Why Is Facetime Banned In Dubai?

Why Is Facetime Banned In Dubai
(Associated Press) — DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On Sunday, it seemed that users in the United Arab Emirates were able to make and receive calls using FaceTime, which indicates that long-standing limitations on the Apple software have been relaxed in the federation of seven sheikhdoms.

Regarding the situation, there was not an official notification made.
A request for comment was sent to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the UAE, but they did not immediately answer.
A request for comment was also sent to Apple, but the company did not respond.
Journalists working for the Associated Press were able to conduct voice and video conversations using FaceTime to persons both within and outside the nation with an acceptable level of sound quality.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and the freewheeling financial hub of Dubai, has for a long time blocked internet calling applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime. This is likely done out of security concerns and to protect the revenues of the UAE’s monopoly state-run telecommunication companies.

Nevertheless, the authorities have not provided a public explanation for the restriction. The FaceTime calling app is often absent from Apple iPhones and laptops that are available for purchase in the UAE. It appeared that the ban on calls made using Skype, WhatsApp (which is owned by Facebook), and other similar online apps was still in effect on Sunday.

After a delay of one year as a result of the pandemic, Dubai finally inaugurated its gigantic world’s fair earlier this month. The event is one that seeks to attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Visitors are allowed to make WhatsApp and FaceTime conversations while on the expansive Expo fairgrounds, which are located in the desert to the south of Dubai.

Can you use FaceTime in Dubai?

To discover more about the wireless carriers that are accessible to you, select the nation or area in where you are located. Armenia Beeline

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Ucom

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Bahrain Batelco

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Stc

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Zain

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4

Georgia Beeline

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Geocell

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

India Airtel

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Reliance Jio

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Iraq 1 Asiacell

FaceTime over Cellular 2
The Third Personal Hotspot

Korek

FaceTime
Personal Wireless Network

Zain

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
The Third Personal Hotspot

Israel Cellcom

5G
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

HOT mobile

5G
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Partner

5G
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Pelephone

5G
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Jordan Orange

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Umniah

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3

Zain

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Unlocking 3

Kuwait Ooredoo

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Stc

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Zain

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
Visual Voicemail
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Lebanon alfa

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Touch

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Oman Omantel

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Ooredoo

FaceTime over Cellular 2
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

Palestine Jawwal

ESIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
The Third Personal Hotspot

Ooredoo Palestine

FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
The Third Personal Hotspot

Qatar Ooredoo

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
Personal Wireless Network
VoLTE 4

Vodafone

5G
eSIM
FaceTime is now available on Cellular 2.
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE

Saudi Arabia Mobily

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Salam

5G
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

STC

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

Zain

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4
Wi-Fi Calling

FaceTime may be accessed on iPhones in Saudi Arabia with an operating system version of iOS 11.3 or later. Emirates of the United Arab Emirates du

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE 4

Etisalat

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot
VoLTE
Wi-Fi Calling

Virgin Mobile

5G
eSIM
LTE
The Third Personal Hotspot

The United Arab Emirates do not support the FaceTime video calling service.

In this nation or area, Apple does not provide technical assistance for the iPhone
rather, it is provided by the carrier.
It’s possible that there will be an extra charge or prerequisite. Please get in touch with the carrier for further details.
Carrier doesn’t support MMS.
Only iPhones manufactured after the iPhone 6 provide support for VoLTE.
Compatible with the iPhone 12 as well as the iPhone 13 models. Data plan needed. The speeds might change depending on the conditions of the location and the network provider. Contact your network provider for more information on the 5G support they provide.

Why is FaceTime WhatsApp banned in Dubai?

Why Is It Prohibited to Make Voice Calls, Video Calls, and Use VOIP Services? As was noted before, the government of the UAE has implemented a ban on calling using WhatsApp and other forms of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls due to concerns over users’ privacy and the nation’s security.

Is FaceTime ban lifted in UAE?

A request for comment was sent to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority in the UAE; however, the authority did not respond fast. Apple, which was also asked for comment, did not react to the inquiry. On Sunday, it appeared that users were able to have chats using FaceTime in the United Arab Emirates, which may indicate that restrictions that have been placed on Apple’s software for a very long time had been eased in the federation of seven sheikhdoms.

