WhatsApp Web in UAE: Understanding Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Strategies for 2025

WhatsApp Web in UAE: Regulatory Realities, Legal Risks, and Strategic Compliance in 2025

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Key Takeaways

• In the United Arab Emirates, text messaging, image sharing, and file transfers on WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web are available; voice and video calling are treated as regulated Voice over Internet Protocol services and are unavailable unless provided by an application approved by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
• Using a Virtual Private Network for legitimate business or security purposes is permitted; using any means, including a Virtual Private Network, to circumvent restrictions with intent to commit a crime, conceal its evidence, or prevent its discovery is a criminal offence under Article 10 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes.
• Electronic correspondence from WhatsApp, when properly preserved, is recognised as electronic evidence under Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions and may be submitted in its original electronic format with supporting metadata.
• Licensed or approved platforms for voice and video communications include applications identified by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority on its approved list.
• Maintain the original electronic data, metadata, and exportable records of chats to meet authenticity and production requirements under the Evidence Law.

Introduction: WhatsApp Web in UAE—What Every Professional Needs to Know as of November 2025

WhatsApp Web is widely used across the United Arab Emirates for lawful text-based communications. The scope of permissible use is set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and by federal legislation governing cybercrimes, electronic transactions, and the law of evidence. This paper states the current position as at 1 November 2025 and identifies the legal boundaries applicable to WhatsApp Web, including the prohibition on unapproved Voice over Internet Protocol calling, the lawful and unlawful uses of Virtual Private Networks, and the evidentiary treatment of electronic correspondence.

Whether you are a local entrepreneur, a regional compliance officer, or an international executive navigating the UAE’s robust legal system, this guide provides a comprehensive framework for safe and effective WhatsApp Web use—grounded in the current, actively enforced laws of the Emirates.

The Current Status of WhatsApp Web in the UAE: What Works and What Does Not

Text messaging, image sharing, and file transfers — available; voice and video calls — restricted to applications approved by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.

Text messaging and the exchange of images and files on WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web are available in the United Arab Emirates. Voice and video calls provided over the Internet constitute Voice over Internet Protocol services. Under TDRA policy, such services must be offered by licensees or by applications approved by the TDRA. Applications that are not approved are blocked by the licensees. WhatsApp calling is not on the TDRA approved list for calling.

Key Practical Point: Residents, expatriates, and companies in the UAE can lawfully use WhatsApp Web for sending messages, sharing images, and transmitting files—without risk of breaching telecommunications laws.

Voice and Video Calls—Strictly Blocked by Regulatory Mandate

By contrast, all voice and video calling features on WhatsApp—across both the mobile app and WhatsApp Web—remain stringently blocked by the principal UAE telecom providers, Etisalat and Du. This persistent restriction reflects a multi-faceted government policy designed to safeguard sovereign control over VoIP traffic, support telecom sector revenues, and address national security imperatives as they relate to encrypted, unmonitored communications.

Practical Compliance Note: Any attempt to utilize WhatsApp Web for voice or video phone calls within the UAE will fail at the network level.

Legal Framework: WhatsApp Web and VoIP in the Context of UAE Telecommunications and Cybercrime Law

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) serves as the principal regulatory body governing digital communications in the UAE. Pursuant to:

• • Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes (effective 2 January 2022). UAE Legislation
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services (repealed Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 as of 2 January 2022); Executive Regulations: Cabinet Resolution No. 28 of 2023. tdra.gov.ae
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (effective 2 January 2023). moj.gov.ae
  • TDRA VoIP regulatory framework and FAQs, including the published list of applications currently approved for use.

VoIP services—including those embedded in applications like WhatsApp—are restricted exclusively to platforms licensed and monitored by local authorities.

TDRA Guidance:
“Under TDRA guidance, unless a voice or video over-Internet service is provided by a licensee, in collaboration with a licensee, or approved by TDRA, it is illegal to use such software in the United Arab Emirates; licensees are obliged to block non-compliant VoIP traffic.”

Ongoing Enforcement—Why Messaging Is Unblocked But Calls Are Not

Despite periodic hope for policy liberalization, the UAE’s telecom sector continues to enforce a hard line, disabling non-licensed VoIP services through robust firewalling, deep packet inspection, and persistent regulatory oversight. Only messaging, images, and file transfers—where user identity, metadata, and message content may be stored or produced as needed—remain operational.

VPNs: Permitted for Security, Strictly Prohibited for Bypassing Communications Bans

The Nuanced Legality of VPN Use

The use of Virtual Private Networks for legitimate business and security purposes is allowed. TDRA confirms that companies and banks may use Virtual Private Networks to access internal networks. Hosting or enabling access to Virtual Private Network services that allow users in the United Arab Emirates to bypass Internet service provider filtration is not allowed. Where a Virtual Private Network (or any other method) is used with intent to commit a crime, conceal its evidence, or prevent its discovery, Article 10 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 applies.

