Best VPN for UAE and Dubai in 2025 (4 Still Work Well)

Are you tired of internet restrictions and censorship in the UAE and Dubai? Do you crave the freedom to access your favorite content and protect your online privacy? Look no further! Today we will delve into the importance of using the best VPN for UAE and Dubai to bypass censorship, access blocked content, and safeguard your online privacy.

While most VPNs will not work safely in the UAE, our testing has uncovered several that do work well. To learn more about the UAE, Dubai, and the unique conditions that necessitate the use of specific VPNS in that region, keep reading. If you are in a hurry, and don't need the background info, you can jump directly to our list of the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai.

Top VPNs for UAE and Dubai

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a major business hub for Western Asia and a popular tourist destination. Unfortunately, people in the UAE encounter massive restrictions on the websites and streaming services they have access to. This is because the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the UAE government utilizes powerful tools to block VPN services and censor the internet. The UAE also blocks access to VoIP services like Skype.

In this guide, you will examine how the best VPN services for the UAE and Dubai can protect your online privacy, unblock geo-restricted content, and enhance your internet experience in the region. We'll cover the top VPN options available, examining their features, benefits, and performance.

Whether you're a frequent traveler to this region, an expat, or a privacy-conscious individual, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which VPN will serve you best in the UAE and Dubai. We'll also answer some common questions about using a VPN in restricted networks.

Here's how we rank the best VPNs for UAE and Dubai

When using a VPN in UAE and other restricted networks, the priorities are a little different and the stakes could be much higher. The focus must be on airtight security and privacy features first and foremost. All of the VPNs we recommend have policies and features that support this. These are the vital characteristics of a safe VPN for the UAE and Dubai:

• It is not based in the UAE, where the government's desire to spy on you could override the VPN's commitment to your security and privacy. This rules out any official UAE VPN services.
• It uses secure VPN protocols, such as WireGuard or OpenVPN, with a strong cipher for secure encryption.
• It includes a kill switch to prevent unencrypted data from leaking which could expose you to the local internet censors.
• It includes DNS leak protection and private DNS lookups to shield your activities from Etisalat and other local ISPs.
• It offers obfuscated servers to disguise your VPN traffic as regular (HTTPS) traffic so no one even knows you are using a VPN.
• It has an audited no logs that could be used to disclose your identity or your online activities.

Important: Not only must your VPN have these characteristics to be safe for use in the UAE and Dubai, but you must install your VPN before you arrive in the region. There are rumors that the act of visiting the website of a VPN service may itself trigger additional scrutiny from the local authorities.

Knowing this, let's take a look at our list of the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai.

The best UAE and Dubai VPNs

Based on our testing, we can only recommend four VPNs for use in this area. They are listed here:

1. NordVPN — Best VPN for UAE with the fastest speeds, secure apps, great streaming support, and extra privacy and security features like Threat Protection (with a 77% off coupon).
2. Surfshark — Affordable VPN for UAE with secure apps. 87% off coupon >
3. Proton VPN — Good UAE access with an enormous server network. Visit site >
4. ExpressVPN — User-friendly VPN for UAE, but expensive. Visit site >

Next, let's examine each of these VPN services more closely and show you exactly how to use them in this heavily restricted region:

NordVPN — Best VPN for UAE and Dubai in 2025

NordVPN stands out as the best overall VPN for Dubai and the UAE, thanks to its advanced obfuscation technologies, which are crucial for bypassing VPN blocks in the region. NordVPN has a set of obfuscated servers that have been known to work in the UAE, even when the ISP is Etisalat. There is also the new NordWhisper protocol.

NordWhisper mimics regular web traffic using web tunnel technology, making it harder for Etisalat’s filters to detect VPN use. It works on all NordVPN servers but is slower than NordLynx and currently limited to Windows, Android, and Linux. It’s designed for highly restrictive networks but may not fully evade advanced detection like features like those used by Etisalat. For now, your best option appears to be NordVPN's standard obfuscated servers.

Other NordVPN features

NordVPN is based in the pro-privacy jurisdiction of Panama. It provides robust encryption, swift connection speeds, and the security you need to safely access the full internet. NordVPN allows you to unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. As a result of our tests with various streaming services, we rate NordVPN as one of the best VPNs for streaming media. It also offers an impressive range of specialized servers and advanced features not found in most other VPNs.

NordVPN offers numerous impressive features that make it a top choice as a UAE VPN. NordVPN supports the lightning-fast WireGuard VPN protocol (it is integrated into their custom NordLynx protocol). But when using NordVPN in the UAE, you will employ the OpenVPN protocol with obfuscated servers for a secure connection that won't attract unwanted attention.

