botim delivers high-quality audio and video, ensuring clear voice transmission and sharp video quality. Moreover, adaptive bitrate streaming automatically adjusts the quality of the call based on network conditions to prevent drops and lag.
Botim Money
This feature is useful in sending and receiving money instantly to and from their contacts. Users can easily pay bills, mobile recharges and other services directly within the app.
Online Games
Botim is not only about talking through calls, it’s also about playing games together. Users can play online games within the Botim app to stay entertained and connected with their friends and family. Are you thinking about how to make a Roblox game? Our recent blog gives you a detailed guide to making any type of game.
Botim Stores
This feature allows users to browse, shop, and purchase products directly from the app. Users can explore categories such as electronics, fashion, groceries, and more. Are you looking for top online shopping apps in Dubai? Check out the most popular shopping platforms in our recent blog.
GoChat is the best video call app in UAE operated by Etisalat e&, the UAE telecoms operator. The chats and other features are quite similar to WhatsApp, with one tick displayed to show the message has been sent and two blue ticks indicating the message has been read. Do you know that you can read WhatsApp messages through third-party apps? Check out our blog to understand the app’s security encryption and concerns.
Overall, it is a free video calling app in the UAE with no subscription fee. It allows users to make free voice and video calls globally. Furthermore, the user doesn’t need an Etisalat contract. Only a phone number is needed to sign up for the app.
Features
GoChat offers a wide range of features, making it the best alternative to WhatsApp. Here are the following features below:
HD Audio and Video Calls
GoChat provides HD-quality audio and high-definition video calling to help users easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Even with a poor internet connection, the app has minimum lag and the best quality.
Group Chats with Fun Features
Users can create group chats with unlimited participants and enjoy features like stickers, emojis, GIFs, and other multimedia sharing.
Money Transfer
The app integrates a secure and convenient transfer feature, enabling users to send and receive money instantly. GoChat supports multiple currencies and makes transactions quick and hassle-free. If you’re interested in learning about the best instant loan apps in Dubai, our recent blog showcases all the popular apps with detailed requirements.
News and Local Business
Want to stay updated with the latest news? GoChat has a dedicated section for news updates, informing users about current events and other information, such as nearby restaurants, shops, and services, along with reviews and ratings.
Polls and Event Planning
Users can create polls within the group chat to gather opinions. Moreover, if you’re planning a get-together or organizing a community event, the polls and event planning feature assist in making big plans easily.
Requires
5.0 and up (Android) 12.0 and later (iOS)
Size
96 MB (Android) 348.3 MB (iOS)
3. Zoom Workplace
Google Play Ratings: 4.1
Apple Store Ratings: 4.6
Zoom is a highly well-known Dubai video call app specifically for professional settings that rose to prominence during the pandemic. The platform is the most popular solution for companies with 500 employees or less.
Most importantly, the platform ties together Contacts, Meetings, Phone, Team Chat, and Whiteboards. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. If the desktop client isn’t your thing, there are Zoom apps available for Android, iOS, and the web. If you’re looking to build a scalable web application, you can reach out to a web application development company to drive your app’s expansion globally.
Features
Video calling in Dubai has become a lot easier. Zoom is widely used globally, specifically for work and study purposes. If you’re wondering what makes the Zoom app stand out, here are the following features:
HD Video and Audio Conferencing
The app provides HD-quality video and audio conferencing capabilities, ensuring clear and reliable communication for meetings, webinars, and virtual events. It supports up to 1,000 video participants and 49 videos on screen.
Screen Sharing and Annotation
This feature allows users to share their screens with others in the meeting, making it perfect for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work. The annotation tools help you mark up shared content in real time, enhancing interactivity and engagement.
Virtual Backgrounds and Filters
Zoom has a vast collection of backgrounds and filters to create a more personalized and professional meeting environment. Users can choose various backgrounds or can upload their own images.
Breakout Rooms
This feature helps users to split a large meeting into smaller, more focused groups. It is specifically designed for workshops, group discussions, and team-building activities.
Meeting Recordings and Transcription
Want to record the meeting? Zoom offers a meeting recording feature that saves the video locally or to the cloud. Moreover, an automatic transcription makes it easy to search for and review specific parts of the meeting.
Requires
6.0 and up (Android), 13.0 and later (iOS)
Size
121 MB (Android), 282 MB (iOS)
Looking for Expert Calling Apps in UAE?
