Best UAE VPN that Works in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Emirates

Dubai is the absolute hub for tourists and businesses in the UAE, and just in case you’re traveling there, you should definitely pack the VPN in your virtual travel bag! With the help of a VPN, you can bypass geo-blocked websites easily. Security and privacy are the main concerns in the UAE, so choosing a VPN for it needs to possess the best features for it.  Read ahead and find out the best VPN for UAE!

Quick Overview of the Best UAE VPN

Here’s a quick glimpse at the 7 top VPN services for UAE that cut:

1. ExpressVPN – Offers the fastest speed in UAE
2. Surfshark – Most affordable VPN for Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Emirates
3. NordVPN – Offers 20+ servers in UAE
4. IPVanish – offers unlimited simultaneous connections
5. CyberGhost – Offers a 24-hour free trial for desktop
6. StrongVPN – Good VPN service for UAE
7. PrivateVPN – Robust list of features for Abu Dhabi

Detailed Analysis of The Best VPNs for UAE 2023

We’ve selected 7 providers that rendered the best results, have features that can let you bypass geo-blocks in Dubai without getting noticed, and that’ll shield your device/data while traveling to the UAE.

1. ExpressVPN – Offers the fastest speed in UAE

ExpressVPN is an all-rounder provider. It’s known for its feature-rich apps that offer the ultimate privacy and online security for its users. That is why ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPN providers in the UAE.

It possesses features that were designed to bypass major geo-blocks and firewalls, mainly in countries like China. Considering that the blocks in China are much more severe, its functionality in Dubai works just as well.

ExpressVPN might be one of the pricier options to use in Dubai, but the exceptional performance it delivers and the features it offers are something to consider, especially if you’re looking for a safe online passage in the UAE.

This provider is located in the British Virgin Islands, free from any data-retention laws. The provider also comes with a strict no-data logging policy. This is what’s required to safely access all the blocked services and more.

ExpressVPN operates using impenetrable AES 256-bit encryption, which is the safest and strongest kind. This will make sure your online activities in the UAE are encrypted from end to end.

The app also comes with a selection of protocols with OpenVPN as default. It also offers a Kill Switch for added protection against IP leakages if ever your VPN connection fails midway.

Other advanced features that’ll help you get across censorship in UAE, include DNS and IPv6 protection that prevent data leakages, and compatibility with TOR for accessing highly censored content.

It even has a Split-Tunneling feature for you to choose the websites or apps you’d prefer to access in the UAE and add them under VPN protection.

Along with that, ExpressVPN offers a huge coverage of 3000+ servers in 94 countries. You’ll be able to access most of the blocked and censored content while within or traveling to Dubai using its MediaStreamer feature.

During testing, we managed to access US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, and much more. You’ll be able to access all of this and more while traveling to Dubai.

The speeds are one of ExpressVPN’s main highlights. It delivers some of the fastest speeds compared to most providers in general.

Additionally, you’ll be able to set it up on multiple supported platforms, since ExpressVPN allows simultaneous connections up to 5 devices. A few of its supported platforms include Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS, Android TV, Browser extensions and more.

To test this VPN and its performance within the UAE, you can use ExpressVPN free trial for Android and iOS smartphones or its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can contact its 24/7 support chat for more queries since they’re always available.

As mentioned above, ExpressVPN is a little on the pricier side, but its most affordable deal right now is $6.67/mo for 1 year! If you want to know more about this VPN then read our review of ExpressVPN.

Get started with ExpressVPN!

2. Surfshark – Best overall VPN for Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Emirates

Surfshark has managed to crop its way to the top of the VPN chain among many other top-grade providers. That’s how safe and reliable this provider is. It offers a slick app, tight security, and more, making it one of the best VPN providers to use in the UAE.

It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t log any user data. This makes it perfect while traveling to Dubai since online privacy is one of the main focuses within the State. Surfshark operates using AES 256-bit encryption, which is the highest level of encryption used for securing online privacy, keeping all your activities shielded from prying eyes. The app comes with OpenVPN protection, and a Kill Switch feature for added security.

Other advanced features that you’ll need to use within the UAE include DNS protection (to prevent your ISP or the UAE government from tracking your activities), and the NoBorders and Camouflage mode (allowing you access across restricted content in heavily surveillance countries).

There are also Multi-Hop servers that add double the security for users in the UAE shielded by two servers. A GPS Spoofing feature allows you to change your original GPS location and Split-Tunneling.

