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The best UAE VPN working in Dubai 2022
By Mo Harber-Lamond published 12 October 2022 The very best UAE VPNs for WhatsApp, privacy and streaming (Image credit: Future) Having a UAE VPN for Dubai is an absolute no-brainer.
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Whether you want to access WhatsApp by evading blocks imposed by Etisalat and Du, visit censored sites, or even watch overseas streaming content, the best VPN is an essential tool that's totally legal to use. The most common reason to use a VPN in UAE is for using VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Facetime.
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Both citizens and workers from abroad usually have to pay high prices for the networks' own VoIP apps because all others are blocked. However, payin a small fee for a UAE VPN for Dubai and using WhatsApp is far cheaper.
Anyone heading to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for work or a holiday will also benefit from using a UAE VPN – you'll need it to access social media, plus any streaming or sports subscriptions you pay for back at home. So, a UAE VPN is pretty much essential for anyone who steps foot inside the country.
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Note: For travellers, 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.
What makes the best UAE VPN
Seeing as the uses for VPNs are incredibly varied, the best VPN in UAE should be able to do it all. For users looking to access VoIP services and avoid network restrictions, obfuscated servers that mask VPN usage will be essential.
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This is because if you're detected using a VPN, you still won't get access to the apps or sites you want. Restriction of certain sites can vary frequently, so you'll need a VPN with a track record of being reliable in the UAE. Having quality 24/7 customer support will also help massively if you do have any issues.
Excellent privacy is also a top priority.
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Because the government takes a strong stance against VPN usage, you'll want to stay anonymous so that you can't be personally identified by anyone who's looking. Quality encryption, zero-logging policies and a choice of protocols are signs of VPNs that take privacy seriously.
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At the top of our list is ExpressVPN. 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 scroll on to find out which UAE VPN is best for you.
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(opens in new tab)1 ExpressVPN – the best VPN for UAE and Dubai (opens in new tab)
ExpressVPN is the best service on the market for staying anonymous and accessing blocked content in the UAE. From regional Netflix libraries to Skype and WhatsApp, it's an essential tool for visitors and residents alike.
ExpressVPN is the best service on the market for staying anonymous and accessing blocked content in the UAE. From regional Netflix libraries to Skype and WhatsApp, it's an essential tool for visitors and residents alike.
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And now, you can claim three free months with Tom's Guide.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)2 NordVPN – the biggest VPN name for UAE (opens in new tab)
NordVPN is another proven VPN service that can get you around the UAE's internet and phone network blocks. You'll also be able to stream tons of content, and stay secure online, and get world-class speeds on its 5,500 servers.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)3 Surfshark – cheap access to Skype, WhatsApp and more (opens in new tab)
For those looking to spend as little as possible but still get a premium service, Surfshark could be an excellent option.
NordVPN is another proven VPN service that can get you around the UAE's internet and phone network blocks. You'll also be able to stream tons of content, and stay secure online, and get world-class speeds on its 5,500 servers.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)3 Surfshark – cheap access to Skype, WhatsApp and more (opens in new tab)
For those looking to spend as little as possible but still get a premium service, Surfshark could be an excellent option.
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With great VoIP performance and excellent privacy and streaming features, it's great value at less than $2.50 a month. View Deal (opens in new tab)Check out all the best VPN deals
The five best UAE VPNs you can get today
(Image credit: ExpressVPN) (opens in new tab)1 ExpressVPN
The best all-round UAE VPN Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu Money-back guarantee: 30 days Number of servers: 3,000+ Maximum devices supported: 5+3 MONTHS FREEExpressVPN 12 month (opens in new tab)$6.67/mth (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 6 month (opens in new tab)$9.99/mth (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 1 month (opens in new tab)$12.95/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at ExpressVPN (opens in new tab)Great apps for all devices30-day guarantee to test serviceClass-leading supportExcellent privacyOnly 5 simultaneous connections If you're looking for the best UAE VPN that can do it all, ExpressVPN is our first pick. With excellent speeds on servers worldwide, and the power to avoid VPN-blocking tech employed by the UAE network providers, it's an easy choice. Express also provides excellent privacy, with AES-256 encryption, a selection of protocols to choose from, plus IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch.
