Calling family, friends or colleagues in Dubai from the USA is simple once you pick the right app and the right time. Two things catch people out: Dubai is 8 to 12 hours ahead of the USA, and WhatsApp voice and video calls are restricted in the UAE. This guide covers the working options step by step.
Start with the time difference
Dubai runs on Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4) all year, with no daylight saving. The US changes its clocks, so the gap shifts by one hour in March and November.
| US city (time zone) | Dubai is ahead by (US summer) | Dubai is ahead by (US winter) |
|---|---|---|
| New York (Eastern) | 8 hours | 9 hours |
| Chicago (Central) | 9 hours | 10 hours |
| Denver (Mountain) | 10 hours | 11 hours |
| Los Angeles (Pacific) | 11 hours | 12 hours |
For example, 8 PM in Dubai is noon in New York in summer, 11 AM in winter. The easiest windows are 8 to 11 AM Eastern (4 to 7 PM in Dubai) or 7 to 9 PM in Dubai (11 AM to 1 PM Eastern). Agree the time in both zones first.
Step 1 — Choose an app that works at both ends
Both sides must use the same app, and it must be allowed to make voice and video calls in the UAE:
- BOTIM — the most widely used approved app in the UAE; app-to-app calls are free.
- Zoom — free one-to-one calls with no time limit; free group calls end after 40 minutes.
- Google Meet — free with a Google account; free group calls run up to 60 minutes.
- Microsoft Teams — free personal version works with a Microsoft account.
- FaceTime — free between Apple devices only; useless if either side uses Android.
Do not plan the call on WhatsApp if the other person is in the UAE — texts work there, but voice and video calls are restricted and usually fail.
Step 2 — Set it up before the call
- Both sides install the same app from the official app store and sign in.
- Add each other as a contact, or share the meeting link.
- Allow the app to use the microphone and camera when it asks.
- Make a 30-second test call to check picture and sound.
- Check the internet connection — Wi-Fi is better than mobile data.
Step 3 — Make the call
Open the app, find the contact or link, and tap the video icon. Face a window or lamp and keep the phone steady. If the picture freezes, switch the camera off and back on. If the sound echoes, use earphones. Keep the phone charged — video calls drain the battery fast.
What does it cost?
App-to-app video calls are free on Wi-Fi — BOTIM, Zoom, Google Meet, Teams and FaceTime charge nothing for the call itself. On mobile data, a video call uses roughly 5 to 8 MB per minute at standard quality, so a 30-minute call uses about 150 to 240 MB (approximate figures; higher quality uses more). A UAE data add-on or US pass can add cost — use Wi-Fi where you can. For reference, 1 US dollar is about 3.67 UAE dirhams (AED).
Tips for a clear call
- Call on Wi-Fi rather than mobile data when you can.
- Face a window or lamp, not a bright window behind you.
- On a weak connection, turn off your camera and continue with voice.
FAQ
Can I video call Dubai from the USA on WhatsApp? Not reliably — WhatsApp calls are restricted in the UAE, so a call to Dubai will usually not connect. Use BOTIM, Zoom, Google Meet or Teams instead.
What time is it in Dubai when it is noon in New York? In US summer time, noon in New York is 8 PM in Dubai; in winter, 9 PM.
Is BOTIM free to use? App-to-app calls on BOTIM are free; extra features are paid, but a basic call costs nothing.
How much data does a 30-minute video call use? Roughly 150 to 240 MB at standard quality (approximate). Use Wi-Fi to avoid mobile data charges.