The UAE doesn't have a stellar record of internet freedom, and those visiting, working, or living in the country should definitely consider using a UAE VPN for Dubai. Whether you want to speak to your family over WhatsApp VoIP, access censored websites, or simply stream overseas TV, using the best VPN is the only way to do it.
With almost 40% of residents already using a VPN in UAE, it's clear that they're indispensable tools for day-to-day life in the Emirates. However, with so many options to choose from, choosing the best UAE VPN can be tricky. My team of experts and I at Tom's Guide have reviewed and compared dozens of providers, and here I'll pull together the top 5 UAE VPNs for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
These VPNs have been reviewed in terms of privacy, speed, unblocking, and of course, value for money. If you're looking for a quick answer, check out the 3 best UAE VPNs below – or keep scrolling to know everything about my 5 top-rated providers.
Note: For travelers, we strongly recommend installing a Dubai VPN before you leave home, as they may not be available to download when you're in the country.
The 3 best VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
In our latest update, I've streamlined the layout of the page, and double-checked all the info available to make sure it's all as up-to-date as possible.
The best UAE VPNs in 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
NordVPN: the best VPN overall
✔️ You need excellent unblocking in the UAE: NordVPN knocks it out of the park when it comes to streaming, unblocking every streaming site under the sun.
✔️ You want built-in antivirus: NordVPN is a complete security solution with a built-in antivirus, a password manager, and ad-blockers for extra safekeeping.
✔️ You want the perfect blend of cost and quality: Usually available at under $3.50 a month – and often less – NordVPN's great value considering what you get.
❌ You want to protect a lot of devices: NordVPN only offers 6 simultaneous connections, and those on the hunt for a VPN for mass usage may be better off with Surfshark.
❌ You want a VPN for your mobile: NordVPN's map-style interface is slightly complex to deal with on a phone's smaller screen.
NordVPN offers round-the-clock security thanks to a massive toolkit of privacy-boosting features – including a built-in antivirus and password manager. Plus, NordVPN can unblock every streaming service you can think of, inside and outside the UAE, for a price just shy of $3.50.
There's a reason why my NordVPN review rated the service so highly, and one of the big name's strengths is its power as a UAE VPN. Unlike rival ExpressVPN, NordVPN boasts physical servers in the country – 5 of them – and its global fleet of over 6,400 servers is a particularly generous offering.
Nord is one of the most secure VPNs, meaning its excellent encryption will keep your browsing safe from third-party snoopers while you are in the UAE and Dubai.
If you want security beyond a standard VPN offering, however, NordVPN has you covered. It offers built-in antivirus and antimalware, site filtering, and popup and ad blocking – all of which ensure a smooth and secure browsing experience.
Nord also comes with DNS leak protection and a kill switch that'll prevent your identifiable data from leaking. All in all, NordVPN offers a seriously solid security solution.
I particularly like Nord's Double VPN feature. It routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, doubling up the encryption and spoofing your location twice, giving your security an ever bigger and better boost.
It's not all work and no play with Nord, though, as it's also our best streaming VPN, and you'll easily get through to Netflix, iPlayer, and other sites restricted by Etisalat and Du.
With great connection speeds that topped out at over 950 Mbps in my testing, Nord ensures that you won't be waiting around for pages to load or streams to buffer, and apps for pretty much every device allow you to stay protected wherever you are. In fact, it was one of the fastest VPNs I tested in my last round.
However, one of the few downsides is the design of the mobile VPN apps. They retain the map-based interface from the desktop clients, but on smaller screens, this doesn't work quite as well. This is a very minor issue, though, and one unlikely to cause any real problems.
A limit of 10 simultaneous connections is a little more irritating. While it isn't as few as ExpressVPN, which offers only 8, it is definitely not as good as the likes of Surfshark, which offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive and fun design, but it's not the most clutter-free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The map-style interface needs some getting used to, especially on the mobile apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Blistering speeds, one of the fastest I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unrivaled streaming support with access to all kinds of libraries | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Well-rounded security thanks to a built-in antivirus and ad & pop-up blockers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with lots of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value for money, but cheaper options are available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best UAE VPN user experience
✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget: ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature means that you connect once, and you're always protected by a secure VPN line.
