However, Skype and other international companies might be able to set up the partnerships with local companies in the future. VoIP licences are currently held by Etisalat, Du and satellite firms Yahsat and Thuraya.
Etisalat offers a special plan for international calls where you can save up to 40% of the price of the call to one country of your choice. There is also another offer, where you can enjoy 20% while calling to your three favourite international numbers (so choose carefully).
Du is developing a service similar to Skype which is supposed to open internet calls to people in the UAE. It also offers a special prefix (08888) with reduced rates for international calls.
Check Du and Etisalat webpages for current rates. The advantage of Du is that they charge calls per seconds whereas Etisalat charges per minute. However, Etisalat charges less for certain plans than Du.