Best VPN in UAE & Dubai | Secure Your Online Privacy in 2024

  • Last updated August 28, 2024
  • Naveen Zehra
    Naveen Zehra
    Naveen Zehra
    Editor
    Naveen Zehra, an editor at VPNRanks.com, has a decade of writing experience. With a strong background in tech and privacy, she creates easy VPN guides. Passionate about privacy, she understands data tracking and its impacts, ensuring her insights resonate with readers.
    See Full Bio >
    written by
    Naveen Zehra
    Naveen Zehra
    Naveen Zehra
    Editor
    Naveen Zehra, an editor at VPNRanks.com, has a decade of writing experience. With a strong background in tech and privacy, she creates easy VPN guides. Passionate about privacy, she understands data tracking and its impacts, ensuring her insights resonate with readers.
    See Full Bio >
    Editor
A VPN is crucial for accessing VoIP services and censored websites in the UAE, where internet freedom is limited. For a quick recommendation, you can check out the ExpressVPN – or continue reading to learn more about my top picks.

Internet access in the UAE is heavily restricted due to strict censorship, making it difficult to reach your favorite sites and streaming services. Therefore, the best VPN in UAE is essential for circumventing these restrictions while keeping your online activities private and secure.

With the VPN market expected to hit $107.5 billion by 2027, it’s clear these tools are more crucial than ever. However, not all VPNs are equal. My team and I have tested and reviewed the top VPNs to help you find the best options for the UAE. These VPNs have been evaluated based on their privacy features, speed, ability to unblock content, and overall value. Keep reading to find out which VPNs stand out and why.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legal Concerns: VPN use in UAE is a gray area; legal for general use but risky if used for illegal activities.
  • Top VPN Recommendations: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are highlighted as best VPN for UAE for their strong security, speed, and ability to circumvent UAE’s restrictions.
  • Key Features: Emphasis on choosing VPNs with strong encryption, no-logs policy, and servers in and near the UAE.
  • Use Cases: Ideal for streaming, VoIP services, and overcoming government censorship.
  • Pricing Considerations: Recommends VPNs offering good value, money-back guarantees, and affordable plans.

Quick Overview: Best VPN in UAE

Want to know which is the best VPN in UAE? Here is a brief overview of the 6 top UAE VPN options for online freedom in 2024:

Note: For travelers, it’s highly advisable to install the best VPN for Dubai before arriving in Dubai, as access to download VPNs may be restricted once you’re in the country.

Best VPN to Use in UAE: Top 6 Compared

Confused which VPN works in UAE? To assist you in making a quick yet informed decision, I provide a side-by-side comparison of the best VPN in UAE in 2024. I highlight the key differences and similarities between various VPN services in UAE, focusing on performance, unique features, and pricing. This quick comparison guide is designed to streamline your decision-making process:

VPNs ExpressVPN-logo surfshark-logo NordVPN-logo ipvanish-logo cyberghost-logo logo-of-PIA
Worldwide Servers Thousands of servers in 105 countries 3200+ servers in 100 countries 6000+ servers in 61 countries 2200+ servers in countries 11651+ servers in 100 countries 35000+ servers in 84 countries
Servers in UAE None. Nearby servers: Egypt, Israel 1 server location 5 servers 4 servers 12 servers 26 servers
Speed 89.42 Mbps 81.32 Mbps 83.82 Mbps 86.75 Mbps 75.47 Mbps 65.78 Mbps
Multi-Logins 8 Unlimited 10 Unlimited 7 Unlimited
Unblocks VoIP services: WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, IMO, and more Skype, WhatsApp, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, and more Skype, WhatsApp, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, and more Skype, WhatsApp, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, and more Skype, WhatsApp, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, and more Skype, WhatsApp, Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, and more
Compatibility Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers
Best For Overall Best VPN Budget-friendly VPN Largest Sever Network VPN Fast-speed VPN User-friendly VPN Torrenting VPN
Pricing USD 6.67/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) USD 2.49/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) USD 3.99/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) USD 2.99/mo (US$ 2.99/mo) USD 2.03/mo (US$ 2.03/mo) USD 2.11/mo (US$ 2.11/mo)

6 Best VPNs in UAE [2024 In-Depth Analysis]

The in-depth analysis provides a deep dive into the six best VPNs in the UAE, focusing on their features, performance, and user suitability. I examine each VPN’s streaming capabilities, security features, and server locations, offering you a detailed perspective on what each service offers.

