Lifestyle
With an expat-oriented community, connecting with home during the week becomes part of the routine for everyone in the UAE.
As some apps are still limited in the UAE, there are a host of other free and paid apps for making high-quality audio and video calls.
For legal purposes, only a limited set of apps are available for use on both iOS and Android, with a host of additional features in each.
Below, we’ve curated a list of what to download for your next virtual happy hour or family catch-up.
GoChat
As part of Etisalat’s latest initiative, Etisalat launched GoChat Messenger with a new voice and free calls to the UAE. Requirements include a mobile number for registration in the iOS and Android app stores. The 50 minute international package starts at Dhs50, with more options to choose from. The app includes additional features like bill pay, games, and even food delivery services.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
BOTIM
While it is available to download for free, users will need an internet calling plan to use it. For Etisalat, du and Virgin mobile, the monthly subscription fee is priced at 50 dirhams and the daily fee is 5 dirhams with 1 GB of mobile data. For WiFi at Etisalat eLife and du Home Services, the price is Dhs100.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
Image courtesy of Pexels @antonishkraba
Microsoft Teams
Primarily used for professional purposes, this service allows colleagues to interact with each other on an individual basis and have access to audio, video, chat and screen sharing features. The app can be downloaded to your computer, tablet, and mobile device. Additionally, the app provides 10 GB of file storage for the entire team, including 2 GB of personal storage for each individual.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
skype for business
While users were previously allowed to use Skype from their personal accounts, the app is now only limited to users of a business account. Other features include a meeting with up to 10 people without a subscription, URL invites, PowerPoint uploads for additional discussions, screen sharing services, and instant messaging services to send during meetings.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
zoom
Amid COVID-19, Zoom has become a popular app for conducting virtual classroom discussions for educators to teach remotely. Used for both video and audio calls, this app was made available during the lockdown after being previously banned. Without the membership, users are allowed up to 40 minutes of uninterrupted calls until they have to submit a new link. From intimate weddings to special family occasions, everything can be shared with this multi-user platform.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
google meeting
To sign up, UAE users must link their Gmail accounts and can make a call with up to 100 people. For a smooth invitation process, users can simply be invited through a shared link.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
voice
For customers to stay in touch with their loved ones, Etisalat also introduced the Voico app that provides audio and video calling services to UAE residents. The app allows users to share photos, videos, and other files to stay connected.
You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
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Images: Supplied and Featured Image: Instagram @whatgigiwears
