Best VPN for UAE & Dubai in 2022 That Still Work

TRA and Etisalat are two of the world’s largest telecom companies that enforce regular impositions of what a user can or cannot do or access online within the UAE. This means that most websites, streaming services, games, and apps are blocked there. To unblock or regain access to them while traveling to the UAE or Dubai, you need the best UAE VPN. 

Of course, considering that most websites or platforms are blocked, it’s crucial to know that even certain VPN services don’t function there. So, if you’re looking for the best VPN UAE citizens can rely on, we’ve listed 7 top providers you can use in Dubai or anywhere else. You’ll then be able to unblock VoIP services like WhatsApp or streaming content from the US Netflix library in the UAE.

Are some VPNs blocked in the UAE?

There are many top VPN providers in the industry, however, only a few of them work within Dubai or in the UAE.

Why?

Etisalat and TRA. Have you heard of it? TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority), and Etisalat, (more popularly known as one of the world’s largest telecom companies) are two regulatory bodies that impose the laws on the UAE internet.

You’ll find them located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Etisalat is an important service provider in Dubai, which is why you’ll see this city highlighted across the blog.

This company controls and regulates the laws against the censorship of most services, and the surveillance of all online activities within the UAE. They set the criteria of what’s inappropriate, harmful, or affects views against religious and political beliefs.

You’ll find censored websites ranging from pornography, religious and political platforms, journalism and much more. This even includes numerous Wikipedia pages, which might be surprising to many.

This is why most users turn to VPN services to access these services. However, Etisalat blocks VPN usage as well. This is why we’ve highlighted only the best VPN services that still work in the UAE.

Keep reading to understand why you’d still need a VPN in Dubai (UAE) while living or traveling there! But first, take a look at the detailed analysis of each best VPN for UAE in 2022.

7 Best UAE VPN services to use in Dubai in 2022 – Detailed analysis

As mentioned, there are many VPNs that you can use, but not every provider is the best for UAE. Out of a selected list that we tested, I picked only 7 providers that are currently the best VPN UAE users can bank on. However, if I had to recommend just one provider, it would have to be ExpressVPN. So, let’s begin with that first: 

1. ExpressVPN – #1 Best UAE VPN with speedy connectivity & military-grade security

ExpressVPN is currently the best UAE VPN around. If fast speeds, access to multiple streaming services, and online protection are what you’re looking for, then ExpressVPN is recommended!

This provider offers the best performance throughout testing and offers great security features, making it on the best VPN list for UAE or Dubai.

Regarding bypassing heavy geo-blocks, ExpressVPN is one of the few that works in countries like China and Russia. Keeping that in mind, it also works in the UAE, which comes with equally heavy blocks and online surveillance laws.

ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, a location safe and far away from the 5/9/14-eyes alliance and doesn’t log any user data. It comes with AES 256-bit encryption, which is required to secure all your online activities within the UAE. The same is also noted in Surfshark, which is found second on our list. 

It offers other advanced features like a Kill Switch to ensure your data doesn’t leak if the VPN stops midway.

To keep you secure in the UAE, ExpressVPN offers features like DNS and IPv6 leak protection to secure your data, location, and activities. You can even use Stealth servers in countries that impose the strictest geo-blocks. Another great feature is Split-Tunneling. This feature lets you choose which services you require to run or exclude from the VPN’s encrypted tunnel.

Wherever coverage is concerned, ExpressVPN offers a massive network of 3000+ servers in 94 countries. When in UAE, you’ll be able to access numerous streaming services, apps, or websites that are usually blocked there. It even offers a MediaStreamer feature that assists with bypassing heavy blocks to access services.

When I tested and reviewed the ExpressVPN app, I managed to unblock services like Hulu, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, Messenger, Skype, and a couple of others. The best part about ExpressVPN is that it won’t experience lagging or buffering issues since it delivers some of the fastest speeds.

This provider is one of the pricier options, but it offers regular discount coupons and deals on its yearly package. Need to secure more than one device? ExpressVPN allows up to 6 multi-device connections. A few of the devices and OS it supports include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Firestick, Android TV, and Linux.

ExpressVPN is indeed the best UAE VPN users want while in Dubai or the UAE. You’d be able to test the VPN using its free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the service, you can ask for a refund.

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2. Surfshark – Best UAE VPN that is affordable

Second, on the list, we have Surfshark, which does not fall too far behind ExpressVPN. It’s listed as one of the best UAE VPNs to use in Dubai because of many factors. 

