Apart from tall buildings and developed infrastructure, the UAE is a country where you can enjoy sunny days during the entire year if you’re a summer type. Such a beautiful country is known for Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well, but for those well-informed – these two places are the catalyst of censorship.
The ISPs in the UAE violate privacy daily by spying on users’ conversations and monitoring their online activities. Moreover, the country is known for its VoIP ban which prevents you from using video calls on Skype, Viber, Zoom, and WhatsApp.
Du and Etisalat, the two ISPs in the country, are to blame for that. They block dozens of websites daily and in conjunction with surveillance, they make the country one of the worst in terms of internet freedom according to the Freedom House report, with a score of 18/100.
It’s no secret that many people in the UAE are desperately looking for a VPN that’s also going to work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Because, unfortunately, some providers are blocked in the country as well, making it increasingly hard to find the one that’s working reliably.
But don’t worry – we’ve already tested a few of the best VPNs for Dubai and Abu Dhabi successfully, so let us tell you more about them.
In a Hurry? Here Are the Top 5 UAE VPN Providers
Finding a proper VPN for the UAE is a breeze, now that you’re here. For those in a rush, we compiled the list of the best UAE VPNs in 2024 – take a look:
- NordVPN – the best UAE VPN overall
- ExpressVPN – impeccable security with antivirus
- CyberGhost – a VPN with the most servers
- Surfshark – unlimited simultaneous connections
- Proton VPN – Swiss privacy at its finest
Why Should You Use a VPN in the UAE
Before telling you more about the providers I tested, let me quickly explain why using a VPN in this country is essential.
Preserving Privacy
The #1 reason to use a VPN for Abu Dhabi and Dubai is to preserve privacy. Du and Etisalat are hell-bent on monitoring your every move on the internet and if needed – react to it. The authorities in this country aren’t messing around and they’ll prosecute you if you speak something against them.
Even worse is the fact that they can and will read through your messages and listen to your video/voice calls if you’re using VoIP services from Du and Etisalat, which you’re forced to do (without a VPN). However, if you use a VPN for the UAE, you’ll eliminate this issue in a second.
Connecting to a server gives you encryption, which obfuscates your traffic and makes it unreadable by ISPs or the authorities. This way, you can enjoy the internet without surveillance and increase your online freedom.
Unblocking VoIP Services
VoIP services are the main issue when it comes to the internet in this country. I mean, just hearing about not being able to use Skype or WhatsApp makes my blood boil. Instead, Etisalat and Du are forcing you to use their services like BOTIM and C’Me.
They’re not free, which is bad, but even worse is that these ISPs can monitor your conversations through these two VoIP services! With a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country, which will alleviate the UAE VoIP ban and let you download and use the service of your choice.
This way, you can use Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Hangouts, or any other application freely in the United Arab Emirates.
Bypassing Censorship
Censorship isn’t applied to VoIP services only. People look for the best VPN in the UAE to unblock porn sites, online bookies, certain Wikipedia pages, and even particular websites that are blocked in the country.
By hiding your traffic from the ISP’s eyes and giving you an IP address from outside the country, you can visit any site you want without issues. These sites will see that you’re not located in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, hence, they’ll allow you to access them thanks to the VPN’s ability to change your online location.
Streaming on Foreign Streaming Services
Speaking of changing your online location, let’s mention streaming services. Netflix, for example, is available in the United Arab Emirates but its library of shows and movies is poor and contains under 1,500 movies and shows.
Compared to the US catalog which sports more than 5,000 of them, it’s easy to see why people are dissatisfied. Amazon Prime Video isn’t available here and the same applies to Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming portals.
A quality UAE VPN will help you access all of them by giving you an IP address from the respective country. Once you get a US IP, you can unblock Netflix US or Prime Video, while the UK IP will let you access BBC iPlayer, ITV, and other notable channels and platforms in the UAE.
Best VPN for the UAE: These 5 Will Work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the subject now. What is THE best VPN that’s working in the UAE? Well, you can see the five of them below, but just to make it clear, these are premium providers, which means you need a subscription to use them.
Once again, don’t worry – I made sure they’re really affordable, especially with the ability to get their cheapest deals through our site. Now keep reading, they’re waiting for you below.