Grave Risks: VPNs for Bypass Are Criminal Offenses

Using a Virtual Private Network to circumvent Voice over Internet Protocol restrictions with the intent described in Article 10 constitutes an offence punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine.UAE Legislation

Strategic Guidance: Refrain under all circumstances from attempting to use a VPN to enable WhatsApp Web calls in the UAE. Use VPNs only for legitimate, non-criminal business, research, or security purposes.

WhatsApp Web Messages as Legal Evidence: Documentary Validity in UAE Courts

Electronic correspondence from WhatsApp may constitute ‘electronic evidence’ within Part IV (Articles 53–64) of Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions. Electronic evidence includes electronic correspondence and modern means of communication. The court may require production in the original electronic format or by another electronic means; the probative value of extracts depends on identity with the underlying electronic record. Parties bear the burden to establish or rebut validity; refusal to produce required electronic evidence may lead to forfeiture of the right to invoke it. Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services supplies the general framework for electronic documents, signatures, and trust services.” UAE Legislation

Action Point: To ensure evidentiary value, retain original files, backup complete conversations, and export chat metadata where possible. Preserve original chat databases and exports, including hash values and metadata; maintain a clear chain of custody for devices and accounts; and be prepared to produce the content in its original electronic format if ordered under Article 60.

Policy Rationale: The Legal and Security Imperatives Behind WhatsApp Web Restrictions

Under the TDRA framework, licensees must block unapproved Voice over Internet Protocol services. TDRA may grant exemptions and maintains an updated list of approved applications. The regulatory objective is to ensure that communications services are provided within the licensing regime and applicable security and quality controls.

As a result, the UAE licenses only those platforms that agree to local data retention and monitoring mandates, permitting alternatives such as Botim and C’Me that comply fully with national security requirements.

Regulatory Takeaway: All legal communication services in the UAE accept government access and monitoring. Subverting these controls incurs strict penalties.

Approved VoIP Platforms: Licensed Alternatives for Secure Communication

Examples of applications currently appearing on the TDRA approved list include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, Botim, GoChat, and Voico, among others. Consult the TDRA list for the latest status before adopting any solution.

Best Practice: Always select a TDRA-listed platform for voice or video communication—never use WhatsApp Web calling via VPN or proxy.

Summary Table: WhatsApp Web Functionality & Legal Status—November 2025

Feature	Status in UAE (Nov 2025)	Legal Note
Text messaging	Allowed	Fully legal on WhatsApp Web
File/image sharing	Allowed	Operational without restriction
Voice/video calling	Blocked	VoIP blocked by Etisalat & Du
VPN use (generic)	Allowed	For legitimate privacy/security only
VPN use (to bypass)	Illegal	Severe fines & imprisonment
WhatsApp evidence	Accepted	Under the Electronic Transactions Law

Legislative References: Active and Enforced as of November 2025

• • Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes (effective 2 January 2022; status: active; last update displayed 4 April 2024). UAE Legislation
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services; Cabinet Resolution No. 28 of 2023 (Executive Regulations). tdra.gov.ae
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (effective 2 January 2023). moj.gov.ae
  • TDRA Regulatory Policy on Voice over Internet Protocol; TDRA FAQs and Internet Guidelines (approved VoIP applications and obligations of licensees). tdra.gov.ae

Strategic Recommendations for Lawful, Effective WhatsApp Web Use in the UAE (November 2025)

1. Limit WhatsApp Web to messaging, image sharing, and file transfer. Avoid voice/video calls.
2. Use VPNs only for legitimate privacy or security—do not bypass VoIP bans.
3. Select TDRA-approved VoIP platforms (e.g., Botim, C’Me) for calls.
4. Archive original chat data and metadata to preserve evidentiary value.
5. Monitor regulatory updates and seek professional legal advice regularly.

Conclusion: The Future of WhatsApp Web in the Legally Dynamic UAE

WhatsApp Web remains a critical messaging platform for UAE residents, yet its voice and video functions are curtailed by stringent regulations grounded in national security and economic policy. Understanding these boundaries—alongside proper use of VPNs and licensed VoIP alternatives—ensures compliance, protects against liability, and preserves the legal weight of digital communications.

For jurisdiction-specific guidance on technology, telecommunications, and regulatory compliance in the UAE, maintain vigilance and consult experienced legal professionals.

FAQs

Is it legal to use WhatsApp Web for messaging in the UAE?

Yes. Text messaging, image sharing, and file transfers on WhatsApp Web are fully legal and widely used in the UAE.

Can I make voice or video calls on WhatsApp Web in the UAE?

No. All VoIP functions on WhatsApp—voice and video calls—are blocked by UAE telecom providers and attempting to use them will fail.

Are VPNs legal for bypassing WhatsApp Web restrictions?

No. Using a VPN to circumvent VoIP blocks is a criminal offense under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment.

Are WhatsApp Web messages admissible in UAE courts?

Yes. Electronic correspondence is recognised as electronic evidence under Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022; courts may require production in original electronic format or by another electronic means.

What should businesses do to ensure compliance?

Use WhatsApp Web only for permitted functions, choose TDRA-approved VoIP apps for calls, archive chat data correctly, and seek ongoing legal guidance.