Let's Talk
Being connected to family, friends, or business colleagues in Dubai is a significant element for most people in the United States. However, when you have ever placed an international call or used a famous application like WhatsApp, you probably have found that the calling restrictions in UAE are a bit tricky. The good news? Dubai can still have easy and legal ways to call Dubai from the US, and you need not fear contravening local laws or using a VPN.
This manual will tell you how to call Dubai from the US, what types of calling can be made, what apps and services can be used, and which ones will indeed work.If you need to have a basic voice call, a crystal-clear video meeting, or to arrange a business conference meeting, we will discuss the safest and most cost-efficient techniques.
Why Calling Dubai Is Different from Other International Calls
It is worthwhile to know why calling Dubai or any other part of the UAE is not as easy as calling other nations before getting into the practical steps.
- VoIP restrictions: WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are blocked in the UAE to make voice and video calls. That is why a lot of expats and tourists get shocked when their favorite applications do not work when they are already in the country.
- Licensed providers only: The government controls international calls made via the internet by making sure that they pass through licensed telecom service providers such as Etisalat and du.
- Legal implications: It is also technically illegal to use VPNs to circumvent these restrictions. Although most individuals are easily tempted to do it, the less risky alternative is to employ legal means.
That’s why knowing how to call Dubai from the US legally and effectively is essential.
Step 1: Using Traditional Phone Calls
The easiest and surest route is still a standard international phone call, though one would wish to do so without dealing with a lot of fuss.
How to Dial Dubai from the US
- Dial the US exit code: 011
- Enter the UAE country code: 971
- Dial the Dubai city code: 4
- Enter the local number: Usually 7 digits
So, if your Dubai contact’s number is 123-4567, you would dial: 011-971-4-123-4567
Pros:
- Works reliably without the internet.
- Doesn’t depend on apps or VPNs.
Cons:
- It can be expensive, especially for long calls.
- Not ideal for frequent communication.
Most carriers in the US have international calling packages, which are low-cost. Ask providers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile to offer lower-per-minute rates when you call the UAE to the USA.
Read Also : Cut the Cord? 12 Tubi-Like Apps Worth Streaming in 2025
Step 2: Using Internet-Based Calling Apps That Work in Dubai
Even though WhatsApp and Skype are banned, there are working calling apps in Dubai that are officially accepted by the UAE government.
Here are your best options:
1. BOTIM – UAE’s Premier Government-Approved Video Calling App
BOTIM will continue to be the preferred option among the residents and expatriates in the UAE who require quality voice and video calls. Being fully licensed by local telecom operators, Etisalat and du, BOTIM provides high-quality communication without violating the VoIP regulations in the UAE. It is also suitable to use both in personal and business usage, as the users can subscribe to low-priced packages on a monthly fee basis. BOTIM also offers group chats, file sharing, and multimedia messaging in addition to calls, which makes the platform an all-purpose one. In case you would like to have a smooth, government-sanctioned way of being in contact with family or colleagues, then BOTIM is the most common and trusted one in this nation.
2. Microsoft Teams – Business Class Video Conferencing
Microsoft Teams has already become one of the most reliable ones among UAE professionals. Teams is an effective application used by companies that have an international workforce known to be characterized by smooth video conferencing, file sharing, and ready integration with other Microsoft Office applications. In contrast to services like Skype, which are blocked in Dubai and in the UAE overall, Teams is officially available in the country, and businesses are able to treat it like a secure video call without any problems. This is essential to working remotely and conducting business meetings due to its scalability, which can range from a one-on-one chat to a large webinar. Microsoft Teams is among the most effective tools that an enterprise can use in 2025 when it requires a stable, legal solution.
3. Zoom – Dubai’s Remote Work Savior
Zoom is now a household name in the world, and in Dubai, it is one of the most popular video conferencing tools. In contrast to most VoIP services, Zoom is not prohibited in the UAE, so it is a convenient solution for both personal and professional calls. It is ideal in classrooms and business meetings with the ability to use breakout rooms, share screens, and record videos on the cloud. It also has a user-friendly interface, which is appealing to families interested in inter-border connectivity. With remote work, online education, and working globally remaining standard in 2025, Zoom will continue to prove a lifesaver to residents and employees in the UAE.
