WhatsApp Web Introduces Voice and Video Calls – Will the Feature Work in UAE?
New browser-based calling brings WhatsApp Web closer to desktop parity, but UAE restrictions may apply.
WhatsApp Web has officially begun rolling out native voice and video calling support, marking a major upgrade to the platform’s browser-based experience.
For the first time since its launch in 2015, WhatsApp Web users can place voice and video calls directly from their browsers without downloading a separate desktop application. The feature is currently being introduced in phases, with early access granted to selected beta users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web test programme.
The update enables one-on-one voice and video calls, complete with familiar call icons similar to those on WhatsApp’s mobile and desktop apps. As with other WhatsApp communications, calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring conversations stay private and secure.
Until now, WhatsApp Web was limited to text messaging and media sharing, requiring users to rely on smartphones or dedicated Windows and Mac desktop apps for audio and video calls. The new functionality significantly enhances WhatsApp Web’s capabilities, making it more suitable for remote work, virtual meetings, and everyday communication directly from a laptop or desktop browser.
Read More: Get Introduced to the New WhatsApp Feature
Early users report that calls open in a separate browser window, and video calls include basic features such as screen sharing — previously exclusive to the standalone desktop application. At this stage, the rollout focuses on one-on-one calls, while group voice and video calling features are still under development.
The update is also expected to benefit users on operating systems without official WhatsApp desktop apps, particularly Linux users, who can now access voice and video calls via their browsers for the first time.
Will WhatsApp Web Voice and Video Calls Work in the UAE?
Despite the global rollout, availability in the UAE remains uncertain.
Voice and video calling features on WhatsApp’s mobile and desktop applications are currently restricted in the UAE. Similar limitations apply to other Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
The availability of WhatsApp Web voice and video calls will likely depend on approval from the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Until official confirmation is issued, it remains unclear whether the new browser-based calling feature will function within the country.
As the staged rollout continues worldwide, UAE users will be watching closely to see whether the latest WhatsApp Web update will bypass existing restrictions or fall under the same regulatory framework.