✔️ You want access everywhere: with servers in 105 countries and 160 locations worldwide, ExpressVPN provides unrestricted access to geo-blocked content, no matter where you are.
✔️ You want top-notch security: with AES-256 encryption, an intuitive kill switch, and handy add-ons like a password manager and ad-blockers, ExpressVPN is possibly the best security money can buy.
❌ You want servers in the UAE: unlike some VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn't boast physical servers in the UAE.
❌ You're on a budget: although ExpressVPN delivers tremendous value, its pricing is steep, and I'd recommend Surfshark for those who don't want to break the bank.
❌ You want a Linux VPN: ExpressVPN only offers a command-line interface for Linux devices, not a GUI.
ExpressVPN is an excellent pick for bypassing restrictions in the UAE and Dubai. It offers class-leading encryption, consistent speeds, and powerful unblocking alongside easy-to-use apps across the board, friendly 24/7 support, and an in-depth knowledge hub for help on the fly. Definitely should be on your shortlist.
From delivering excellent connection speeds worldwide to evading VPN-blocking technology, in my ExpressVPN review, I found it to be an all-round package that delivers on every front.
Express provides excellent privacy, with AES-256 encryption, a selection of protocols to choose from, plus IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. If you're less confident when it comes to tweaking settings – don't worry. Express's default configuration provides the perfect combination of speed and security without sacrificing either.
Alongside great privacy, Express is also one of the best streaming VPN services, able to unblock a huge variety of geo-restricted streaming sites. This includes global Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and even live sporting events from around the world.
All you need to do is select a server in a country of your choice, and you'll be able to stream it as if you were there in person.
One of the most important factors for a UAE VPN is speedy and reliable customer support. In addition to 24/7 live chat and an email ticketing system, ExpressVPN has a dedicated UAE page on its support site.
ExpressVPN is also the best VPN for beginners. Its apps are simple and easy to use, meaning even VPN newbies can get protected in moments – plus it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied you can reclaim your dough without any hassle.
With over 3,200 servers in a whopping 160 locations around the world, including countries like China, Turkey, and Russia, there's virtually no place Express can't reach. That said, Express doesn’t have servers in the UAE and only around it, such as in Israel – but this shouldn't be an issue for most users.
It’s worth noting that Express only offers eight simultaneous connections – meaning you'll only be able to use the VPN on eight devices at a time. It's also much more expensive than the other VPNs recommended here, with other easy-to-use VPNs costing around half the price – like Surfshark.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple and clean design with every option very easy to find | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Ideal for both beginners and tech experts, thanks to simple customization options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Sufficiently quick for everything you may need it for | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Access to every streaming site I threw at it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Rock-solid encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and nifty add-ons like ad-blocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with tons of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Quite expensive when compared to others options on the market | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
✔️ You want a fast UAE VPN: with speeds of over 950 Mbps, Surfshark is up there with the very fastest.
✔️ You want to protect tons of devices: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning there's no limit to the number of devices you can use it on.
✔️ You're on a budget: at less than $2.50 per month means that it's hard to beat how value for money Surfshark really is.
❌ You want a foolproof kill switch: Surfshark's kill switch failed when I messed around with low-level settings. However, this is very unlikely in real-life usage.
❌ You want a VPN for torrenting: although Surfshark supports torrenting, it doesn’t quite match up to the likes of ExpressVPN and other top providers.
❌ You want tons of configuration: Surfshark is clearly targeted at beginners and first-time VPN users, which means that tech enthusiasts may find it too simple.
Surfshark is the best budget choice for those looking for a secure and fast UAE VPN. With unlimited simultaneous connections and near class-leading unblocking capabilities, it's in the upper echelon of VPNs fit for streaming geo-restricted content around the world. Powerful yet simple apps make it a delight for beginners, and a 7-day free trial plus a 30-day money-back guarantee means that you can try it risk-free.
For many, Surfshark could provide the perfect UAE VPN experience – it's one of the best cheap VPNs and gets the job done. While you won't have quite as many of the in-depth features of Express or Nord, you'll still have solid security and great speeds for your day-to-day browsing – read my Surfshark review for more.