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However, just keeping the apps on their automatic settings will provide the perfect combination of speed and security. Alongside great privacy, Express is also great for unblocking geo-restricted streaming services – you'll be able to browse global Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, and access live sporting events from around the world.
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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. A UAE VPN also needs great support as restrictions seem to be constantly changing, and Express has perfected it.
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You'll be able to talk to a real person 24/7 – they usually reply in a matter of seconds – and ask them any question you want about the service. If your connection isn't working you should be able to get help, and Express also has a dedicated UAE page on its support site.
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What sets ExpressVPN apart, though, is how it combines these premium features and presents it all in a genuinely simple and easy-to-use package. The apps are totally plug and play, and even newbies can get protected in seconds – plus a 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test the service for free to make sure it works.
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If we had to find a fault, it'd be that Express only has five simultaneous connections – meaning you'll only be able to use the VPN on five devices at a time. However, that should be more than enough for most people, and it's a sacrifice we'd be willing to make to get the very best UAE VPN on the market. (opens in new tab)Get 3 months FREE of the best UAE VPN (opens in new tab)
As the full package, ExpressVPN is the best option for those in the UAE, and now it's even better value with three months free – that's 15 months for the price of 12. Combine that with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try it out risk-free, and you've got a great-value package with the best UAE VPN money can buy.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (Image credit: NordVPN) (opens in new tab)
As the full package, ExpressVPN is the best option for those in the UAE, and now it's even better value with three months free – that's 15 months for the price of 12. Combine that with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try it out risk-free, and you've got a great-value package with the best UAE VPN money can buy.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (Image credit: NordVPN) (opens in new tab)
2 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: 5,500+ Maximum devices supported: 6+3 months freeNordVPN 2 Year (opens in new tab)$3.09/mth (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$11.99/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at NordVPN (opens in new tab)Security-focused service5 servers in UAEGreat connection speedsMobile apps are a little awkward There's a reason why our NordVPN review ranked the service so highly, and just one of the big name's strengths is its power as a UAE VPN.
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Nord's security-focused approach pays dividends when it comes to staying safe in Dubai and the UAE, and its excellent encryption ensures your browsing stays truly private. Alongside that are options like DNS leak protection, two kill switches and Onion over VPN, which all combine to create a seriously solid security solution. It's not all work and no play with Nord, though, as it has great streaming power.
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You'll be able to unblock Netflix, iPlayer and more, plus other sites restricted by Etisalat and Du. Great connection speeds mean that you won't be waiting around, and apps for pretty much every device allows you to stay protected wherever you are.
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However, one of the few downsides is the design of the mobile 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 small issue, though, and one unlikely to cause any real problems.
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Although not quite as well-rounded as ExpressVPN, NordVPN provides an excellent UAE VPN service that we highly recommend.Today's best NordVPN deals+3 months free (opens in new tab)NordVPN 2 Year (opens in new tab)$3.09/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$11.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
3 Surfshark
Quick 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+2 months freeSurfshark 24 Months (opens in new tab)$2.30/mth (opens in new tab)Surfshark 12 Months (opens in new tab)$3.99/mth (opens in new tab)Surfshark 1 Month (opens in new tab)$12.95/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at Surfshark (opens in new tab)Unbelievable valueEasy to useExcellent Netflix and iPlayer unblockingUnlimited connectionsApps are a little basic For many, Surfshark could provide the perfect UAE VPN experience – it's cheap, simple, and gets the job done. While you won't have all the in-depth features of Express or Nord, you'll still have good security and great speeds to browse day-to-day – read our Surfshark review for more. Surfshark isn't weak by any means, and with AES-256 encryption, Double Hop and split tunnelling it actually offers a number of privacy features you wouldn't expect at this price-point – great for staying anonymous if you want to browse restricted sites.
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For those looking to stream, Surfshark's also got you covered, and you'll be able to access Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu and more. In fact, Surfshark's a better streaming VPN than many more expensive rivals. 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.