Regarding the matter, there was not an official comment made.
A request for comment was sent to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority in the UAE; however, the authority did not respond fast.
Apple, which was also asked for comment, did not react to the inquiry.
The audio quality of the voice and video conversations that were made over FaceTime by journalists working for the Associated Press to individuals both within and outside of the country was satisfactory.

Also Read | Are you having problems since upgrading to iOS 15? Apple customers complain touch difficulties following update The United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose capital city of Abu Dhabi is rich in oil and whose financial center, Dubai, is known for its laissez-faire business environment, has long since banned internet calling applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime, ostensibly in an effort to protect the profits of its monopoly state-run telecommunications firms.

However, the authorities have not provided an official explanation for the ban. FaceTime calling software is typically absent from Apple iPhones and personal computers purchased in the UAE. For Sunday, the restriction appears to have been lifted on calls placed using Skype, WhatsApp (which is owned by Facebook), and other internet services that are comparable.

Due of the outbreak, Dubai was forced to delay the opening of its massive world’s fair by a year. The event finally kicked off earlier this month, and the city is aiming to attract millions of visitors from all over the world. On the expansive Expo fairgrounds in the southern desert of Dubai, attendees are permitted to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and video calling apps like FaceTime.

The authorities have not provided any information on the potential loosening of restrictions.
In the past, similar programs have temporarily functioned in the UAE before being disrupted as a result of modifications to the internet filtering system.
Additionally Read | Apple will soon enable customers to evaluate and rate its unique apps, such as podcasts, found on the App Store.

In other news, Apple software such as Mail, Music, News, Stocks, and Calculator may be reviewed by users and rated by those users. The most recent modifications, which were seen for the first time by 9to5Mac, appeared with the release of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 for iPhones and iPads, respectively.

On the other hand, the app store listings continue to be lacking in comparison to the number of downloads that the Google Play app store has shown for a considerable length of time now.
Although some of Apple’s native programs now have poor ratings, it is still too soon to draw any judgments about the company’s overall performance.

Apple Podcasts now has two stars based on 160 evaluations, but Apple Music, the most popular software offered by the firm, currently has 3.6 stars (out of a potential five) for its users to give it. In comparison, Apple Watch garnered 3.5 stars out of 82 votes while Weather received 3.7 stars overall from 132 votes.

Will FaceTime ever be available in UAE?

According to the Associated Press (AP), FaceTime calls began functioning normally in the UAE on October 10th, allowing users with the software (which is not included on Apple hardware sold in the UAE) to make high-quality video and audio conversations using the service. When tested, the function was successful when used to communicate with individuals both within and outside of the nation.

What is the punishment for using VPN in UAE?

According to the research, “the more content limitations that arise, the higher the demand,” and Date and time of publication: 11:59 AM, August 4th, 2022 Updated on: Thursday, August 4, 2022, 10:53 p.m. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries in the Gulf area have increased their use of virtual private networks, often known as VPNs, in order to download audio-video calling applications and access information that is normally blocked, such as dating, gambling, and pornographic websites.

According to the most recent statistics provided by Nord Security, the demand for virtual private networks (VPNs) in territories that are part of the Gulf climbed by around 30 percent in the first quarter of this year when compared to the same time period in the previous year.
Despite this, the demand for virtual private networks (VPNs) in the UAE increased by 36%, which indicates that an increasing number of internet users are accessing information that is restricted.

“Every year, more people in the Gulf area have a need for virtual private networks (VPNs). “The more content restrictions that are implemented, the greater the demand for the VPN service,” said Nord Security, adding that “many users utilize VPN to gain access to content that has been restricted.”” It was reported that many people living in the Gulf region use virtual private networks (VPNs) to make voice and video conversations using popular applications like WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, Discord, and IMO, as well as to use dating apps.

