Best VPNs for UAE and Dubai in 2024 (Unblock Websites)

Need a VPN for the United Arab Emirates and Dubai? There are many options, but with the heavy internet censorship here, choosing the right VPN service is crucial. Someone found to be accessing prohibited content can be hit with heavy fines and jail terms, so only the most secure and private VPNs will do.

This guide covers our recommendations for the best VPNs to safely bypass internet censorship and access blocked content in this crucial and volatile region. We give you a short introduction to each service, along with links to additional resources that will help you decide which is the right VPN for you to install on your computer before you head to the Emirates.

Key Takeaways

• The top VPNs for the Emirates and Dubai in 2024 include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and VPN.ac, each of which offers unique features for enhanced security and accessibility.

• Using a VPN in the UAE is essential for bypassing the country's stringent internet censorship while protecting your online privacy, and accessing restricted VoIP services like Skype and WhatsApp.

• Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best option for anyone who needs a VPN in the Emirates and Dubai. You can get this leading VPN now at the best possible price using the 74% off coupon here.

Top VPN providers for UAE and Dubai in 2024

Based on our extensive testing, we have identified four VPN services that have the right characteristics for someone traveling to the United Arab Emirates or Dubai.

Each offers unique features that cater to the needs of users in this highly restrictive internet environment. Selecting the right VPN provider is crucial for your safety in this region where the internet is censored and surveillance is ever present. These VPNs not only provide robust security features but also offer the necessary tools to bypass government-imposed restrictions and access the internet freely.

Let’s delve into the specifics of each of these top VPN services and understand what makes them the best choices for users in the Emirates and Dubai.

NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Dubai and the UAE

Based on our testing, NordVPN is the highest-ranked VPN provider for the UAE and Dubai in 2024. Its Obfuscated servers are known for their ability to defeat UAE censorship efforts. The Emirates and Dubai put a lot of resources into controlling internet access by people in the country, but NordVPN engineers are constantly working to evade those controls.

In the following image, you can see NordVPN connected to a server in the United Arab Emirates. You can tell that it is an Obfuscated server thanks to the “disguise” icon (a hat and glasses) that appears next to the country name.

Known for its strong encryption and obfuscation capabilities, NordVPN is adept at bypassing VPN blocks and ensuring that you can access restricted content without detection. The obfuscated servers feature is particularly useful in regions like the UAE, where VPN usage is heavily monitored and restricted.

NordVPN features

Normally when we talk about NordVPN features, one of the first things we discuss is its audited no-logs policy. The ongoing audits by third parties like Big Four firm, Deloitte Audit Lithuania, ensure that NordVPN doesn't log (record) any information about your online activities. In fact, NordVPN is one of the best no-logs VPNs on the market. As you can imagine, this is very important in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai.

Another impressive feature of NordVPN is the NordLynx protocol. NordLynx is a NordVPN innovation that combines the very fast and secure WireGuard protocol, with an extremely private Double NAT system. NordLynx makes NordVPN one of the best VPNs with WireGuard support, as well as one of the fastest VPNs.

But to deal with the extreme internet monitoring and censorship practiced in Dubai and the Emirates, you won't be able to use NordLynx. The only way to deal with this environment is through the use of NordVPN's Obfuscated servers.

Obfuscated servers can make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, hiding it from the UAE surveillance. This sounds good, but you can't use NordLynx (or WireGuard for that matter) with Obfuscated servers. To do this, you need to use the OpenVPN protocol instead of NordLynx.

This isn't a disaster. OpenVPN is secure and private, and is still the main protocol for most VPN services. But it is generally slower than WireGuard, and arguably less secure.

On the other hand, the Obfuscated servers can get past the filters and censors where WireGuard-based protocols like NordLynx cannot. And the always helpful engineers who work on NordVPN make things easy for you. When you select an Obfuscated server (you'll see how shortly) NordVPN can switch to the correct protocol for you so you don't have to deal with it.

NordVPN has additional security and privacy features that are ideal for the kind of hostile online environment you will encounter in the Emirates. In particular, private DNS servers, VPN kill switches, and security against IP address and DNS leaks that passed our testing.

NordVPN Threat Protection is another feature you will want to use in the UAE. It is an ad blocker that can also keep malware off your system. Threat Protection is included in all NordVPN apps with a Basic subscription, and in all NordVPN apps except Windows and macOS with higher level subscriptions.

