The free calling app Botim has partnered with travel website musafir.com to enable users to apply for UAE tourist visas. According to Khaleej Times, prices start at Dh450.
Customers can now apply for 30- and 60-day visas via the Botim app. This will allow expatriates living in the UAE to bring their family and friends to the country for a short visit more easily and conveniently as other options are typically more costly and time-consuming,” Abdallah Abu Shaikh, co-founder and CEO of Astra Tech, Botim’s parent company, told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.
Botim is being transformed into an 'ultra' app with this move.
Tourists in the country who wish to extend their visas can also use the service. Using Musafir.com's extensive experience in UAE tourist visa processing, customers will have a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free visa application process," Abu Shaikh said.
Botim's standard turnaround time for visa applications is 24 to 72 hours. An option for ‘express’ applications can be completed within 24 hours. “This service will also permit visitors to get free Internet calling, mobile top-ups, recharge services, and more,” added Abu Shaikh.
The process
musafir.com offers an all-inclusive UAE tourist visa service on its app. The visa application process begins with selecting 'visa service', providing details, submitting the application, and making a payment.
“Once done, users can track their application status on the Botim app and receive a copy of the approved tourist visa. The app also features a transaction history page, where users are able to view their applications submitted to date,” said Abu Shaikh.
Added new features
Additionally, the app offers money transfers through a partnership with MoneyGram, so customers can send money internationally to friends and family; as well as a Red Crescent donations tile, which enables customers to contribute to those affected by the Syrian and Turkish earthquakes.
Experiences of the highest quality
In Abu Shaikh's words, Botim is "completely free for everyone in any corner of the world", but users can upgrade their experience by paying a very economical membership fee called Botim VIP.
This allows users to enjoy HD calling, an ad-free experience, better call quality optimization, and beta access to upcoming features.
“Users can choose to take monthly or yearly plans and even gift Botim VIP to their friends and family members to enjoy the ultimate experience. There will soon be some ... upgrades to the VIP program which will make it even more attractive for Botim users."
Freedom call
Despite being relaunched, the app will remain free for its "growing user base of 90 million users."
The CEO of Astra Tech said these services are just the first steps towards making Botim an ultra app.
With Astra Tech transforming Botim into an ultra app, the ultra app will be able to offer access to a wide range of products and services at unprecedented speed, including fintech, international money transfers, peer-to-peer money transfers, bill payments, government services, pharmacy, e-commerce and more.
The ultra app will revolutionize how users interact, engage, and transact with one another by making the experience more seamless, faster, and intuitive. Unlike super apps, Botim's ultra app will not rely on rented growth or jumping from business line to business line, nor will it rely on partnering businesses to run services on its behalf," Abu Shaikh said.