It’s located within the British Virgin Islands, which is known as a privacy-friendly region. This makes it great for the people traveling to or living within the UAE. You won’t even need to worry about your ISP or this provider stealing your data since it observes a strict privacy and no-data logging policy.

Moreover, Surfshark comes with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protection, a Kill Switch, and Split-tunneling, which secures you online, keeping your activities private and secure.

Additionally, the provider offers other advanced security features that are required for using the internet in the UAE. They include a Camouflage and NoBorders Mode that allows access to restricted websites in surveillance countries and DNS leak protection that prohibits your data from being exposed to the ISP or the government. However, ensure you’re connected to the NoBorders feature before arriving in the UAE. There’s also a feature called GPS Spoofing that lets you change your physical GPS.

When we tested and reviewed Surfshark, not only were the security features up to mark but so were the speeds.

Regarding network coverage, Surfshark offers around 3200+ servers in 65+ countries. It also offers multi-hop server options for double the protection. These servers are optimized for both streaming and P2P file sharing.

I unblocked BBC iPlayer, Hulu, 16 Netflix libraries, and Amazon Prime during testing. These servers made access to communication services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook easier!

You probably carry more than one device when traveling to the UAE or Dubai. Luckily, Surfshark allows unlimited and simultaneous device connections. You’ll be able to connect your Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick device, and others.

Make sure to test the VPN before investing! It offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee for testing the app’s features! Surfshark is generally one of the more affordable VPN services and offers regular discounts and coupons over most of its packages. You could say that this is just an abridged version of why Surfshark is currently the best UAE VPN that is affordable.

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3. NordVPN – Best VPN for UAE for online protection

Next, we have NordVPN, for all those who’re looking for double the security for online privacy and data protection in the UAE. Its security features and the ability to bypass heavy geo-blocks are what make this VPN one of the best for users in Dubai or the UAE.

NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a region known for being very private. A VPN’s safe location is what users in the UAE require most from the service. It also doesn’t store any data and observes a strict no-logging policy.

When you’re anywhere in Dubai, you’ll need the best online security you can get from a VPN service, and luckily NordVPN does justice. Don’t worry too much about accessing popular websites or communication apps, since the provider shields your traffic with AES 256-bit encryption.

Other advanced features include a Kill Switch, OpenVPN protection, DNS, and IP leak protection, all of which help keep your activities private and your data protected. Its CyberSec feature helps you get rid of malicious ads.

Coming to the server network, NordVPN offers around 5400+ in 61 countries. And, that’s not even the best part. Within its server network, it includes Double VPN and obfuscated VPN servers, all of which get you past heavy online surveillance and blocks in the UAE, and allow access to restricted services.

Even if the obfuscated servers fail to work, NordVPN offers a TOR Obfsproxy tool, that’ll allow you to bypass blocked websites from anywhere in the world.

So, even if you’re outside the UAE, you’ll be able to access its services from other countries using these obfuscated servers. This will allow you to get past censored websites in the UAE.

Connecting to any of the 5000+ servers allows you to access unlimited websites and download many previously blocked apps with this UAE VPN. I unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ESPN, DAZN, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and others during testing. The speeds were pretty great too!

You’ll be able to protect multiple devices simultaneously since NordVPN allows up to 6 multi-device connections. Some supported platforms include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Firestick, Linux, and Apple TV.

Need to test NordVPN? It offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.  If you do not favor the service, then simply ask for a refund.

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4. VyprVPN – Uses Chameleon technology to bypass geo-blocks in UAE

VyprVPN is one of the best VPN services in the industry and for UAE users for several reasons. However, the main reason revolves around the fact that it offers solid security features, keeping users safe and secure online, in Dubai.

Where the safety of location is concerned, VyprVPN is located in a privacy-friendly region in Switzerland, far away from the eye-regions. This is extremely crucial in a provider where access in the UAE is concerned. With that in mind, this provider doesn’t log any user data, following a very strict no-logs policy.

Coming to the provider’s security features, it runs using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to help secure users in country’s that observe the harshest surveillance law, like the UAE.

You’ll even have a selection of protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, IPsec, IKEv2, and Chameleon) to utilize depending on what you require. The Chameleon protocol is most recommended in this situation. It allows you to access the most blocked services within heavily restricted countries like the UAE. Connect to this protocol and there shouldn’t be any issues.

The app also comes with a Kill Switch feature that protects your data and physical location if ever the VPN connection fails or stops working. Sadly, the Kill Switch isn’t available on the iOS app. So, if you’re looking for security mainly on iOS, it is better you look up another provider mentioned on this list.

Other than that, the VPN offers DNS and leak protection, protecting you from being exposed over the internet in the UAE. It also hides your activities from prying ISP eyes.