Threat Protection Pro offers enhanced protection compared to the standard version. It provides continuous security, even when you are not connected to a VPN server, ensuring ongoing defense against potential threats. Additionally, this version includes features that allow for scanning incoming files for viruses and malware, as well as checking for vulnerable applications on the device. With all these benefits, it is not surprising that NordVPN tops our list of the Best VPNs with Ad Blocking.

NordVPN servers

NordVPN has a massive network of over 6,400 servers in 110 countries. All of these servers are RAM-only, meaning that the servers contain no disk drives that could be seized and analyzed by hostile entities. This characteristic takes on additional importance when you are using NordVPN in the Emirates, which we will discuss soon.

In addition to being immense, the NordVPN server network contains a number of specialized server types that could be of use to you when not in the UAE. These include:

• Double VPN servers pass internet traffic through two separate VPN servers, making your connection more secure at the cost of a bit of speed.
• Onion over VPN servers pass your encrypted VPN traffic through the Tor network, adding its anonymity but greatly reducing your connection speed.
• P2P servers that are optimized for fast, secure file transfers and torrenting.
• Dedicated IP servers that give you sole use of a fixed IP address (for an additional monthly fee). NordVPN is one of the best VPNs with Dedicated IP.

See all NordVPN features here >

While the size and diverse capabilities of the NordVPN server network are important in many situations, it is less so when in the UAE. That's because NordVPN's recommends you connect to one of the handful of Obfuscated servers located within the country. This is also why NordVPN's RAM-only server network is so important.

While it has never happened as far as we know, Emirates authorities could theoretically find and seize NordVPN's Obfuscated servers in the country. The goal would be to find the identity of people who were using the VPN to get around government controls. If that were to happen, there would be no disk drives for the authorities to analyze in search of information about the users of the server.

Connecting to a NordVPN Obfuscated server in the Emirates

Here's how to connect to a NordVPN Obfuscated server for safe VPN use in the Emirates:

1. Open the NordVPN app on your device.
2. Navigate to the Threat Protection or Threat Protection Pro section of the app.
3. Make sure all Threat Protection or Threat Protection Pro features are activated.
4. Navigate to the Settings section of the app.
5. Make sure the Internet Kill Switch is set to On.
6. Switch to the OpenVPN protocol.
7. Return to the main screen of the app.
8. Click the three dots next to Obfuscated.

9. Select United Arab Emirates from the list of countries.
10. Wait for a few seconds to connect to the best Dubai VPN server available.

All NordVPN subscriptions include 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can be up and running with NordVPN in minutes (and get an excellent price) if you click the link at the end of this section.

Despite its impressive features and performance, NordVPN remains affordable, especially with long-term subscriptions. It offers great value for money, making it the best overall VPN for the UAE and Dubai in 2024.

+ NordVPN Pros

• Based in Panama, a leading pro-privacy jurisdiction
• Audited no-logs VPN with excellent privacy policies
• Support for most operating systems and devices
• Reliable and user-friendly VPN apps with DNS leak protection and kill switch
• Advanced security features like Threat Protection, split tunneling, and multi-factor authentication
• Huge network of fast, 100% RAM-only (diskless) servers with WireGuard support and private DNS
• Specialized servers including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated, and P2P servers
• Colocated and 10Gbps servers being strategically deployed throughout the network
• Impressive support for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and most others
• Responsive 24/7 live chat support

– NordVPN Cons

• Cheapest rates only come with a long-term subscription

Want more information? You will find it in our complete NordVPN review.

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Surfshark: A low-cost, high-value VPN for the Emirates

Surfshark is an excellent choice for users in this region, particularly for those on a budget. It is a fast, secure, audited no-logs VPN service that can get around even strong internet censorship. With plans costing little more than $2.00 per month, Surfshark provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Surfshark offers unlimited unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices.

The situation for Surfshark in the Emirates is very similar to that of NordVPN. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have large, RAM-only server networks that can deliver extreme performance thanks to the use of WireGuard and a Double NAT system. But to deal with the UAE's internet monitoring and censorship, both have to use OpenVPN and some kind of obfuscation.

For Surfshark, that means selecting OpenVPN and making sure NoBorders mode is activated. For the best security and privacy, you should also activate the kill switch in Strict mode (which kills your connection if the VPN disconnects for any reason) and Surfshark CleanWeb, this VPN's ad, tracker, and malware blocker. CleanWeb protects traffic that passes through the VPN tunnel and is comparable to NordVPN Threat Protection, but not as capable as Threat Protection Pro.

