The government actively blocks VPNs in the UAE so it is vital to choose a UAE VPN with strong privacy features.
In addition, the largest internet service provider (ISP), Etisalat, is now using sophisticated techniques to block VPNs. As a result, very few VPNs still work in UAE. In this article, we've detailed the best UAE VPNs that perform reliably, with info about which ISPs they currently work with.
If you're short on time, here's a quick look at the best VPN services to use in the UAE:
- ExpressVPN - is a well-known service that works for Etisalat customers
- NordVPN - is a useful service for UAE that is known to unblock content on most ISPs
- PrivateVPN - is secure, private, and perfect for unblocking streaming services
- IPVanish - IPVanish is a US-based service with strong obfuscation options
- Surfshark - Unblock Netflix US | Access VoIP apps | Servers in 61 countries
Please be aware
We are currently receiving reports that Etisalat customers are experiencing issues when using VPNs. Please be aware that we are working with VPN providers on behalf of these customers to find a solution. Stay tuned for updates.
Best 5 VPNs for Dubai and UAE
Due to issues with Etisalat, we highly recommend reading the full summaries below to compare the 5 best VPNs for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE:
ExpressVPN is a well-known service that works for Etisalat customers ExpressVPN keeps zero logs, and it has all the features you need to ensure you never leak data in the UAE. And the great news is that it even works if you are with Etisalat. A killswitch, DNS leak protection, a browser extension that combats IPv6 WebRTC leaks, and stealth mode ensure that the VPN can successfully provide you with privacy and conceal VPN use from your ISP. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, all of which are extremely fast so you can stream without buffering in HD. Plus, this VPN provides access to the most popular services from around the world - including BBC iPlayer and Netflix US. It will also unblock Skype, IMO and other VOIP apps. Customer care is available via live chat and there is software and VPN setup guides for all platforms. Finally, it offers a 30-day money back guarantee so that you can test it for yourself. . NordVPN is the reliable service for UAE with tight security and privacy NordVPN uses a XOR obfuscated algorithm to allow you to overcome censored websites in the UAE. However NordVPN is not currently working with Etisalat, so you will need to get a DU subscription if you want to connect using this VPN. As long as you are a DU ISP customer, you can use NordVPN to unblock geo-restricted content, such as Netflix, iPlayer, Skype, IMO, (and other VOIP apps) and internet banking. NordVPN Also permits P2P torrenting. This VPN keeps zero logs, meaning that you can be confident that your data is kept private. Other important security features NordVPN features are a killswitch, DNS leak protection, Tor through VPN and double-hop encryption. NordVPN has servers in over 60 countries all of which have consistently high speeds. Live chat support is available on its website 24/7. NordVPN is exceptional value for money and you can test it risk free for 30-days. PrivateVPN is secure, private, and perfect for unblocking streaming services PrivateVPN was a runner up in the best value category at the BestVPN.com awards. As well as being cheap this VPN is reliable and provides OpenVPN encryption, and it is possible to connect via TCP over port 443 for extra obfuscation. So, you will be ultra-secure. PrivateVPN provides access to all the most popular streaming services including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer and unblocks VOIP apps such as Skype. It has servers in over 50 countries and 24/7 live chat support. An excellent all-rounder with a zero logs policy. However, bear in mind that it is not working with Etisalat, so you will need a DU subscription. IPVanish is a US-based service with strong obfuscation options IPVanish provides XOR obfuscation and TCP over port 443 so you have options when it comes to concealing your IP in the UAE. IPVanish also has a zero logs policy, provides strong OpenVPN encryption, DNS leak protection and a killswitch. Though it is worth disabling IPv6 to be absolutely secure. They have Servers located in over 60 countries, and, because it is fast it can be trusted for doing data-intensive tasks in privacy. Many people want a VPN for doing video calling such as Skype or IMO, and with IPVanish this is not a problem. What's more, you can test this VPN for 7 days thanks to its money back guarantee, so if you have any problems accessing what you need - you can decide to cancel. Surfshark is an impressive service that provides access to content worldwide Surfshark is a VPN that is considered an excellent option for users in the UAE. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it will only work for users who subscribe to the Internet Service Provider DU. Admittedly, this is slightly frustrating for consumers who are with Etisalat, Surfshark has servers in over 60 countries, and all those servers provide fantastic speeds for streaming. And, Surfshark is equipped to help you unblock popular services such as Netflix Us and BBC iPlayer. When it comes to privacy and security this provider has you covered. The software provides important VPN features such as a killswitch , DNS leak protection, and obfuscation to ensure that you can use the VPN without being discovered. And this VPN has a zero logs policy and provides OpenVPN encryption, which is perfect for keeping your data secure. You can give Surfshark a test run to make sure it works for you by making use of its risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.1. ExpressVPN
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Why do I need a VPN in UAE?
With a VPN, citizens living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or greater UAE, can bypass government censorship. Using a VPN, you can pretend to be living elsewhere by connecting to a VPN server outside UAE. This means you can unblock websites that are censored locally by the government. What's more, thanks to VPN encryption all of this can be done in total privacy, without anyone knowing what it is your doing online, what sites you visit, or that you are bypassing government blocks.
A VPN isn’t just an advantage to UAE citizens who require access to sites subject to local censorship. A VPN also allows you to access geo-restricted websites such as BBC iPlayer, online banking, unblocking Netflix, and much more.
Below we have summarized why we recommend getting a UAE VPN:
- Digital Privacy: In the UAE it is illegal to access a lot of content. If you are a journalist, a student - or somebody interested in global affairs and news - you can ensure private access to government restricted websites using the UAE VPNs in this guide.