Kill switches are another essential feature when using NordVPN in this region. Kill switches prevent accidental data leaks by automatically disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures your real IP address remains hidden, even if you experience a brief disconnection from the VPN server.

Important: Make sure to turn on the VPN Kill Switch before you leave for the UAE to ensure no leakage at any point in your trip!

Moreover, NordVPN provides private DNS. This encrypted service routes your DNS requests through the servers, ensuring maximum privacy. Since your DNS queries are encrypted, no one, not even Du or Etisalat (UAE Internet Service Providers) can spy on them.

Combine NordVPN's kill switch and lack of leaks with its private, encrypted DNS lookup service, and you have a system that keeps you protected at all times in the UAE and Dubai.

NordVPN also offers a SmartDNS service, which allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices that do not support VPN connections. With NordVPN, you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth and access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without any restrictions.

When it comes to advanced features not commonly found with other VPNs, one impressive example is Threat Protection Pro, and its little brother Threat Protection. These feature blocks ads, malware, trackers, and malicious websites, and more. Threat Protection Pro offers the most features, including the ability to protect your system even when you are not connected to the VPN server network.

Unfortunately, Threat Protection Pro only works on Windows and macOS devices. For other devices, you can use Threat Protection. It is less powerful than Threat Protection Pro, but is on a par with the ad, tracker, and malware features of competing VPNs.

NordVPN server characteristics and capabilities

NordVPN boasts a network of over 7,800 servers in 164 locations, including the UAE. As we discussed earlier, its obfuscated servers ensure that your VPN traffic is indistinguishable from regular internet traffic, making it difficult for UAE network administrators to detect and block your VPN connection.

Beyond obfuscated servers, NordVPN has the following server types:

• Double-VPN servers encrypt traffic by passing it through two VPN servers located in different countries.

• Onion-over-VPN servers add the anonymity of the Tor network to the security and privacy of NordVPN.

• P2P servers optimized for torrenting and other P2P (Peer-to-Peer) file transfers. NordVPN ranks as the best VPN for torrenting.

• Dedicated IP servers are servers with a static IP address that are dedicated to your sole use (not shared with other NordVPN users).

All NordVPN servers are diskless servers, which guarantees that no user data can be found on the servers. Combined with NordVPN's location in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Panama, and its audited no-logs VPN policies, this service provides exceptional privacy to its users.

Other changes to the network are underway that can only make it even more secure and reliable. Many of the servers in the network include 10 Gbps data channels to prevent blockages within the network. The company is in the process of moving to 100% colocated servers.

See all NordVPN features here >>

How to use NordVPN Obfuscated servers for the UAE and Dubai

Here are the steps to follow to get connected to the UAE and Dubai using NordVPN's Obfuscated servers:

1. Open the NordVPN app and find the box that shows the connection status of the VPN.
2. Select More connection options and find the list of Specialty servers.
3. Hover the mouse cursor over the Obfuscated servers menu option. A three-dot option will appear to the right of the menu option. Click that to see the Obfuscated servers selection box.
4. In the Country menu, select the down arrow, and scroll to the United Arab Emirates option.
5. Select the United Arab Emirates option and click the Connect button. After a moment you will be connected to one of NordVPN's Obfuscated servers serving the UAE and Dubai.

Once the connection is complete, you should see that the UAE is selected in the NordVPN map, as shown below:

As demonstrated in the “How-to” above, the NordVPN apps are secure and user-friendly, with many similarities to the VPN apps of Surfshark and ExpressVPN.

NordVPN performance

This service is fast and can connect you to many geo-blocked Netflix libraries and other streaming video services from around the world that are not affected by the UAE's strict internet censorship policies.

And speaking of fast, there is NordLynx. This is NordVPN's custom VPN protocol that combines the high speed of the new WireGuard protocol with enhanced security and privacy measures.

Important: While NordLynx is really fast and really secure, it does not work with obfuscated servers. Therefore we recommend you stick with OpenVPN while in the UAE and experiment with NordLynx when you are in a less-restrictive environment.

NordVPN plans	Basic	Plus	Complete	Prime
1-month	$12.99/month	$13.99/month	$14.99/month	$17.99/month
1-year	$4.99/month	$5.99/month	$6.99/month	$8.99/month
2-year	$3.09/month	$4.39/month	$5.39/month	$7.39/month

Deal: Get 77% OFF NordVPN 2-year plans >

NordVPN offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support directly through their website. This company offers one of the best VPN values when you use the coupon below.

To learn more about our top pick among VPNs for Dubai and the UAE, check out our complete NordVPN review.

