How to Get Around the WhatsApp Ban in Dubai in 2025: Encrypt Your Voice Calls
Known for luxury shopping, thrilling nightlife and breathtaking architecture, Dubai is a popular destination for expats and holidaymakers. But does WhatsApp work in Dubai? Which VPNs are the best workarounds? Find out all you need to know about the WhatsApp ban in Dubai.
Written by Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
Reviewed by Aleksandar Kochovski (Writer)
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu (Editorial Assistant)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: How to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai
- Download and install a VPN. We recommend NordVPN, whose two-year plan offers 72% off on the first two years with three months free.
- Connect to a VPN server outside of Dubai or the UAE.
- Enjoy unblocked WhatsApp audio and video calls.
The Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai
- NordVPN — Top-tier Dubai VPN with uncompromising performance for WhatsApp video calls. NordVPN is available at a 72% discount and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark — Affordable VPN for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai. You can sign up for Surfshark with a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- ExpressVPN — Top-notch VPN that anyone can use to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai. ExpressVPN’s yearly plan offers 25% off on the first year with three months free.
Facts & Expert Analysis: The WhatsApp Ban in Dubai
- WhatsApp voice and video calls are not allowed in Dubai, although you can send texts.
- A VPN can help you bypass a WhatsApp ban because it can spoof your location.
- NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai because of its vast server network and reliability.
Does WhatsApp work in Dubai? Well, not entirely. You can send and receive WhatsApp messages, but you can’t make video and voice calls. Considering that WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, the WhatsApp ban in Dubai can be frustrating. Even worse, there’s no clear indication from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government whether the ban will be lifted.
Fortunately, virtual private networks (VPNs) are excellent workarounds, as they allow you to use the internet anonymously. In this guide, we’ll show you the best VPNs to unblock WhatsApp calling in Dubai. If you want a quick answer; we recommend NordVPN.
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10/24/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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10/01/2024
We revised the rankings to account for new security measures and speed enhancements.
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01/31/2025 Facts checked
Updated article with more information about the Dubai WhatsApp ban and the most important VPN security features.
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04/15/2025 Facts checked
We updated the article to add more information about using a VPN to access WhatsApp in Dubai. We also updated our Surfshark section.
The WhatsApp Ban in Dubai: The Facts
For years, the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), formerly known as TRA, has banned WhatsApp calls due to regulatory concerns surrounding VoIP services.
Based on this, it’s obvious that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is a stumbling block to the government’s desire to monitor internet calls, as this security feature prevents even service providers from accessing message content.
Internet users have been calling for the UAE government to unban WhatsApp. Sadly, the bright spots have been few and far between. For instance, authorities temporarily lifted the ban during Expo 2020, Dubai’s world’s fair, only to shut down the app afterwards.
In 2019, during an interview with CNBC, the director of UAE’s National Electronic Security Authority hinted that the ban might soon be lifted, pointing to increased collaboration with WhatsApp. However, three years on, WhatsApp is still banned.
While our guide focuses on regular WhatsApp, it’s worth noting that WhatsApp Business is equally affected by these bans, causing significant problems for companies that rely on the platform for customer communication.
Why Are Voice Calls, Video Calls and VOIP Services Banned?
The TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) maintains strict control over VoIP services to ensure telecommunications compliance with UAE regulations.
In 2022, the UAE implemented a new cybercrime law that significantly impacts digital communications. The law prescribes penalties up to life imprisonment for using the internet to oppose the existing system of government and bans any material that could harm state interests or public confidence in state institutions.
This legislation, along with a new penal code enacted the same year, provides the legal framework under which WhatsApp and other communication apps (such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps) are regulated.
Part of the reasoning of these bans is a desire to control the telecommunications sector in the country and rake in more profits. That’s why UAE authorities drive people to use the homegrown BOTIM app and local telecom operators like DU and Etisalat, which offer their own VoIP services that generate revenue.
More importantly, WhatsApp’s VoIP calls use end-to-end encryption that prevents anyone, including governments and ISPs, from intercepting or monitoring call content. This level of security is one of the main reasons why UAE authorities have specifically targeted WhatsApp’s voice and video calling features.
Does WhatsApp Work in Dubai With a VPN?
A VPN can unblock WhatsApp calling because it can spoof your location by routing your traffic through a server in another country. That way, you can bypass geoblocks and make calls anonymously.
Users should be aware that UAE security agencies conduct extensive surveillance of both public and private online communications.