We even tested the app for speeds, and the results were satisfactory. You’ll be able to access unlimited international and local content. During testing, we unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Surfshark also unblocks Skype, WhatsApp, and multiple Wiki pages. It has around 3200+ servers in 65 countries, and all are optimized for streaming and P2P file sharing.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections with every subscription. So, you’ll now be able to secure unlimited supported devices all in one go.

For instance, with a Surfshark subscription, you’ll be able to set it up on your Firestick, and at the same time on your Android smartphone while traveling to Dubai. Besides Android and Firestick, a few other Surfshark-supported devices include Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, browser extensions, Apple TV, and much more!

Just in case you’re not sure about using Surfshark in the UAE, you should know that the provider allows you to test the VPN out. You can use the 7-day free trial for Android and iOS smartphones.

Apart from that, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark offers many affordable packages, but if you were to choose the best-budgeted plan, go for the 2-year plan starting at  $2.30/mo (Save 82% and get 2 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). Check out our detailed review of Surfshark, if you are thinking to buy this VPN.

Get started with Surfshark!

3. NordVPN – Offers 20+ servers in UAE

Since online privacy and the adequate security measures to enforce it, is what’s required in the UAE, NordVPN is another top-grade VPN that’s best for it. It’s known mainly for its robust security features and its ability to jet across geo-blocks. You’ll not only have online privacy in the UAE but will be able to access most of the previously censored or blocked content within the State.

NordVPN is located in Panama, known for being one of the more private regions. You won’t have any issues with privacy since this provider doesn’t log any user data. If you go through NordVPN’s terms, you’ll also see that the VPN has been through several independent audits, all of which came back clear.

The NordVPN app comes with the best security features to use in Dubai. It operates using AES 256-bit encryption to secure your connection, and offers the choice to switch between protocols with OpenVPN as default on most apps, and the NordLynx protocol for iOS.

Other advanced features include a Kill Switch to make sure your activities or physical location isn’t determined by the TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) if your VPN connection fails midway.

Other features include  DNS and IPv6 leak protection securing your VPN from leaking any bits of user data, a CyberSec feature for ad-blocking, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers to bypass the strongest geo-blocks in the UAE.

NordVPN offers around 5200+ servers, scattered in 59+ major countries around the world. Using the apps obfuscated servers, you’ll be able to break through the toughest blocks.

During testing, NordVPN gave us access to Netflix, YouTube, DAZN, ESPN, WhatsApp, Amazon Prime, Wikipedia, BBC iPlayer and much more! NordVPN is also very much compatible with torrenting. There’s a lot more than NordVPN can unblock, including the websites that were previously censored by Etisalat.

Additionally, you’ll be able to add VPN protection to more than one supported platform, since NordVPN allows simultaneous connections up to 6 devices. It supports multiple apps and platforms, some of which include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Linux, Android TV, browser extensions, and more.

NordVPN offers a short 7-day free trial for Android and iOS smartphones and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is perfect just in case you need a little time testing and adjusting to the VPN. You could always contact the support staff asking for a refund if you’re not pleased with the performance.

NordVPN offers very affordable packages, but the best deal right now is the 2-year plan that costs $5.29/mo.

Get started with NordVPN!

4. IPVanish – Offers unlimited simultaneous connections

If unblocking unlimited US-based content is your prime target while travelling to Dubai, or securing your online privacy all across the UAE, then IPVanish fits right up that alley. It may not be equipped with the best security features as compared to Surfshark or ExpressVPN, but it does offer a unique set of features in its own way.

IPVanish is a US-based provider, located among the 14-eyes alliance regions. However, even though that sparks a few red flags where online privacy is concerned, it doesn’t log any user data. You’ll find that it collects extremely minimal information like your email address and payment methods that most providers normally do.

This provider comes with AES 256-bit encryption, which is the strongest kind to use for online security in the UAE. IPVanish supports multiple protocols including OpenVPN, offers a Kill Switch feature that is necessary in case your VPN connection fails to protect your privacy further, and a Split-Tunneling for you to choose which websites go through the encrypted tunnel.

The reason why IPVanish is one of the best VPN services for UAE is mainly to do with most of its servers being located in the US, allowing you access to unlimited US-based content which is blocked completely in the UAE.

It offers 2000+ servers in 75+ countries. When put to the test to see how many services IPVanish could unblock, we managed to access US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney Plus, YouTube, WhatsApp, and much more. The speeds were decent enough for HD-quality streams.