---

Surfshark — A low-cost VPN that works in UAE

Surfshark is another excellent VPN choice for the UAE/Dubai, offering fast connection speeds and budget-friendly pricing without compromising on privacy or security. With its user-friendly apps and unlimited simultaneous connections, this Netherlands-based VPN provider is perfect for users who want to access streaming services and protect their online privacy without breaking the bank.

Although Surfshark supports several different protocols, including the WireGuard VPN protocol, in the UAE you will need to use Surfshark with the OpenVPN protocol to get around Emirates restrictions. This causes Surfshark to be slower than when running WireGuard, but causes your connection to be obfuscated and capable of getting past UAE surveillance.

One of the standout features of Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes Surfshark a great VPN for multiple devices and thereby providing comprehensive protection for your entire household. Additionally, Surfshark’s kill switch feature ensures that your real IP address remains hidden even if your VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

According to our chats with Surfshark Support, the VPN automatically switches to one of the OpenVPN protocols whenever it detects that obfuscation is necessary. But for the best protection, we recommend that you manually select the OpenVPN protocol, turn on CleanWeb, confirm that the kill switch is activated, and turn on NoBorders mode. Do all these things before you even leave for the UAE.

CleanWeb is Surfshark's ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It will work to protect you against disruptive ads, trackers, and malware threats commonly found on streaming sites. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience while you enjoy your favorite content in UAE and Dubai.

NoBorders is a Surfshark feature that automatically connects you to one of their special servers when in a restrictive environment like the UAE. These special servers are designed to get you connected to the internet in situations where you would normally be blocked.

Surfshark includes private DNS lookups on each server with DNS leak protection to ensure that if a UAE Internet Service Provider is spying on you, they will not be able to decipher your DNS lookups.

The Surfshark server network includes 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Like NordVPN, Surfshark servers are diskless, meaning they cannot store any user data. And that means your privacy is protected even in the extreme case of someone physically seizing one of their servers. They also offer several advanced server types including:

• MultiHop (Double VPN) servers pass your traffic through two servers in sequence for extra security and encryption. There are more than a dozen different MultiHop configurations to choose from. They are now testing dynamic MultiHop, which lets you control which servers are included in the MultiHop connection.
• Static IP servers allocate the same IP address to you each time you connect to them, but this address is not dedicated to your use. It is shared with other Surfshark users.
• Dedicated IP servers allocate the same IP address to you each time you connect to them, but that IP address is dedicated to you and not shared with other Surfshark users. This feature is available for an additional charge.
• Rotating IP protects your privacy by automatically changing your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without changing your VPN location. This makes tracking your activities even more difficult.

Streaming and torrenting with Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent service for both streaming and torrenting. It can unblock many Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime, and other streaming video services, allowing you to view content that the UAE censors. It is currently one of the best VPNs for Netflix with numerous Netflix regions being supported.

When it comes to torrenting, Surfshark is both fast and secure. You will still have to stick with OpenVPN while in the UAE and Dubai so it won't be as fast as it would otherwise, but it should work fine.

See all Surfshark VPN features here >>

How to use Surfshark for UAE and Dubai

To use Surfshark in Dubai and other parts of the UAE, you’ll first need to download and install the Surfshark app on your device. We recommend you do this before you travel to the region.

Once the app is installed, you should set Surfshark to use the OpenVPN protocol. When OpenVPN is selected, Surfshark automatically runs in Camouflage mode, obfuscating the fact that you are even using a VPN. Also enable CleanWeb, the Kill Switch, and NoBorders mode.

To do this, launch the Surfshark app, and select Settings. All of these options are available as you scroll down the page, as you can see here:

Surfshark plans	Starter	One	One+
1-month	$15.45/month	$17.95/month	$20.65/month
1-year	$3.19/month	$3.09/month	$6.09/month
2-year	$1.99/month	$2.49/month	$3.99/month

Deal: Get 87% OFF Surfshark 2-year plans >

Surfshark offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support. With all these features and an unlimited number of connections, this VPN remains a great choice for the UAE.

You can learn more about Surfshark in our complete review of Surfshark VPN.

---

Proton VPN — A new option for the UAE and Dubai

Like our other picks in this roundup, Proton VPN effectively bypasses Etisalat’s strict internet restrictions in the UAE and Dubai. It’s a fast, secure service with key features: an audited no-logs policy, OpenVPN and WireGuard support, kill switches, and private DNS. With over 14,600 servers in 122 countries, it’s well-suited for evading UAE censorship.