1. NordVPN
Pros
- 5 servers in the UAE
- Obfuscated servers to bypass censorship
- Double VPN
- Threat Protection (malware protection + antivirus + ad blocker)
- NordLynx is the fastest VPN protocol
- Three security audits on the no-logs policy
Cons
- 5% price increase in the UAE due to VAT
- Very rare connection issues on Windows
NordVPN is the #1 VPN provider I found extremely useful in terms of bypassing censorship in countries like China or Turkey. As one of the best VPNs for Dubai (and Abu Dhabi), it’ll work in the country with no issues thanks to obfuscated servers for this purpose.
This provider is characterized by blazing-fast speeds produced by its NordLynx protocol. However, its main focus is security, and thus, it’s a perfect choice for people in this country. Apart from bank-grade encryption, NordVPN has an ad blocker and Threat Protection for eliminating malware and viruses.
Unlike ExpressVPN, our #2, it has servers in the United Arab Emirates, although you get only 5 of them. You can therefore count on NordVPN to obtain an IP address located in the UAE. But beware that these are the obfuscated servers I mentioned, so they’re far more secure. NordVPN also gives you Double VPN servers for doubling your encryption along with an automatic kill switch.
Based in Panama, you can be sure that this provider maintains a stringent no-logs policy. I mean, it has three audits from Deloitte and PwC and it never had any leaking incidents, which is why people in Dubai love it. Another reason why people love it is the presence of P2P servers.
They’re made specifically for torrenting and I can tell you they’re fast and dependable. Its Windows app can be confusing for beginners who want to explore more settings and features. But at least the apps are modern-looking and are available for all platforms you can fathom.
NordVPN sprinkles in 10 simultaneous connections – a lot better than ExpressVPN – and a VPN extension for Chrome (and Firefox). It’s moderately priced as well, with the 2-year plan that offers the largest discount and is the cheapest deal.
Beware that prices are displayed without VAT. In the UAE, it’s 5% on top of the price, so the price increase isn’t that dramatic. Besides, you also get a 30-day refund period, so if you’re dissatisfied, you can get reimbursed.
Protect Your Privacy in Dubai With NordVPN
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Works reliably in the UAE
- Bank-grade encryption
- Trusted Server technology
- Stores zero logs of your activities
- Applications for all major platforms
Cons
- Doesn’t have servers in the UAE
- Expensive prices
The second most reliable VPN that works in the UAE is undoubtedly ExpressVPN. It offers the fastest speeds you can get along with 3,000+ servers in 160+ locations across the planet. Unfortunately, it has no servers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi but that’s not a problem if you live in the country already.
On a good note, ExpressVPN never fails to impress, as it ALWAYS works in the UAE, and 10/10 times, we managed to use it successfully. Users who live in this country can enjoy 256-bit AES encryption, a dependable kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection that will provide much-needed privacy.
In addition, I’ll mention that it stores absolutely no logs. Its certified no-logging policy is crystal clear, stating that no browsing activities, IP addresses, or DNS requests are stored on ExpressVPN’s servers. Also, it uses RAM-based servers under the fancy name of Trusted Server.
This allows ExpressVPN to prioritize zero-logging practices and enforce the security and privacy of its users. Other notable features include the ability to unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer abroad but also provide thousands of P2P-friendly servers.
Yes, you can use ExpressVPN to download torrents safely and anonymously even in Dubai or Abu Dhabi! Not to mention that the provider even offers Lightway, an in-house protocol that makes torrenting, streaming, and browsing an absolute joy due to blazing-fast speeds.
ExperssVPN works on all major platforms as well, so you can use it on your Windows/Mac computers or iOS/Android phones. It’ll work on platforms like Firestick TV, PS5, and Android TV so you can use it with no problems thanks to 8 simultaneous connections.