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It might not be a super-configurable powerhouse, but many users don't need that. And, for less than $2.50 a month, we're not complaining.Today's best Surfshark deals+2 months free (opens in new tab)Surfshark 24 Months (opens in new tab)$2.30/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Surfshark 12 Months (opens in new tab)$3.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Surfshark 1 Month (opens in new tab)$12.95/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (Image credit: ProtonVPN) (opens in new tab)
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: 1,600+ Maximum devices supported: 10Proton VPN 2 year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 year (opens in new tab)$5.99/mth (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$9.99/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at Proton VPN (opens in new tab)Great for streamingReliably fast speedsVery privacy-focused serviceLive chat isn't 24/7 Proton VPN has improved a ton since our last Proton VPN review, and now the Swiss privacy experts are contending with the best in the business. A good UAE VPN should have its users' privacy at its heart, and that's exactly what Proton VPN does. With open-source apps, a verified zero-logging policy and powerful features like its rock-solid Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN, whatever you need to do, Proton does its best to keep you anonymous.
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What's more, Proton VPN is actually one of the few VPNs to have servers within the UAE. The company recommends connecting to these servers with the Secure Core feature (first routing you through a super secure server before connecting to the less secure UAE server), and that means that you can do all your day-to-day browsing in private with your VPN connected. 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.
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However, that's a small complaint – and if having the most private VPN is your prime objective, Proton VPN will be perfect.Today's best ProtonVPN deals (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 2 year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 year (opens in new tab)$5.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$9.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (Image credit: VyprVPN) (opens in new tab)
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: 5VyprVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$10/mth (opens in new tab)VyprVPN 1 Year (opens in new tab)$60/year (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at VyprVPN (opens in new tab)Apps for everythingVerified zero-loggingChameleon protocol is great for VPN-unfriendly locationsPrices have recently been hikedNot many servers While it's a smaller provider, in our VyprVPN review we found that it worked very 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, VyprVPN clearly states its ability to access restricted content.
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This commitment to help those in the UAE avoid censorship is a good sign, and means it should be diligent when maintaining the service. What's more, Vypr is also a great China VPN, a country which similarly restricts its citizens' internet access.
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VyprVPN prioritises 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. However, compared to the rest on this list, VyprVPN isn't as modern and polished, and a recent price hike has taken it from one of the cheapest VPN services to one of the most expensive.
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Plus, connections speeds are weak. However, if you find that other providers don't do the job in the UAE, VyprVPN is definitely worth trying out.Today's best VyprVPN deals (opens in new tab)VyprVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$10/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)VyprVPN 1 Year (opens in new tab)$60/year (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)
UAE VPN FAQs
Are VPNs illegal in UAE
No.
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Having a VPN is not illegal in 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.
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It is, however, fairly safe to say that the UAE is more concerned about preventing terrorism and large-scale crime than it is about individuals accessing restricted content – and we can't find any evidence of anyone ever being prosecuted for that reason. We do not condone using a VPN to break the law. We also believe in the freedom of information and the internet.
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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.
Why do you need a UAE VPN
People use VPNs in 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.
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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.
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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, Hotspot Shield and VyprVPN, not many.
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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.
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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 offers citizens and travellers the best chance at accessing what they want to when in the UAE.
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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.
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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 – Hotspot Shield is generous with 500MB a day, while TunnelBear provides a tiny 500MB a month. Also, paid-for VPNs give you the widest selection or servers, and you can be absolutely sure that they'll consistently unblock sites. While a no-fee VPN might not cost any money, it might not work properly and, at worst, leak your information and compromise your online privacy.
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Finally, all the best Dubai VPNs on this list offer at least 30-day money-back guarantees, so even though you will have to pay to get access, you'll be able to get your money back within 30 days if the service turns out not to be for you – no questions asked.Stream whatever you want with the best Fire Stick VPNFollow our step-by-step guide on how to download NordVPN on any device
Round up of today's best deals+3 MONTHS FREE (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 12 month (opens in new tab)$6.67/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)+3 months free (opens in new tab)NordVPN 2 Year (opens in new tab)$3.09/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)+2 months free (opens in new tab)Surfshark 24 Months (opens in new tab)$2.30/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 2 year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)VyprVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$10/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)We check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by
Be In the Know
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Mo Harber-LamondVPN EditorMo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date.
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When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings 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. Topics Internet Privacy Security See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streak2Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday3iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how4This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more1Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday2iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how3This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 4Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more5iPhone 15 with USB-C is almost certainly coming - here's why
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