Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are an increasingly popular destination for travellers. The futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls and desert safaris are stunning — but there are a few very important things you need to know about internet before you go.
IMPORTANT: VoIP calls are blocked!
This is the most important thing to know about the Emirates:
In the United Arab Emirates, VoIP-based voice and video calls are BLOCKED. This means that:
- WhatsApp voice calls — do NOT work
- WhatsApp video calls — do NOT work
- FaceTime (voice and video) — does NOT work
- Viber calls — do NOT work
- Facebook Messenger calls — do NOT work
What does work:
- WhatsApp text messages (chat) — yes
- Viber messages — yes
- Email, browsing, social media — yes
This isn't a technical fault but state regulation in the UAE. VoIP calls are deliberately blocked to protect the local telecom companies (du, Etisalat).
Using a VPN: a grey area
Many people think a VPN can get around the VoIP ban. Important to know:
- Using a VPN isn't illegal in itself in the Emirates
- However, it is prohibited to use a VPN to bypass blocked services or access illegal content
- Fines can be substantial
- In practice, tourists are rarely checked, but the risk exists
Local mobile networks
There are two main mobile operators in the Emirates:
- Etisalat (e&) — the largest operator, with excellent 5G coverage
- du — the second operator, also with an advanced network
Both operators are among the world's best in terms of coverage and speed. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have outstanding 5G coverage.
Free Wi-Fi in Dubai
Dubai has an advanced public Wi-Fi network:
- Dubai WiFi — available free in the metro, parks and on beaches
- Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates — free Wi-Fi in the shopping malls
- Hotels — good-quality, free Wi-Fi almost everywhere
- Airport (DXB) — free Wi-Fi with no time limit
eSIM vs. local SIM in Dubai
| Aspect | eSIM | Local SIM (du/Etisalat) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | From home, in your language | At airport or shop |
| Activation | 2–3 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Payment | In your currency | In dirhams |
| Passport needed | No | Yes |
| Dual SIM | Home number stays active | Physical SIM must be swapped |
Practical tips
- Communicating with home: Since VoIP calls don't work, use text messages (WhatsApp chat) or voice messages
- Botim app: In the Emirates this is the only permitted VoIP app, but it's subscription-based (monthly fee)
- Offline maps: Download the map of Dubai — although Wi-Fi coverage is good, it's useful for desert excursions
- Hotspot for the family: With a larger eSIM data plan you can share internet with your family members too
Summary
When travelling to Dubai, an eSIM is an excellent solution for mobile internet: simple, prepaid and working immediately on arrival. But don't forget the most important rule: VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime voice/video) are blocked in the Emirates — expect text messages only!