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.
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:
| Factor | Cloud IP PBX | On-Premise IP PBX |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low (subscription) | Higher (server + hardware) |
| Ongoing cost | Monthly per seat | Lower (just SIP trunks + AMC) |
| Data residency | Provider's data centre | Your premises (UAE) |
| Call recording | Cloud storage | Local server |
| Internet dependency | High | Low (PSTN fallback) |
| Best for | SMEs, remote teams | 100+ users, regulated sectors |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phone: +971 4 439 5754 | WhatsApp: +971 52 644 6541
Get a Free Consultation