Best VPN UAE Dubai

Quick Summary
In Short

  • Using a VPN in the UAE and Dubai is a complex legal matter, as the country actively restricts VPN use to bypass censorship and access blocked services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facetime. While VPNs are widely used by businesses and expats, using one for purposes that violate UAE regulations can result in fines.
  • Many expats and travelers in the UAE rely on VPNs to access home streaming services as well as VoIP apps to stay in touch with family and friends. However, not all VPNs work in the UAE, as the country’s internet providers employ deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic.
  • We tested over 78 major VPNs to find the ones that reliably bypass UAE blocks while maintaining fast speeds, strong encryption, and obfuscation technology to avoid detection.
  • NordVPN is our top recommendation for the UAE and Dubai,  as it offers stealth servers that work in restrictive regions, ensuring secure access to home streaming and VoIP services. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai is increasingly common. If you do happen to find yourself there for business or for pleasure, you may experience frustration when accessing a fair number of websites. VoIP services like Skype and WhatsApp are blocked, as well as gambling sites like Betfair and several Wikipedia pages. The country’s Telecom Regulatory Authority imposes strict internet censorship across the board. So, if you want to access blocked sites and apps, a VPN that works in the UAE is an essential tool.

Not all VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) will work in the UAE. After exhaustive research, testing, and vetting, our experts have identified the most reliable VPNs for Dubai and the UAE and will explain exactly how to use them for unrestricted and secure internet access. Don’t have time to read the whole article? We’ll start with a summary of the top contenders.

PRO TIP: If you’re planning a trip to the UAE, take note. Some VPN websites might already be inaccessible from there. Play it smart by selecting and downloading your VPN choice before setting foot in the Emirates.

The best VPNs for Dubai and the UAE:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for UAE and Dubai. Excellent speeds, security, and unblocking abilities. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for the UAE.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for the UAE. Strong focus on privacy and unblocking, with no connection limit whatsoever. Very high speeds.
  3. Total VPN: Speedy servers in the UAE and 84+ other countries. Easy-to-use apps with strong encryption and built-in leak protection.
  4. ProtonVPN: Reliable option for protecting yourself while visiting Dubai. Offers steady speeds, strong unblocking ability, and lots of advanced functionality.
  5. ExpressVPN: A fast VPN that’s great for bypassing censorship or streaming in Dubai and UAE. 24/7 customer support and a proven no-logs policy.
  6. IPVanish: Privacy-conscious VPN that allows unlimited connections. Great for browsing safely in Dubai and the UAE. Great set of security tools.
  7. PureVPN: Speedy, security-conscious service that works perfectly in the UAE. Novice-friendly yet capable of sidestepping strict online limitations.
  8. PrivateVPN: A fantastic option for anyone hoping to securely access Netflix in Dubai. Puts your privacy first and provides reasonable performance.
  9. Private Internet Access: A great UAE VPN for the privacy-conscious. Prioritizes ease of use but still manages to offer tons of customization.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for the UAE
Warning

Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

Note: Over the last 12 months many VPNs have been blocked in the UAE. We regularly update this article to only show VPNs that work in the UAE. Occasionally, VPNs on this list may be temporarily blocked as they work to stay ahead of bans.

Criteria for choosing the best VPNs for UAE and Dubai

We use very specific criteria to form our recommendations for the best VPNs for Dubai and the UAE. This involves carefully testing and examining each service, ensuring it meets or exceeds industry-approved security standards, and measuring its suitability for day to day usage. Here’s a quick rundown of what we look for:

  • Speed: There’s little point finding a VPN that works in the UAE or Dubai if it’s too slow for things like streaming or VoIP calls. We carried out multiple speed tests to find which VPNs are best suited to carrying out a range of online activities.
  • Features: We looked for providers that offered powerful obfuscation, and servers in lots of countries beyond the UAE.
  • Security and privacy: We only wanted to recommend providers that were capable of keeping you safe online while in the UAE or Dubai. To do this, we evaluated them against 16 unique criteria.
  • Ease of use: To find which VPN services were the easiest to use, we evaluated them against 10 different criteria, including complexity of apps, ease of sign-up and cancellation, and standard of customer service.
  • Streaming: VPNs are a popular way to access the home content libraries of your favorite streaming services. We evaluated each provider’s streaming prowess using nine different criteria.

We go into more detail on our testing process later in the article. We’ll also discuss the test results and how they might affect your choice of provider.

GET A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OF NORDVPN

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for the UAE and Dubai with no restrictions for a month - great if you've got a short trip planned to Dubai or the UAE.