Proton VPN defeats Etisalat by using its Stealth protocol, which is designed for high-censorship environments like the UAE. Stealth disguises Proton VPN traffic as regular internet activity, but does it in a way that is different from that of the obfuscated servers used by other VPN services. To use it, manually select the Stealth protocol and connect to nearby servers (such as those in Israel or Turkey).

Extras like Secure Core (double VPN routing), Tor over VPN, and NetShield (ad and malware blocker) enhance privacy and streaming (e.g., Netflix, BBC iPlayer). Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, it supports 10 simultaneous connections.

However, its speed (up to 698 Mbps) can vary across servers, it’s pricier, the 30-day money-back guarantee is pro-rated, and live chat limited to Swiss business hours, unlike NordVPN’s 24/7 support. Try Proton VPN to securely access restricted content in the UAE.

Proton VPN plans	Proton VPN Plus	Proton Unlimited
1-month	$9.99/month	$12.99/month
1-year	$3.99/month	$9.99/month
2-year	$3.59/month	$7.99/month

Deal: Get 64% OFF Proton VPN 2-year plans >

Learn more about this quality service in our updated Proton VPN review.

---

ExpressVPN — A secure and reliable VPN for UAE

ExpressVPN consistently ranks among the top VPN services in the world. It is a simple and secure VPN solution that is ideal for streaming content in Dubai and the UAE. With its user-friendly interface and access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN makes it easy for users to enjoy their favorite content while ensuring their online privacy and security.

This service has passed a slew of third-party security, privacy, and no-logs audits, and has a well-deserved reputation for protecting user privacy. You can count on ExpressVPN to keep you safe.

Not long ago, the company added Threat Manager, its own ad, tracker, malware, and adult content blocker. You can always activate Threat Manager from the Settings, but ExpressVPN wisely gives you the option to activate it when you first start the app, like this:

We recommend that you select all four options, unless you plan on visiting adult sites, in which case you would not want to select the Block adult sites option.

ExpressVPN has all the characteristics of a safe, reliable VPN for use in the UAE. It is based in the British Virgin Islands and runs a very secure network of over 3,000 diskless servers spread across 105 countries. ExpressVPN's primary VPN protocol is called Lightway. It makes the service much faster than before, but like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN must use OpenVPN (with its secure AES-256 encryption) in the UAE.

ExpressVPN also has a great kill switch, uses its own encrypted DNS servers to prevent your ISP from spying on you, and passes all of our leak tests. And they famously keep no logs of any sort, which has been confirmed by outside auditors many times.

If you need a good streaming VPN, ExpressVPN is near the top of the list. It is a VPN that works with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and DAZN. They also rank among the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer. Below you can see ExpressVPN connected to a server in The Docklands, allowing it to stream BBS iPlayer content.

But what about obfuscated servers? Surfshark, NordVPN and ExpressVPN all need to use obfuscated servers to work safely in the UAE and Dubai. ExpressVPN doesn't promote their obfuscation solution very prominently. But it does have a lineup of stealth servers to get around VPN restrictions and blocks. These servers should be able to defeat the UAE censors as well.

How to use Express VPN in UAE and Dubai

Because ExpressVPN does not publicly advertise its obfuscated servers, you'll need to contact ExpressVPN Support before configuring the VPN for the UAE. The support team will provide the information you need to set everything up, which is why you need to plan ahead. The support team will tell you exactly which servers are obfuscated. (This information is likely not advertised so that ExpressVPN can better avoid detection and blocking.)

ExpressVPN notes that it may take up to 60 seconds for the app to establish a connection. Please wait at least that long before canceling or retrying the connection. If ExpressVPN fails to connect, you can contact their 24/7 live chat support staff for immediate assistance.

That said, ExpressVPN truly is one of the best VPN services in the world. Like our other top picks, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test its services risk-free. If you’re looking for a simple, secure VPN for streaming in UAE and Dubai, ExpressVPN could be your best option. Just be sure to have the VPN installed and a game plan for what to do when you arrive in the UAE.

ExpressVPN plans	Price
1-month	$12.95/month
1-year	$6.67/month
2-year	$4.99/month

Deal: Get 61% OFF ExpressVPN 2-year plans >

The ExpressVPN review has more details and recent test results.

---

Important VPN characteristics for the UAE and Dubai

Whether you are visiting UAE as a tourist, or you work and reside in this country full time, you will need a good VPN for UAE.

While we listed the most important characteristics a VPN should have if you want to use it safely in the UAE and Dubai, we glossed over the details to let you see our recommended VPNs faster. If you were hoping for more details on any of those characteristics, you've come to the right place.