4. Voico – The Rising Star for UAE Residents
Voico is becoming popular among the UAE residents as it is free, accessible, and legal. The application enables users to receive and place high-quality voice and video calls, share files, photos, and even translations in various languages. It is particularly attractive to expats who require connecting with the family at home since they can easily set it up with a free consultation. Voico also supports group video calling, which makes it an effective solution for families and small businesses. As more people are using the service and continue to perform well, Voico is establishing itself as one of the most viable alternatives to limited calling applications in Dubai.
5. GoChat – UAE’s Fastest-Growing Video Calling App
GoChat, developed by Etisalat, is meant to address the communication requirements of the residents of the UAE. It is no ordinary video calling app; it has built-in payment options, games, and entertainment, making it more of a lifestyle platform. GoChat is unique in that it is fast, easy, and free to download. It provides secure and consistent video calling without the use of a VPN, with the support of one of the largest telecom providers in the UAE. GoChat is quickly becoming one of the favourite modes of communication among locals and expats in 2025 due to its all-in-one capabilities, which have made it a favourite among more users.
6. C’Me – The Simple Yet Effective Video Call Solution
C’Me, which was created by Etisalat, allows a simple and legal means of interacting with friends and family by means of video calls. Although it lacks the features of either Zoom or Teams, it is powerful because it is simple and easy to access. C’Me is best suited to voice and video calls, so it is a reliable choice for everyday communication. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use even by individuals who are not that conversant with technology. It is also a good option because of its affordable subscription rates for cost-conscious residents. C’Me can be counted as a reliable choice for those who need a simple, effective, and legal app.
7. HiU Messenger – A Trusted Name in UAE VoIP Services
The hiU Messenger is a long-time member of the approved VoIP ecosystem in the UAE. With voice and video service, HiU Messenger is popular due to its stability and lightness. In contrast to more sophisticated platforms, HiU does not complicate things but provides a stable performance. It facilitates group video communication, messaging, and file sharing and is therefore applicable in individual and business settings. The application is compatible with mobile devices, and hence users are in touch wherever they go. Being among the first applications to be approved, the HiU Messenger has gained credibility over time, and it will be a trusted communication option in 2025.
Step 3: Free and Affordable Options
In case you do not want to spend too much money, you may use such free calling apps for the UAE that are not considered illegal:
Zoom: Can be used to make personal and professional calls.
- Zoom: Works well for both personal and professional calls.
- C’Me by Etisalat: A locally developed app that supports video calling.
- HiU Messenger: A legal and easy-to-use communication app.
Such services are usually effective when both parties possess a good internet connection. They are great in case you are working out how to make video calls to Dubai without running into blocks.
Step 4: Setting Up Business Communications
In the case of US-based businesses that require frequent and stable calls to partners or clients located in Dubai, implementing a VoIP solution by engaging the services of a licensed service provider will be the most appropriate path to take. Options include:
- Etisalat or du Corporate VoIP Packages.
- Corporate VoIP Packages from Etisalat or du.
- Dedicated Meeting Platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Google Meet.
This ensures compliance with UAE regulations and provides enterprise-grade call quality.
Final Thoughts
According to Pixel Glume, Connecting with Dubai from the US doesn’t need to be difficult, and it certainly doesn’t require breaking the rules. Whether you go the traditional route of dialing an international number or use one of the government-approved apps, there are plenty of legal, effective solutions.
To recap:
- Use the dialing code 011-971-4 for landlines.
- For video calls, stick with legal apps like BOTIM, ToTok, Voico, Zoom, or Teams.
- Avoid VPN-based workarounds—there are enough legitimate alternatives to WhatsApp in UAE.
- Choose plans or free apps that suit your budget and communication needs.
By following these steps, you’ll always know how to call Dubai from the US the right way—staying connected to loved ones, colleagues, and business partners without stress.
