Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for…
Michael is a Tech Content Editor at Techopedia, who is passionate about delivering high-quality tech content online and ensuring the accuracy of our guides. With…
We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content is created by our in-house team of technology experts which have rigorously tested 20 VPN providers, three times a day, every day, to provide an in-depth analysis of their overall performance. Learn more about our process for reviewing and testing VPNs.
Disclosure
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn how our funding model works. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Why Trust Techopedia
We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content is created by our in-house team of technology experts which have rigorously tested 20 VPN providers, three times a day, every day, to provide an in-depth analysis of their overall performance. Learn more about our process for reviewing and testing VPNs.
Disclosure
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn how our funding model works. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
The best UAE VPN for Dubai lets you unblock online content and stream in HD, plus bypass the country’s strict internet security protocols. Beyond this, a VPN will allow you to make unlimited VoIP calls over providers like WhatsApp and Skype, which are otherwise banned in the country and elude the prying eyes of online government surveillance.
However, finding a suitable VPN can be arduous due to the number of options available. To make your choice easier, we’ve found and reviewed the best VPNs in UAE, examining them on criteria like connection speeds, affordability, number of servers, and customer support. Dig in as we discover why reliable VPN providers, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, are leaders in the industry.
NordVPN aces almost every criterion required for a VPN to deserve a place on our list this year. For instance, its no-log policy is independently audited so that you don’t have to rely on NordVPN’s words alone to believe that none of your personal data is stored.
It also has its own built-in NordLynx tunneling protocol that offers top speeds. Depending on the server location you connect to, you’ll see speeds of up to 400Mbps — more than enough for most internet activities such as movie downloads, streaming, and browsing.
What’s more, all of NordVPN’s servers are RAM-only. This means every time the servers are restarted, all the data is wiped off, making it impossible for anyone to access your personal details.
Another benefit of using NordVPN is that it owns and has 100% control over all its servers. When VPN providers rent out servers from third parties, they leave significant control to the original owner, increasing the chance of data leaks.
NordVPN also gives you access to its servers through the SHA-512 hash function for additional security. It breaks down your data into 512 bits, making it almost impossible for anyone to crack it once encrypted. This is one of the most secure encryption algorithms in the VPN industry.
On the whole, NordVPN offers advanced security, speeds, unblocking power, and everything in between — hence why it frequents lists like these time and time again.
Pricing
If you’re after a budget VPN, look no further than NordVPN’s Standard plan. With this plan, you’ll get an intuitive kill switch, protection from digital threats, and even advanced anonymity.
Do you also want to benefit from high-end features such as a cross-platform password manager and data breach scanner? Pick the Complete plan.
Try NordVPN risk-free before committing to it, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Pros
A secure 256-bit AES encryption
Follows a strict no-logs policy
A vast network of 5,000+ servers in 94+ countries
You can set up multi-factor authentication for more safety
Surfshark is best known for its affordable plans and unlimited simultaneous connections that let you share one plan with your entire family or all your friends, making it cheaper than it already is.
Beyond this, it’s also one of the fastest VPNs out there. In recent testing, it reached up to 1,256Mbps/second when connected to a UK server through the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
So, whether gaming, downloading content from Torrent, streaming movies, or watching a live event, there’s nothing speed like this can’t handle. Brownie points for the buffer-free content loads and zero game lags that Surfshark offers.
It also boasts one of the largest networks of servers compared to all other popular VPN service providers. With over 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries, there’s hardly any place from where you can’t connect to a Surfshark server.
The more servers there are to choose from, the lower the traffic will be at each location, guaranteeing faster speeds and more connection stability. That said, the UAE is very strict about internet usage and the kinds of content its citizens see.
So if you want to hide that you’re using a VPN, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode will be your friend. Also known as obfuscated servers, this mode will mask your VPN traffic as regular traffic, so your internet activity goes undetected.
Pricing
Surfshark is right behind PIA as the most affordable UAE VPN. It’s slightly better on the time front since its best value-for-money proposition is a 2-year plan.
Plus, there are no renewal hikes, and the 30-day money-back guarantee will allow you to try the service risk-free. See if it’s your cup of tea now.
PureVPN is a popular VPN in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the United Arab Emirates because of its high-speed servers and strict no-log policy. It provides a feature-rich service with over 6,500 servers across over 78 countries that you can connect to and encrypt your internet traffic.
Beyond this, it’s one of the only VPN providers with dedicated Peer-to-Peer (P2P) servers that keep your identity confidential as you download files at high speeds. That means you can anonymously access torrenting websites and bypass UAE’s censorship laws because PureVPN helps you avoid being tracked by your ISP or government. All that means it’s a great UAE VPN for torrenting.