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for UAE and Dubai compared

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for UAE and Dubai.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishPureVPNPrivateVPNPrivate Internet Access
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comPureVPN.comPrivateVPN.comPrivateInternetAccess.com
Ranking for UAE and Dubai:123656789
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Average Speed (Mbps)192.79190.93186.89185.43122.89180.71137.03109.16115.60
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88% 88%87%86%85%80%85%70%
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited5Free: 1, VPN Plus: 108Unlimited1010Unlimited
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Best VPNs for UAE, Dubai, and the Emirates

From real-world testing, here’s our list of the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai that are still working:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Sep 2025 Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.6 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Features: 9.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
US speed: 10.0 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for users in Dubai or the UAE. It has a presence in almost 120 countries and is the only provider with two different ways to beat country-wide censorship. First, there are the obfuscated servers — these are slightly slower than the general-purpose ones but work virtually anywhere. Recently, though, NordVPN released NordWhisper, a custom protocol that does the same thing but which works on any of the 7,900+ available servers.

Screenshot showing how to connect to NorVPN's obfuscated servers
Historically, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers were the best way to beat repressive censorship. Now though, users can simply switch to the NordWhisper protocol, maintaining as much of their speed as possible.

To find out how fast NordVPN was, we tested its speeds while connected to servers in the US with a base speed of 250 Mbps. The results, as you can see below, were impressive.

The provider averaged 192.79 Mbps overall, making it fast enough for everything from VoIP calls to streaming movies in 4K. Compared with the combined average speeds of the other tested providers, NordVPN was more than 39 Mbps faster.

If privacy is a priority, NordVPN is the service for you. Not only does it boast unbreakable encryption, a customizable kill switch, leak protection, and an independently verified no-logs policy, but there are plenty of advanced security features as well. For instance, you can block trackers outright, securely transfer files between your devices, browse the dark web safely, or allow certain apps to bypass the VPN entirely. In short, your browsing habits are kept hidden at all times.

VPN apps are available for various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of NordVPN’s high security and privacy features no matter what device you use.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to obfuscated servers to evade UAE VPN blocks
  • You need the fastest average speeds for uninterrupted VoIP and streaming
  • You rely on strong privacy with an independently verified no-logs policy
  • You want consistent access to global streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
  • You want novice-friendly apps with excellent mobile and desktop parity

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding

BEST VPN FOR UAE AND DUBAI:NordVPN is our first choice for browsing safely in Dubai & UAE. It’s an especially fast VPN with strong unblocking, powerful online privacy features, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.4 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Features: 9.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
US speed: 9.8 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is our top low-cost VPN for people in the UAE or Dubai. There are more than 3,200 servers to choose from (in 100 countries) and a built-in stealth mode called NoBorders, which is specifically designed to help you browse anonymously in places with all-encompassing digital censorship. Best of all, this is one of the few major VPNs that lets you connect all your devices simultaneously.

Screenshot of Surfshark's noborders feature
Accessing the wider internet in the UAE is as simple as toggling Surfshark’s NoBorders mode on. While you’re at it, why not activate Rotating IP as well? This means your IP address will change periodically.

Every VPN will reduce your speeds somewhat, but some are better at minimizing their impact than others. With this in mind, we decided to see how quick Surfshark’s US servers are. We ran three tests over the course of a day; check out the chart below for results:

Surfshark averaged 190.93 Mbps across all three tests, which was just a couple of Mbps slower than NordVPN. The provider is a great choice if you need fast speeds for video calling or high-resolution streaming.

This high-level VPN service offers everything we looked for in our criteria. This includes AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, a strict no-log policy, and multi-hop servers. Surfshark supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard connections, allows split tunneling, and blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

We particularly liked that all of Surfshark’s servers are RAM-only. This means that all data on them is erased when they’re turned off, and ensures that even if the hardware is seized, authorities won’t be able to gain any usable information from it.

VPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also install the service as a Chrome or Firefox plugin to cover just your web browser activities, or install it directly onto most home routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a low-cost option with stealth obfuscation for use in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
  • You need unlimited device connections for a household or group of friends
  • You’re looking for solid speeds for streaming and VoIP apps like WhatsApp
  • You want features like rotating IP, split tunneling, and ad/tracker blocking

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that isn’t based in a Nine Eyes country

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark offers online security at an affordable price. Boasts solid speeds, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and impressive unblocking ability. Connect as many devices as you like in the UAE and Dubai.

You can read our full Surfshark review here.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.2 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
Features: 9.3 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.1 / 10
Streaming: 8.8 / 10
US speed: 9.3 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN has servers in Dubai as well as more unusual location such as Shanghai and Moscow. In all the provider can offer users IP addresses in 85+ countries.