A new addition to Surfshark's defensive armaments is Surfshark Antivirus. This is an antivirus program that is part of your Surfshark subscription. If you don't already have an antivirus program running on your device, it makes sense to install Surfshark Antivirus.

If you are going to be using your VPN outside the UAE as well as inside, you will be able to take advantage of Surfshark's full power, which means access to over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, MultiHop (Double VPN) servers, Dedicated IP servers, and other specialized server types, full WireGuard support, and more.

During our search for the best VPNs for streaming, Surfshark proved that it can easily unblock many streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others that display content the UAE censors. Among other things, our testing has shown that Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer.

See all Surfshark VPN features here >

Despite its excellent feature set and performance, Surfshark has an extremely low price for long-term subscriptions. Throw in 24/7 live chat support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and unlimited simultaneous connections, and this is easily one of the best cheap VPNs available. With its combination of value, speed, privacy, and security, Surfshark is a top contender for anyone looking to maintain their online privacy in the UAE or Dubai.

+ Surfshark Pros

• Audited no-logs VPN with strong privacy policies
• Support for most operating systems and devices
• Security-audited, user-friendly apps with kill switch and DNS leak protection
• Advanced security features like CleanWeb, Whitelister, and multi-factor authentication
• Large network of fast 100% RAM-only servers with private DNS and WireGuard support
• Specialized servers including MultiHop, Camouflage mode, Dedicated IP, and P2P servers
• Colocated and 10 Gbps servers being deployed
• Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other popular streaming services
• Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
• Fast and helpful 24/7 live chat support

– Surfshark Cons

• Limited VPN router support
• Big discount only with the two-year plan

You can learn more about this service in our Surfshark VPN review.

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ExpressVPN: Secure, easy-to-use UAE VPN

ExpressVPN is renowned for its ease of use and robust security features, making it another reliable choice for users in the UAE and Dubai. With over 3,000 secure, RAM-only servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN ensures that users have access to reliable and fast connections wherever they are. The use of the new Lightway protocol, along with OpenVPN, provides enhanced security and performance.

When it comes to using ExpressVPN in the UAE and Dubai, you really need to plan ahead. That's because ExpressVPN, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, does not advertise its ability to function in this region. We discuss this more in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison.

If you want to use this service there, you need to contact ExpressVPN through its 24/7 live chat support system. The technicians can tell you which servers to use, and how to connect to them.

You will need to set this up before your trip, as you will be unlikely to get access to ExpressVPN support from within the Emirates.

Although ExpressVPN is more expensive compared to other VPNs, it offers significant value through its reliability and ease of use. Meanwhile, its strict and audited no-logs policy and advanced security measures ensure that your data remains private and secure, making it an excellent choice for maintaining online freedom in the UAE and Dubai.

+ ExpressVPN Pros

• Strong security and privacy
• Secure apps for virtually any operating system or device
• Lightway VPN protocol added for better performance
• Large, secure server network
• Good streaming and torrenting performance
• Dedicated VPN router app
• Excellent support and refund policy

– ExpressVPN Cons

• Relatively high price
• Limited feature set

To see what else ExpressVPN can do, read this ExpressVPN review.

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VPN.ac: Secure VPN for UAE built by security professionals

VPN.ac is a reliable VPN provider that caters specifically to users in restrictive environments like the UAE. It offers strong encryption protocols that ensure user data remains secure and protected from government surveillance and ISP tracking. The service is based in Romania, a country where attempts to impose EU-style data retention requirements were struck down be the country's Supreme Court.

One of the standout features of VPN.ac is its specialized servers designed to help users bypass censorship and access restricted content in the UAE. These servers have user-customizable obfuscation options and are optimized to provide stable and fast connections, even in heavily monitored environments. VPN.ac has a good kill switch, but unlike with the other VPNs reviewed here, its no-logs policy has not yet been subject to an outside audit.

Even so, with its focus on security, speed, and bypassing censorship, VPN.ac is a solid choice for anyone looking to maintain their online freedom in the UAE and Dubai.

+ Pros

• WireGuard support with a caveat
• Multiple encryption options for optimized performance
• Fast, dedicated servers with private DNS
• Multi-hop (double VPN) and obfuscated servers
• Secure proxy browser extensions
• Numerous payment options

– Cons

• Limited streaming support
• Limited feature set
• Small server network
• Short refund policy

Get more information about this service in our VPN.ac review.