What’s also great about IPVanish, is that it updated its specs from an allowance of only 10 to unlimited simultaneous device connections. A few of its supported platforms include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Roku, Routers, and more.

Ipvanish doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does have a 30-day refund policy. You’ll be able to test unlimited apps, unblock numerous websites and test multiple in-app features in UAE, using the money-back guarantee.

All you need to do is contact support and ask for a full refund before the trial period ends. The most affordable IPVanish package is $3.99/mo for the 1-year plan. You can read our complete review of IPVanish if you want to purchase this VPN.

Get started with IPVanish!

5. CyberGhost – Offers a 24-hour free trial for desktop

Next, we have CyberGhost, which also makes one of the best VPN providers to use in the UAE. This VPN is equipped with features that will enhance online privacy and security, perfect for when traveling to Dubai.

CyberGhost is located in Romania, far away from the 14-eyes jurisdiction. It doesn’t log any user data, and in fact, collects extremely minimal and insignificant data like the email address you use to sign up for the service.

What makes CyberGhost unique, is that it highlights the services that each of its servers is best for. For instance, if you’re looking for ways to stream on Netflix in the UAE, you can use one of the US servers assigned for it. It offers one of the largest coverage, with 7700+ servers in 90+ countries in all the major parts of the world.

When we put CyberGhost VPN to the test, we not only looked at how reliable the labeled servers were for each appointed platform but also to make sure the majority of its servers provided easy access to it.

We were able to unblock Netflix, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Comedy Central, YouTube, WhatsApp, and also uncensored a few Wiki pages. The CyberGhost speeds weren’t the best but neither were they slow. It’s still great for 4K or HD streams or gaming.

Coming to the security front, CyberGhost runs on military-grade AES 256-bit encryption offering maximum protection, and supports OpenVPN protocol on multiple apps including iOS, which is extremely rare.

Other advanced features include a functional Kill Switch to protect your online presence if the VPN fails. There’s also Split-Tunneling to choose websites or apps that you’d like to add under VPN protection.

CyberGhost also comes with DNS and IP leak protection. This ensures that while connected to the VPN in UAE, your information, online activities, and physical location are all secured. There’s also a smart connect option to secure you with the fastest server depending on where you’re located.

You’ll be able to get the CyberGhost app on up to 7 devices, which you’ll be able to use simultaneously. A few of its supported platforms include Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS.

Another great aspect of this UAE VPN is that you’ll be able to test the VPN. It offers a 24-hour free trial for desktops and a 7-day trial for Android and iOS smartphones.

Additionally, every subscription that’s more than a month comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re thinking of investing in CyberGhost, the most affordable price right now is $2.29/mo. for the 36-months plan. You can check our in-depth Cyberghost review to know more about this VPN.

Get started with CyberGhost!

6. StrongVPN – Good VPN service for UAE

StrongVPN is another great VPN for the UAE, with some of the best features for online security. It, however, is a US-based provider within the 14-eyes jurisdiction. There are times when a provider can be within the US and still follow strict no-data logging policies. Luckily, StrongVPN doesn’t log any user data.

This provider comes equipped with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and offers OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols that are also included in the iOS app.

Other than that, StrongVPN offers other advanced features like Split Tunneling for a private passage, a Kill Switch feature to secure your privacy if ever your VPN connection drops midway, and DNS leak protection.

In terms of accessing unlimited international and local content, StrongVPN offers a limited number of servers; 950+ in 30+ countries.

There might be chances where not all websites are capable of being unblocked, but StrongVPN does allow access to a few popular ones. We were able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus.

Coming to device compatibility, you’ll be able to secure multiple devices when traveling to Dubai since this VPN allows simultaneous connections to up to 12 devices. A few of the supported platforms include Android, macOS, Kindle, Chrome OS, Windows, iOS, and routers.

StrongVPN might not be as powerful as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN, but it surely gets the job done.

There’s no free trial yet, but the service does offer a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s as good as a free trial! The most reasonable plan for StrongVPN is $3.66/mo. for the 1-year plan. Read our full review of StrongVPN, if you are thinking to get this VPN.

Get started with StrongVPN!

7. PrivateVPN – Robust list of features for Abu Dhabi

Last, but not least, we have PrivateVPN. This VPN happens to be one of the best for UAE and is great for all those who require simple usage. PrivateVPN is a Swedish provider and falls under the 14-eyes jurisdiction. Some would deem this provider unsafe due to its physical location, but it doesn’t log any user data other than your email ID.