With this being said, Surfshark isn't weak by any means. With AES-256 encryption, Double Hop, and split tunneling, it offers several privacy features you wouldn't expect at this price point – great for staying anonymous if you want to browse restricted sites, which is a must in the UAE.
Although its kill switch isn’t the most well-rounded that I’ve seen (it failed when I tested it under extreme pressure), there’s hardly anything to worry about, as it’s pretty reliable for normal day-to-day usage.
A core selling point, though, is Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections – meaning you'll be able to log in as many devices as you want, and all that without a drop in privacy or performance. If you want to use multiple devices, you may be better off going for Surfshark over NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
What’s more, a handy Camouflage mode will keep you hidden from VPN blocks and snooping UAE ISPs, and its unique NoBorders mode will connect you to the best-performing server under your current network restrictions.
For those looking for a great streaming VPN, Surfshark's got you covered. It’s on par with the big hitters, and you'll be able to access Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and more without any buffering thanks to class-leading speeds of over 950 Mbps and servers in 100 countries, including servers in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
In fact, Surfshark's a much better streaming VPN than many more expensive rivals. While its OpenVPN speeds are admittedly under par at a little over 130 Mbps, it’s unlikely to be an issue, given that WireGuard usage is pretty much the norm now – although be aware that Camouflage mode (also known as obfuscation) is only available with OpenVPN.
Rounded off with simple, attractive apps, that's pretty much all you need to know about Surfshark – it's fully featured, great for streaming, and will keep you secure online.
It might not be a super-configurable powerhouse, but many users don't need that, and it offers some of the best Android VPN and the best iPhone VPN apps, thanks to their ease of use and functionality.
For less than $2.50 a month, Surfshakr proves that quality does not need to come at a high price. Plus, in addition to the 30-day money-back guarantee, there's also a 7-day free trial, so you can try the service risk-free before committing.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and intuitive design, superb for new VPN users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Both mobile and desktop apps score maximum points on ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest providers in my testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortless unblocking and gets past every streaming site there is | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Overall very secure but the kill switch could've been better | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with an in-depth knowledge hub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value for money, one of the cheapest option | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other quality VPNs I've tested
✔️ You want a super secure VPN for Dubai: Proton VPN is a delight for privacy purists, thanks to Secure Core servers, open-source apps, and physical servers in the UAE.
✔️ You want a VPN for Linux: Proton VPN comes with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux installations, unlike ExpressVPN, which only offers a command-line interface.
✔️ You want a free UAE VPN: Proton VPN has a free plan with access to 100 servers and unlimited bandwidth, which you can use for as long as you want.
❌ You're on a tight budget: Proton VPN is an expensive pick and if you're looking for great value for your money, consider Surfshark.
❌ You're looking for a simple VPN: Proton VPN's apps are well-made and powerful, but beginners might find them a little intimidating.
❌ You want a free streaming VPN: while Proton VPN’s free version is more than capable of day-to-day usage, it doesn’t come with any unblocking abilities.
Proton VPN is a UAE VPN that sets the bar high for what a secure VPN should look like – Secure Core servers, Swiss privacy laws, and open-source apps all ensure awesome reliability. Streaming support is on par with the big three, and there's very little it misses out on. Plus, you can give it a spin with the free version to make sure you like the app interface.
Proton VPN is a great UAE VPN as it has its users' privacy at its heart. Its zero-logging policy, Secure Core servers, and Tor over VPN mean that Proton works hard to keep you anonymous.
On that note, Secure Core is a very interesting feature. Functioning much like NordVPN's Double VPN, Secure Core routes your traffic through an ultra-secure server in either Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden, before sending you on to your location of choice. This is especially useful when connecting to regions like the UAE, Turkey, or Iraq that have (a very small) potential to be compromised at the server level.
Besides the fact that it’s based in Switzerland, a country outside EU and US jurisdictions and well-known for its strict privacy laws, all of Proton's apps are open source, boosting transparency and reliability even further.
What's more, Proton is actually one of the few VPNs to have servers within the UAE. It also recently cranked up its global server count to 8,174+ in 112 countries, meaning that it offers more servers than even NordVPN.