- Website access: The way the internet works means that users must contend with geo-restrictions as well as censorship. If you want to access foreign websites, TV streams, or services such as online banking - a VPN for UAE is the solution. A VPN can unblock everything.
- Download and use blocked Apps: In the UAE the government is involved with the telecom infrastructure. For this reason, it does not want people making free calls. With a VPN you can access restricted VoIP apps such as Skype, Viber and FaceTime - and use them in private too.
Must have VPN features for UAE
Using a VPN in Dubai and the greater UAE where access to certain websites and services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) (Skype and Viber) could get you in trouble with the police having the right VPN is essential. For this reason, it is important to subscribe to a UAE VPN that has certain essential privacy features (that aren't necessarily required in other countries).
For a VPN to work securely in UAE it must include the following features:
- Strong OpenVPN encryption
Encryption is the part of the VPN software that conceal what you are doing from the ISP and the government. - Killswitch
A killswitch stops you leaking unencrypted traffic to your ISP should the VPN drop out. This is vital if you don’t want to accidentally reveal to your ISP that you are visiting a restricted website. - Stealth mode
Also known as obfuscated servers or obfuscation. This feature disguises your encrypted traffic as regular https. Although encrypted traffic is private, it can be enough to draw suspicion. Obfuscation stops the ISP from even knowing VPN encryption is happening. - DNS leak protection
DNS requests will let your ISP know what you are doing online, even if the VPN is connected, and the encryption is working. In the UAE we strongly recommend disabling IPv6 (please use IPv4 only) as this is much better for your privacy and security and will stop you having WebRTC leaks.
Testing your VPN is secure
Using a VPN in the UAE isn't illegal, however, using one to access sites that are blocked can land you in hot water. For this reason, it is really important that you periodically testing your VPN to make sure that it is secure. To do this, head over to our VPN leak testing tool and follow the steps. You'll get your results in a matter of minutes.
Using a free VPN in UAE
If you are running low on cash, you may be curious about the possibility of getting a free VPN to use in UAE. The good news is that there are some VPNs on the market that provide a reliable and trustworthy free VPN plan - but these come with some caveats.
Free subscription plans are specifically designed to give you a limited taster of the paid version. As a result, those free plans are purposefully restricted - and may not provide you with the kind of service you need. For example, free VPNs cannot stream HD videos on a regular basis or to engage in video conferencing due to data caps and speed limits.
If it's just a VPN for day-to-day browsing, then a free VPN could be a great option. Just make sure you stick with our list of recommended free VPN providers.
Are free VPNs safe to use in UAE?
Not all of them. There are many free VPNs around that retain and sell user data, track users, and even contain spyware in their apps. These VPNs are a huge risk. And, there are even some free VPNs around that are actually rumoured to be government honeypots designed to catch UAE internet users out! So please be careful.
These risks aside, free VPNs are often very limited in features, typically offering only a very basic service. This means that you will be lacking many of the key VPN features for the UAE that are outlined above.
The best idea, is to test a premium VPN from this article using its money-back guarantee. This will allow you to try out a complete VPN - with all the market leading privacy and security features - for approximately 30 days (check each VPN for the specific moneyback deal).
Alternatively, you could subscribe to a cheap VPN and reduce the cost of a fuly-featured VPN by committing for a longer period of time.
Top-tip: Get ExpressVPN for Free!
Did you know you can experience ExpressVPN's fully featured service without limitation… for free!
If you're finding free VPNs too restrictive, why not test ExpressVPN premium service? Simply purchase a subscription using the button below and take advantage of the no-nonsense money-back-guarantee. Enjoy the service for up to 30-days, and when you cancel, you will receive a complete refund!
What is blocked in the UAE?
Below we take a look at the various websites and online services that are subject to local censorship in the UAE to help you understand how a VPN could benefit you.
What websites are blocked in the UAE?
Unblocking restricted content and using illegal VoIP apps could get you in trouble with the police. For this reason, a UAE VPN must have very specific features that you wouldn't necessarily need elsewhere.
Unfortunately for people living in the UAE, many popular websites and services are blocked.
Here are just some examples of the kinds of sites and services that are restricted:
- Pornographic websites
- Websites containing LGBTQ material
- Anti-Religious websites
- Anti-Islamic websites
- Gambling websites
- Anti-government
- All Voice over IP apps
Using Skype and other VoIP apps in UAE
In the UAE, the government controls the local telecoms company. For this reason, it strictly prohibits anybody from making free calls on Skype or other apps. As a result, the government has forced ISPs to block all access to popular VoIP apps.
The good news is that if you get one of the VPNs in this guide, you can easily access VoiP apps and use them from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE.
Remember, you will need a VPN to use Skype, Discord, FaceTime and most other VoIP apps.
VOIP features in mobile apps such as Snapchat and WhatsApp’s are also blocked in the UAE, so you will need a VPN to use them. By connecting to a VPN, iPhone and Android users can unblock these features and more. It's important to note that although iPhone and Android VPN apps look very similar to each other, encryption protocols can differ from service to service. Check the provider websites for more details about this.
While a VPN that is reliable will cost around $48 US per year, this can actually save you a lot of money by allowing you to make free calls to friends and family - as well as international calls for free.
If you are living anywhere in the UAE, a VPN can help you. The state imposes many blocks and a VPN can help you circumvent them all. It can be difficult to get on with your life if you can't access all the websites, apps, and services that are available online.
With a VPN it doesn't matter whether you were born in Dubai, or are on holiday in Abu Dhabi; a VPN will let you bypass geo-restrictions, access the full Netflix catalog, use your Spotify login, let you unblock Youtube videos, or access illegal content such as pornography while you are in UAE.
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