This section will guide you in selecting a VPN that aligns perfectly with your specific needs in the UAE’s unique internet environment. I have jotted down the top VPN providers ideally suited to claim the title of the best VPN in UAE.

Why Do You Need a VPN in UAE?

There are a few security and censorship-related reasons why you need a VPN in the UAE. Whether you’re a permanent resident looking for a long-term solution or just visiting and interested in great VPNs for travel, here are the main reasons to get a Dubai VPN:

  • Unblock free video and voice calling apps: In the Emirates, apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are blocked. To use them for calls and video chats, you need a VPN to change your virtual location.
  • Stay private online: Without a VPN, websites and internet providers can see your online activities, which might include personal information.
  • Circumvent internet censorship: The UAE has strict internet rules that block many websites. A VPN helps you visit websites that are normally inaccessible in the country.
  • Access your streaming content: While traveling, you might be unable to watch your usual streaming shows. A good VPN can remove these restrictions, letting you watch your favorite content as normal.

Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPN in UAE in 2024

The UAE is a top destination for vacation and work. However, the UAE government imposes some of the most restrictive internet-blocking policies in the world. If you want unfettered access to the web while you’re in the UAE, a VPN is essential. Here’s what I consider most important when rating VPNs for the UAE:

  • Strong encryption protocols: Since the UAE actively blocks VPNs, you need a VPN that uses the strongest possible encryption protocols with obfuscation technology to help you avoid detection. Look for 256-bit encryption.
  • Strict no-logs policy: Accessing certain websites in the UAE may be illegal, especially for citizens. To protect your identity, any good VPN should have a verified and strict no-logs policy.
  • Leak protection: Security and anonymity are crucial when using a VPN in the UAE. Prioritize VPNs that protect against all data leaks, including IPv4, IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS.
  • Ease of use: The best VPNs are plug-and-play. Once you install it, it should not require any extra steps beyond connecting to a server. Misconfigurations can result in data leaks, so the VPN should be simple.
  • Wide device support: To avoid being limited to one device in the UAE, you need a VPN with apps for every major operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
  • Simultaneous devices: To prevent being restricted to just one device and to ensure you can share your VPN with your family, a good VPN will allow you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Fast server speed: The faster, the better, primarily if you use your VPN to stream movies or upload and download large files.
  • Streaming services: An effective VPN in the UAE should also let you access geographic content restrictions on your favorite streaming websites, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Unblocking ability: Dubai is known for online censorship and surveillance; many sites and services are blocked. Any VPN you choose must be able to access popular VoIP services like WhatsApp and Skype for video calling.

How to Get a UAE VPN [Quick Steps]

To get a UAE VPN quickly, follow these steps:

  1. Register for ExpressVPN, benefiting from its 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Download the ExpressVPN application for your device, whether it’s macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, or other platforms.
  3. Connect to a server located in the Middle East to access local online services securely, privately, and with ease.
Get ExpressVPN - Best VPN for UAE 30-day money-back guarantee

Using a VPN in the UAE falls into a significant legal gray area, with many rumors circulating about potential legal consequences. Despite false rumors, such as one about a Dh5,000 fine for VPN use, which proved untrue, VPNs remain widely used.

The 2012 cybercrime law in the UAE only prohibits VPN use for accessing content deemed illegal, such as adult material, anti-religious speech, and gambling. Still, amendments to the law have created confusion about its legality.

From 2012 to 2016, some VPN websites enabling access to blocked content were blocked by the TRA, though not all such sites are actively blocked. Despite a ban on VoIP services like Skype, many locals use VoIP cards and VPNs to access these services, indicating that minor infractions are sometimes overlooked.

As the law evolves, monitoring changes is crucial for those using VPNs in the UAE to access geo-restricted content from streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

Should I Use a Free VPN in the UAE?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for UAE. However, I don’t recommend it. That’s because a free VPN may fail to unblock streaming services and be incapable of encrypting your online connection to protect your privacy in the UAE.

