The best UAE VPN for Dubai in 2025
A UAE VPN is essential for accessing VoIP and censored sites
A UAE VPN will allow you to sidestep all the restrictions put in place by the country's Telecom Regulatory Authority, which has banned tons of popular websites and apps, including WhatsApp and Skype. Besides keeping your online activities and personal details private, a VPN for Dubai and Abu Dhabi will also grant you effortless access to geo-blocked content from around the world.
However, unlike regions such as the US or the UK, a very small number of VPNs are actually fit for use within the UAE, which is why choosing a VPN for this particular part of the world can be tricky. At Tom's Guide, we've reviewed and compared dozens of providers to round up a list of the top 5 UAE VPNs.
We put the best VPNs through various rounds of testing, checking for privacy, speed, and unblocking within the region – and we also considered factors like ease of use and value for money. Keep reading to find out all about my top recommendations.
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
1. NordVPN: the best UAE VPN
NordVPN is my #1 UAE VPN thanks to its incredible unblocking power and array of security-enhancing tools. It's lightning-fast, offers top-of-the-line encryption and, as a cherry on top, NordVPN is an audited no-logs provider so you can be sure that it won't keep tabs on your browsing activity.
NordVPN's layout may be a little complex for total VPN newbies, but overall, it's our top pick. Plus, it even has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
2. ExpressVPN: standout simplicity
ExpressVPN is a great pick for unblocking sites, services, and apps, and getting around tricky bans. With servers in 105 countries, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to geo-spoofing. ExpressVPN also has handy 24/7 support, allowing you to get the help you need, when you need it.
With this being said, it is one of the more expensive providers. But, you'll get an extra 3 months of coverage for free when you pick up a 12-month plan, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try without committing.
3. Surfshark: the best budget-friendly option
Surfshark proves that you don't have to spend big bucks to get great quality. It's got excellent privacy features and great streaming power all for less than $2.50 a month.
On top of this, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services around, so you won't be waiting for things to load while you use it. Try Surfshark today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 2025
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
NordVPN: the best VPN overall
1. NordVPN
Security, speed and simplicity
Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 7,100+ | Maximum devices supported: 10
✔️ 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 10 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 7,100 servers is a particularly generous offering.
As one of the most secure VPNs around, NordVPN comes with excellent 256-bit AES encryption, a combination of two kill switches, and leak protection, meaning both your browsing activities and your personally identifiable data will be kept safe from third-party snoopers while you are in the UAE and Dubai. Furthermore, NordVPN has undergone four independent audits to back up its privacy claims.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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. There's also a handy Onion over VPN feature, which will let you access the super-secure Tor network without having to download the Tor browser.
That's not all, though, as NordVPN also offers one of the most comprehensive security suites I've seen in a VPN. In addition to the basics, you also get built-in antivirus and antimalware, a password manager, the upgraded Threat Protection Pro, encrypted cloud storage, data breach scanning, popup and ad blocking, and even cyber insurance.
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, BBC 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.
Another gripe I have with the service is its limit of 10 simultaneous connections. While it's on par with the industry standard – and in fact more than the likes of ExpressVPN, which offers only 8 – I definitely expect more from our #1 pick, especially when Surfshark and PIA are out there offering unlimited simultaneous connections, which make them perfect for large households.
Overall, though, NordVPN's world-class specs in almost every single domain, from connection speeds, privacy, and security to unblocking, apps, and customer support, make it the best VPN for most people. What's more, it offers excellent value for money, too. Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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
2. ExpressVPN
The best all-round UAE VPN
Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,000+ | Maximum devices supported: 8
✔️ 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, IPv6 leak protection, and a robust kill switch. If you're less confident when it comes to tweaking settings, or you're someone who just likes their VPN to be serviceable right out of the box, ExpressVPN might be the perfect pick for you. It offers easy-to-use apps on every platform, combined with a one-click connect feature, which will protect you as soon as you launch the app.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Seeing as the VPN's default configuration provides the perfect combination of speed and security, ExpressVPN is my top pick for the best VPN for beginners. Moreover, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied, you can reclaim your dough without any hassle.
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.
Although ExpressVPN is one of our top recommendations for folks who wish to tap into international content while in the UAE, such as on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, I, unfortunately, can't say the same for fans of local, Middle Eastern content.
This is because ExpressVPN doesn't have a server in the UAE, so if you want to browse privately locally or watch Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League when you're traveling abroad, consider one of NordVPN or Surfshark instead.
It’s also 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. However, that should still be more than enough for most small households.
Lastly, while there are options cheaper than ExpressVPN, I've found it to be worth every single penny, thanks to class-leading privacy, excellent speeds, and most notably, the simplest VPN apps.