Here are some more considerations when selecting the best VPN for UAE and Dubai:

Get a VPN that is not based in the UAE

VPNs operate under the laws of their home country, so a UAE-based VPN must comply with strict local censorship rules. Choosing a privacy-focused VPN based outside the UAE, like NordVPN (Panama), Surfshark (Netherlands), Proton VPN (Switzerland) or ExpressVPN (British Virgin Islands), ensures the UAE government can’t force them to share your data.

These non-UAE VPNs prioritize user privacy to maintain trust, as sharing data would ruin their reputation. For safe browsing in the UAE, pick a VPN based outside the country to avoid local legal restrictions.

The VPN uses secure VPN protocols with a strong cipher

While OpenVPN is still a popular VPN protocol, it is not the only available one. Both the WireGuard VPN protocol and the Lightway VPN protocol offer some real advantages over OpenVPN. If this is the case, why is it important to choose a VPN service that uses the OpenVPN protocol?

The biggest reason you need OpenVPN for any VPN for UAE and Dubai is because the obfuscation systems they use to evade UAE censorship all require the use of OpenVPN. Obfuscation is the safest way to access the internet for Dubai and the UAE, so you will need a VPN that supports OpenVPN and obfuscation to surf the web safely.

Note: There may be a performance tradeoff when using obfuscation that adds an extra layer of encryption. If you want the fastest VPN we've tested, we'd recommend going with NordVPN.

Conclusion: Use a good VPN for UAE and Dubai in 2025

VPNs remain a popular tool for both residents and tourists in the UAE. However, for the best experience (and to avoid ending up on a government surveillance list) you should have a VPN installed and configured before your arrival.

Our top recommendation remains NordVPN. It is the most reliable VPN for UAE and also includes extra privacy and security features, plus excellent support for streaming services. The 77% discount is an added bonus, plus all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs: VPN for UAE and Dubai

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about VPNs for UAE and Dubai along with their answers. Note that we are not lawyers and certainly not experts on the UAE's legal system. What you see here is our best understanding of the legal situation, but always check the laws in your respective country.

VPN legality and usage guidelines in UAE

Using a VPN in the UAE is generally permitted but exists in a legal gray area. It’s allowed as long as you don’t engage in prohibited activities, like accessing blocked websites or sharing copyrighted material. UAE laws impose strict penalties for using a fraudulent IP address, including fines of AED 500,000–2,000,000 (USD $136,128–$544,514) and possible imprisonment. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and many use VPNs without issues.

To stay safe, choose a reputable VPN with strong encryption, obfuscation, and a no-logs policy, and stay informed about local laws for secure browsing.

Do streaming and gaming work with a VPN in UAE?

Yes, the VPNs covered in this article can bypass geo-restrictions in the UAE and Dubai, letting you access major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer by connecting to servers in other countries. In addition to streaming, VPNs can also be used to access gaming platforms that may be blocked or restricted in UAE and Dubai. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.

However, it is essential to choose a VPN provider with strong encryption, obfuscation capabilities, and a no-log policy to ensure your online privacy and security while streaming and gaming in UAE and Dubai.

What are some tips for maximizing VPN performance in UAE?

To maximize VPN performance in the UAE and Dubai, use a VPN with obfuscated servers, such as NordVPN or Surfshark. These servers mask VPN traffic as regular internet activity, helping you bypass detection and blocks by Etisalat or other ISPs. Additionally, keep your VPN software updated to access the latest security and performance improvements for a reliable connection.

If you experience slow speeds or disconnections, try switching VPN protocols, such as from OpenVPN to IKEv2 or L2TP/IPsec, as some protocols may perform better against ISP restrictions. Contact your VPN provider’s support team for protocol recommendations specific to your location to ensure a secure and seamless browsing experience.

What is an obfuscated server and why is this important for UAE VPN services?

Obfuscated VPN servers encrypt your data like regular VPN servers but also disguise your VPN traffic as normal internet activity. This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, which is crucial in the UAE, where ISPs like Etisalat use deep packet inspection to detect and potentially block VPN usage.

In the UAE’s restrictive internet environment, obfuscated servers from providers like NordVPN or Surfshark are essential for bypassing censorship while maintaining privacy. They help ensure your online activities appear unsuspicious, offering a safer way to browse despite ongoing efforts by authorities to detect VPNs.

What happens if you use a VPN in UAE?

VPN usage is common in the UAE and generally fine if you avoid prohibited activities. However, rumors suggest the UAE may block certain VPN providers, and downloading a VPN there could lead to increased scrutiny.

If you are planning to visit the UAE and will need to use a VPN while you are there, the best way to avoid any problems is to choose one of our recommended VPNs and install it before arriving in the country.