Best VPN for WhatsApp Calling in the UAE
Voice over IP, or VoIP, is the fancy technical term for what we refer to as “calling.” This service happens to be blocked on social media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, etc., in the UAE. Of course, you can still use other features of these social media apps. The reason is rooted in political economy, […]
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Voice over IP, or VoIP, is the fancy technical term for what we refer to as “calling.” This service happens to be blocked on social media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, etc., in the UAE. Of course, you can still use other features of these social media apps. The reason is rooted in political economy, and it is what it is. What we’re concerned with here is the solution.
To benefit from internet calling in the UAE, you can:
- Connect with a VPN to unlock WhatsApp calling.
- Use unrestricted alternative apps in the UAE.
- Buy an eSIM with an international data plan.
VPNs For WhatsApp Calling
The easiest way to unlock the calling feature in popular social media apps in the UAE is a reliable VPN. Fortunately, using a VPN is legal in the UAE as long as users do not violate regulatory laws set by the TDRA.
Best VPN for Unblocking WhatsApp Calls in the UAE (2025)
HidzoVPN is one of the best apps among VPN users in the UAE. HidzoVPN is a privacy-first VPN app powered by a smart protocol called XTLS Reality that brings about stability based on the user’s internet quality.
HidzoVPN is perfect for everyday use, such as streaming, gaming, and calling on apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram. By connecting to servers in 5+ locations around the world, UAE users can have access to unrestricted internet; you know, as it is supposed to be.
You can download HidzoVPN now and go premium for just $2.99 (limited offer). What you get in the HidzoVPN Premium plan includes:
- Bypassing regional restrictions
- Maximum stability and minimum latency
- Secure and private internet, anytime, anywhere
How a VPN Restores Voice and Video Calls
Basically, when you tap connect in your VPN app, all the incoming and outgoing traffic is rerouted to an encrypted tunnel. In other words, your ISP doesn’t see what you’re doing when the VPN connection is on, and therefore, it can’t block your access to the restricted content, which in this case is the calling feature in WhatsApp.
Moreover, the VPN masks your IP address with an IP address from your server, wherever it might be. So, if you’re connected to a VPN server in the US, the internet recognizes you as an American internet user. This means that if the restrictions are applied on the host’s side (hypothetically, WhatsApp banning UAE IP addresses), you still get to fully access the app, because you’re basically an American user. Click to learn more about how a VPN unlocks internet access.
Other VoIP Alternatives in the UAE
If you don’t want to use a VPN for any reason, you can use other apps that feature voice and video calls. The alternatives below are typically used for work-related purposes, but you can use them for personal calls as well.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a Windows-native app, but it’s also available on iOS and Android. Teams is a RAM-friendly calling app with many options, such as simplified sharing, an integrated calendar, and a chatbox that doesn’t go away when you hang up. There’s also a Community feature that basically does the same job as WhatsApp channels and groups.
Google Meet
Like any other Google product, Meet is a simple app with a humble design. This calling/conferencing app is available in iOS, Android, and a web version that allows for a seamless calling experience. The app is easy to use, and it integrates well with Google Calendar for scheduled meetings.
Zoom
Zoom is another popular voice and video calling/conferencing platform. The software is originally designed for webinar hosting and comes with features such as polling and virtual waiting rooms. Yet, you can use it as an alternative to WhatsApp for voice or video calling. It’s like having a one-on-one meeting with your contact rather than a casual call.
The table below summarizes the comparison of the above apps and helps you choose one as a WhatsApp substitute.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
| Microsoft Teams | + Persistent chat + Community feature (similar to WhatsApp Groups) + Unlimited call duration for individual calls | – A little complicated due to the many available features |
| Google Meet | + Simple and intuitive interface + Optimized for low bandwidth and mobile usage + Unlimited call duration for individual calls | – Chats disappear when the call ends |
| Zoom | + Superior scalability for large meetings + Advanced engagement features such as breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards + Included AI tools for summaries, transcripts, and more in paid plans | – Limited call duration (40 mins) in the free version |
UAE Indigenous Apps
In case you want complete compliance with the UAE laws, domestic social media apps like HiU Messenger, Voice, and BOTIM allow you to make high-quality voice or video calls in the UAE. These apps share the core functions of universal platforms, including instant messaging, group interactions, and file and media sharing. But they also incorporate features like bill payments and access to government services.
The availability of these apps isn’t limited to the UAE, and people can use them to make calls from anywhere. However, since the developers and your ISP can see your chats and oversee your calls, you might want to avoid these apps to save your privacy.
Buy an eSIM
This is the third workaround for WhatsApp calling restrictions in the UAE. You can get an eSIM from international eSIM providers, such as Holafly or Voye Global, to access WhatsApp calling through foreign data networks. Basically, using an eSIM is like using roaming services when you’re traveling abroad.
The upside of using an eSIM is that it doesn’t need to reroute the traffic to a third server, as is the case with using a VPN. However, the downside is twofold. First, the eSIM provider can snoop on your traffic, and second, the cost of using an eSIM is way above using a reputable VPN.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| eSIM | + Offers greater legal compliance by simulating international roaming + Seamless switching between local and international data + Good for short-term needs (travelers) | – Higher per-gigabyte costs – Limited device compatibility – Time-bound plans may not suit indefinite or high-volume usage – Dependency on provider coverage |
| VPN | + Effectively bypasses internet restrictions by encrypting and rerouting traffic + Enhances overall online privacy and security on any network + Affordable for long-term use + Compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems | – Introduces potential latency and reduced speeds due to encryption and server rerouting – Might increases battery consumption on mobile devices |
WhatsApp call feature is banned in the UAE, allegedly due to security concerns. Another reason might be that free calling on WhatsApp can largely overshadow domestic VoIP services and result in financial loss.
Nothing good is free. Free VPN providers, given that they actually work, can track your activities and, in the best-case scenario, sell them for marketing purposes. Try using free plans of reputable VPNs, like ProtonVPN or HidzoVPN.