Connect with our professional video calling app developers today.
4. Microsoft Teams
Google Play Ratings: 4.4
Apple Store Ratings: 4.8
Microsoft Teams is a great platform for collaborating at work. Participants can participate in a team project without the need to be physically present. Moreover, this Dubai video call app integrates Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and other Microsoft apps.
In 2023, Microsoft shared the news that the Teams have reached 300 million monthly active users and are still skyrocketing at a faster pace.
Features
Microsoft Team is the best calling app in UAE, and it is designed to help boost productivity by improving the flow of information in the business setting. To make this aim a complete success, here are the following features it entails:
One-to-One Chat
The app offers one-on-one chat functionality, which helps users communicate directly with colleagues (the conversations can be public or private). The chat supports rich text formatting, emojis, GIFs, and multimedia sharing.
Microsoft 365 Integration
What makes Teams stand out is its integration with Microsoft 365. Within the collaborative platform, users can easily access and collaborate directly on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote documents.
Mentions
The app also offers communication and collaboration with its mentions feature. Users can tag specific members or channels in the message to draw attention. It ensures the right people see relevant messages promptly.
Activity Feed
This feature offers a comprehensive overview of all the app’s activities and notifications. Users can check out mentions, replies, likes, and team activity updates.
Assistant Bots
Microsoft Teams integrates AI-driven assistant bots to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. These bots cover various tasks, including scheduling meetings, adding reminders, answering common questions, and adding third-party apps and services.
Requires
Varies with device (Android), 16.0 and later (iOS)
Size
380.5 MB (Android), 351.21 MB (iOS)
5. Google Meet
Google Play Ratings: 4.5
Apple Store Ratings: 4.8
Google Meet is a full-featured video calling platform that allows users to work with people globally. Although the platform is web-based, it is also available on Android and iOS stores. It is said that Google Meet is the surviving remnant of the now-defunct Google Hangouts and Google+.
The app is easy to set up with a Google account, and users can have meetings without any hassles. If you’re planning to create an app like Google Meet on the Flutter framework, collaborate with a reputable Flutter app development company for expert solutions.
Features
There are various apps for video call in Dubai, but when it comes to professional settings, Google Meet is the best choice. Google Meet is a widely used platform that gained prominence during the pandemic. Here are the following features that make this platform stand out from others:
Screen Sharing
This feature helps you easily share screens with participants during meetings. It is also perfect for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work, enabling users to view and discuss documents, slides, and other content in real-time.
Security
The app adheres to the privacy standards set by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), security for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP).
Closed Captioning
This feature provides real-time closed captioning, making meetings accessible for participants who are struggling with hearing. The automatic speech recognition tool transcribes spoken words into text, providing accurate and timely captions.
Meeting Space Storage
The app has various third-party integrations, including Google Drive, where users can store and access meeting recordings and other related files. It offers ample storage space and makes it easy to organize and access meeting content.
Confidential Attendee List
Google Meet ensures the confidentiality of the attendee list, keeping the user’s information private. The details can be accessed by meeting organizers and co-hosts only.
Voico is the best video call app in UAE that allows users to instantly communicate with others while avoiding SMS fees, sharing media/files, and staying connected through secure group conversations.
It is a TDRA-approved app that provides free video and voice calls in the UAE between users who have downloaded the app.
Features
Voico has made its name in the Middle East region and offers various advanced features that are as follows:
Voicemail and Instant Messaging
The app offers crystal-clear voice and messaging features, ensuring a seamless communication experience. Its feature integrates advanced audio codecs and noise reduction tools to deliver excellent communication quality.
Audio and Video Calls
The app uses advanced tools and features to support audio and video calls, even in low-bandwidth areas. Users can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues through these calls.
Group Chat Functionality
Voico supports robust group chat functionality, where users can easily create and participate in discussions. It integrates file sharing, multimedia messaging, and interactive tools like polls and announcements.
End-to-End Encryption
Voice prioritizes user privacy and security and delivers end-to-end encryption on all voice calls and messages. It ensures the conversation remains private and secure without any unauthorized access.
Customizable User Profiles
Users can easily create and customize their profiles by adding personal information, profile images, and status messages. This feature is more like making your profile a tool to express your personality.
Telegram is a great online internet calling app in UAE that is used for social networking. The platform gained popularity for its encrypted messaging and robust video calling features.