According to Nord Security, VPNs are also used to access banned material such as dating, gambling, pornography, drug, and VoIP websites, amongst others. This is possible because VPNs encrypt the traffic between the user and the server. Is it against the law to use a VPN while in the UAE? According to Ashish Mehta, managing partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, the use of a virtual private network (VPN) in the United Arab Emirates is not against the law as long as it is used in accordance with the regulations set forth by the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

Why calling from WhatsApp, Facebook, IMO Banned in Dubai, Social media app, calling Blocked in UAE

The TDRA acknowledged the usage of virtual private networks (VPNs) by corporations, organizations, and banks for internal reasons in a statement that was released on August 1, 2016. ALSO READ: UAE: TDRA rejects viral tweet concerning malware spread Increases in internet censorship in Russia and Ukraine have led to a surge in demand for virtual private networks (VPNs). However, according to the UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021 about the suppression of rumours and other forms of cybercrime, the utilization of VPNs for unlawful purposes or for the commission of a crime is a significant violation of the law.

In addition, it is against the law to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to conceal one’s IP address in order to access websites, calling applications, or gaming applications that the UAE government has forbidden.
Mehta stated that persons who misuse virtual private networks (VPNs) might face jail and a punishment ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million under Article 10 of the UAE Cyber Law.

– [email protected]. com

Are video calls illegal in Dubai?

Images by Jaap Arriens, NurPhoto, and Getty courtesy of According to comments made to CNBC by the chairman of the United Arab Emirates’ digital security organization, it is possible that the UAE could soon relax its ban on WhatsApp calls. In an interview that aired on Tuesday on CNBC’s “Capital Connection,” Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the executive director of the United Arab Emirates’ National Electronic Security Authority, stated that the UAE had increased its collaborations with major tech platforms, particularly WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, on national security initiatives.

In reference to the Gulf state’s approach to telecoms regulation, he stated, “The partnership with WhatsApp has really risen, and in many of those (projects), we saw a very excellent grasp (from them) of the philosophy we have.” According to the telecommunications authorities in the UAE, “there could be a relaxation of that prohibition for (WhatsApp) voice calls and this is going to happen shortly.” This is what we know and understand will happen soon.

The United Arab Emirates prohibits the use of the vast majority of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, which allow users to make free audio and video conversations over the internet. However, messaging platforms that are related to the platforms are legal and accessible.

Additionally, it is known for people and enterprises in the Gulf state to use virtual private networks (VPNs) in order to access forbidden communications services. A number of factors, including encryption and the United Arab Emirates’ so-called “regulatory framework,” have been proposed as explanations for the prohibition in the past.

Because of the blockages, citizens are compelled to pay exorbitant costs for phone calls rather than being able to make them for free via an internet connection. This is to the benefit of the domestic telecommunications industry, which is monopolized by corporations owned by the state.

In recent years, some Gulf states have adopted a more accommodating approach toward VoIP service providers.
In 2017, Saudi Arabia repealed its prohibition on WhatsApp calls, while as of recently, Qatar allows the use of VoIP services provided by licensed telecommunications operators.
Previously, Qatar had prohibited the use of VoIP services.

The previous year saw rumors begin to circulate that Microsoft and Apple were in negotiations with the government of the UAE to have the ban on Skype and FaceTime lifted. However, their voice and video calling services are unable to be used at this time.

According to a local news site in the Gulf region, the alternative VoIP service Yzer became available to residents in the region in the month of August.
The usage of locally allowed VoIP applications such as Botim, C’Me, and HiU Messenger is also permitted in the UAE.
Al Kuwaiti admitted that increasing connectivity across the country would require addressing the “whole ecosystem,” implying that this would likely require the government to reevaluate the way in which it strikes a balance between allowing citizens access to technology and maintaining national security.

CNBC attempted to get in touch with a representative of the United Arab Emirates’ Telecommunications Regulatory Authority; however, they were not immediately available to comment. — Natasha Turak of CNBC provided a contribution to this report.

Is Zoom blocked in Dubai?

Why Is Facetime Banned In Dubai The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE has stated that it does not have the authority to decide whether or not free VoIP apps would continue to function following the Covid-19 incident. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a prohibition on the use of VoIP applications, with the exception of those that are authorized by the country’s telecom providers; however, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced in March that several apps would be made freely available due to the Covid-19 situation.

Apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are presently available for use in the region. After the coronavirus outbreak, officials from the telecommunication industry have stated that they do not have the authority to decide whether or not to permanently ease limitations placed on video conferencing programs.

