Apple is in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to get the ban on FaceTime lifted in the country, alongside Microsoft which is undertaking an effort to get similar restrictions lifted on Skype, CNBC reports. Both services have been illegal in the country for years, along with other VoIP services, due to telecommunications laws designed to allow a monopoly by the country’s own telecom companies by forcing customers to pay for their calling services. UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) Director General Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri confirmed the talks this week, noting that they’re related to Apple and Microsoft’s plans to make more investment in the UAE, and the governments desire to build stronger relationships with major tech companies. Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on VoIP calling services last September, although similar bans still exist in other Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar and Oman. [via 9to5Mac]
