UAE: WhatsApp reportedly down; users facing issues

WhatsApp users across the globe are reportedly facing issues sending messages on the app.

A website tracking social activity online reported an outage spike in the UAE around 11am.

A map on Downdetector.ae shows Abu Dhabi and Dubai as hotspots where users have reported the WhatsApp outage. Here is a screenshot:

Users first encountered the issue when sending messages to their WhatsApp groups. They said texts were stuck and couldn't get through.

A few minutes later, even direct messages were not being sent. Then, around 11.30am, Web WhatsApp connections were disconnected.

Now, the entire service is not working — with the app on "connecting" mode.

ANI reported that the messaging app is down in India as well. Users from Pakistan, Philippines, and other countries across the world have also taken to social media to report the outage, with Reuters reporting users in the United Kingdom and South Africa also struggling with sending and receiving texts and videos.

"We're aware that some people are currently having trouble sending messages, and we're working to restore Whatsapp for everyone as quickly as possible", a spokesperson for Whatsapp parent company Meta Platforms (META.O) said on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:

• Update your WhatsApp: Company says older versions have critical vulnerability

• WhatsApp to roll out call links feature, tests 32-person video chats

• Abu Dhabi: Woman takes brother to court for ruining her relationship with family through WhatsApp message

• UAE: 17 categories of online content, websites that are blocked in the emirates

• UAE cyber law: Social media misconduct can cost you a lot