Businesses, especially the smaller scale ones, have found Telegram a reliable tool as a communication hub for supplies and updates among employees. The app’s group and channel functionality has been instrumental in promoting products and services to a wider customer base.
Features
Telegram is the best video calling app for team communication and collaboration. Here are the following features the app integrates:
Group Chats and Channels
The app provides extensive group chat and channel functionalities where 200,000 members can participate in a single group. Telegram is ideal for large communities and professional teams.
Secret Chat
This feature provides end-to-end encryption and supports self-destructing messages, which can be automatically deleted after a set timer. The secret chats are device-specific and do not get backed up. So, users can easily video call in UAE without any fear of security breaches.
Instant View
Telegram’s instant view feature allows users to quickly open and read articles from any link shared within Telegram. Instant view pages support text and media content, delivering a seamless reading experience without leaving the app.
Live Locations
Users can easily share live locations with their family and friends. It is highly useful for coordinating meetups and keeping track of your loved ones’ whereabouts. The location can be shared for a specific duration, but access is declined automatically after some time.
Telegram Passport
This is a dedicated space where users can store their personal identification documents and data in Telegram Passport and securely share them with services that need real-world ID verification.
Requires
Varies with device (Android), 12.0 and later (iOS)
Size
14 MB (Android), 166.6 MB (iOS)
Do You Want to Create an App Like WhatsApp?
Partner with us for expert app development solutions today!
8. Avaya Spaces
Google Play Ratings: 4.4
Apple Store Ratings: 4.5
Avaya Spaces is the best app for video call in UAE where users can communicate and collaborate in one place. It connects people through various means, such as chat, voice, video, file sharing, task management, and more.
As far as third-party integration is concerned, the app entails various systems, including Office 365, G Suite, Salesforce, and Slack.
Features
Avaya Spaces platform has been instrumental in maintaining a seamless team collaboration through video call in Dubai. Here are the following features that have helped in delivering the best user experience:
AI Noise Removal
The app uses advanced AI technology to remove background noises during video calls and meetings. It filters out unwanted sounds like keyboard typing, background chatter, and other ambient noises.
Task Management
This feature helps users create, assign, and track tasks within the app, ensuring that tasks stay organized and deadlines are met clearly. Other features it entails are setting due dates, adding descriptions, and tracking progress.
Activity Stream Notification
Avaya Spaces provides an activity stream notification feature that keeps users updated on the latest updates and changes within their spaces. The notifications users are more likely to receive are file uploads, task updates, and other relevant activities.
Avaya Contact Center Integration
This feature enables businesses to make the best use of their contact center operations, allowing for a smooth transition between customer interactions and team collaboration. Agents can easily consult with team members, look into issues, and access necessary resources to resolve them without leaving the platform.
Avaya XT Video System Connectivity
Avaya Space offers connectivity with Avaya XT video systems, which delivers a unified video conferencing experience. It allows users to join and participate in meetings using high-quality video conferencing hardware and tools.
Requires
6.0 and up (Android), 12.0 and later (iOS)
Size
20.2 MB (Android), 64.3 MB (iOS)
9. Imo-International
Google Play Ratings: 4.3
Apple Store Ratings: 4.2
Imo-International is a reputable video call app in Dubai that primarily uses your contacts. However, it also allows you to communicate with anyone if you have their phone number.
The mobile version of Imo supports HD-quality voice and video calling features, as well as text messaging with a library of stickers.
Features
Imo-International is one of the popular video calling apps allowed in Dubai that entails various features. Here are the most common ones:
Real-Time Communication
This feature provides real-time communication tools, helping users to make voice and video calls with minimal latency. It supports quality audio and video connections, ensuring clear and uninterrupted conversations.
Time Machine
The time machine feature allows users to revisit past conversations and interactions quickly. This feature keeps chat histories and media files organized chronologically, making it easy to scroll back in time and find specific messages and data.
Disappearing Message
Imo has the disappearing message feature that enhances privacy by enabling users to send messages that can automatically deleted after a certain period. Users can choose when the message can disappear, ensuring the information doesn’t linger in the chat history.
Block Screenshot
This feature adds an extra layer of security by preventing recipients from taking screenshots of chats. It is specifically helpful for protecting private conversations so no one can share the details without permission.