You will find that even the best free VPN in UAE rarely offers any UAE servers that will hide your IP address with a single tap. Even if they do, it may be for only a while and cause IP and DNS leaks.

Instead, you can use the best VPN in UAE free trial, like of ExpressVPN, which provides IP and DNS leak protection, encrypts data using AES 256-bit, and offers various Middle Eastern servers to which you can connect.

Get ExpressVPN - Best VPN for UAE 30-Day Money-back Guarantee

Effective Methods to Circumvent VPN Blocking in the UAE

VPN blocking does occur in the UAE, and recent amendments to the law have made it more likely. However, you can use several effective methods to circumvent these blocks and maintain your online privacy.

  • Avoid Using Free VPNs: Free VPN providers are a gamble that’s not worth your time, especially in the UAE. Free VPNs often:
    • Use less secure encryption methods.
    • Place third-party ads on your web pages.
    • Keep logs of your online activity.
    • Have fewer server options.
    • Operate slower servers with less bandwidth.
    • Sell users’ personal information.
  • Change Your TCP Port to 443: OpenVPN TCP protocol can travel through the 443 port, like the HTTPS protocol. This acts as a mild obfuscation method, making your VPN traffic look like regular SSL traffic from an HTTPS website. Many paid VPN services allow you to easily change to this setting, mainly if they already use OpenVPN.
  • Switch to a Different Protocol: If the OpenVPN TCP protocol is blocked, try switching to the L2TP/IPsec protocol. This protocol is highly secure and still commonly used. Ensure that your L2TP protocol comes with IPsec security, as a raw” L2TP protocol is not secure. You may also try the SSTP protocol if available. This protocol is not commonly supported on most devices, but some Windows machines may have it as an option.
  • Avoid Changing to the PPTP Protocol: It’s not secure and is considered obsolete. Since you’ll connect to a VPN in a more restrictive environment, avoiding an insecure VPN protocol is best.

Troubleshooting VPN Issues in the UAE

If your VPN is not working in the UAE, it could be due to blocks implemented by Etisalat and Du. Here are some common reasons why your VPN might not work in Dubai and how to fix them:

  • IP Address Leaks: Occasionally, bugs can cause your VPN to leak your real IP address. To prevent this, enable IP and DNS leak protection in your VPN settings and reconnect.
  • Blocked Server IPs: One standard VPN blocking method is blacklisting individual IP addresses. The server you’re trying to connect to may have been blocked. Try reconnecting to a different server or use obfuscated servers to bypass the block.
  • Inadequate VPN for UAE: Some VPN providers are not equipped to bypass VPN blocks in the UAE and Dubai. In this case, switching to a different VPN provider, preferably one known for bypassing Etisalat’s restrictions, is recommended.

VPN Solutions for UAE: Insights from Reddit Users

You’re not alone if you’re in the UAE and struggling to find a reliable VPN for voice and video calls on apps like Messenger, Instagram, and Telegram. Many users face similar issues with VPNs being blocked or providing inconsistent performance. Based on insights from a popular Reddit thread, several key considerations and solutions exist to help you find a more reliable VPN.

First, avoid free VPNs like Psiphon and Windscribe. Redditors have highlighted that free VPNs often have significant drawbacks, such as poor encryption, intrusive ads, limited server options, slower speeds, and potential privacy risks. Instead, opt for paid VPN services that offer better performance and reliability.

Several users recommend ProtonVPN, praising its robust privacy features and the ability to share an account across multiple devices. ExpressVPN is also the best VPN in UAE, according to Reddit users, known for its consistent performance, especially for streaming services and VoIP calls. NordVPN is another option, though some users report mixed results with connectivity in the UAE.

To accommodate the variable performance of VPNs in the UAE, consider opting for monthly subscriptions instead of annual plans. This gives you the flexibility to switch services if needed.

Ensure your VPN app supports protocols that are harder to block, like OpenVPN over TCP port 443. Test different VPNs to find the one that works best for your needs, and remember to set up your VPN before arriving in the UAE to avoid initial connectivity issues.

