Wondering, “Is FaceTime banned in Dubai?” In this guide we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: why FaceTime doesn’t work in the UAE, what (if anything) you can do about it, and which apps are your safest, approved alternatives.
Is Facetime Banned in Dubai and the UAE
Quick Take: Yes—FaceTime calls simply won’t work here.
Official Status
- Permanent Restriction: FaceTime is not available in the UAE for standard voice or video calling functions.
- Apple Acknowledgement: Apple’s own support page confirms, “FaceTime isn’t available in the United Arab Emirates”.
User Experience
- Expat & Tourist Frustration: Visitors and expatriates alike often discover only upon arrival that FaceTime and similar VoIP services(like WhatsApp) are blocked, regardless of carrier or network (Wi-Fi vs. mobile data).
- Device Origin Effects: iPhones/iPads purchased locally may ship without FaceTime pre-installed or have it disabled by default; overseas-bought devices can sometimes retain the app but remain unable to connect under UAE networks.
Why Is Facetime Banned in Dubai
1. Licensing Requirements
The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) requires every Voice-over-IP provider to hold a local license. FaceTime hasn’t obtained one, so it’s on the block list.
2. Protecting Local Telecoms
Etisalat and du invest heavily in building and maintaining their networks (5G included). By restricting free VoIP services, they safeguard a major source of calling revenue.
3. National Security & Monitoring
Encrypted services like FaceTime make it harder for authorities to monitor calls. The UAE cites public order and security reasons in line with prior bans on apps such as Skype and WhatsApp calling.
How to Use Facetime in Dubai and the UAE
While FaceTime is officially blocked, there are three main workarounds to unblock it.
Method 1. VPN Solutions
A VPN lets you tunnel your device’s internet connection through an encrypted “pipe” to a server outside the UAE—so your IP address appears to be in a country where FaceTime is allowed.
Here’s how to:
Step 1. Choose a Trusted VPN
We recommend Bear VPN for Dubai: it offers 1,000+ servers and fast connection speed.
Step 2. Install the App
Download Bear VPN from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 3. Connect to a Supported Country
- Open Bear VPN and select a server in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or any country where FaceTime works.
- Tap “Connect” and wait for the secure tunnel to establish.
Step 4. Open FaceTime and Call
Launch FaceTime as usual—your device now “looks” like it’s outside the UAE, so calls will connect smoothly.
Key Benefits
- Speed & Stability: Bear VPN’s optimized servers minimize lag and dropped frames on video calls.
- Privacy & Security: AES-256 encryption plus a strict no-logs policy keeps your conversations safe.
- Easy to Use: One-click connection and automatic reconnection options mean you can focus on your call, not technical setup.
Legal Note
VPNs themselves are legal in the UAE, but using them to access blocked services falls into a gray area. Casual personal use is rarely enforced, but misuse for illicit activities can carry fines up to AED 2 million.
Method 2. Device-Region Tweaks
Some users have had fleeting success by changing their iPhone or iPad’s region setting to a country where FaceTime is permitted.
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.
- Select Region and choose the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.
- Restart Your Device and open FaceTime.
Why It’s Less Reliable
- Results vary by iOS version, carrier provisioning, and local firmware.
- Any system update or carrier profile change may revert the setting.
- You still won’t have guaranteed call quality or stability.
Method 3. Foreign SIM and eSIM Roaming
If you have access to an international SIM or travel eSIM from a non-restricted country, you can try routing your data that way:
- International Physical SIM: Insert a SIM from the U.S., U.K., or another unrestricted market before opening FaceTime. Calls are then handled by that network’s routing.
- Travel eSIMs: Many providers sell eSIMs that let you choose a “home” country for data. Activating an eSIM tied to a non-UAE region can trick FaceTime into working.
Why It’s a Backup Plan
- Relies on roaming agreements and signal strength—call quality can suffer.
- UAE regulations sometimes prohibit sale or activation of certain travel eSIMs.
- More costly: international data or roaming charges apply.
Officially Permitted FaceTime Alternatives
The TDRA licenses and endorses the following VoIP/video-calling apps, many bundled with Etisalat/du subscriptions:
| App Name | Requirements | Key Features |
| BOTIM | Etisalat/du subscription | Encrypted calls, group video (up to 21), group chat (500), payments |
| Zoom | Free tier; paid upgrades | HD video conferencing, webinars, screen share, recordings |
| Microsoft Teams | Basic free; paid Microsoft 365 plans | Secure conferencing, messaging, document collaboration |
| Google Meet | Free; Google Workspace integration | HD video, calendar integration, browser‐based access |
| GoChat | Phone number registration | Free calling, messaging; no carrier contract needed |
| Voico | Free | High-quality calls, secure messaging |
| C’Me | Etisalat subscription | HD voice/video, messaging (some reliability issues reported) |
| Telegram | Free | Encrypted messaging & calls (sporadic reliability) |
TDRA’s Official Position
- Regulatory Framework: The TDRA mandates that only licensed entities (Etisalat, du) may offer VoIP; unlicensed services like FaceTime are blocked.
- Anti-Circumvention Policy: TDRA guidelines explicitly prohibit tools that facilitate bypassing content blocks (e.g., VPNs, proxies) aimed at accessing restricted services.
- Strategic Goals: The authority seeks to balance ICT advancement with security, public order, and protection of national telecom investments.
Conclusion
FaceTime remains blocked across all UAE networks, but using a reliable VPN like Bear VPN lets you bypass the restriction and make clear, secure calls. Alternatively, choose TDRA-approved apps like BOTIM, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for hassle-free, legal video conferencing.
FAQ
1. Is FaceTime currently banned in Dubai?
Yes, FaceTime is generally banned for voice and video calls in Dubai and the UAE.
2. Why is FaceTime blocked in Dubai?
The primary reasons include regulatory compliance issues, the protection of revenue for local telecom companies (Etisalat and du), and national security concerns related to encrypted communication.
3. Can I use a VPN to access FaceTime in Dubai?
Using a VPN might enable access to FaceTime, but its legality for this purpose is uncertain and could result in significant fines under UAE law.
4. What are the legal alternatives to FaceTime in Dubai?
Officially permitted video calling apps in the UAE include BOTIM, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoChat Messenger, and Voico. Some may require a subscription with Etisalat or du.
5. Will FaceTime work on my iPhone if I bought it outside the UAE?
Functionality can vary. It might work if activated with a local UAE SIM card or by changing the device region, but this is not guaranteed.
6. Was FaceTime ever temporarily unblocked in Dubai?
Yes, reports indicate temporary functionality around the time of Dubai Expo 2020 in October 2021, but these instances were not permanent.