Multimedia Sharing
This app provides various multimedia-sharing options, including photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. It also allows users to share large MB files within the app’s conversations.
Requires
5.0 and up (Android), 12.0 and later (iOS)
Size
48 MB (Android), 248.6 MB (iOS)
10. BiP
Google Play Ratings: 4.1
Apple Store Ratings: 4.4
BiP is a great alternative to WhatsApp for people who want to stay connected with their friends and family globally. The standout feature is its multilingual support, which allows users to access more than 100 different languages with just a click of a button.
As far as the support system is concerned, the app has an excellent help center with a selection of various self-help resources. These are presented as simple FAQs where users can find most of their questions.
Features
Although the app is end-to-end encrypted, BiP offers many other selection of features that are as follows:
Instant Messaging
The app includes robust instant messaging tools, helping users send text messages quickly and efficiently. It also supports various multimedia messages, such as photos, videos, voice notes, and documents.
Voice and Video Messaging
While it is known for its text messaging feature, BiP is also well-versed in voice and video messages. This feature makes it easier to communicate more effectively with high-quality live calls.
BiP Discover
This is a dedicated space where users can directly explore various content and services within the app. The content includes news, entertainment, weather updates, sports scores, and more. Stay informed about what’s happening in the world.
Location Sharing
The app has a location-sharing feature, where users can share their live location with friends and family. It is highly recommended for coordinating meetups and sharing your whereabouts with your close ones.
Fun Interactive Features
BiP offers users various built-in games and fun features, which are best for entertainment and engagement during their downtime. The additional feature makes it more than just a communication tool. In case you want to learn about the trending game development tools, check out our blog right away!
Requires
6.0 and up (Android), 13.6 and later (iOS)
Size
67 MB (Android), 324.5 MB (iOS)
Are You Looking for a Professional App Development Company?
Get expert assistance from our video call app developers now!
Why Are Skype and Whatsapp Calling Apps Banned in the UAE?
Skype and WhatsApp are some of the popular video call apps that have been banned in the UAE due to the country’s regulatory policies protecting local telecommunications revenues. The aim of restricting or blocking these apps was primarily to protect the market dominance of the state-owned telecommunications company Etisalat and du. Are you curious about exploring the app development ecosystem of Dubai? Read our recent blog to stay ahead of the latest trends in the app development market.
Although WhatsApp can be used in the UAE to send and receive messages, it cannot make video or voice calls. The TRA has approved certain apps that offer VoIP services, including C’Me, Hiu Messenger, Facebook Messenger, Botim, Voico, and more.
Partner with Trango Tech for a Free Video Call App in UAE
While the UAE has restricted video call in Dubai for certain platforms, various other free video calling apps in UAE mentioned above are legal for residents and expats. Apps like Telegram and other top 10 video calling platforms above provide high-quality and reliable communication options, ensuring people can stay connected with their loved ones globally.
Looking into the emerging video call market, are you interested in creating a video calling app in the UAE? Trango Tech is here to save the day. We have a team of expert app developers who are well-versed in building result-driven communication platforms. To maintain your app’s sustainable growth, we also offer mobile app maintenance and support services to assist with the app’s technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WhatsApp and Botim?
While WhatsApp, a well-known video calling app in Dubai, has been restricted in the UAE, many residents now use Botim as an alternative. Here are the following differences that entail between WhatsApp and Botim:
The Botim video call app in Dubai has unique layouts and designs, which differ from WhatsApp, which prioritizes simple and straightforward layouts.
The Botim prefers more customization options and has a wide range of possibilities.
Botim is specifically licensed and approved for use in the UAE, catering to VoIP calling services.
Botim stores user data for a limited period and only uses it to provide messaging and calling services. On the other hand, WhatsApp doesn’t store user data on its servers.
If you’re wondering about how much does it cost to design an app like Botim, check out our recent blog to find out the detailed estimation. For more information, partner with a professional mobile app development company Dubai for expert assistance.
How much does it cost to build a UAE calling app?
Wondering how much does it cost to make an app? The cost of building a free calling app in UAE depends on factors like the app’s complexity, features that you want to integrate, the supported platform (iOS, Android, web), the technology stack used, and the development team’s location and hourly rates.
If you’re those parents who searches for “my kids wants to make an app, how do I teach them?” check out our blog to find detailed guide.