Did you know that VyprVPN owns its servers, some of which are DNS protected? Not many providers can say that. It offers around, 700+ servers in 65+ counties, all of which are optimized for streaming and torrenting.

During the VyprVPN app testing, I was able to get past some of the most popular, yet geo-blocked services in the UAE. A few of them include Hulu, Netflix, Facebook, WhatsApp, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and HBO GO. I even tested the speeds and the results were very satisfactory.

You’ll be able to connect to more than one device since VyprVPN allows up to 5 multi-device connections. To mention a few platforms, it supports apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Smart TVs.

VyprVPN offers a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the app and its features.

Get VyprVPN for UAE Now

5. CyberGhost – UAE VPN that is user-friendly & comes with optimized servers

Next, on the best VPN for UAE list, we have CyberGhost. This provider in general, among others on this list, is known to offer the best privacy and security features. This is what users traveling to or living within Dubai require for online protection, dodging laws implanted by Etisalat.

CyberGhost is located in a privacy-friendly region in Romania, which is free from any data-retention laws. The provider itself doesn’t log any user data. This means users within Dubai or the UAE as a whole don’t have to worry too much about using the service amidst all the heavy censorship or restrictions.

This provider, just like the others on the list, is built with AES 256-bit encryption to protect you over the UAE internet. What’s very different is that CyberGhost offers OpenVPN connections on most of its apps including iOS. This isn’t what most providers offer.

Other CyberGhost security features include a Kill Switch, Split-tunneling, DNS, and IP leak protection, all of which are required to keep your data and physical location from being exposed in the UAE.

If you’re planning on unblocking a number of restricted or censored streaming services, websites, or apps in the UAE, then CyberGhost offers great server coverage for it. You’ll have access to over 7000+ servers in 90 countries!

When I tested the CyberGhost unblocking abilities, I got access to BBC iPlayer, ESPN, WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and many more! The speeds were tested too and the results were pretty great! Its streaming abilities is one of the many reasons why CyberGhost gets great reviews.

Also, just in case you feel like connecting to more than one device, CyberGhost offers up to 7 multi-device connections. A few of its supported devices include Windows, iOS, and macOS, Android, Firestick, and Linux.

If you feel like testing the app, CyberGhost offers a free trial and a 45-day refund period.

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6. IPVanish – VPN best for unblocking US services in UAE

IPVanish is a US-based provider and is located within the 14-eyes alliance. This could easily trigger offer a few warnings for users in the UAE. However, to understand what a provider offers in terms of security, you must first examine its privacy policies. IPVanish might be a US-based provider, but it follows pretty strict no-logging policies.

However, because this provider is a US provider, it means you’ll be able to access more services within the US that are usually blocked in the UAE.

Compared to other providers, it doesn’t offer a huge selection of security features, but it does get the job done and is one of the few providers that are working in Dubai. It operates using AES 250-bit encryption and offers a Kill Switch to protect users online, even after the VPN connection fails.

It offers a list of protocols, with OpenVPN being the most recommended for faster and secure access to services. Then, there’s also a Split-tunneling feature, allowing you to choose which services or apps you’d like to run through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel in the UAE.

As mentioned above, IPVanish is known for unblocking US services. In general, it offers around 2000+ servers in 75+ countries, all of which are optimized for streaming and torrenting. During testing, I unblocked Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Skype, Facebook, and BBC iPlayer.

Just like Surfshark, IPVanish too allows unlimited device connections. A few of the devices or platforms it supports include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Firestick.

Unfortunately, there’s no free trial. But, you’ll be able to test the VPN and its features by hacking a free trial for 30 days. Don’t like the service? Just ask for a refund!

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7. PrivateVPN – Simple VPN for UAE users

Last on the list, we have PrivateVPN. Compared to the other providers on this list, PrivateVPN is mostly for simpler usage and falls on this list as the best UAE VPN mostly because it still works and is reliable.

This provider is located in Sweden, and it is within the 14-eyes region. However, it’s safe mostly because it doesn’t log any user information. When you read its privacy policy, you’ll see that it mostly logs insignificant information like your Email ID.

Where security is concerned, it offers military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN support, a Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection. This is what’s required for using the internet in the UAE.

It includes around 200+ servers in 63 countries, which is extremely limited compared to the other services on this list. This is why I said it’s for simple usage. I managed to unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Skype, Facebook, and Amazon Prime.

Even if you’d like to connect to more than one device, it allows up to 6 multi-device connections. It supports Windows, Android, iOS devices, macOS, Linux, Kodi, and routers.

