Messengers have long been an integral part of modern life. It is safe to say that neither the local population of the UAE, nor immigrants who come there to find work and settle for a certain time, can do without them. Establishing contact through text messages, audio and video messages makes it possible to exchange information with people regardless of their place of residence.
Features of use
A multifunctional communication application in Dubai is something that a person’s daily life is impossible without, no matter what he does. First of all, this is due to convenience. When comparing sending SMS and messaging in a messenger, the latter definitely win. An undoubted advantage is the possibility of using the information exchange program over the Internet for free. As a rule, you only need to pay for the selected tariff. When conducting correspondence, you do not need to think about the balance. Tariff plans allow you to send photos, audio and video messages between two interlocutors and entire groups of interested parties.
According to statistics, about 90% of the population of the Arab Emirates are expatriates. This is how it is customary to call qualified employees who left their native country and moved to another state in order to gain new experience. They often use free apps where they can share audio and video messages with friends and relatives.
VoIP telephony is popular. Thanks to this innovative technology, users can use Internet protocols to quickly transmit voice messages. In one of the strategically important territories of the world, which is considered to be the Persian Gulf region, a private network, known by the acronym VPN, is widely used to contact different people with each other using standardized protocols.
In 2021, the UAE adopted decree-law (34), non-compliance with which entails a fine of up to 20000000 AED. In some cases, violators face imprisonment. The law prohibits the misuse of VPNs. In particular, it is prohibited to use a private network in any fraudulent schemes. At the same time, it should be noted that the Arab Emirates is recognized as one of the world leaders in the number of virtual network downloads. According to the American company Atlas VPN, 3.9 million downloads were recorded during the first half of 2021. For example, in Qatar, about 44.47% of the population uses a virtual private network. This figure is slightly lower in the Emirates. It is 39.91%.
Mobile and Internet operators Etisalat and Du are developing favorable tariffs that can be used by becoming a user of the free GoChat, Botim and Voico applications. The cost of services starts from 5 AED per day.
Microsoft Teams
As in the rest of the world, Microsoft Teams is considered a popular program for communication in Dubai. It is represented by a single ecosystem that combines Office 365 products. By installing the platform, users can use chat rooms, make appointments, take notes and call each other via video link.
One of the basic functions of the application that allows you to establish communication between contacts is considered to be chats. They are usually divided into two categories: group and personal. The first ones are used to establish communication within the company and conduct teamwork on a project. Personal chats are created for private communication.
Chat features that will be useful for Microsoft Teams users:
- Adding new contacts and excluding old ones. You can do this manually or using invitation links (in this case, the participants of the event will automatically get into the specified conversation). Accesses are easily regulated by the administrator. It is possible to view the contents of the chat and shared files.
- Regardless of the type of device used (Android, iOS ecosystem, Windows, Linux, proprietary macOS operating system), it is possible to make convenient notification settings.
- Maintaining order in the workspace. Avoiding the appearance of chaos in conversations will make it possible to continue the chat under the main message.
- Communication with users who support other messengers.
- Maintaining a high level of confidentiality – without providing access by the administrator, no one will be able to find out the information being discussed.
- A system of priorities in the workspace. Important chats can be fixed above those that have less significance. All important information will always be visible.
- Formatting the text using a special editor.
- Reactions allow you to express your emotions to a message if, for some reason, the user does not have time to respond to it.
The application gives you the opportunity to participate in free video conferences. When using the free version, one event can last 60 minutes. Up to 100 people can participate in it.
Zoom
The platform is used mainly for video calls. The application allows you to hold conferences with up to 100 participants in the free version. The duration of such a meeting will be limited to 40 minutes. Provided that the chat is personal and two people participate in it, communication is not limited to anything. Also, users of the application can hold an unlimited number of video meetings. A distinctive feature of the platform is considered to be high HD image quality (it can be configured before the start of the video conference). By maintaining this standard, the creators of Zoom managed to achieve a clearer image compared to the usual resolution. Using the paid version allows you to attract from 500 to 10,000 interested people to participate.