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
3. Surfshark
A fast and cheap UAE VPN
Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200+ | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
✔️ 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. Having overtaken ExpressVPN as my #2 VPN overall, Surfshark's now full-fledged security suite, comprehensive unblocking, and mind-boggling speeds, combined with a slew of unique offerings and a sub-$2.50 price tag, make it the best cheap VPN. Read my Surfshark review for more.
In addition to rock-solid AES-256 encryption, Double Hop, and split tunneling, Surfshark offers several privacy features you wouldn't expect at this price point. These include the newly added Alternative ID feature, which will generate an entirely new persona for you, allowing you to keep your real personal details under wraps on the internet. Great for staying anonymous if you want to browse restricted sites, which is a must in the UAE.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
There's also Alternative Number, which gives you a virtual/burner number, and Incogni, one of the best data removal services on the market right now. Additionally, features like CleanWeb, Surfshark’s ad-blocking tool, built-in malware blocking, real-time security breach alerts, a private search tool, and webcam protection further bolster Surfshark's appeal.
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. It's also worth mentioning that while Surfshark's Windows kill switch previously failed when I tested it under extreme pressure, the issue has now been resolved.
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.
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.
Surfshark might not be a super-configurable powerhouse, but the majority of 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.
Surfshark 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
4. Proton VPN
Super secure with excellent speeds
Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, Prime Video, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 8,200+ | Maximum devices supported: 10
✔️ 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 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, primarily because 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.
As mentioned in my in-depth Proton VPN review, 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.
▶ Try Proton VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 VPN's apps are open source, which means anyone can inspect them at any point in time. What's more, Proton VPN also allows users to pay for their subscription anonymously via Bitcoin.
In addition to being one of the few VPNs to have servers within the UAE, Proton VPN also recently more than doubled its network size to 8,200+ in 112 countries, meaning that it offers more servers than even NordVPN. It's also one of the best VPNs for Linux, as it comes with a GUI and not just a command-line interface like most of the competition. Plus, it also recently launched an app for Apple TV, meaning there's now coverage for just about every device type.
Performance-wise, too, Proton VPN has come a long way. With peak speeds of over 950 Mbps in my latest round of testing, it's now neck-and-neck with the top dogs NordVPN and Surfshark. So, whether you want to steam in 4K or play online multiplayer games, Proton has you covered.
Speaking of streaming, Proton VPN showed no signs of trouble unblocking today's most popular platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, Proton VPN has servers inside the UAE, meaning it's also a solid choice for streaming local content from outside the country, unlike ExpressVPN.
It’s worth noting that while Proton VPN 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. However, it does offer unlimited data, so you can privately browse and download large files for as long as you want to. The free plan also has a partnered server to allow anyone anywhere access to Deutsche Welle's unbiased news coverage.
Speaking of pricing, Proton VPN is very much on the expensive side of things, and while it’s still cheaper than ExpressVPN, those pinching pennies will be better off with Surfshark. With that said, a unique advantage of spending that extra bit of money with Proton is that you can get its entire suite of privacy-focused tools, including Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, for a fraction of the cost you'll spend on getting similar products individually.
Another 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 VPN is, undeniably, one of the best around. You don't have to commit straightaway, either; a 30-day money-back guarantee will allow you to use the service risk-free first.
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 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
5. VyprVPN
Good speed and security
Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 700+ | Maximum devices supported: 5
✔️ 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.
Don't be fooled by VyprVPN's small size. In my VyprVPN review, I clearly state how it may not be as all-encompassing as the other providers above, but it works very well in a number of different situations, one of which 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.
▶ Try VyprVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What's more, Vypr is also one of the best Egypt VPNs, and it works excellently in China, too, offering reliable access to a country that similarly restricts its citizens' internet access.
One of the biggest highlights of the service is that it uses a proprietary protocol, called Chameleon. It's been purposefully designed by the VyprVPN team to be able to obfuscate your VPN connection – meaning the fact you're using a VPN will remain hidden – and allow you to bypass VPN blocks in the UAE and elsewhere.
Although VyprVPN's assortment of 700 servers may not be as impressive as, say, ExpressVPN's 3,000+, let alone Nord's 7,000+ servers, they're neatly distributed across 70 countries worldwide, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, so VyprVPN can unblock more sites than your average VPN.
Additionally, you get effortless access to the very popular BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and US Netflix. Because it has servers in the Middle East, it's, in fact, better for streaming local content in those areas than ExpressVPN, which doesn't have a server in the UAE.
Another VyprVPN positive is the company's full ownership of all the servers it operates. This means that 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, which is exactly what we've come to expect from the most trustworthy VPNs. The service never collects any data that can identify users, which is important for personal privacy online.
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, with a server in the country and rock-solid privacy measures, is definitely worth trying out. You can take a trial run before committing, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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.
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Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees guides on the best VPN services, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the depths of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.
- Krishi ChowdharyContributor