Over the weekend, the UAE’s telecom providers Etisalat and du confirmed over social media that Skype is blocked throughout the country.
Replying to a number of social media users who had questions about the Skype ban, Etisalat said: "The access to the Skype App is blocked since it is providing unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service, which falls under the classification of prohibited contents as per the United Arab Emirates' Regulatory Framework."
Similarly, du responded to their customers saying: "Please note that any unauthorized applications or services that are providing VoIP calling services are not supported in UAE."
Skype also confirmed the news...
What are the alternatives?
Although the Skype app is blocked in the UAE, telecom providers have assured that there are legal ways for residents to stay connected with their family and friends through internet services.
Both du and Etisalat have offered the VoIP-based apps Botim and C’Me as part of their paid "unlimited" voice and video call services.