Every phone already has a video calling app — the hard part is finding one that works for everyone, including anyone in Dubai. The UAE restricts WhatsApp voice and video calls, and some apps behave differently on iPhone and Android. This comparison covers the apps that matter in 2026 for the USA and the UAE.
At a glance
| App | Free 1-to-1 | Free group limit | Works in UAE | iPhone | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTIM | Yes | Group video supported | Yes — licensed | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom | Yes | 100, ~40 min | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Meet | Yes | 100, ~60 min | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | 100, ~60 min | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FaceTime | Yes | Up to 32 | Mostly | Yes | Link only |
| Yes | Up to 32 | No | Yes | Yes |
Limits change, so treat group numbers as approximate. All six apps are free to download, and none charges for a one-to-one call.
BOTIM — the safest choice for the UAE
BOTIM is the UAE's licensed calling app — the default for any Dubai call. App-to-app calls are free, group video is supported, and your contact probably already has it. A paid plan (around AED 50 a month, approximate) covers calling ordinary numbers.
Zoom — best for planned calls and larger groups
Zoom suits planned calls best. One-to-one calls are free with no time limit; free group meetings allow around 100 people for about 40 minutes. It works on iPhone, Android and computer. Turning off HD video halves data use on weak Wi-Fi.
Google Meet — best if everyone already uses Google
Google Meet is free with a Google account. One-to-one calls are free; free group calls run up to about 60 minutes with around 100 people. It works in a browser or the app.
Microsoft Teams — best for work calls
The free personal version of Microsoft Teams covers video calls on iPhone, Android and computer with a Microsoft account. Free group calls run up to about 60 minutes. Best for work — sharing a screen or a document. Skype was retired in 2025.
FaceTime — best for iPhone-to-iPhone, with a catch
FaceTime is built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac, with group calls for up to 32 people. Android and Windows users join by link only. It is missing from some older iPhones bought in the UAE — ask the Dubai side to check first.
WhatsApp — great everywhere except the UAE
WhatsApp video calls are free, easy and familiar, with group video for up to 32 people. In the USA, fine. But WhatsApp calls are restricted on UAE networks, so a call to Dubai will usually not connect. Keep it for messaging.
How much data do they use?
Data use depends more on quality than on the app: about 300–500 MB per hour at standard quality and 1–1.5 GB per hour at high quality. Zoom, Meet and Teams let you turn off HD video.
Which app should you pick?
- Someone in Dubai is on the call: BOTIM first, then Zoom or Google Meet.
- A planned family call: Zoom or Google Meet, with a link sent first.
- A work call: Microsoft Teams.
- Both sides on iPhone: FaceTime, after checking the Dubai phone has it.
- A quick USA-only call: WhatsApp is fine — switch apps the moment Dubai joins.
FAQ
Which video call app works best in Dubai? BOTIM — licensed in the UAE and widely used there. Zoom, Meet and Teams also work.
Can I use WhatsApp to video call Dubai? No, not reliably. WhatsApp calls are restricted on UAE networks. Use BOTIM, Zoom, Google Meet or Teams for the call, WhatsApp only for messages.
Is FaceTime available in Dubai? It works on most modern iPhones, but is missing from some older iPhones bought in the UAE. Check first; if it is not there, use BOTIM or Google Meet.
Are these video call apps really free? Yes — one-to-one calls are free on all these apps. Charges only appear for extras, like BOTIM's paid plan, or mobile data.