How to Unblock and Use Facetime in UAE and Oman [January 2025 Update]

Are you looking for information on how to use FaceTime in UAE?

As you probably know, FaceTime is a popular video call application developed by Apple is blocked in UAE, much to the frustration of millions of expats that depend on it for work or business and to keep in touch with family and friends.

So how to use FaceTime in UAE? In this article, we will help you get around such restrictions as we go over the following:

3 Easy Steps to Use FaceTime in UAE

1. Install the app for anonymous connection on your device (iPhone, iPad or macOS)

2. Hide your IP address with invisible and 100% secure Aeroshield Service.

We particularly recommend it. TRY for FREE

3. Connect and use FaceTime in UAE without any problems.

Why is FaceTime Banned in the UAE?

Before we get into the specifics on how to unblock FaceTime in UAE, you might be curious — why FaceTime is banned in Dubai, Abu Dhabi?
FaceTime is available on iPhones/iPads and Macs, so it seems counterintuitive for a nation as progressive as the UAE to ban its use.

There are two ISPs in the UAE – du and Etisalat. They started blocking FaceTime in January 2018.

The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has implemented regulations that limit the use of these services.An official explanation from Telecom Regulatory Authorities (TRA) states that FacTime had been providing unlicensed video and voice calling. This is prohibited under current UAE regulations.

Of course, the ban isn’t specific to FaceTime alone. Similar applications like Skype, Viber, IMO and Whatsapp are banned in the UAE.

That said, there have been speculations that the ban was a deliberate move by the government to lend an undue advantage to domestic players like C’Me and ToTok.
du and Etisalat have been seen encouraging people to use the latter as an alternative to FaceTime.

How to Use FaceTime in the UAE?

So what can you do if you need to use FaceTime to keep in touch with loved ones?
Probably you came to the UAE for business and absolutely need to keep in touch with a colleagues.
Fortunately, there is a way to get around the FaceTime block in the UAE and this is where the use of a VPN comes in. Please bear in mind that Apple devices that are sold in the UAE and KSA do not support FaceTime.

In a nutshell VPN can help restore access to your FaceTIme account by encrypting traffic and routing your connection to a VPN server located somewhere outside UAE where FaceTime is readily accessible.

Unblocking access to FaceTime in the UAE using a VPN is not at all difficult and something that anyone can do in a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN provider

First, you will need a good VPN service for iOS or macOS capable of unlocking FaceTime in UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi). For this example, we’ll be referencing Relaska which is a premium VPN service.
You will need to sign up for an account which starts at $3.99 per week (ideal for the the short trip).
But you don’t need to pay in advance. They offer free trial!
Note that you can get it cheaper if you sign up for a one year plan.

2. Get your account data and download the VPN app to your iPhone/iPad or Mac by the provided link.

3. Setup the connection according to step by step guide.

4. Save the settings and swipe the switcher to connect.

5. Check that you are connected to the chosen server

VPN icon will prompt you that you are now protected and connected to your chosen VPN server.

6. Restart FaceTime to reconnect it.

On iOS double-click on the Home button to access the app switcher or multitasking tray and then swipe up on FaceTime to close. Launch it again.

At this point, the VPN service is now running on your device and you will be able to use FaceTime as normal.

If you’re using a different VPN service, then the setup process may be a bit different from the one shown above.
Still, the process should be fairly similar and will give you a good idea of how to work a VPN to unblock content and services in your area.

Best VPNs to Unblock FaceTime in the Dubai, UAE

Indeed, a VPN service is the solution if you want to be able to continue using FaceTime in the UAE.
But bear in mind that not all VPNs are capable to work in UAE in case of using mobile data.
We strongly recommend to use SSL VPNs as they are gives you an opportunity to use it in any network without hassle whether it is mobile data or WiFi

Apart from Relaska, only a few VPN services in the market are capable of committing the resources necessary to unblock FaceTime in the UAE, which includes the following:

Sahrzad VPN
Aeroshield VPN
Silverhanna

Avoid so-called free VPN services as most of them don’t work or worse, sell your personal data to third parties or use your device as a proxy, cryptocurrency miners…etc
While the use of a good VPN will add to your expenses, most people would agree that it’s a chump considering the relatively easy and convenience that these services offer for unblocking FaceTime (as well as WhatsApp) in the UAE.

All of the VPN services mentioned above offer a free trial and support SSL VPN.
Hence you can try them with practically zero risks and determine whether a particular VPN service delivers the performance and results that you need.