Choosing the right phone system for your Dubai or UAE business is a significant decision. IP PBX technology has replaced traditional PABX systems across the UAE, but the options — cloud, on-premise, hybrid; Wildix, Sangoma, hosted — can be confusing. This guide explains what to choose and why, from the team that has been installing business phone systems in Dubai since 2009.


What is an IP PBX?

An IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) is a phone system that routes calls over your data network (LAN/internet) rather than traditional copper phone lines. Benefits over legacy PABX:

  • Extensions work from any location — office, home or mobile
  • Calls between offices or remote workers are free (over data)
  • Add or remove extensions without physical rewiring
  • Integrate with CRMs, call centre software and mobile apps
  • Call recording, IVR, auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email included
  • SIP trunks replace analogue lines — significant cost saving

Cloud IP PBX vs On-Premise IP PBX in UAE

Factor Cloud IP PBX On-Premise IP PBX
Upfront costLow (subscription)Higher (server + hardware)
Ongoing costMonthly per seatLower (just SIP trunks + AMC)
Data residencyProvider's data centreYour premises (UAE)
Call recordingCloud storageLocal server
Internet dependencyHighLow (PSTN fallback)
Best forSMEs, remote teams100+ users, regulated sectors

IP PBX Options NetOn Technologies Supplies in UAE

Wildix UC&C — Cloud-First, Browser-Based

Wildix is the premium choice for UAE businesses that want a modern, cloud-native unified communications system. No hardware required. Calls, video, chat and contact centre all in a browser. Wildix integrates with Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot and other CRMs out of the box. Add x-bees for AI call summaries and omnichannel customer engagement. Ideal for businesses from 10 to 500+ users.

Sangoma PBXact — Open Source Power, Full Control

Sangoma PBXact is the best choice for UAE businesses that need maximum control, local data storage and low ongoing cost. Based on FreePBX/Asterisk, it supports hundreds of extensions, advanced IVR, call centre queues, CRM integration and SIP trunks from any UAE provider. NetOn Technologies installs PBXact on a Sangoma server appliance in your server room or as a cloud instance.

Hosted/Managed PBX

For businesses that don't want to manage any hardware or software, NetOn Technologies offers a fully managed hosted PBX service — we host, configure and maintain your IP PBX. You simply connect IP phones and use the system. Fixed monthly fee, no hardware investment.


How to Choose a Phone System for Your Dubai Business

  • Under 20 users: Cloud PBX (Wildix cloud or hosted Sangoma) — low cost, no hardware
  • 20–100 users: Wildix UC&C or Sangoma PBXact — depends on budget and feature needs
  • 100+ users / contact centre: On-premise Sangoma PBXact or Wildix with x-bees contact centre
  • Multi-site (Dubai + Abu Dhabi etc.): Cloud PBX with branches all on one system
  • Financial/healthcare sector: On-premise with local call recording for compliance

Frequently Asked Questions: IP PBX in Dubai

How much does an IP PBX cost in Dubai?

A cloud IP PBX for a 20-user business costs approximately AED 3,000–6,000 per year in subscription fees. An on-premise Sangoma PBXact for the same size costs AED 10,000–18,000 upfront with lower annual costs thereafter. Wildix cloud starts from approximately AED 150–250 per user per month. NetOn Technologies provides free quotes — call +971 4 439 5754.

What IP phones work with Dubai business phone systems?

Wildix has its own range of desk phones and DECT wireless handsets. Sangoma PBXact works with Sangoma's own phones plus most SIP-standard IP phones from Yealink, Fanvil, Cisco and Polycom. NetOn Technologies supplies and configures IP phones as part of every PBX installation.

Can I keep my existing UAE phone numbers when switching to IP PBX?

Yes. Your existing Etisalat or du numbers can be ported to a SIP trunk and connected to your new IP PBX. Number porting in UAE typically takes 5–10 business days. NetOn Technologies manages the entire porting process.

What happens to calls if the internet goes down?

On-premise IP PBX systems can be configured with PSTN fallback — if the internet fails, calls route over traditional phone lines. Cloud PBX systems can route calls to mobile numbers as a failover. NetOn Technologies designs resilience into every Dubai phone system installation.

Get a free IP PBX consultation for your Dubai business

Phone: +971 4 439 5754  |  WhatsApp: +971 52 644 6541

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