WhatsApp is a convenient VoIP service that helps us stay in touch with family and friends through voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging. Since it works through Wi-Fi, WhatsApp is a free alternative for users to regularly communicate rather than paying extra on their phone bills. This also makes WhatsApp especially useful for keeping in contact with those back home when travelling abroad. Despite its practicality, WhatsApp is blocked in several countries, leading to frustration for both travellers and citizens who have little to no alternatives.
Due to federal regulation, the UAE is one country where the use of WhatsApp and other VoIP services such as Skype, Telegram, Threema and FaceTime is not permitted. The UAE government wants to promote their state-run telecom companies, DU and Etisalat, and generate more revenue by blocking the competition — WhatsApp. Currently, users can send messages through WhatsApp but cannot make or receive any voice or video calls when in Dubai.
If you live in or are travelling to Dubai and you want to be able to use WhatsApp, then you need a VPN. With a VPN, you can fully unblock WhatsApp and other VoIP services, even when in restrictive countries such as Dubai. VPNs can guarantee your online privacy and prevent Dubai ISPs from spying on you, as well as protecting you from security risks such as hackers and malware.
Keep Reading to Discover How To Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai Using a VPN.
How to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai Quick Guide
If you follow those steps you unblock WhatsApp in Dubai in no time.
- Choose a VPN
We highly recommend NordVPN* for unblocking WhatsApp, and in this article we’ll go into further detail about why this VPN is our top choice. Once you’ve decided on a VPN, download and install the app on whichever device(s) you want to use WhatsApp from.
- Connect To a Server
Once you’ve opened up the app you’ll see a list of available servers in different countries. You can connect to any country so long as WhatsApp is unrestricted there. Connecting to a nearby country is a good idea since you’re likely to get a lower-latency connection.
- Open Up WhatsApp
Now WhatsApp should be unblocked, so you can open up the app and try to make a call. If you find that it’s still not working, then try clearing the app’s data or reconnect to a different server.
Top Tip — If you’re planning to travel to Dubai then we suggest that you download and install your chosen VPN before entering the country. Some regions will block VPN websites which will prevent you from downloading the software.
Why doesn’t WhatsApp Work in Dubai?
It really all comes down to money, security, and regulation. For a start, it has been rumoured that the UAE government wants to profit more from its own telecom companies, DU and Etisalat, by eliminating their citizen’s other options. With WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Threema, and Skype blocked, most of the population are forced into paying for VoIP services, which then increases profit for the state-owned telecom companies.
The UAE government has said that it’s a matter of national security rather than profit. As WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption, terrorists and extremists can potentially use the app to communicate privately without being monitored by security agencies. Mohamed Mustafa, the COO of Emirates Safer Internet Society, has expressed his concerns over encrypted calling services. He said, “As security and online child protection expert, I have concerns about enabling free WhatsApp calls that are encrypted. I will not endorse any tools that will allow criminals and anti-social elements to use encrypted calls and messages.”.
So, it seems as if the UAE government wants everyone in the city-states, including Dubai, to use a VoIP app where their calls can be monitored. Understandably, many citizens and expats have concerns regarding their digital privacy when it comes to the regulation of VoIP services. After all, no one wants anyone listening in on their conversations or monitoring their messages when they’re talking online. No matter what your stance on the matter is, WhatsApp is currently blocked in Dubai and cannot be accessed by anyone without the use of a VPN.
How Can I use a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai?
If you want to access WhatsApp and other VoIP services in Dubai then your only choice is to get a VPN. Your IP address is what reveals exactly where you’re located, so when you open up WhatsApp while in Dubai, the app can see that you’re in a restricted area and will block your access. But when you use a VPN your IP address is hidden and your traffic is encrypted as it travels to a server. Your IP address is then replaced with one from whichever country your connected server is based in. For example, if you connect to a US server, then you’ll appear to have a US IP address. So, by using a VPN you can spoof your location and trick WhatApp into thinking you’re accessing it from a country where it’s not blocked. You simply need to install the VPN app and connect to any server that’s based in a country where WhatsApp is unrestricted. This is how you can easily unblock WhatsApp and other geo-blocked services or content using a VPN.
Why Else Should I Use a VPN?
In any region, especially highly censored ones such as Dubai, your digital privacy is incredibly important. Your online activities and search history may be being tracked by the government without your knowledge or permission. All this information about you that’s being collected can possibly be used against you one day. Furthermore, any data collected can be used to build a digital profile of you, which can lead you to encounter more targeted ads. It’s in your best interest to become untraceable whenever you’re online, so that the government, your ISP, and third parties cannot collect your data and log your online activities.
With a VPN, all your traffic is encrypted, meaning that no one can monitor any of your online activities and you can browse the web anonymously. Encrypted data also can’t be intercepted by hackers, which means that you’ll have a lesser risk of becoming a victim to viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other nasty malware. Overall, VPNs are perfect for increasing your online security and privacy, which makes them a virtual addition to your setup.
What is The Best VPN for Unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai?
Our top recommended VPN for unblocking WhatsApp is NordVPN. With a massive network of servers across over 60 countries and impressive geo-unblocking capabilities, NordVPN is a fantastic choice for use in restrictive areas such as Dubai.
NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to lock your data away from prying eyes. When your data travels through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel, not even your ISP can see what you’re doing online. This VPN also provides a range of other security features that makes bypassing geo-blocks a breeze. For example, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers allow you to connect to the VPN even in heavily restricted areas such as Dubai. These specialized servers can easily dodge VPN-blocking firewalls and stop third parties from recognizing that your traffic is coming from a VPN server.
Most importantly, NordVPN can swiftly unblock WhatsApp in Dubai so you can use the app without any restrictions. You can also unblock other VoIP services including Skype and Facetime, and you can even access any geo-blocked content from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With NordVPN, you can resume the same activities as you would at home, even if you travel to somewhere as heavily censored as Dubai.
NordVPN works on any major operating system including Windows, macOS, Android, iOs, and Linux, so you can use WhatsApp on any of your devices. You can also protect and use WhatsApp from up to 6 devices at once with a single NordVPN subscription.
NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy which means that they don’t monitor or log any of your online activity. You can freely browse the web without worrying about who is snooping on you or where your data is being used, as NordVPN provides complete online privacy.
All in all, NordVPN is ideal for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai as well as providing other useful security and privacy features that can help keep you safe online. If you’re still not convinced, then why not try out NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee? This way, you can test out the features for yourself at no cost and see if this VPN is right for you.