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Works fine
WhatsApp
Unreliable
Works fine
Works fine
Works fine
Asia
United Arab Emirates
6 apps tracked4 work fine
Last verified: July 29, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer
Heads up before you go
WhatsApp and FaceTime voice/video CALLS are blocked in the UAE.
Payments1
Apple Pay / Google Pay
No direct substitute
Contactless and Apple/Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Messaging1
Use instead: BOTIM / phone calls
WhatsApp texting works, but WhatsApp/FaceTime voice & video calls are blocked; use BOTIM or a normal phone line for calls.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
No direct substitute
Google Maps works well for driving, walking and public transit.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: Careem
Uber and Careem both work well across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Internet Access1
U
Local app preferredUS carrier roaming
Use instead: Local eSIM (Airalo / Holafly)
US roaming works but is expensive; a local eSIM is cheaper and faster. Set it up before you land.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Social Media Access1
Instagram / Facebook / X
No direct substitute
US social apps work normally.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?