The company recommends connecting to these servers with the Secure Core feature, which means that you can do all your day-to-day browsing with an extra layer of protection.
While it does offer fairly decent speeds, the VPN can't quite keep up with NordVPN and Surfshark, meaning that if speed is your top priority, you may want to check out one of these alternatives. With that being said, Proton is still more than fast enough to handle any streaming, gaming, or torrenting you get up to.
Proton is also an excellent pick for streaming. It has no problem unblocking today's most popular platforms, including Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
However, it’s worth noting that while Proton offers one of the best free VPNs, this free plan doesn’t come with unblocking capabilities, as they’re exclusive to users of the paid plan – although the free plan does have a partnered server to allow anyone anywhere to access Deutsche Welle's unbiased news coverage.
Speaking of pricing, it’s on the expensive side of things, and while it’s still cheaper than ExpressVPN, those pinching pennies will be better off with Surfshark.
One downside is the fact that Proton's live chat isn't 24/7, meaning that you may have to wait around if something goes wrong. However, that's a small complaint – and if having the best private VPN is your prime objective, Proton is, undeniably, one of the best around.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and dynamic design, with the dark mode stealing the spotlight | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The mobile apps are super easy to use, but the desktop apps may need some getting used to | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not slow, but certainly not the fastest on the market | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Access to pretty much every streaming site you'd like to watch, plus great ofor evading censorship | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Excellent security thanks to open-source apps and Secure Core servers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Doesn't have 24/7 live chat but no shortage of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A touch more expensive than the others, but there's a free plan for limited usage | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want a reliable UAE VPN: VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol bypasses VPN blocks in restrictive countries like UAE and China with ease.
✔️ You want to be sure you won't be tracked: VyprVPN has a verified no-logs policy – just like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
✔️ You want tons of server locations: despite being a smaller provider, VyprVPN has servers in over 70 countries worldwide.
❌ You want a VPN that's fast: VyprVPN's speeds are average at best, and providers like Surfshark and NordVPN are head and shoulders ahead.
❌ You're on a budget: while there are no renewal hikes, a starting price of around $5/month means that VyprVPN isn't the cheapest option.
❌ You want to stream UK Netflix: VyprVPN unblocks an impressive number of platforms, but UK Netflix isn't one of them.
VyprVPN is an excellent UAE VPN with decent unblocking powers and a verified no-logs policy. With fully-owned servers in over 70 countries and a unique Chameleon protocol for bypassing VPN blocks, it's a go-to solution for keeping your internet activities private in restrictive regions like the UAE and Russia. However, if you're looking for a real all-rounder, I'd recommend my choices above.
While it's a smaller provider, in my VyprVPN review, I found that it worked well in a number of different situations – and one of them is as a UAE VPN.
Like all the VPNs on this page (but very few others), Vypr clearly states its ability to access restricted content. This commitment to help those in the UAE avoid censorship is a good sign and means it should be proactive about maintaining the service. What's more, Vypr is also one of the best China VPNs, able to offer reliable access to a country that similarly restricts its citizens' internet access.
With a Chameleon protocol that obfuscates your VPN connection and allows you to bypass VPN blocks, along with servers in over 70 countries worldwide, VyprVPN can also unblock more sites than your average VPN.
What's more, the company owns all the servers that it operates – there's no involvement of any third-party hosts, which translates to better privacy of user data.
VyprVPN prioritizes its users' security and has been verified as a zero-logging VPN – that means the service never collects any data that can identify users, which is important for personal privacy online.
You'll also get good connection speeds, and VyprVPN is effective at unblocking pretty much every streaming service, including the very popular iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Be aware, though, that in my testing it was only able to access US Netflix – not the UK, Canada, Japan, or others.
VyprVPN's compatibility is pretty commendable too, and you'll be able to operate it on Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and even Anonabox, Blackphone, and smart TVs.
However, it's worth noting that you'll only have 5 simultaneous connections to play with. Plus, with top speeds of only around 300 Mbps in my testing, it's not exactly a speed demon. If this is a concern, Surfshark offers excellent speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Compared to the rest on this list, VyprVPN isn't nearly as modern and polished, with a considerably old-looking UI, and a recent price hike has taken it from one of the cheapest VPN services to one of the most expensive. It's priced at $5/month, and although there are no renewal hikes, it's nowhere close to the affordability of Surfshark or NordVPN.