Unfortunately, there’s no free trial, but you can use its 30-day refund period for testing the app!

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Why do you need the best VPN in the UAE?

Most businesses, or tourists traveling to the UAE, usually hit Dubai, one of the best and busiest cities in the UAE. It’s where all the attractions are! However, regardless of who you are or where you’re from, it’s a fact that online restrictions, surveillance and the aftermath penalties in the UAE are for everyone.

The city and country might be modern or advanced, but the laws are extremely strict. You’ll find many streaming services, electronic, gaming or political websites, VoIP services, and numerous apps blocked in Dubai or UAE as a whole.

For instance, tourists or business executives travelling there won’t be able to access social communication or networking sites like Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime or Skype. These services are considered as illegal.

You’ll even find the most popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime and many others completely blocked off within the country. This is why most residents in the Gulf States rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

When a resident accesses these prohibited websites or apps within the country, there are certain penalties that come with it.

For instance, imprisonment or a fine of Dh200’000 are the charges for accessing illegal or blocked websites, regardless of it being Netflix or TikTok. This is why you need to use a VPN while traveling to or residing in the UAE.

How the best VPN for UAE was chosen

Going through the entire blog, you now have an idea of what can and cannot be done within the UAE. This is why users are recommended to use a VPN while traveling there. However, along with services, apps or websites, most VPN providers are blocked there too.

Only a few work, the selected few have been further shortlisted according to the kind of services and overall performance they offer. Here’s how they were chosen:

No data-logging

This is extremely crucial to look into especially since users require all the privacy and online protection they can get in the UAE. The providers chosen all come with strict no-data retention policies, keeping user data secure.

Network coverage

Most streaming services, VoIP services, communication apps and websites are actively blocked in the UAE. To access them, you’re going to need another IP address depending on what service you’re trying to unblock. The VPN services chosen offer large network coverage and numerous IP addresses that you can connect to, to access international and local services from anywhere in the world.

Advanced security

By this, I mean obfuscated technology, military encryption, stealth mode servers and more, all of which are necessary tools to get you past the major restrictions and blocks in Dubai or the UAE. I could’ve chosen them based on just fast speeds and unblocking abilities, but they’ll come to no use if you’re VPN is detected. This is why security features or tools are so important in a UAE VPN.

Free trial and refund period

I believe in trying a product or test driving it before investing, especially for something as big as online protection. The VPN services chosen all come with a free trial or a refund policy, allowing you to test the app’s ability to perform.

Best VPN UAE – Frequently Asked Questions

Are VPN services legal in the UAE?

Technically speaking using a VPN isn’t illegal in the UAE. However, the illegality lies in how you use it. For starters, you’ll find everyone using a VPN in the UAE. If you try and access a service that’s usually restricted in the UAE, that’s considered as illegal. This is why you need to be extra careful while choosing a provider. Make sure to use the VPN according to the TRA guidelines or at your own risk.

Is there a free VPN that works in Dubai?

No there isn’t. Generally speaking there are only a couple free VPN services that are deemed as reliable, but I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN in the UAE. They come with poorer encryption standards, and other features necessary for using the internet in Dubai or dodging ISP and TRA surveillance. The providers mentioned on the list above all offer either a free trial or a refund period that you can use for testing periods.

Is it safe to access WhatsApp and other VoIP services in the UAE?

Technically speaking, yes, it’s safe to use a VPN to access VoIP services and WhatsApp in the UAE. Even though most services are blocked in the UAE that doesn’t mean all are illegal to access. TRA/Etisalat, are more concerned with other illegal websites and activities being accessed with a VPN. However, for the safer side, make sure you’re connected to the best VPN to access these services.

To conclude

It’s pretty simple: if you want to remain safe online and continue using the best VPN for UAE, make sure you follow the TRA guidelines and laws.

Yes, internet users have it tough in the UAE, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is attainable. For accurate results, I tested the VPN providers enlisted above to check if they still work in Dubai (UAE). If, however, you need a VPN that’s secure and affordable, the VPNs listed are currently offering great VPN deals and discounts.VPN deals and discounts.

Just in case you’re traveling to the UAE for business or work, you could always look up the best business VPN. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best, we recommend Perimeter 81.

To Summarize, the Best VPNs for UAE are…..

Rank	Provider	Our Score	User Rating
1	ExpressVPN	9.6/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
2	Surfshark	9.4/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
3	NordVPN	9.3/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
4	VyprVPN	8.9/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>
5	Cyberghost	8.8/10	Read Review	Find Out More Get Started >>