In addition, you can rest easy knowing PureVPN masks your online activities with bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Plus, this UAE VPN provider also has a kill switch feature that prevents your information from leaking if the VPN connection drops.
All things considered, investing in this VPN service is especially wise if you have a high-speed internet connection or plan on getting one. This is because PureVPN has several 20Gbps encrypted servers that let you browse, stream, or download content at impressive speeds.
Besides torrenting and safe browsing, PureVPN helps you unblock VoIP services, such as Viber, Skype, and WhatsApp, to which UAE actively restricts access.
Pricing
PureVPN has an affordable two-year subscription plan that costs as little as $2.29/month, making it one of the most comprehensive cheap UAE VPNs. As a new customer, you’ll also get three additional months free of charge.
Protect up to ten devices with a single subscription, unblock Netflix and other popular platforms, and stay safe while on the move with this popular UAE VPN service. Try it risk-free today with its 31-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
DNS and IPv6 leak protection
Affordable
Various protocols
User-friendly interface
Cons
Android and iOS apps lack advanced features compared to Windows
ExpressVPN is renowned for being a premium VPN for security, speeds, and unblocking geo-restricted content with ease. With that said, the kill switch is one of its strongest features. Known as Network Lock, this feature will cut you off from the internet if the VPN fails or is disrupted, preventing unwanted data leaks and letting you block connections with local network devices, such as printers and servers.
Beyond this, ExpressVPN doesn’t collect any personal data per its privacy policy. This includes DNS queries, browsing history, websites visited, and more. Plus, independent testing facilities also back the claims made by ExpressVPN about its features and efficiency, guaranteeing that you’re in incredibly safe hands with this provider.
For instance, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, one of the Big Four accounting companies, investigated its no-log policy, and they confirmed that ExpressVPN operates by its privacy policy.
Beyond this, the Bug Bounty Program is open to all and, over the years, has been quite a success. With this, you can run your own tests on the platform and report any vulnerability, and the ExpressVPN team will take quick action.
What’s more, getting started with ExpressVPN is super easy. All you have to do is head to its official website, choose the plan you want, and download the app on your device. After installation and setup, you simply need to enter your email address and pick a VPN server of your choice, and your device will be protected instantly.
Pricing
ExpressVPN, contrary to how it may look, is actually reasonably priced, especially when you consider the large number of servers it offers, plus the speed with which you can browse and download large files. You’ll get the best bang for your buck with the annual plan.
You’ll also like how all ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you don’t stand to lose any money if it fails to impress you, although we’re pretty sure it won’t.
IvacyVPN lets you access geo-restricted content anywhere in the world, allowing you to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
If you travel outside UAE but want to access websites back home, IvacyVPN can help you access UAE websites, including Amazon UAE, Dubizzle, and iflix. That means you won’t miss your favorite content, no matter where you are.
Besides streaming in HD, IvacyVPN lets you securely and anonymously browse the internet in the UAE, known for its strict data retention laws. Connecting to one of its secure servers prevents your ISP, WiFi hotspot owners, and hackers from logging your browsing history.
With its split tunneling feature, you can pick which internet traffic you want the VPN to encrypt with its robust AES 256-bit military-grade encryption. That means you can use your regular network for light browsing or playing games and simultaneously bypass geo-restrictions for specific apps or websites.
IvacyVPN is also one of the only VPN providers with high-speed servers in Africa, South America, and countries with strict censorship, like Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam.
On top of all this, it has a unique Smart Purpose Selection feature that you can use to instantly find the fastest server near you based on your needs. You can pick between servers for secure downloading, unblocking, or streaming and enjoy a speedy and secure connection.
Pricing
IvacyVPN has one of the cheapest long-term subscription plans that costs just $1/month when you pay five years in advance, saving you up to $537 compared to average monthly subscriptions.
You can purchase a Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding bundle for as little as $1.99/month and enjoy complete anonymity. Plus, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try IvacyVPN risk-free for a month before committing to a subscription.
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do I Need a UAE VPN?
Wondering why you need a VPN in the UAE? Here are a few reasons why a UAE VPN is essential:
Unblocks Restricted Sites
Due to the UAE’s strict internet policies, many popular websites and services are restricted, and a VPN with strong unlocking abilities is necessary. A VPN will help you connect to servers in other countries, change your IP address, and gain access to the desired content. You can also check out our list of the best VPNs in Saudi Arabia.
