Microsoft Teams direct routing unlocks local telephony for Teams Rooms and gives Dubai businesses control of their PSTN connections. This article explains why direct routing matters, how it fits with Microsoft Teams Rooms hardware, and what IT teams in the UAE must plan for.
TL;DR
Microsoft Teams direct routing lets you connect certified SBCs to Teams Phone so you can use local PSTN trunks and keep control of call routing and costs.
Teams Rooms with certified hardware deliver consistent, inclusive hybrid meetings.
Mak Group offers Dubai design, installation, and managed services for Teams Rooms (provided landing page link).
What is Microsoft Teams direct routing?
Microsoft Teams direct routing connects customer-provided Session Border Controllers to Teams Phone so you can route PSTN calls through your chosen carrier.
Microsoft Teams direct routing allows organizations to attach a certified SBC to Microsoft Phone System and use any PSTN trunk. Example: a Dubai office keeps a local carrier contract and routes calls into Teams.
Benefits: lower call costs, local numbering, and reuse of PBX investments. One-sentence fact: direct routing is required when the Microsoft Calling Plan is not available or not desired.
Why direct routing matters for Teams Rooms in Dubai
Direct routing complements Teams Rooms by giving meeting rooms enterprise-grade telephony and local number support.
Teams Rooms are room systems that combine certified audio, video, and console devices with Teams software. A Teams Room with PSTN connectivity lets participants dial external numbers from the room console. Example: boardrooms call clients without needing a mobile phone.
Stat: organizations report strong ROI from Teams Rooms, including improved meeting outcomes and reduced travel. Mak Group documents a 273% three-year ROI for Teams Rooms on its service page.
Choosing hardware and deployment options
Pick certified cameras, speakers, and a supported SBC for reliable performance in huddle rooms to boardrooms.
Certified hardware includes Yealink MVC kits, Logitech Rally, and Surface Hub devices. Example: a huddle room typically uses an MVC kit; a boardroom uses multiple mics and PTZ cameras.
Tip: match device kits to room size. Huddle: 2–6 people. Small: 4–8. Large: 12–20. Use local installers like Mak Group for on-site design and installation to reduce disruption.
Management, security, and licensing
IT teams must plan for remote device management, secure SBC configuration, and appropriate Microsoft 365 licensing.
Management tools include Microsoft Teams admin center and device management solutions. Example: push updates to all room consoles from a central portal.
Security: SBCs need public IPs, trusted certificates, and firewall rules. Insight: correct network configuration prevents call quality issues and protects signaling traffic.
Licensing: assign Teams Phone and the relevant Microsoft 365 licenses to users and room accounts. This ensures calls and conferencing features work with Direct Routing.
Deployment steps for Dubai/UAE
A staged approach reduces downtime and ensures local compliance with telecom rules.
Assess rooms and network capacity. Include bandwidth and VLAN checks.
Design hardware lists and choose certified SBCs and carriers.
Install devices, configure the SBC, and register numbers with the carrier.
Test call quality and meeting join flows from the room console.
Train end users and hand over to managed services for ongoing support.
Example: a Dubai HQ converts 10 rooms over two phases to keep operations steady. Using a certified SBC lets the team keep local DDI numbers and call routing rules.
How Teams Rooms, Direct Routing, and Microsoft 365 work together
Teams Rooms connect to Microsoft 365 apps while direct routing handles PSTN calls, creating a unified meeting and telephony experience.
Integration: Teams Rooms use Microsoft 365 identities for scheduling and joining calls. Direct routing adds inbound and outbound PSTN to that setup. Example: join a Teams meeting, then place an external call from the room console without switching devices.
Authority link: Learn the technical requirements for direct routing on the official Microsoft documentation for Microsoft Teams direct routing.
Summary
Microsoft Teams direct routing provides Dubai organizations with flexible, local telephony for Teams Rooms. Pairing direct routing with certified room hardware creates a secure, inclusive meeting environment that supports hybrid work. For on-site design and managed services in Dubai, consider a local partner such as Mak Group to reduce deployment risk and speed time to value.
FAQ
Are Microsoft Teams available for video conferencing in the UAE?
Yes. Microsoft Teams works in the UAE for meetings and video. Local network quality affects call performance.
Do I need a special license for direct routing?
Yes. Users and room accounts need Teams Phone and appropriate Microsoft 365 licenses assigned.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Yes. Direct routing lets you retain local DDIs and existing carrier contracts via a certified SBC.
Who installs Teams Rooms in Dubai?
Local integrators handle design, hardware supply, and installation. Mak Group offers end-to-end Teams Rooms services in Dubai (provided landing page link).