Its list of servers is very minimalistic but offers good coverage in many countries around the globe. PrivateVPN offers around 200+ servers in 60+ countries, although a few more servers would’ve been nice. We were able to access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu, and tested it out with Facebook and YouTube.

StrongVPN offers a simple security infrastructure for most of its apps. It operates on AES 256-bit encryption, which is a great start and offers OpenVPN protocol on the iOS app too. Other features include a Kill Switch and DNS protection.

Just like NordVPN, PrivateVPN also allows simultaneous multi-connections up to 6 devices. A few of the supported platforms include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Routers, and Linux.

We wish that PrivateVPN offered a free trial, but it thankfully does support a 30-day money-back guarantee.

You can get PrivateVPN at its most affordable price of $2.00/mo for a 36-month plan.

Get started with PrivateVPN!

Why You Need the Best VPN in the UAE

Before you choose the best VPN for UAE to use in Dubai, there are a few major things you need to know about.

Dubai might be one of the main tourist attraction sites, or where business thrives, but a lot can go wrong with the many restrictions that the UAE comes with.

You’ll find a very long list of items that are completely banned in Dubai, and among that list includes a whole platform of websites and apps. including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime which won’t be accessible within the UAE.

Most VoIP services are blocked, in fact, the calling features on WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and Skype have been disabled.

Believe it or not, but social networking/entertainment platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also added to the list of UAE censorship regulated by the TRA.

However, using the best UAE VPN, you’ll be able to safely access all these services and more. It’ll help you bypass the strictest geo-censored applications and websites by connecting you to a suitable VPN server.

Have you heard of “Etisalat”?

It is one of the world’s largest telecom companies, located in the UAE (Abu Dhabi), and a major service provider in Dubai. This body enforces the ban and censorship of everything they deem as “inappropriate” or “harmful” to the laws of the State. They regulate the laws, and the ISPs enforce them.

If you talk about the genres that are filtered, it ranges from gambling, pornography, religious propagandas, political views, journalism, and more. However, what’s more, disturbing is the amount of Wikipedia pages censored.

Yes, censorship and banning are high, but this also causes major drawbacks in the business and educational sectors. So, if you’re living in the UAE or traveling there, you definitely will need the best VPN for security and privacy. There’s no in-between.

However, because of the major blocks and restrictions, Etisalat actively blocks the use of most VPN services from being used within the State. You might not find a large list that is fully functional.

So, for this, we’ve tested and shortlisted only the best that still work in the UAE or Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are VPN services illegal in the UAE?
2. Which VPN works in UAE for WhatsApp?
3. Which VPN is the best for Android in the UAE?
4. Which free VPN is the best in the UAE?

Are VPN services illegal in the UAE?

Technically, yes, to an extent. The punishments can range from temporary jail time to paying a fine of not less than AED 500,000. The penalty fee can rise depending on what crime you’ve committed while using a VPN in the UAE.

This is why you need to reconsider your VPN options and use only the best and most reliable when traveling to Dubai.

Which VPN works in UAE for WhatsApp?

There are many providers but not all of them are competent enough to unblock Whatsapp calling in UAE. To access WhatsApp without any issues, the best right now is ExpressVPN.

They both possess the best security features that’ll bypass heavy blocks and are compatible with all the major WhatsApp-compatible devices.

Which VPN is the best for Android in the UAE?

The best Android VPN app to use in the UAE is ExpressVPN. It has a user-friendly VPN app for Android and encompasses robust security features that are required.

Which free VPN is the best in the UAE?

We wouldn’t normally recommend free VPN services to use in the UAE and would recommend using free trials of the providers already enlisted. But, if you were to choose absolutely free VPN services, we’d suggest the free VPN apps; Windscribe and Hotspot Shield at your own risk.

Windscribe’s free app comes with 10GB of data/mo. and offers servers in 10 locations. Hotspot Shield offers 500MB of data a day and only 1 virtual location in the US.

Final Verdict on the Best UAE VPN

As mentioned, Dubai is the hub of all entertainment and business, but not everything is safe in the online world. It’s extremely vital that all tourists traveling there are going to need extra online protection, and only the best VPN to use anywhere in the UAE can cut it.

There are chances that you might not be able to access some of the most basic communication apps while traveling there, let alone access streaming platforms. Using the best VPN for UAE skips you across all these restrictions, allowing you to surf the net safely.

If we were to recommend the best from the top 7 UAE VPN list, we’d have to go with ExpressVPN or Surfshark. They both not only offer advanced security but will let you protect multiple devices with just one license.