Security
Using a VPN ensures your data is secure and encrypted from potential hackers, protecting your privacy. The VPNs recommended in the UAE also come with a kill switch and protection from leaks, providing an additional security layer.
Privacy
Privacy protection is particularly important in the UAE, where online activity may be monitored by the government or Internet Service Providers (ISP). To prevent this, a VPN will mask your IP address and other traces to protect your privacy.
Unblock Free Video and Voice Calling Applications
The most popular Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, including FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Skype, are prohibited in the United Arab Emirates. You won’t be able to make video or phone calls unless you install a reputable UAE VPN.
Can I Unblock WhatsApp Calls With a UAE VPN?
Accessing free VoIP and messaging services like WhatsApp in the UAE or Dubai can be challenging as they’re blocked. However, a VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE is viable.
By accessing a VPN server in another country, you can bypass internet blocking in the UAE and access otherwise unavailable services.
Best Free VPN for UAE – Are Free UAE VPNs Safe?
PrivadoVPN is a top choice for a free VPN in UAE due to its unlimited music, social media websites, and video access. Plus, this VPN prioritizes user privacy by not logging IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic destinations.
It offers leak-proofing and encryption features to ensure your online activity remains secure and anonymous. However, while free VPNs are accessible and easy to use, they have drawbacks like limited features, slow speeds, data restrictions, and no technical support.
In contrast, paid VPNs offer many advantages, including high-speed performance, advanced features, unlimited data, technical support, and robust security measures.
It’s important to consider the safety of a free VPN, as many aren’t trustworthy or secure. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a paid VPN service for the best protection and peace of mind.
How to Choose the Best UAE VPN for Dubai
While testing all the providers, we looked at the following factors for choosing the right VPN:
Good Encryption
Encryption converts data into an unreadable format, so only the intended recipient can read it. In a VPN, encryption protects your internet traffic from prying eyes, such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government authorities, and hackers.
No Traffic Logs
Your internet traffic is routed through the VPN provider’s servers when you use a VPN. This means the VPN provider can log your internet activity, including the websites you visit, the files you download, and the messages you send.
No traffic logs mean the VPN provider keeps no records of your internet activity, ensuring your privacy and security. All of our top picks have a strict no-logging policy.
Plenty of Servers
The number and location of VPN servers are important factors to consider when selecting a VPN service. A VPN with plenty of servers means you can easily find a server that suits your needs, such as a server in a specific country or with high-speed performance.
Unblocking Abilities
If you want to access international content from the UAE, pick a VPN to avoid geographic limitations and unblock all the most widely used streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and others.
How to Get a UAE IP Address With a VPN
Look for a secure and fast VPN with servers in the United Arab Emirates. We recommend NordVPN, which has servers in Dubai.
Download and install the NordVPN app. It supports various devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Log in to your NordVPN account. After downloading and installing the app, open it and enter your NordVPN credentials.
Connect to a server in the UAE. In the search bar, type in UAE and click on the server suggestion below. And that’s it; you have an active UAE IP address.
Conclusion – What’s the Best VPN for UAE for Dubai?
Our list of the best UAE VPNs has got something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a secure VPN to unlock online streaming content or one that can mask your location while browsing for more security — you’ll find one from our list.
However, no matter the purpose, NordVPN has it all. With its features, high speeds, and 24/7 customer support, it’s an unbeatable VPN in UAE. Don’t take our word for it. Try it out now with the risk-free generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is the top-performing VPN service. With the ability to unblock regional Netflix libraries and access Skype and WhatsApp, it’s an indispensable tool for visitors and residents in the country.
Is it illegal to use VPN in UAE?
Using VPNs in the UAE isn’t illegal, but certain restrictions exist. The laws in the United Arab Emirates state that VPNs are illegal only if used to commit an offense.
Can you get caught using VPN in UAE?
To minimize the risk of being caught while using a VPN in the UAE, it’s recommended to use reputable VPN providers like those mentioned in our list. These VPNs have a no-logs policy and offer a secure connection that ensures privacy for internet traffic and DNS requests.
Which free VPN is best in the UAE?
PrivadoVPN is an excellent free option for fast and secure access to streaming sites. The software employs secure tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, ensuring that your physical location and sensitive data are kept private and secure.
Which VPN is best for WhatsApp calling in UAE?
If you’re looking for the best VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE, ExpressVPN is our top pick. This VPN service is well-known for its speedy and reliable connections.
About Techopedia’s Editorial Process
Techopedia’s editorial policy is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.
When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
