There are laws concerning the use of a VPN in UAE and Dubai, which means that picking the right UAE VPN is extremely important. One of the primary internet service providers (ISPs), Etisalat, is now actively blocking VPNs - meaning that very few VPNs work in UAE. In this guide, you'll find the very best UAE VPNs that work reliably, with details about the ISPs they work with.
What is the best UAE VPN?
Compare the best VPNs for UAE below - or scroll down for more info.
- 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
Best 5 VPNs for UAE that are safe to use
Now that you know more about what a UAE VPN can do, compare our recommended 5 best VPNs for Dubai & the greater 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, 1. ExpressVPN
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5 Best VPNs for UAE: Speed analysis
What purposes you want a VPN for, will determine whether you require fast speeds. Generally, online activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading all require fast connection speeds. Thus, if you intend to use your VPN for anything but browsing text - we advise you to subscribe to a VPN with a lightning-fast server network.
The results in the graph below are conducted in lab conditions using a dedicated gigabit line. You shouldn't expect similar speeds. However, these test results are a clear indication of which VPNs are performing well right now.
Can I use a VPN to improve my internet speeds?
No, a VPN will not improve your current internet speeds. In fact, a VPN will always cause your internet to slow down slightly. Fast VPNs are so-called, because they have the fastest VPN servers available on the market. As a result, fast VPNs cause the smallest possible speed decrease available (practically negligible). Our recommended VPNs are all fast, meaning that the speed loss should be barely noticeable.
For more information, we recommend reading our VPN speed test guide.
Why do I need a VPN in the UAE?
Citizens living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or greater UAE, can escape government censorship by using a VPN for UAE. A VPN allows anybody to pretend to be outside of the UAE. Doing so unblocks websites that are censored by the state. Importantly, a VPN permits anybody to access censored content privately thanks to encryption. This means nobody can tell you are bypassing local restrictions.
A VPN isn’t just useful for UAE citizens who want to access censored or restricted content and apps either. VPNs also enable you to unblock geo-restricted websites such as BBC iPlayer, online banking, Netflix US, and much more. A VPN provides freedom of access and digital privacy, which is a perfect combination.
Here is why you should consider 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.
VPN UAE - Must have features
Using a VPN to access restricted content or blocked Voice over IP apps (VoIP apps like Skype and Viber) could land you in trouble with the authorities. For this reason, it is important to subscribe to a UAE VPN that has extremely specific privacy features (that aren't necessarily needed elsewhere).
For a VPN to work in UAE it must have:
- 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.
Free VPN for UAE
If you don't have that much spare cash, you may be wondering if it is ok to use a free VPN in Dubai or the rest of the UAE. It is true that some VPN services provide a reliable free VPN plan. However, those free subscriptions are only there to give you a taste of the full version.
As a result, those free plans are hugely limited - and may not give you the kind of experience you desire. Free VPNs will not provide you with enough data to regularly stream in HD or do video conferencing.
If you have never used a VPN before, it is a nice idea to try a VPN for free by taking advantage of a restricted free version. However, please stick only to recommended free VPNs - as huge numbers of free VPNs sell data, track users, and even contain spyware in their apps.
The best idea, is to try out a premium VPN from this article using its money-back guarantee. This will allow you to try out a VPN - with all the best VPN features - for between 30 and 45 days. Alternatively, you could take a cheap VPN for a spin and reduce the cost by committing for a longer period of time.
Only the best premium VPNs have vital features such as a killswitch and obfuscated servers (cloaking). Due to the legal status of unblocking content in the UAE; these features are extremely important. Without a killswitch and obfuscation, it is possible that your ISP could detect the fact that you are using a VPN. This could mean that you end up in trouble with the police (more on this later in the article).
Thus, if you decide to use a free VPN please be sure to only use a trusted service, that does not skimp on privacy features and that you are sure includes features such as a killswitch.
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 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 infrastructure. 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, 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.
Do I need a Dubai VPN or an Abu Dhabi VPN?
If you are living in the UAE, it doesn't matter where you are - a VPN can help. The state imposes a lot of blocks and a VPN can help you bypass them all. At the end of the day, it can be hard to get on with life if you can't access all the Western services that are available online.
With a VPN it doesn't matter whether you were born in Dubai, or are on vacation in Abu Dhabi; a VPN will let you bypass blocks, 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.
Are VPNs illegal in the UAE?
No, using a VPN in the UAE is legal.
Having a VPN installed on your smartphone, computer or tablet is not illegal. However, having a VPN could be enough make UAE authorities' suspicious. This is risky, because accessing restricted content, censored by the TRA, could result in a large fine and potentially even prison time.
Thus, itis what you do with your VPN as opposed to having a VPN that is potentially illegal. That is why you should always use a VPN with strong encryption, a killswitch, DNS leak protection, and some form of cloaking. Using a free VPN for the UAE, -or a VPN that does not provide these important features - is extremely risky.
Please stick to one of the recommended VPNs for UAE in this article, as they have all the features you need to stay secure (and not get into trouble with the authorities).
For more information on this topic, check out our are VPNs legal? guide.
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