Before launching the conference, you can customize the application to suit your tasks. For example, users can turn on a timer to track the time of an event, or set up a dark theme. The image will be slightly blurred before the start of the video conference. This allows you to correct the appearance. The application allows you to display an active speaker. This is convenient when several speakers take part in the conference.
There is a noise reduction function in the sound settings. In the chat, you can set the “Do not disturb” mode, which will be active at certain hours. When choosing a platform, users should remember that it is necessary to prepare a place on the computer to store the recording of the meeting. You can save to the cloud only when you purchase a paid plan.
Google Meet
A distinctive feature of the Google Meet application, which is often used for audio and video communication by residents of the UAE, is the absence of the need to install it on a computer. The platform functions when it is launched in the browser. The creators of the application developed it mainly for smartphones, so you can download it on Google Play and the App Store.
The functionality is quite diverse, but the free version has a limited number of options available. For example, without buying a tariff, the participants of the meeting can show their screen, change the background at their discretion, connect to the conversation via a guest link, use the exchange of reactions. But they will not have the opportunity to keep a recording of the conference for themselves. Residents of the Arab Emirates have access to all paid Google Meet options. To do this, they only need to pay the tariff, having studied its advantages in advance.
The free version allows you to make private calls, the duration of which is up to 24 hours. The number of participants in the video meeting will be limited from 3-100 people, the time limit is 60 minutes. When purchasing a paid plan, users can create meetings with up to 1,000 participants. They can record the event and stream it on YouTube. The sound and image quality will be of high quality.
To start chatting, you need to register an account in Google Mail. The password and e-mail will be the user’s data that will be needed for activation.
Cisco Webex
The use of the Cisco Webex ecosystem attracts with the possibility of holding conferences on different types of devices without functional limitations. The reception and transmission of images are of good quality. Audio messages are supported using a data-to-voice (VoIP) receiving device and a regular smartphone. Advantages of the platform:
- video conferencing from mobile devices;
- multi-screen image reception;
- the ability to switch the camera if necessary;
- using voice commands;
- full-screen video output;
- working with content during a video conference;
- information can be submitted by several participants at the same time;
- High definition speaker voice transmission;
- the presence of a recording indicator.
The organizer can schedule and cancel online events. It has the function of transferring the rights of the speaker to any person. If necessary, the meeting creator will be able to control the microphones and block access to a certain circle of people. The creators of the service provided for the availability of Wi-Fi and 3G/4G/LTE support. In the team chat, you can communicate in different languages.
BOTIM
As an alternative to popular messengers, UAE residents use the BOTIM communication app. The program is equipped with a large number of useful options. The functionality is not unique because it is used in other ecosystems. But due to the high quality of the work, some users prefer it.
The application is suitable for fast and efficient messaging. Users can contact any contact at a convenient time, regardless of their location. The software assumes free use of audio and video communication. It is carried out using any currently available connections: 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi.
The application gives you the opportunity to indicate your status on popular social networks and find the necessary contacts there. Calls are characterized by a high level of encryption, which guarantees that unauthorized devices will not be able to access the information. When creating group chats, it is possible to invite up to 500 participants.
C’ME
The service allows you to create a link in the application. It can be in the form of a “Call” button or a QR code. When a user clicks on a link, they contact its creator. At the same time, the phone number is not used, and the connection itself will be relatively inexpensive for both participants. You will not need additional plugins and extensions to make contact. Thanks to the latest technologies that were used to create the platform, it can be used in any operating system.
The link is placed on any sites: on the company’s website, in the application, on a social network, email newsletters, on a virtual advertising banner. It is possible to record a call and store it in the device’s memory, translate a conversation, and collect analytics.
The browser will ask for permission to use the camera or microphone during the contact process. Personal data, the list of people added to contacts, and the location of the account owner will be safe. Among the advantages of the application is the high quality of communication. The developers were able to provide it through the use of codecs, a noise reduction system and automatic flow control with connection speed.
HiU Messenger
In Dubai, it is common to use an application for video and audio calls called HIU Messenger. It is not possible to create conferences with the involvement of a large number of participants. Therefore, the platform is mainly used for private contacts. For smooth operation, you will need to connect the device to Wi-Fi. There are options for sending text messages. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Playstore.