VPNs You Should Avoid in UAE

Not all VPNs are safe to use in UAE. In searching for the best VPNs for UAE, avoiding a few VPN providers would be wise. I have listed two VPN providers that would do more harm than good, and you should avoid them in UAE:

Hola VPN:

  • Hola is a peer-to-peer (P2P) network service that uses idle bandwidth on other people’s computers to create a VPN tunnel. In 2015, Hola was accused of turning its users into botnets for DDoS attacks and other illegal activities.
  • You can become a liability for someone else and for them, creating a high risk for you while you are in UAE or Dubai. You can learn the details in the HolaVPN review in UAE.

HideMyAss:

  • This VPN provider stores detailed metadata user logs, including your IP address. This may not be a massive deal to a non-VPN user, but to a VPN user, this is more than enough to be skeptical of HideMyAss’ “no-logs” claims. Due to their cooperation with the law authorities under court order, Cody Kretsinger, a LulzSec hacker involved in a cyberattack on Sony Pictures, was arrested.
  • While I don’t condone what Cody did, the fact that they logged the user’s real IP address and assisted in an arrest speaks volumes about their so-called no-log” policy. Read the HideMyAss review in UAE for more details regarding its privacy policy.

It is, therefore, better and safer to use a reliable premium VPN in UAE that will safeguard your safety through measures like a strict no-logs policy, IP and DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers.

The best VPN in Dubai, like ExpressVPN, fulfills these requirements to the dots and will keep you as safe as possible online within the United Arab Emirates, which is why I consider it the best VPN in Dubai.

FAQs: Best VPN in UAE

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users in the UAE, particularly those working with Etisalat. It offers obfuscated Middle East servers, and the OpenVPN protocol is recommended for ensured access.

Yes, you can use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to torrent in the UAE. Still, it’s essential to be cautious and use it for legal and legitimate purposes, as torrenting copyrighted material can lead to legal repercussions.

Yes, you can watch UAE TV with a VPN like ExpressVPN. Ensure that your VPN provider has servers in the UAE, as not all recommendations may have UAE servers. Once connected to a UAE server, you can access various UAE platforms like OSN Streaming, Shahid, StarzPlay, beIN Connect, and more.

Setting up a VPN on an iPhone in the UAE involves a few simple steps:

  1. Select a VPN that offers an iOS app and is reliable in the UAE. I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Install the app, sign in, and connect to your preferred server.
  3. Check your IP address to ensure it reflects the VPN’s server location.
  4. Keep updated on local VPN regulations to ensure compliance.

Yes, you can access Netflix US in the UAE by connecting to a US-based VPN server, which hides your location and makes it appear you’re browsing from the US. Choose a reliable VPN that overcome geo-blocks and maintains fast streaming speeds, as Netflix often attempts to block VPN users.

Using a VPN in the UAE is safe for legal activities like securing your connection and enhancing privacy. However, it’s illegal to use a VPN for committing or hiding crimes, including accessing blocked services for fraudulent purposes. Always use a reputable VPN and stay informed about local laws to avoid legal issues.

ExpressVPN is a secure and reliable VPN for use in the UAE. It operates from the British Virgin Islands, maintains a closed network of diskless servers, uses OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, offers a robust kill switch, uses its encrypted DNS system, and successfully passes all leak tests.

An obfuscated server in a VPN network is a server that uses protocols designed to conceal your VPN connection from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This feature is vital for UAE VPN services as it makes your web traffic appear as regular HTTPS traffic, similar to secure websites, thus ensuring that your VPN usage remains hidden.

If you’re looking for a reliable VPN that works in UAE seamlessly, ExpressVPN is a top pick. It effectively circumvents local restrictions and successfully unblocks the region’s banned VoIP apps, streaming sites, and other content. With this VPN, you can rest assured that your online activities are secure and private.

Wrapping Up!

While various VPN services are available, not all are suitable for cities in the United Arab Emirates, like Dubai. An effective UAE VPN should feature obfuscated servers for discreet usage and implement a zero-knowledge framework. It should also assist in unrestricted use of VoIP apps, seamless connection to streaming platforms, and accessing content without censorship blocks.

My top pick for the best VPN in UAE and Dubai is ExpressVPN. Easily installable on any device, it ensures top-tier security and privacy and unblocks major streaming platforms, granting you access to global online content wherever you go.

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