Does this VPN for the UAE have any downsides? Well… it lacks UAE servers and its price is a bit more expensive than NordVPN or CyberGhost. Fortunately, there’s a 49% discount thanks to 3 free months for the annual plan. Let’s not forget about a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
Stay Safe in the UAE With ExpressVPN
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- Support for WireGuard and OpenVPN
- 12 fast-speed physical servers in Dubai
- Very affordable
- Great for streaming and torrenting
Cons
- It doesn’t have obfuscation
- The Unintuitive Windows app needs an overhaul
CyberGhost is also a great UAE VPN that will work with no issues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The reason it’s on the third spot is that it’s not the best choice for bypassing censorship. Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it doesn’t work in China, and at one point, it didn’t work in Turkey.
However, this provider had no problems in the United Arab Emirates in recent times, so it’s still a reliable solution. Not only that but it has 12,000+ servers in almost 100 countries with 12 physically located servers in Dubai. It’s no coincidence that it’s often cited as one of the best VPNs in Dubai.
CyberGhost is known for great performance thanks to WireGuard but also its Romanian jurisdiction that screams privacy. Indeed, it’s a pure no-log VPN that even goes a step forward and introduces transparency reports published 4 times a year for added trustworthiness.
Security-wise, it’s packed with AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, and IP leak protection. It also supports OpenVPN – a tried & tested protocol – that’s known to provide a fine balance between speeds and security, leaning more towards the latter.
Users in the UAE will be happy with CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers, too. They’re independently operated by CyberGhost, which means no logging and no security issues! Plus, P2P and streaming servers are here for torrenting and streaming, both of which represent one of the best features of this provider.
With CyberGhost, you can enjoy BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Peacock TV in Abu Dhabi, all while torrenting on the side safely and anonymously. Much like other providers on the list, you can expect superb device compatibility with 7 simultaneous connections.
What you can also expect are cheap plans. Its 2-year plan is my honest recommendation, as it ends up costing way below three bucks per month and you get a 45-day money-back guarantee. Such commodities for such a low price you’ll get nowhere – try to prove me wrong! Read our CyberGhost review to find more information about it.
Get CyberGhost: A Cheap UAE VPN
4. Surfshark
Pros
- NoBorders Mode
- MultiHop
- Unlimited connections
Cons
- Kill switch failures (occasional)
- It could be a bit faster
- Expensive 1-month plan
Surfshark is surely one of the top VPNs for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering plenty of servers in the United Arab Emirates. In total, the provider has 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and on its site, you’ll find that it offers safe and secure servers even in this country – ExpressVPN doesn’t have them!
If you live in this country, however, these servers are redundant. In this case, you’ll be more impressed with the security and privacy that Surfshark gives you. It packs 256-bit encryption with features like DNS leak protection, split tunneling, a kill switch, and OpenVPN support.
Furthermore, Surfshark has WireGuard as well, which gives you much faster speeds and better connection stability. We should also mention that the provider has NoBorders Mode. When enabled, this feature will obfuscate your VPN traffic and make it easy to get over censorship.
For example, it will work in China, while CyberGhost, with no obfuscation, won’t. Another perk of Surfshark is that it combines MultiHop with features like IP Rotator and antivirus (bonus feature) to give you the highest possible level of safety.
Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark maintains a no-logging policy, in addition. It has an audit from Deloitte and Cure53, ensuring that the company remains trustworthy in the eyes of its huge user base. Surfshark suffers from a bit slower speeds than NordVPN or ExpressVPN, however.
Also, it has occasional kill switch failures, so it can’t be the #1 VPN for Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Still, we found it to be extremely reliable and great for torrenting, streaming, and going on the dark web even. With this service, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections – a nice addition.
All of this is complemented by very affordable prices, especially if we talk about the longest, 2-year plan. Its 30-day refund policy applies to all plans, by the way, so regardless of your purchase, you can always get a refund if you’re dissatisfied. Sounds awesome, right?!
5. Proton VPN
Pros
- Among the safest VPNs for the UAE
- Exquisite performance with WireGuard
- Optimized for torrenting and streaming
Cons
- Expensive subscription plans
- Its free plan is slow
- Not the most “premium” customer service
Proton VPN is from Switzerland, a country known for stern privacy laws. This makes it a perfect VPN for Abu Dhabi and Dubai where government surveillance is at its peak. Even better, the VPN has servers in the UAE, offering 16 of them.
