Staying Connected in the UAE: How Expats Use VPNs to Unlock WhatsApp & Skype
Living in the UAE is not in vain; there are cities, security, and prospects. However, when you are an expat and trying to call a family at home using WhatsApp or Skype, you must have reached a frustrating barrier called VoIP restrictions.

Calls won’t connect. The apps are effective messaging services, on that note, but that green call button? The broken ones have no workaround.
What then is the most effective way of connecting with UAE expats? Easy: they utilize the means of VPN (Virtual Private Network); however, not every VPN. So, what exactly is the truth behind this? Why is it a lifeline to so many people and what must I know before clicking the icon that reads connect?
What is the reason WhatsApp and Skype calls are Blocked in UAE?
The UAE is very strict on websites that use calling apps. Voice/video calling services on providers such as WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Messenger have been blocked due to the avoidance of the use of traditional telecoms such as Etisalat and du.
Besides, it is not a bug. It’s policy.
VPNs are the next thing in that line: encrypted apps that conceal your IP address and convince apps that the user is in a different location. Out of the blue, blocked features come in handy.
How a VPN Helps Expats Call Freely
The method of a VPN in the UAE is that it redirects your internet connection to another country. This opens the functionality of applications such as:
- WhatsApp audio and video calling
- Business or family Skype chat
- Teams and Zoom remote working
- Telegram, Viber, Signal, and more
It is not only about calls. Using VPN, expats can access their bank services back in their native country, view ge-blocked Netflix content, or have a non-targeted browsing experience.
Not All VPNs Work in the UAE
Here is the catch. The government of the UAE is keen on offering most of the VPN services. It simply is not enough to search for a Free VPN.
The VPN that you require must:
- Functional with deep packet inspection (DPI)
- Does not keep any logs, sound anonymity
- It is not only a desktop, but also has mobile apps (iOS, Android)
That is the selling point of Planet VPN. It is designed to satisfy traveling, digital nomads, and expatriates in the nations where limits are the rule. It is a way to get around firewalls in the UAE, without much setup and with no dodgy logs.
When a VPN Becomes a Lifeline
For lots of the expatriates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, it is not a luxury to be able to dial back home because it is a necessity.
You lose the voice of your mom. Your child desires to have FaceTime with grandma. Perhaps your customer is in London and he is willing to jump on Skype. The block of the UAE may seem like a disconnection in the digital space.
Then, a functioning VPN brings that elemental human association back.
Will You Get in Trouble for Using a VPN in the UAE?
Ok, let us eliminate this confusion. VPNs do not refuse to work in the UAE. It is illegal to use a VPN to commit a crime (e.g. a fraud).
Bringing your cousin to Canada through WhatsApp? It is not a crime.
Millions of people use VPN daily to conduct business actions, work remotely, and communicate. It all depends on selecting a reputable, safe VPN that does not leak your information and does not make local ISP mark your connection.
Here’s What to Look for in a UAE-Friendly VPN
When choosing a VPN in the UAE, don’t compromise. Look for:
- No data caps – You’ll need unlimited bandwidth for smooth calls
- Kill switch feature – Protects your identity if the connection drops
- Servers near the UAE – Like in India, Europe, or the UK, for better speed
- App compatibility – Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and even routers
That is precisely what is presented by Planet VPN: a BS-free VPN that even when other VPNs will not work, will do so.
Final Words
You shouldn’t have to have to go to choice amongst dwelling in the UAE and visiting your family overseas. Thanks to an excellent VPN tech, you don’t need to.
For expats, tourists, or remote workers in the Emirates, a VPN is no plug-and-play: it’s a necessity.
Don’t spend hours trying inferior apps, or, god forbid, your call will ever connect. You just need a good VPN that works in the UAE. FreePlanetVPN is developed for you.