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Why Use a VPN in the UAE and Dubai?

Using a VPN in the UAE and Dubai is essential for several reasons, including bypassing internet censorship, enhancing online privacy, and accessing VoIP services. The UAE government imposes significant restrictions on internet usage, making it challenging to access certain websites and services without a VPN.

VPNs enable users to bypass these restrictions and access blocked websites, ensuring they can enjoy a free and open internet. They also enhance online privacy by securing users’ data and maintaining anonymity from government surveillance. With approximately 40% of UAE residents relying on VPNs, it’s clear that these services are a crucial tool for internet freedom in the region.

Here’s a detailed look at how VPNs can maintain online freedom in the UAE and Dubai.

Bypassing Internet Censorship

One primary reason for using a VPN in the UAE is to bypass internet censorship. The government imposes strict restrictions on accessing certain websites and services, making it difficult for users to get the full benefits of the global internet. VPNs deploy advanced technology to help you circumvent these limitations by masking their internet traffic and making it appear as though they are browsing from a different location.

Choosing a server located in the UAE enables you to access local content and comply with regional regulations while still benefiting from the security and anonymity provided by the VPN.

Enhancing Online Privacy

Another key reason to use a VPN in the UAE is to improve your privacy while online. ISPs in the UAE have access to your browsing data, making VPNs essential for escaping tracking and maintaining privacy. Using a VPN encrypts sensitive data, making it harder for hackers and surveillance systems to access personal information.

You should always turn on their VPN when connecting to the internet in the UAE to ensure that your privacy and security are protected.

Accessing VoIP Services

A major benefit of using a VPN in the UAE is accessing VoIP services. Services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom are blocked by ISPs in the UAE, making it difficult for users to communicate freely. VPNs allow you to bypass these restrictions and access popular VoIP applications, restoring your connection to the rest of the world.

NordVPN, for instance, works with Skype and other VoIP services, enabling users to access restricted platforms without any issues. Similarly, ExpressVPN can unblock VoIP services like Skype and provides a lag-free performance environment for video calls.

While using a VPN to unblock VoIP services is common, you should be aware of the risks, particularly for illegal activities. Switching to mobile data can help avoid VPN blocks imposed on Wi-Fi networks.

Key Features to Look for in a UAE VPN

Selecting a VPN for use in the UAE requires considering key features that ensure reliability, security, and the ability to bypass restrictions. Given the aggressive internet censorship and surveillance in the UAE, choosing a VPN with the right features is crucial for maintaining online freedom.

Two critical features to look for in a UAE VPN are obfuscated servers and a strict no-logs policy.

Obfuscated Servers

Obfuscated servers are essential for masking VPN traffic and preventing it from being identified as VPN usage. This feature is particularly important in regions like the UAE, where VPN usage is heavily monitored and restricted. Surfshark, for instance, includes a unique Camouflage mode that disguises VPN traffic, preventing detection by ISPs.

ExpressVPN uses a proprietary obfuscation method to effectively bypass censorship and maintain a stable connection. Changing the protocol to OpenVPN TCP allows VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic, further enhancing obfuscation.

Obfuscated servers help VPN users in the UAE maintain online freedom by avoiding detection and blocking by ISPs.

No-Logs Policy

A no-logs policy is crucial for maintaining user privacy and security. This policy ensures that no user data is stored, thereby protecting user privacy. NordVPN, for example, does not track browsing data, ensuring that user activity remains private and secure.

Key aspects of VPNs that prioritize user privacy include quality encryption, zero-logging policies, and the choice of protocols. When selecting a VPN for the UAE, it’s essential to choose a provider that adheres to a strict no-logs policy to ensure your data remains secure and private.

A VPN with a no-logs policy allows users to browse the internet in the UAE without worrying about data tracking or storage.

How to Set Up and Use a VPN in the UAE

Setting up and using a VPN in the UAE requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure optimal performance and security. Users should incorporate features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection to enhance online privacy.

Here are the steps for setting up and using a VPN in the UAE, from installing the VPN app to configuring settings and connecting to a VPN server.

Install the VPN App

The first step to ensuring internet access and privacy in the UAE is installing the VPN app. You need to install a VPN before arriving in the region to avoid any local restrictions on VPN websites. We recommend that you download and install the VPN program well before starting your trip.