Voico
Thanks to the pre-loading of video into the reserved memory of the device, which is called a buffer, the creators of the Voico application managed to guarantee excellent HD video communication. UAE residents actively use this function to organize business video conferences and just communicate with relatives and friends.
Audio communication is characterized by the absence of any interference, regardless of whether the interlocutor lives in a neighboring house, or he is a thousand kilometers away from the user. It is possible to record conversations and store them in the device’s memory.
You can use Voico to send text files and videos in various formats. If there is an urgent need to exchange information, users send important notes to each other. To do this, you do not need to make additional payments for services. The application itself translates the text message into the language that the recipient speaks. The option covers more than a hundred languages.
Etisalat Cloud Talk Meeting
The application is used in the UAE to organize business communications. It allows you to take your business to a new level, in which continuous communication in real time ensures the effectiveness of ongoing processes. The integrated solution is provided through a cloud-based private PBX. Thanks to this, the creators of the platform managed to avoid using outdated settings.
Ecosystem users receive the following benefits:
- high-resolution video calls;
- uninterrupted conference communication;
- the ability to work together online;
- recording of negotiations;
- visibility of use.
A modern platform allows you to meet the needs of a rapidly developing business. The lack of initial investments makes the ecosystem accessible to business owners of any format.
Totok
The secure Totok app quickly became popular in the UAE due to its ease of use and lack of strict requirements for providing communication. It is used for voice and video calls, as well as for text messaging. To organize communication with close friends, users need to ensure an uninterrupted Internet connection. The main feature is the ability to make an unlimited number of free calls around the world.
You do not need to pay any additional fees to use the platform. The download is free, there are no ads in the application that will distract the user and set him up for purchases. The latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence are used to improve the quality of communications. Due to this, the speaker’s voice becomes clearer and noise reduction increases.
Totok supports all communication formats, including sending emoticons, photos, audio and video messages, and GIF files. Users can share their location with each other and send business cards to contacts. To hold a virtual event, it is allowed to assemble a group with 10,000 participants. Group video calls are supported in a community of up to 20 people.
Users can use a special retouching filter to smooth out skin imperfections and other visible flaws. One click will change the image for the better. The ecosystem uses modern encryption methods to ensure a high level of confidentiality.
Comera
The platform was created on the basis of the VideoMost server, which is supported by Spirit. The application is characterized by a user-friendly interface and the availability of modern means of protecting information data and encryption. Management is carried out taking into account the introduced requirements of local legislation. The ecosystem provides the ability to send photos, audio and video messages, as well as make fast and secure calls anywhere in the world.
According to analysts, the platform successfully replaces foreign messengers. You can use it to quickly launch conferences on your smartphone. With the help of Comera, UAE residents exchange geo-positions, messages, stickers and create interest groups.
GoChat
The application was launched very recently. Despite this, it immediately became popular among those who prefer fast and efficient communication solutions. GoChat is very similar to the well-known WhatsApp (video calls of this application cannot be used by residents of the UAE). Sending text messages is completely identical: the presence of one and two checkboxes indicate, respectively, that the information was sent and delivered to the user. When the checkmarks turn colored, it is a sign that the recipient has read the message.
Using the platform, people can call each other via audio and video communication without restrictions. It is very easy to understand the application due to the intuitive interface and the lack of additional functionality that complicates its work.
Skype Business
VoIP from foreign services that are popular all over the world, such as WhatsApp and Skype, has strict restrictions in the UAE. However, the Skype Business platform, designed for business contacts, has become widespread in this country. The ecosystem interface does not copy Skype at home. But the main elements that are used for management, the design of the dialogues were borrowed by the creators of the platform. Skype Business also has a blue background, rounded icon design and the same animated emoticons.
The Dubai communication app allows users to get in touch from one device, and then continue it using a landline phone or smartphone during the communication process. At the same time, the messaging function in the created chat is supported. The platform makes it possible to hold online meetings for a large audience. Up to 10,000 people can simultaneously connect to the broadcast.