[pgeorgi]

According to various comments, Telegram seems to be blocked there. Might be a smart arrangement for such services: Set up shop in a country that leaves you alone as long as you leave them alone (i.e. don't provide services there) but also ignores international inquiries and is small enough not to matter. And if Dubai ever plans to act on international pressure: An empty room is easily moved.

[sofixa]

I was in Dubai a couple of months ago and Telegram definitely worked. Some news sites critical of e.g. Saudi atrocities were banned though.