In the United Arab Emirates, a discussion revolved around lifting the ban on WhatsApp and Skype calls.
Debate on lifting the ban on calls on WhatsApp, Skype and other instant messengers and VoiP services again flared up in the UAE after comments by a popular person.
"It is very frustrating that Skype is banned in the UAE. How are we going to conduct interviews and meetings? This is contrary to the goals of the 2021 & 2071 Visions strategies," said Sultan Soud Al-Qasemi, a renowned lecturer and researcher on social, political and cultural issues in Arab countries Persian Gulf.
Al-Qasemi was supported by the famous blogger Twitteratti Yousif. He also noted the need for a new provider to appear on the Internet services market.
Emirate businessmen and celebrities often raise the topic of call barring. In September 2018, the Emirate billionaire Khalaf Al-Habtur, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, called on UAE telecommunications providers Etisalat and du to lift the ban on VoIP services so that UAE residents can make free WhatsApp and Skype calls. He emphasized that this is necessary as the UAE strives to become number one in every sector, including telecommunications.
"Many people use WhatsApp and Skype around the world. They are free everywhere except in my country," the billionaire said in a video message.
UAE telecommunications service providers have developed their own VoIP services for their subscribers, such as HiU Messenger, BOTIM and C'Me, which allow residents, including making international calls.