According to Human Rights Watch, authorities systematically monitor not just potential dissidents but also their relatives and associates, often subjecting them to travel bans and other restrictions. This makes strong VPN security features particularly crucial when using WhatsApp in Dubai
How to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai
Unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai is not difficult. All you need to do is to choose a good VPN, install it and connect to a nearby server. Here’s an example.
- Download and Install a VPN
Open your app store (Google Play Store or Apple Store) and download NordVPN. Open the app and grab a 72% discounted plan. You can claim a refund within 30 days so trying it out is risk-free.
- Connect to a Server
Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server. When selecting a VPN server for WhatsApp calls, choosing locations in nearby countries like Saudi Arabia or Oman can help minimize latency and improve call quality, though you’ll need to ensure these servers aren’t subject to similar restrictions.
- Access WhatsApp
Now, you can open your WhatsApp and start making calls.
The Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp Voice and Video Calls in Dubai
When choosing a VPN to unblock WhatsApp, look for ones that offer fast speeds, server locations near the UAE and solid security features. In addition, the best VPNs for WhatsApp in Dubai use obfuscated servers, which make it tougher for authorities to pick up on VPN use and block it as a result.
Here are our top picks.
1. NordVPN — The Best VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
With 5,200 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN is the best VPN for using WhatsApp in Dubai. It has servers in nearby countries such as Turkey, Israel and India. In addition, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers make it an excellent choice if you want fast, anonymous browsing. Because such servers conceal the fact that you’re using a VPN, they’re perfect for heavily censored areas like Dubai.
NordVPN’s Meshnet feature now allows users to share files of any size directly between devices through encrypted connections, providing an additional secure communication channel when traditional messaging apps are restricted.
What’s more, NordVPN offers features — including double VPN and onion over VPN — that provide extra layers of security. The service now offers enhanced DNS filtering options through Threat Protection Pro, providing additional protection against surveillance and tracking attempts common in restricted regions.
Thankfully, NordVPN is more affordable if you subscribe to one of its long-term plans.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for WhatsApp in Dubai
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
If a budget VPN with extensive features tickles your fancy, you can’t go wrong with Surfshark. It performs similarly to NordVPN in terms of security, unblocking capability and speed, but it’s in second place because its latency isn’t the best on close servers.
On the subject of speed, in late 2024, Surfshark upgraded all its 100+ servers to 10Gbps speeds, helping to ensure faster connections and better performance for WhatsApp voice and video calls.
In addition to plenty of servers abroad, Surfshark has servers in Dubai, which may come in handy if you want to browse local sites securely. Like NordVPN, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers to help users get around geoblocks and censorship in restrictive locations.
The Dynamic MultiHop feature routes your connection through two different VPN servers in random locations, adding an extra layer of privacy. Moreover, Surfshark’s Alternative ID and Alternative Number features are particularly useful for registering WhatsApp accounts without exposing your real identity to potential surveillance.
Give it a whirl with its 30-day money-back guarantee, and read more in our Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Premium Dubai VPN for WhatsApp
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai, mainly because it’s lightning-fast. For VPNs, the closer the server, the faster your browsing speed. Of its over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN has a few in countries close to Dubai, including Pakistan, Israel, Egypt and India.
Further, ExpressVPN comes with strong AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection and obfuscated servers, which ensure that the UAE government can’t detect and monitor your traffic. ExpressVPN’s main drawback is that it’s pricey, but there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
Final Thoughts
If you want to use WhatsApp in Dubai, you’ll need a VPN, because WhatsApp calls are banned there. For our money, NordVPN is the best, thanks to its extensive server network and reliability. You can sign up for NordVPN with a 72% discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind. However, you can also use a cheaper alternative like Surfshark.
For more articles related to WhatsApp, check out the 20+ tricks we compiled in WhatsApp tips you can use for enhanced privacy, security and experience.
Have you ever tried getting past the WhatsApp ban in Dubai? Which VPN worked best? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, and as always, thanks for reading!
FAQ
You can send WhatsApp text messages in Dubai, but you can’t make video or voice calls.
Because WhatsApp is blocked, your voice and video calls won’t go through; however, you can send and receive texts.
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption features prevent the UAE government from monitoring calls. In addition, the government wants to promote its own telecommunications industry.
VoIP apps BOTIM, C’Me and ToTok, a locally developed messaging app, are approved for use in Dubai, though ToTok in particular has faced controversy over privacy concerns.