How to Unblock Skype in UAE (Teams)

December 30, 2025 By Nancy William No Comments 6 minutes

What is Skype, and what happened to it? Is Skype no longer working in the UAE? In short, yes, it’s blocked there. If you’re traveling to the country and would like to get access to it, this guide will show you how to unblock Skype in UAE.

Even though there are a few services, such as Skype (Teams), WhatsApp, and FaceTime, are popular for global communication, everyone who is in the UAE will often find that these apps are blocked. They’re blocked mainly for voice and video calls.

WARNING!
You cannot make video and voice calls on Skype while in the UAE. So, before you use a VPN to get past the restrictions, consider going through the laws of the country, and then proceed with caution. We, at FastestVPN, are in no way to be held responsible, and this guide is purely for informational purposes.

Bans or blocks like these can leave a significant dent in communications and prevent you from staying in touch with family, friends, or international colleagues.

With that said, this guide explains the reason behind these restrictions and provides practical strategies to help you stay connected using both alternatives and technical workarounds. Let’s get started.

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Why is Skype Blocked in UAE?

There are a few key reasons why Skype is blocked in the UAE. These include:

Telecom Revenue Protection

There are several objectives that drive the UAE’s internet regulations. One major factor is protecting revenue for the nation’s primary telecommunications operators, Etisalat and Du.

These companies experience a direct financial impact when consumers opt for free international calling and video applications instead of their paid services.

Authoritative and Regulatory Control

UAE’s regulatory policies also require that any VoIP service obtain official licensing to operate within its borders.

This demand, enforced by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), places many widely used international applications, such as Skype, in a non-compliant position.

Since these platforms have not acquired the necessary local license, access to them is restricted in the region.

Content Control and National Security

Further justification for these policies is found in considerations of national security and content oversight.

The government exercises authority over digital communications to monitor security threats and control the spreading of information through unofficial channels.

Advertisement of Licensed Services

These blocks were implemented to lead users toward local alternatives to Skype in the UAE.

When they restricted access to unlicensed global apps, the policy encouraged the public and businesses to use approved local services such as BOTIM or the dedicated calling packages directly from Etisalat and Du.

This was enforced to ensure that all communication spending remained within the local economy and complied with national regulations.

How to Unblock Skype in the UAE with a VPN

While using a VPN to access Skype in the UAE is not the safest option, it is still one of the best.

However, we urge you to proceed only after going through the risks, the laws of the country, and at your own discretion. This guide is simply for informational reasons. Here is how to get started:

Subscribe to FastestVPN and create your account. Choose any one of the packages; all are affordable.
Download and install the VPN. You can directly do it from the website or from the official app stores.
Open the VPN and sign in to your account. Connect to the best server where Skype is available. We recommend the US server or a short-distance server.
Tweak the settings according to your preferences. You can contact the support team for assistance.
Wait till you get a connection. Now open the Skype app.
Sign in to your account and use Skype in the UAE.

Just in case you run into any issues, try clearing the cookies and cache from your browser and then start again.

Skype Features That Are Available in the UAE

Here are a few features of Skype that are available in the UAE:

Instant messaging: you can send and receive text messages, use emojis, and even share photos and files.
Screen sharing and video conferencing: you will be able to share your screen or join meetings where the main interaction is. However, you won’t be able to direct peer-to-peer calling.
Media sharing: with the limited but legal version of Skype in the UAE, you can exchange documents, images, and videos through chat.

Legal Skype Alternatives in the UAE

As mentioned, there are a few legal and allowed services that you can use in the UAE that are similar to Skype. Plus, they are legal. Try going for any of those instead. Here’s a list:

App Name	Key Features	Best For	Notes
BOTIM	HD video/voice calls, in-app shopping, and money transfers	All-in-one communication and lifestyle app.	Requires a paid subscription via Etisalat or Du. Considered the premium local option.
Zoom	HD meetings, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds.	Remote workers, businesses, and professional meetings.	Localized servers for compliance. Free tier with 40-min limit on group meetings.
C’Me	Reliable calls, works well on lower bandwidth networks	Users seeking a simple, no-frills video calling experience.	Requires a subscription via UAE telecom providers.
Microsoft Teams	Calls, chat, document collaboration, and high security.	Businesses, educational institutions, and corporate environments.	Fully integrated with Microsoft 365. The “Teams Phone” add-on allows calls to regular landlines/mobiles.

FAQs – How to Unblock Skype in UAE

Is Skype completely blocked in the UAE?

Yes, it is, considering that its main features of calls and video calls are banned. This move was to encourage the citizens to move to licensed and paid alternatives like C’Me and BOTIM. However, if you’re travelling to the country and need the app, your only solution is to use a VPN to sign back into your account.

Can the police track a VPN in UAE?

Yes, but only for serious cases. If the police are alerted to you conducting any illegal activities with VPN access, then there are serious consequences.

How do I unblock Skype in the UAE without a VPN?

There is no legal way to unblock Skype in the UAE. Most users are resorting to VPN services to access it for work trips or to keep in touch with family overseas.

What video call apps work in Dubai?

If you’re looking for video-calling apps that are like Skype to use in the UAE, you can try out BOTIM, C’Me, and ToTok.

Is it possible to unblock Skype in UAE for free?

You can, but you still need a VPN to unblock it. Skype is generally not fully functional in the UAE, which is why you need to change your IP to access it.

Is BOTIM like Skype?

Yes, BOTIM is similar to Skype and is a government-approved VoIP service. The features are also very similar to Skype.

How do you choose the best VPN for VoIP in the UAE?

To choose the best VPN for VoIP services, you need to check its features and test its overall performance. Look for military-grade encryption, AES 256-bit encryption, secure servers, multiple device support and connections, and more. Other than that, never go for free VPNs, as not all work the same.

To Conclude

As mentioned, people mainly use Skype for calls and video calls, but the UAE bans those two features. You can still use the app for text messages, images, files, or voice notes, but that’s just about it.

The best way to unblock Skype in UAE is by using the best VPN, and although it works for it, you will have to check the laws before attempting it. This guide is only for informational purposes and is provided on account of our subscribers or viewers.

If you have to access Skype UAE, do so at your own will and risk. Other than that, you could go for any of the Skype alternatives on the list above. They’re legal and offer similar functions.

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