According to reports from the local media, members of the Federal National Council questioned a TRA official on Wednesday at a session on whether or not long-term access to the apps will remain until the pandemic has been contained. According to The National, however, TRA director general Hamad Al Mansoori emphasized that “the authority is not accountable for such programs.” According to the article, he was cited as saying that “We are not in a position to address the issue about whether VoIPs would continue to be available until the epidemic has ended.” The conference was not attended by any representatives from the telecommunications companies Etisalat or du.

The TRA stated that VoIP applications will be available “until further notice” when they made the first announcement in March that they would be made available. Additional applications for online instruction @. On an extraordinary basis and until further notice, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (UAETRA) has stated that an additional set of apps would be available on all of the UAE’s networks.

As part of a collaborative effort with @etisalat and @dutweets picture of the tweet: http://twitter.com/riyrk7whh — هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات (@TheUAETRA) March 30, 2020 In the past, there have been multiple requests made to the UAE to enable access to free VoIP services like Skype and WhatsApp video calls.

Does FaceTime work in UAE with VPN?

There are millions of expats living and working in the UAE who are struggling with feelings of isolation. A huge number of individuals are seeking for different ways that they may continue to communicate with their family, friends, and other important people in their lives.

FaceTime, Apple’s video calling service, is extremely well-liked in a great number of nations.
It is completely free, and very simple to use.
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you have the ability to make free phone calls via the internet to any other Apple customer.
FaceTime is not accessible in Dubai, which is a shame because it could be the best answer.

You are able to utilize Dubai’s mobile providers Etisalat and Du in the event that you need to phone members of your family who live outside of Dubai. They provide a variety of pay-as-you-go plans in addition to contract pre-paid mobile services in a broad variety of package configurations.

On the other hand, if you check out their rates, you will be taken aback in an unpleasant way.
They have extremely high prices for their tariffs! You should now understand why Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as well as Skype, Viber, and Facetime are restricted in the UAE.
The virtual private network, or VPN, is the option that is both the easiest and safest to implement.

The Top 5 VPN Services for FaceTime in the UAE:

Is iMessage blocked in UAE?

IMessage and FaceTime from Apple are not available in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now focusing its attention on Apple’s iMessage service as well as Facetime. Mobile operators Etisalat and Du have both temporarily suspended the Apple services.

Does iPhone bought in Dubai have FaceTime?

In the past, there have been periods of time when such programs have been able to momentarily function in the UAE before being stopped as a result of adjustments to the internet filtering. – On Sunday, it seemed that users in the United Arab Emirates were able to make and receive calls using FaceTime, signaling a possible relaxation of long-standing limitations placed on the Apple software in the federation of seven sheikhdoms.

(If you are interested in gaining insights on developing topics at the nexus of technology, business, and politics, be sure to subscribe to our technology newsletter, Today’s Cache.
(To receive your free subscription, just click here.) Regarding the situation, there was not an official notification made.

A request for comment was sent to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the UAE, but they did not immediately answer. A request for comment was also sent to Apple, but the company did not respond. Journalists working for the Associated Press were able to conduct voice and video conversations using FaceTime to persons both within and outside the nation with an acceptable level of sound quality.

Also read: Analysts predict that it may take longer for Apple’s next iPhone to reach customers The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi and the freewheeling financial hub of Dubai, has for a long time blocked internet calling applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime.

This is likely done out of security concerns and to protect the revenues of the UAE’s monopoly state-run telecommunication companies. Nevertheless, the authorities have not provided a public explanation for the restriction. The FaceTime calling app is often absent from Apple iPhones and laptops that are available for purchase in the UAE.

It appeared that the ban on calls made using Skype, WhatsApp (which is owned by Facebook), and other similar online programs was still in effect on Sunday.
Read also: Microsoft revamps Skype with new calling capabilities and theme options After a delay of one year as a result of the pandemic, Dubai finally inaugurated its gigantic world’s fair earlier this month.

The event is one that seeks to attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Visitors are allowed to make WhatsApp and FaceTime conversations while on the expansive Expo fairgrounds, which are located in the desert to the south of Dubai. The authorities have not made any statements on the easing of restrictions.