Etisalat by e& has launched GoChat Messenger. Photo: etisalat by e&
Etisalat by e& has launched GoChat Messenger. Photo: etisalat by e&
Etisalat by e& has launched GoChat Messenger. Photo: etisalat by e&
Etisalat by e& has launched GoChat Messenger. Photo: etisalat by e&

GoChat Messenger: all you need to know about Etisalat's new free voice and video-call app


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

GoChat offers a range of services as well as chatting to friends and family.
GoChat offers a range of services as well as chatting to friends and family.

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.

Features of GoChat Messenger, which is available on iOS and Android.
Features of GoChat Messenger, which is available on iOS and Android.

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.

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Dunki
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The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: N2 Technology

Founded: 2018

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Startups

Size: 14

Funding: $1.7m from HNIs

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
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A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR

US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.

KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.

 

West Asia rugby, season 2017/18 - Roll of Honour

Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Rain Management

Year started: 2017

Based: Bahrain

Employees: 100-120

Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund

While you're here
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
'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Updated: July 01, 2022, 11:12 AM`