WhatsApp Web Calling: Unlocking New Potential

WhatsApp Web Calling Feature: Will it be Available in the UAE?

For a long time, WhatsApp Web served as a simple supplement to the mobile and desktop versions, offering users the convenience of typing messages on a computer, but lacking the advanced features available in native applications for quite some time. However, the platform has now reached a significant turning point: the ability to make voice and video calls via the browser is becoming available.

A new era for WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web originally launched in 2015 and for a long time was only used for text messaging. While voice and video calling have been supported on Windows and macOS since 2021, browser users have missed out on this experience. This is now changing: WhatsApp Web has begun rolling out calling features, initially for beta version users.

In this update, call initiation buttons appear in individual chats, allowing users to initiate voice or video calls with a single click. The interface resembles what is familiar in the desktop application and does not require any additional software downloads.

Functionality: not yet comprehensive, but promising

Currently, the calling feature only applies to individual conversations, and there is no possibility for group calls yet. Developers likely chose this gradual rollout to stabilize the new feature and optimize user experience before making it widely available.

Another useful addition is the screen sharing feature, which can be especially helpful during business meetings, presentations, or remote technical support. This means WhatsApp Web is no longer just a messaging alternative but a true communication tool capable of replacing other platforms like Zoom or Google Meet – at least in certain situations.

Privacy: still in focus

As customary in WhatsApp developments, privacy remains a key focus. Calls, whether voice or video, are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol. This ensures that neither WhatsApp nor third parties can access the contents of the conversations.

This level of security uniformly applies to web, mobile, and desktop applications, which is particularly important in a world where more and more data is moving online, and users expect a high level of protection.

Availability in the UAE: still questionable

One of the most significant questions, however, is whether this new calling feature will be available in the United Arab Emirates. The answer is currently unclear. In the UAE, WhatsApp's voice and video calling features have been limited – whether in mobile or desktop versions. This restriction is related to the regulations of the Telecommunication and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which limits the free availability of internet calling services.

While the new feature is only available to beta users for the moment, and broader implementation is expected in the coming weeks, enabling such features in the UAE is not solely a technical issue. The restrictions mainly serve the interests of local telecommunications companies offering alternative, licensed VoIP services, such as BOTIM or C'Me applications.

Therefore, it is also conceivable that the new WhatsApp Web feature will not automatically work in the UAE, even if technically everything is in place.

What does this mean for users?

For residents in the UAE, the availability of WhatsApp web calls remains uncertain for now. Even if the feature is introduced worldwide, it is unlikely to be usable without bypassing local regulations. However, those who use a VPN or other technical solutions may be able to try out the feature – albeit at potential legal or technical risks.

Nonetheless, the expansion of WhatsApp Web features is a significant step forward in the platform's life. The development shows that WhatsApp aims to be much more than just a mobile messaging service but a broader communication platform. This is especially true for users who work on computers and do not want to switch devices for making calls.

Expected future developments

WhatsApp promises further developments in the near future: such as introducing group calls on the web interface, and better integration of screen sharing. These steps could further strengthen WhatsApp's position in digital work and remote communication, especially among small businesses and remote workers.

Although not all global features are fully available due to the unique legal and regulatory environment of the UAE, WhatsApp Web's innovations still represent a significant step towards the future of the service – and reinforce the platform's commitment to multi-device, secure, and modern communication.