However, if you find that other providers don't do the job in the UAE, VyprVPN is definitely worth trying out.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun and interesting design with lots of neatly presented options | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple enough for beginners, and tech experts will have a great time too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not quite as fast as a Surfshark or a NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Lots of server locations ensure decent unblocking | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Proprietary protocols, an independently audited no-logs policy, and fully-owned servers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Quick email support and a very detailed knowledge hub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | No renewal hikes make it a great catch | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best UAE VPN
A Dubai VPN should be well-rounded and reliable. For users looking to access VoIP services and avoid network restrictions, however, obfuscated servers that mask VPN usage are essential. This is because if you're detected using a VPN, you won't get access to the apps or sites you're trying to check out.
The UAE also has a track record of blocking sites with little to no notice, so having a VPN with a good history of accessing restricted content is a must. A robust support network is also invaluable in the case that something doesn't work as it should.
As always, privacy should be a priority. Staying anonymous is of utmost importance due to the government's strong opposition to VPNs, so quality encryption, zero-logging policies, and a choice of protocols are signs of VPNs that take privacy seriously.
Topping my list is NordVPN. Widely regarded as the best UAE VPN for Dubai and the rest of the country, its stealthy servers, great speeds, and excellent support mean it's a reliable way of accessing restricted content. However, there are a number of other options, so figure out exactly what you need from your VPN, and pick from our comprehensive list above.
UAE VPN FAQs
Are VPNs illegal in UAE?
No. Having a VPN is not illegal in the UAE. Businesses rely on them too much for the government to ban them outright.
However, using a VPN to access restricted content is a grey area, and those using a VPN for the "purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery" risk a fine of up to AED2,000,000 – equivalent to over $500,000.
With this being said, we can't find any evidence of an individual ever being prosecuted for using a VPN.
We do not condone using a VPN to break the law. We also believe in the freedom of information and the internet. If you choose to use a VPN, for whatever reason, it's important to assess the risks to see if you think it's worth it.
You can learn more about where VPNs are illegal here.
Why do you need a UAE VPN?
People use VPNs in the UAE for a number of reasons.
Firstly, internet access is censored and restricted, and a VPN can allow the user to access this content.
Secondly – and probably the most common reason – is that Etisalat and Du hold a monopoly on the VoIP market, meaning free apps like WhatsApp and Messenger cannot be used to call people for free. A UAE VPN can allow individuals to use these free services for a much lower monthly cost compared to the state-sanctioned providers.
Thirdly, streaming. With a VPN you can access streaming media, including Netflix, live sports, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. This is especially useful for expats as media from their home country is likely to be blocked. A VPN can virtually relocate them back home and give them access to this media.
What VPNs work in UAE?
Other than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and VyprVPN, not many. Thanks to the UAE's tough restrictions on VPN usage, many VPN providers – including larger ones – have been effectively disabled. While they're great in the rest of the world, in the UAE and Dubai they simply don't work.
The five on this list mostly work thanks to obfuscated servers that can evade VPN detection. This basically means that anyone inspecting web traffic won't be able to tell that a certain connection is using a VPN.
While some other providers may work, we believe these five offer citizens and travelers the best chance at accessing what they want when in the UAE.
Can you get a free UAE VPN for Dubai?
If you want a free UAE VPN, you should take a look at our rundown of the best free VPN services. However, from this list of the best UAE VPNs, only Hotspot Shield offers a free service.
We'd highly recommend using a paid-for service in countries like the UAE that have strict censorship laws. This is because in most cases you'll want to have your VPN switched on all of the time, and free services almost always come with data limits.
Also, paid-for VPNs give you the widest selection of servers, and you can be absolutely sure that they'll consistently unblock sites. No-fee VPNs may also compromise your safety by either not working properly or even leaking your data.
Finally, all the best Dubai VPNs on this list offer at least 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can get your money back within 30 days if the service turns out not to be for you – no questions asked.
Learn more on why you should go for a premium VPN over a free VPN.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
