Skype for Business, Google Hangouts, other applications now available in the UAE

UAE telecom regulator, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), announced on Tuesday that it was making available specific online applications to aid in distance learning for students and help in the work-from-home activities of employees across the private and public sector in the UAE.

It said that the following three applications would be available across all networks in the UAE: Microsoft Times, Zoom and Blackboard.

The following two applications would be compatible with fixed line networks: Microsoft Skype for Business and Google Hangouts.

The TRA added that it would periodically review the list of available applications and that the apps would remain unblocked “exceptionally and until further notice.”

Read: UAE eases restrictions on internet calls to contain virus

On March 19, Bloomberg reported that the United Arab Emirates lifted restrictions on some programs that allow voice calls over the Internet for companies on a case-by-case basis to help people work from home and avoid spreading the coronavirus.

All schools and colleges in the UAE have activated distance learning programmes for students who will remain at home until April 5.

Read: UAE schools begin rolling out learn-from-home programmes

Government and private sector employees have also started working remotely from home, except those in essential and critical functions.

Read: UAE urges all residents to stay home as it closes malls, makes restaurants delivery-only

On Monday, the UAE government asked residents and citizens across the country to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to get essential supplies, such as food and medicine, or to perform “essential jobs”.