Etisalat by e&, the UAE telecoms operator, has launched a new app, GoChat Messenger, which allows for voice and video calls and includes a host of other useful functions.
We took the app for a spin to see how it functions and, most importantly, how those video calls work.
Here's all you need to know:
How to download GoChat Messenger
It's a simple start, because the app is available in the Apple store and the Google Play store for users of phones that run the Android operating system.
Once downloaded, you are asked to enter your phone number and go through the security verification.
The app will then request whether you wish it to sync with your phone contacts, so it can automatically find people who are already using the app.
How do voice, video and text chats work?
Very much like WhatsApp, only WhatsApp video calls do not work in the UAE.
First, text chats are almost identical to WhatsApp, with the one tick displayed to show a message has been sent, two ticks for delivered and coloured ticks to show that the message has been read. There's the usual note at the top of the screen stating that messages and calls are "secured with end-to-end encryption".
Messages sent overseas were found to take a few moments longer to be delivered.
For voice messages, it's again a case of hold the record icon, talk away and then send.
Video calling, which runs on voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology, become an integral part of daily life for much of the world during the coronavirus pandemic when working from home became widespread and friends and family tried to stay in close contact faced with travel restrictions.
However, VoIP from services such as WhatsApp, Skype and FaceTime are restricted in the UAE.
Only licensed mobile services such as Etisalat's Botim are universally available. Etisalat says that alternative internet calling platforms, including Botim, C'Me and HiU, will continue to function.
Software from Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet work in the UAE and during the pandemic provided a handy communication tool for businesses and schools.
Quality of calls
When testing it, we found that GoChat's video calling works perfectly. The picture quality and sound is clear, although that is likely to be dependent on the quality of your internet connection.
The National tested on calls within the UAE, and internationally — with international calls originating in the UAE and from Europe.
The European call took a few more seconds to connect, but there were no issues once it connected. The sound and picture were clear.
Do you have to pay anything?
No. The app is free to download, there is no subscription fee, and it allows users in the UAE and overseas to make free voice and video calls to anywhere in the world.
You don't need to be an Etisalat contract subscriber either — you need only a mobile phone number to register.
What else can you do with the app?
All sorts of things — it's like a number of separate apps rolled into one.
There's a trending news bar, which is handy for those keen to keep abreast of what's going on. It displays UAE news for users in the UAE and abroad, while there is a "Things to do" section recommending activities and events going on in the UAE.
Go Services provides several convenient services, such as booking a PCR test at your home (starting from Dh149), booking home-cleaning services, and even men's and women's salon services to your home.
Moving services can also be booked through the app, while flights, hotels and shopping are "coming soon", the app says.
Etisalat Smiles vouchers and deals can also be accessed through the app.
There is an eWallet function that allows users to complete international and local money transfers.
Is there anything else similar in the UAE?
Du offers an internet calling pack, although this is subscription based and costs from Dh52.50 per month for unlimited voice and video calls and a data package is required.
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The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
Three out of five stars
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
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Results:
6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap (rated 72-87) Dh 165,000 1,600m.
Winner: Syncopation, George Buckell, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Big Brown Bear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,200m.
Winner: Stunned, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Handicap (85-105) Dh 210,000 2,000m.
Winner: New Trails, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.
9.25pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,600m.
Winner: Pillar Of Society, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
THE BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.
Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.
Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
