But WhatsApp and Facebook calls are still on the naughty list

The UAE has said a number of messaging apps are now working as they should be, to help residents who are working and studying from home. 

However, the ban on WhatsApp calls and FaceTime remains in place.

Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex, Avaya Spaces, BlueJeans and Slack calling are all available, :on an exceptional basis and until further notice”, said the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (the TRA). 

The move comes as the UAE maintains its, “”efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus and the ongoing effort to support distance learning.”

Other apps, such as Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Zoom and Blackboard were made accessible in March, just as the pandemic hit., 

Skype remains on the ban list, however Skype for Business has been quietly turned on. 

The UAE has registered 611 cases of the coronavirus and five deaths. It has imposed a night-time santization curfew, and has urged its residents and citizens to not go out during the day. 

On Monday, the UAE Government also said that schools will stay closed until the end of the academic year in June.


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