Keep in touch, from a very safe distance…

Eid is traditionally a time where we spend precious time with family. This year of course, it’s likely to be slightly different, with strict restrictions on travel and social gatherings.

Luckily, there are plenty of virtual networking/socialising apps available to use in the UAE — to help us make those connections over the modern technological wonder that is the internet.

Here are five of the best:

Netflix Party

Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension that let’s you watch the same show as your friends and simultaneously chat to them. Once you’ve all installed the extension, open Netflix and pick something to watch. Then just click the extension to start the party and begin inviting your friends to watch and discuss. It’s almost like you’re all watching in the same room, but you’re not spreading any infectious viruses. Win.

netflixparty.com

Zoom, Blackboard and CloudTalk

In light of more people working from home, the UAE has recently enabled VoIP for the following work-related apps: Zoom, Blackboard and CloudTalk. If you’re working from home, your employer will likely invite you to join one of them so that you’re able to conference call with your colleagues.

zoom.us,  blackboard.com, cloudtalk.io.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft works in a relatively similar way to Zoom — and requires an email address and a quick registration process. You can use the video, audio and text chat functions, with multiple users in conference and unlike the consumer version of Zoom, there is no 30-minute restriction on calls.

teams.microsoft.com

Voico

Du users can download the Voico app for app-to-app calling with their loved ones. The app says it works around the world, and can even translate text in the chat function for more than 100 languages.

facebook.com/voicome

WhatsApp

This week, residents have reported success with being able to use WhatsApp audio and video calls. As in the past, this is likely to come and go, however if you are able to access the feature, this is one of the easiest ways to keep in touch with friends and family abroad.

whatsapp.com