The Truth Behind WhatsApp Calls in Dubai
Dubai is a dream destination for many Filipinos seeking a better life. With its high-paying jobs, vibrant city life, and global opportunities, it’s no wonder that over 700,000 Filipinos now call the UAE home. But staying connected with family back in the Philippines remains a challenge—especially with WhatsApp calls being blocked by UAE internet regulations.
That’s where VPNs come in.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become a quiet hero in the lives of many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai. It allows them to bypass restrictions and enjoy uninterrupted WhatsApp voice and video calls to loved ones back home.
This is not just about tech—it’s about connection, comfort, and holding on to what matters most.
Why WhatsApp Calls Are Blocked in Dubai
The UAE has strict VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) regulations. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are blocked for calling, mainly to protect the revenues of local telecom providers. Users are encouraged to use apps like BOTIM or ToTok, which are licensed by the government—but these apps don’t always offer the same quality or privacy that WhatsApp does.
For Filipinos, WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app. It’s a daily bridge between worlds—used for birthdays, virtual dinners, check-ins with kids, and late-night talks with aging parents. So, the inability to use it freely is a deep emotional strain.
That’s why many are turning to VPNs to unlock WhatsApp calling and reclaim a sense of normalcy in their digital lives.
Meet Rose: A Caregiver Who Found Her Voice Again
Rose, 34, moved to Dubai three years ago to work as a caregiver for an Emirati family. Her son was only 7 months old when she left the Philippines. For the first few weeks, she survived on blurry voice notes and expensive overseas calls. She was losing touch—and it was breaking her spirit.
One of her roommates introduced her to a VPN.
“It was like magic,” Rose says with a smile. “For the first time, I saw my son’s face clearly on WhatsApp video. I cried.”
Using a VPN not only allowed Rose to speak freely with her family, but it also helped her mental health. She now talks to her son daily. Her husband even helps him with homework over video chat.
“This small tool gave me peace of mind and helped me feel like a mom again.”
VPNs: A Lifeline for Filipino Workers
VPNs work by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through servers in different countries. This tricks your ISP into thinking you’re browsing from a different location—allowing you to bypass restrictions.
In Dubai, popular VPNs used by Filipinos include:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
These services offer reliable connections and protect users’ privacy—an important feature when living in a country with strict internet surveillance.
While VPN use sits in a gray legal area, many expats continue to use them for personal, non-commercial reasons like staying in touch with family.
Mark’s Journey from Isolation to Online Empowerment
Mark, a 29-year-old graphic designer, moved to Dubai in 2022 full of dreams. But loneliness hit him hard during his first Ramadan alone.
“I used to join family dinners on WhatsApp video back home,” he explains. “Not being able to call crushed me.”
After researching online, Mark started using a VPN and was instantly reconnected with his world.
He didn’t stop there. Using the same VPN, Mark also started freelancing with international clients who used Zoom and Skype—apps also partially restricted in the UAE.
“VPNs helped me earn extra income. I now design for brands in Australia, Singapore, and even back home in Manila. That’s freedom.”
The Emotional Cost of Disconnection
It’s easy to dismiss WhatsApp calling as a small thing, but for OFWs, it’s their only way to be part of their family’s daily lives. Imagine missing your child’s first steps or not being able to say goodbye during a funeral—all because a call won’t go through.
VPNs give them back those moments. They restore dignity, connection, and emotional balance.
Celebrating Achievements: How Filipinos Are Thriving in Dubai
Despite the struggles, many Filipinos are thriving in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs are opening salons, restaurants, and online stores.
- Nurses and caregivers are being recognized for their dedication during health crises.
- Freelancers and creatives are building global portfolios from their Dubai apartments.
- Engineers, teachers, and hotel staff are rising through the ranks despite language and cultural barriers.
All of them have one thing in common: the desire to stay connected to their roots while building a future abroad.
And often, a simple VPN app helps make that possible.
Tips for Using VPN Safely in the UAE
If you’re planning to use a VPN in Dubai, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a reputable VPN with a no-logs policy.
- Never use it for illegal activities—stick to personal use like calling family or remote work.
- Keep your app updated for the best security and performance.
- Avoid free VPNs as they may compromise your privacy or stop working under UAE regulations.
Current Happenings: Filipinos Staying Resilient in 2025
As of 2025, life in Dubai is picking up for many OFWs. The cost of living is still high, but so are opportunities. Many Filipinos are now:
- Buying properties in the Philippines thanks to higher savings.
- Sending kids to better schools through stable remittances.
- Starting side hustles online, often enabled by tools accessed via VPN.
- Building communities in Dubai’s churches, public parks, and online forums.
The struggles are real, but so is the progress.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Every video call made through a VPN is more than just data—it’s a lifeline. It’s a father seeing his daughter’s graduation, a mother reading bedtime stories to her baby, a couple holding on to their love from 4,000 miles away.
Filipinos in Dubai are not just surviving—they are building, growing, and achieving, one call at a time.
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