Microsoft and Apple are in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal government to lift its ban on Skype and FaceTime calling, which have been illegal in the Gulf country for years.

UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) Director General Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri confirmed the talks this week, according to local news reports, citing Microsoft and Apple’s growing investment plans in the UAE and the desire to forge closer relationships with tech companies as primary reasons.

Skype was first blocked in the UAE in January, with UAE officials citing concerns over the security of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, anyone using unlicensed services such as Skype “may be committing a criminal offense”.

Currently, Etisalat offers the two services for Dhs50 per month on iOS and Android.

Well, you never know when the legislation regarding the ban on Skype and FaceTime would change and we might just get lucky.

SOURCE: https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/382911-microsoft-hopeful-that-skype-will-launch-soon-in-the-uae