Configure Settings

Configuring VPN settings is essential for ensuring online security and privacy in the UAE. One of the essential features to enable is the kill switch, which ensures that your internet connection is cut off if the VPN connection fails unexpectedly. This prevents your data from being exposed to your ISP or other entities.

Enable any ad blocker or antivirus apps that are associated with your VPN. Thanks to features like NordVPN's Threat Protection or Surfshark's Antivirus, you can increase your security and privacy beyond that traditionally provided by VPNs.

If you are going to be using obfuscated servers to protect yourself against surveillance, configure your VPN app to use them now and confirm that you can connect to a VPN server in the UAE before startin your journey.

Consider configuring your VPN app to connect automatically whenever you start your device to maintain continuous protection.

Connect to a VPN Server

Choosing the right VPN server is key for optimal performance and security. Fortunately, once you have all the settings configured, all you need to do is find the United Arab Emirates (or UAE) server location in your VPN app's server list and let the app select a good server for you.

When selecting a server, consider using obfuscated servers to mask your VPN traffic and prevent detection by ISPs. Additionally, connecting to a server that supports VoIP services and VPN servers can help you access platforms like Skype and WhatsApp without restrictions.

Legal considerations for using VPNs in the UAE

Understanding the legal implications of using VPNs in the UAE is crucial to avoid potential risks. While VPNs are legal for legitimate uses, engaging in illegal activities while using a VPN can lead to severe penalties. The UAE government actively monitors VPN services, making it essential to stay informed about local laws and regulations.

Here’s a look at the legal status of VPNs in the UAE and the potential usage risks.

Are VPNs legal in the UAE?

VPNs are legal for personal use in the UAE as long as they are not used to access restricted or prohibited content. However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities can result in serious legal consequences. Recent amendments to the cybersecurity law have broadened the scope of VPN illegality, making it more important than ever to stay informed about local regulations.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE actively monitors VPN services, so users should remain aware of the legal framework and potential risks.

Risks of Using VPNs

The penalties for using a VPN to engage in unlawful activities in the UAE can include imprisonment and hefty fines, often starting at AED 500,000. Using services like Hola can put users at risk of being liable for other people’s online activity, making it a risky choice for VPN access.

Due to the complexity of the UAE’s legal framework surrounding internet usage, it’s crucial for you to understand the implications and risks of using VPNs improperly. Staying informed and using VPNs responsibly helps avoid legal issues while maintaining online freedom.

Summary

In summary, using a VPN in the UAE and Dubai is essential for bypassing internet censorship, enhancing online privacy, and accessing VoIP services. NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and VPN.ac are the top VPN providers that offer the necessary features to ensure a secure and reliable connection in this restrictive environment.

When choosing a VPN for the UAE, it’s important to consider key features such as obfuscated servers and a strict no-logs policy. Properly setting up and configuring your VPN, as well as troubleshooting common issues, can help you maintain a stable and secure connection.

By staying informed about legal considerations and using VPNs responsibly, you can enjoy a free and open internet in the UAE and Dubai. You can choose the best VPN for your needs and take control of your online freedom today.

Not sure which service to choose? Try NordVPN, our top pick for security and privacy in this heavily surveilled and regulated region. If you use the discount coupon below, you can be up and running with NordVPN today while getting the best price possible for this premium service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about using a VPN in Dubai and the UAE:

What is the primary reason for using a VPN in the UAE and Dubai?

The primary reason for using a VPN in the UAE and Dubai is to bypass censorship and access restricted content while ensuring online privacy. This enables users to enjoy a freer internet experience.

What does Surfshark offer that makes it suitable for users in the UAE?

Surfshark provides fast connection speeds, affordable pricing, and the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it a suitable option for users in the UAE.

What should users do before traveling to the UAE regarding VPN installation?

Users should install their VPN before traveling to the UAE to ensure smooth access and avoid local restrictions on VPN websites. This preparation will help you maintain your online privacy and freedom while abroad.

What feature of NordVPN is crucial for bypassing VPN blocks in the UAE?

NordVPN's obfuscation capabilities are essential for bypassing VPN blocks in the UAE, enabling users to access restricted content discreetly. This feature helps ensure a secure and unrestricted browsing experience.

This guide to the best VPNs for the United Arab Emirates and Dubai was last update on August 21, 2024.