There are certain apps and websites which are not allowed in Dubai due to either national security or cultural reasons. Most notably, the following apps and websites are illegal in Dubai:
* VoIP services: Skype, Viber, Whatsapp Calling, Facetime, etc.
* Social media applications: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.
* Pornography-related content
* VPNs and anonymizers
* Voice and Video conferencing services
* Online gambling and betting-related content
* VoD services like Netflix and Hulu
* Online gaming
* Music and video streaming services
* File sharing services like BitTorrent
If you are using these services while in Dubai, they could be blocked or you could face prosecution. It is important to be aware of what you can and can’t access while in Dubai. It is also advisable to use a local VPN service for added security.
Is Instagram allowed in Dubai?
Yes, Instagram is allowed in Dubai. However, there are certain limitations regarding what can be shared and posted on the platform, as many countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, closely monitor the Web and social media sites and block access to content considered to be offensive or against their religious and cultural values.
For example, content containing nudity, obscenity, religious intolerance, inappropriate language and violence is subject to be blocked or deleted. Additionally, posting any criticism of the UAE government or its officials is strictly prohibited.
Why Video calls are blocked in Dubai?
Video calls are blocked in Dubai due to a variety of reasons, stemming from the Islamic beliefs and values held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has a sophisticated and ever-growing system of Internet censorship to filter out blasphemous, pornographic, political, and morally offensive content.
This includes restrictions on video calls, which are seen as a potential source of inappropriate communication and of immoral or illegal activities.
The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has stated that any kind of video content which is obscene, pornographic, or offensive in nature (as defined by their own standards) is off-limits and blocked in Dubai.
Additionally, video calling services such as Skype are also considered to be “at risk” of breaching national security laws, so they may be blocked or restricted in order to prevent any misuse of the technology.
In short, video calls are blocked in Dubai because they could potentially be used for inappropriate communication or for activities that go against the Islamic beliefs and values held by the UAE. The country’s Internet censorship system blocks any kind of video calls deemed offensive or potentially dangerous to both the public and the government.
Are there internet restrictions in Dubai?
Yes, there are internet restrictions in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has some of the most restrictive internet policies in the world. The UAE regulates all forms of digital media, including websites, publications, applications and social media.
Internet users are prohibited from accessing any content that could be regarded as offensive or a threat to the country’s moral values. Any website that relates to the politics of the UAE or showcases content that goes against its social values is also blocked.
Examples of such content include criticisms of the government, news sources that discuss civil liberties, homosexuality and non-Muslims. Furthermore, people are prohibited from engaging in activities that are deemed to be a threat to security.
These include the use of VPNs, the downloading of copyrighted material, and the use of torrents or file-sharing capabilities. The country also has cybercrime laws against activities like hacking and online fraud.
Is YouTube banned in Dubai?
Yes, YouTube is currently banned in Dubai. The specific law being enforced by authorities is the UAE’s internet censorship policy. This policy requires the complete blocking of sites deemed to contain pornographic material, gambling services, and audio and video streaming services such as YouTube.
Although, some YouTube content may be provided by satellite operators in theory, enforcement of the restriction appears to be taken seriously. Additionally, users of both corporate and retail internet packages have to use third-party services such as VPNs in order to get access to YouTube.
What social media can I use in Dubai?
In Dubai, most commonly used social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat and TikTok. Many well-known brands and companies use these platforms for advertising, marketing and promoting their products and services.
With rising internet penetration in the region, social media has become a powerful tool to engage and reach out to audiences in an effective and measurable way.
Using social media in Dubai offers various opportunities to the businesses to build brand awareness, create visibility and cultivate relationships with potential customers. Businesses use these platforms to increase user engagement through creative videos, images, polls, surveys and other interactive content.
Besides, companies can use it for customer care, recruitment, PR and marketing activities, as well as to generate leads, understand customer’s needs, boost sales, optimize customer service and build brand loyalty.
Apart from business use, social media have also become a popular way for people to stay in touch with family and friends, share photos and experiences, discover new places, make new friends, and more.
There are also many social networks dedicated to specific interest groups and topics, such as music, gaming, food, religion, fashion and more.
Overall, social media are an effective way to stay connected and create meaningful relationships with others in Dubai.
Can you FaceTime in Dubai?
Yes, you can FaceTime in Dubai. You will generally be able to use FaceTime over wi-fi or a 4G/LTE connection, depending on your service provider. However, you should be aware that some Internet Service Providers in Dubai may block or limit access to Voice over Internet Protocol services, VoIP and Facetime, without prior notice.
This restriction is usually put in place by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or TRA. In some cases, you may need to check with your service provider to see if there are any restrictions in place, and if so, what methods can be used to bypass them.
Is Facebook ban in Dubai?
Yes, Facebook has been banned in Dubai since early 2017. This is because the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, has imposed restrictions on the use of certain online tools, including social media networks.
The ban affects the entire country, including Dubai. The official reason given for the ban is that certain digital tools could be used to spread “illicit and inappropriate content,” though many believe there are political and religious motivations as well.
The ban applies only to the use of the website, so other Facebook-owned products like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger are still available to UAE residents.
Is TikTok available in Dubai?
Yes, TikTok is available in Dubai. The app is extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has been growing in usage since its initial launch in 2018. In August 2019, it was reported that TikTok had finally surpassed Facebook as the most downloaded app in the UAE.
TikTok is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and can be downloaded by anyone in Dubai with an internet connection and compatible device. The app offers many features such as customizing videos and sharing them with friends, exploring content from around the world, and participating in creative challenges.
The app has been gaining more traction in Dubai and is becoming increasingly popular in the region.