Calling the UAE can be expensive with regular phone carriers. But for most everyday calls — family, friends, business — there are ways to call Dubai for free or near-free using internet-based apps, regardless of where you are.
Short Answer: The best apps to call Dubai for free are WhatsApp (most widely used in UAE), Google Meet, FaceTime (iPhone to iPhone), and Skype. All work over Wi-Fi or mobile data with no per-minute charges. For calls to a UAE landline or number without a smartphone, Skype Out or Google Voice offer the cheapest per-minute rates.
Free Calling Apps (Both Parties Need the App)
1. WhatsApp — Most Widely Used in UAE
WhatsApp has extremely high adoption in the UAE — it’s the primary communication method for most residents. Voice and video calls on WhatsApp are free, end-to-end encrypted, and work well over 4G/5G or Wi-Fi.
Just open WhatsApp, find the contact, and tap the phone or video camera icon. No per-minute charges.
2. Google Meet
Google Meet offers free video calls (up to 60 minutes for groups, unlimited for 1-on-1 calls). Share a meeting link and anyone with a Google account can join. Good for scheduled calls or family video chats.
3. FaceTime (iPhone to iPhone)
If both parties use iPhones, FaceTime works excellently for UAE calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Audio quality is typically very good. FaceTime also works on Mac and iPad.
4. Zoom
Free Zoom meetings support up to 40 minutes in group calls. Unlimited for 1-on-1 calls. Good if the other party is already a Zoom user for work.
Important: VoIP Regulations in the UAE
Warning: The UAE has historically restricted some VoIP calling features. WhatsApp and Botim are officially licensed for use in the UAE. Some other VoIP apps (like standard Skype calling to phone numbers) may have limited functionality within the UAE. WhatsApp calling over Wi-Fi and mobile data works reliably for UAE users.
As of 2026, WhatsApp, Botim, and Google Meet work reliably for calls within and to/from the UAE. Check current TRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) regulations if you’re specifically calling from inside the UAE.
Calling a UAE Phone Number (Not App-to-App)
If you need to call a UAE landline or a number where the recipient doesn’t have a smartphone:
Skype Out
Skype charges ~$0.023/minute to UAE mobile numbers. You buy Skype Credit and use it to call any UAE phone number from the Skype app. Reasonable for occasional calls to UAE landlines.
Google Voice (US Only)
Google Voice offers cheap international rates but is only available with a US number.
Calling Cards / Rebtel
Rebtel offers cheap per-minute rates for international calls to UAE numbers from most countries, using a local number routing system.
Best App for UAE: Botim
Botim is the officially licensed VoIP calling app in the UAE, required by Etisalat (now e&) and Du subscribers for calling over mobile data. If the person you’re calling is in the UAE on a UAE SIM, they likely use Botim for VoIP calling on mobile data.
Best by situation:
Calling a UAE smartphone user → WhatsApp | Both have iPhones → FaceTime | UAE landline → Skype Out | Within UAE on mobile data → Botim
FAQ
Does WhatsApp work normally in the UAE?
Yes. WhatsApp voice and video calls work in the UAE over both Wi-Fi and mobile data as of 2026. Text messaging has always worked. Check current TRA announcements for any regulatory changes.
What’s the cheapest way to call a UAE number from India?
If both parties have WhatsApp, calling is completely free. For UAE landlines or for people without smartphones: Skype Out at ~₹2-3/minute, or call cards from local shops for even cheaper rates.
Can I call UAE numbers with Google Meet?
Google Meet is for video calls to other Meet users — it doesn’t call phone numbers. For calling UAE phone numbers without a smartphone app, use Skype Out or a call card service.
Quick checklist:
- ✅ Use WhatsApp for free calls — it has the highest user adoption in UAE
- ✅ Botim if the recipient is on a UAE mobile SIM calling over mobile data
- ✅ Skype Out for calling UAE landlines or non-smartphone numbers
- ✅ Check current UAE TRA regulations for VoIP if calling from inside the UAE
Make WhatsApp Calls ↗ ↗Download Botim
Conclusion
WhatsApp covers the vast majority of call scenarios between India and UAE — it’s free, reliable, and the most-used messaging app in the UAE. For landlines or business numbers, Skype Out provides affordable per-minute rates. See our guide on best video calling apps for full comparisons of calling options.