The average cost of creating a Dubai calling app ranges from $40,000 to $200,000. If you’re based in Riyadh, you can check out our recent blog to learn about the cost to make an app in Saudi Arabia.
For more detailed cost information, here’s a cost breakdown of the UAE calling app based on the most common features:
Video Calling App Features
Estimated Cost ($)
User Profile
$1,000 – $1,500
Authorization
$1,200 – $1,800
Contact List
$500 – $700
Audio Call
$2,000 – $2,500
Video Call
$2,000 – $3,000
Chat Integration
$4,000 – $5,000
Push Notifications
$1,500 – $2,000
Streaming Protocols
$500 – $1,000
In-App Call
$1,000 – $2,000
Screen Sharing
$2,000 – $3,000
End-to-End Encryption
$3,000 – $5,000
Custom Stickers
$1,000 – $2,000
Total
$50,000 – $85,000
It is worth mentioning that the cost presented above is a general estimate. For more accurate cost estimation, use our mobile app development cost calculator to find the correct quote for your app.
Does Skype video call work in the UAE?
Although Skype is not officially allowed in the UAE due to the country’s telecom laws, there are a few ways to access It. However, there are some risks that the user needs to be aware of.
Coming back to the ways, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most secure way to access Skype. You can select a reputable VPN provider and log in using your account credentials. Then, you can open the app and connect to the server located in a country where Skype is not restricted (e.g., The US, UK, or Canada). Once you’ve selected it, you can click on the connect button, and the VPN will establish a secure and encrypted connection to the specified server.
Apart from VPN, you can also use many Skype alternatives to get the best video calling experience.
How secure are the approved video calling apps in the UAE?
The security of approved video calling apps in the UAE is the biggest concern for users who want to ensure their communication remains private and secure. Here’s a detailed overview of the security features and considerations:
End-to-End Encryption
The VoIP apps entail end-to-end encryption that prevents any outsider, including app providers, telecom companies, or government authorities, from intercepting or accessing the information.
Privacy Policies
The approved apps must adhere to strict privacy policies that showcase how user data is used, collected, and stored. Before using the app, check the privacy policy to understand what personal information is being gathered.
Licensing
The UAE apps like Botim, C’Me, and Voico are licensed and monitored by the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to comply with the required security and privacy standards.
Security Updates
To ensure long-term app security, the video calling platforms receive regular security updates to protect data from potential threats.
How is the quality of video calling apps in the UAE?
The quality of a video calling app is influenced by various factors, such as the app’s tech features, internet connection, the telecom provider’s infrastructure, and the regulatory environment.
Most of the UAE’s video calling apps support HD video calls with low latency and minimal disruptions. For optimal video call quality, a minimum of 1.5 Mbps upload and download speed is recommended. Are you looking to create an app for the iOS platform? Reach out to a reputable iOS app development company to get a professionally-created app. In terms of the Android platform, you can go for an Android app development company to make your mark in the industry.
Which video call app works in UAE?
If you’re wondering what other video calling apps in the UAE work seamlessly, then here are some of the popular ones we’ve enlisted:
Blackboard
Looking for a free calling app in UAE? It is a useful EdTech platform that allows students and teachers to engage through the app.
Cisco Webex
It is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, and you can easily set up video calls in a professional setting.
BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that provides a wide range of tools to connect with people globally.
Etisalat Cloud Talk Meeting
Looking to collaborate virtually in a team? Etisalat Cloud Talk provides a multi-party video call platform that assists in effective communication.
Matrx
Matrx is a video conference platform that facilitates online communication for video meetings, audio meetings, and seminars.
Totok
Totok is a TDRA-approved video calling app that delivers HD-quality video conferences for up to 20 people.
Comera
Comera is a free messaging app that allows users to talk to friends and family via one-on-one voice and video calls.
The above video calling apps allowed in Dubai are TDRA-approved, which makes them legal to use on the UAE’s premises. Many of these apps are free to use, and some may require a subscription to access additional features. While talking about communication apps, are you interested in learning about the popular dating apps in Dubai? Our recent blog uncovers all the free and reliable apps that have made the dating experience seamless.
Rida is a seasoned content writer with over four years of writing background in app development company. She holds a degree in Business Administration and has a keen knowledge in writing technical blogs, conversion-driven web pages, and online guides. Beyond her skills as a writer, Rida is also an artist, often found painting landscapes and expressing her creativity through poetry.