This service, while at the last spot, is all but bad. In our testing, Proton VPN showed exquisite performance thanks to WireGuard and the VPN Accelerator. Furthermore, we like it for its Secure Core servers that aim to increase your privacy and improve encryption.
Proton VPN uses NetShield to block ads and typical features like a kill switch, IP leak protection, and split tunneling are here. Servers optimized for torrenting and streaming are present, and on this front, Proton VPN works really well.
Compared to other VPNs here, the service is on the expensive side, even when discussing its long-term plans. However, it offers 10 simultaneous connections and supports all devices. Unlike PIA VPN which has no Firestick TV VPN client, for instance.
Nonetheless, Proton VPN stores no logs and has an audit from a third party to back that up. The provider uses RAM-only servers to further decrease logging, which is handy if you don’t want Etisalat and Du to monitor and collect data about your activities.
Through 01net, you can save money on Proton VPN and claim its special discount. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, plus, there’s a FREE plan with unlimited traffic. Discover Proton VPN and get acquainted with its generous features!
What About Free VPNs for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
To make sure we cover both spectrums, premium and free, we decided to test some free VPN providers in the UAE. So far, we haven’t found a single free service that will work in the United Arab Emirates reliably, as most of them don’t work and are immediately blocked by the firewall.
Free VPNs can also be very dangerous to your privacy, especially in a country like this. Providers like Hotspot Shield, Hola VPN, and Betternet will openly collect, store, and sell your data to third parties to earn money, which will make your privacy quickly disappear.
Not only that but free providers, in general, are known for severe limits that deter many users. They limit your monthly bandwidth and speeds, not supporting streaming and P2P in addition. That’s why most people in the UAE avoid them, as they don’t want any crippling limitations.
Needless to say, I won’t recommend any free providers because we can’t call them “best” by any means. In a country under surveillance and censorship like the UAE, using VPNs that will work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is imperative for privacy, security, and online freedom.
Summary
With everything said, I think it’s more than clear why you should use a VPN in the United Arab Emirates. Apart from keeping your privacy in check, it’s useful for unblocking VoIP services, streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, and enjoying safe and secure torrenting.
The most reliable choice, NordVPN, is surely my #1 recommendation but if you want to test other choices, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are great as well.
All five providers offer impenetrable security and uncompromising privacy, which is what you’ll find extremely valuable in this country.
Frequently Asked Questions
To fully wrap up this guide and analysis, let me answer a few questions I get asked a lot:
How to unblock VoIP services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Unblocking VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Zoom can be done by using a VPN. You’ll need to connect to a server in another country where these apps aren’t forbidden. By getting an IP from that country, you’ll be able to install and use VoIP services effortlessly.
TIP: We recommend keeping your VPN enabled while chatting or engaging in calls through VoIP apps. This way, you’ll prevent Du and Etisalat from spying on your conversations and preserve privacy thanks to the encryption that the VPN offers.
Can I watch Netflix in the UAE?
Yes, you can. The UAE doesn’t block Netflix and it has its own catalog that’s… well, poor to say the least. People living in this country can still enjoy some great movies and shows, but for the experience to be much better, you’ll want to be able to access foreign catalogs.
The best VPN for the UAE can help you unblock Netflix US, Japan, Canada, and other libraries where you’ll find a diverse set of shows and movies for day-to-day binging.
Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?
Some people talk about the UAE VPN ban which seems quite alarming and makes you think that VPNs are illegal in this country. You see, there’s something called a “grey area” in the world of cybersecurity, meaning that something’s legal but the laws surrounding it aren’t quite clear.
Judging by my extensive research and acquaintances, LOTS of people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi use VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy streaming on Netflix or Hulu, for example. Also, the exact same people use a VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE and with no legal consequences.
The UAE is very harsh on “illegal” activities such as gambling, anti-religion stuff, and pornography. Thus, using a VPN to access or indulge in any of these activities could be illegal and you could get in trouble, although we never truly tested it – and never will.
To put it simply, the government of this country seems to turn a blind eye to certain parts of its internet-related legislation. Therefore, as long as you stay on the “legal” side and use a VPN to bypass (geo)restrictions or preserve your privacy, you shouldn’t have any issues.