The Total VPN dashboard.
Total VPN is one of the few mainstream VPN providers with servers in China.

To find out what sort of connection speeds users could expect, we carried out three speed tests using the provider’s US servers. You can see the results below:

Total VPN performed well across the tests, achieving an overall average download speed of 186.89 Mbps. This was more than 32 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. In practice, Total VPN is fast enough to stream 4K video on seven devices simultaneously.

While connected, you’ll be able to access a range of streaming platforms without issue. During testing, we were able to watch Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming BBC iPlayer.
Streaming BBC iPlayer using Total VPN.

We like that Total VPN’s apps are user-friendly and combine intuitive interfaces with built-in security and privacy features. These include leak protection, a kill switch, and strong 256-bit AES encryption. The provider uses the lightweight WireGuard protocol by default, though users can switch to the HYDRA protocol for traffic obfuscation. This will prove useful for anyone connecting from within the UAE.

Subscriptions are excellent value, with a one-year plan costing the equivalent of $1.59 a month. Total VPN further sweetens the deal by including its in-house ad-blocking and antivirus software free of charge.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that includes UAE-based servers to access local services
  • You need a beginner-friendly VPN with simple apps that still offer stealth
  • You’re looking for a budget option that includes bonus features like antivirus
  • You want consistently high speeds (186 Mbps) for UHD streaming

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want advanced privacy features like multi-hop
  • You plan to share the VPN with more than five devices at once

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:Total VPN has user-friendly apps and low-cost subscriptions. Speedy servers are available in 85+ countries, including the UAE. Subscriptions include free antivirus software and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Features: 4.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming: 7.2 / 10
US speed: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN operates around 13,000 servers in more than 122 countries. One of the things we like most about this VPN is its unblocking ability; it works with stubborn platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. What’s more, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. In the unlikely event that you run into issues, support staff are available around the clock over live chat.

Screenshot of ProtonVPN's interface on Windows
ProtonVPN might look a little complex but it’s surprisingly easy to use and won’t everwhelm beginners with advanced functionality.

A common issue VPN users have is that their chosen service slows down their connection to the point that streaming is virtually impossible. Our experts tested ProtonVPN’s US servers three times and noted the results:

Our thorough testing revealed that ProtonVPN is exceptionally quick, with an average speed of 185.43 Mbps. As such, you shouldn’t notice any performance issues, even when doing data-intensive tasks like torrenting.

This provider goes above and beyond on security. It supports multiple VPN protocols, uses as-yet-uncrackable encryption, and includes a variety of safeguards including a kill switch and automatic leak protection. In fact, ProtonVPN can even block ads and trackers outright.

There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place, which has been verified by third-party auditors. Anyone looking for a little extra anonymity can sign up using one of the anonymous payment methods or connect to the slower (but more privacy-conscious) Secure Core servers. Better still, up to 10 simultaneous connections are permitted with a single account,

ProtonVPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. You can also follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want steady speeds for high-resolution streaming and VoIP usage
  • You value strong unblocking for BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+
  • You prioritize open-source apps, no-logs audits, and Swiss jurisdiction
  • You need a VPN with deep customization options like port selection

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You require UAE-based servers for local IP access
  • You prefer a simplified UI and plug-and-play setup

ZERO-LOGS VPN:ProtonVPN puts your privacy first and doesn’t require any data that could identify its users. Every paid subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more info, read our complete ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.0 / 10
Features: 9.7 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10
US speed: 2.2 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable service with a fantastic reputation. It’s also one of the most user-friendly VPN providers we’ve seen, which is great if you’re just looking to dip your toe into the world of VPNs. There are servers in 105 countries including the UAE, and if ExpressVPN realises you’re in a region with extreme online censorship, it’ll automatically activate obfuscation, helping you browse the web freely again.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN's Windows app
This provider has a huge network and all the features you’ll need to browse the internet safely in Dubai or the UAE. Users don’t even have to change any settings to get around digital restrictions, it’s all done automatically!

This is all very impressive, but can ExpressVPN deliver the speeds you require? To find out, we tested its US servers at various times of day. You’ll find the results of these tests in the chart below:

While this might not be the fastest provider on the market, its average speed of 122.89 Mbps is more than enough for tasks like streaming, torrenting, or making video calls.

Let’s talk about security. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (which it calls a network lock) to help shield your data from prying eyes. Its privacy policy and infrastructure have both been audited multiple times, so in practical terms, there’s no chance of your online activities being noted down somewhere. This VPN also has its own custom VPN protocol named Lightway, which can keep you safe during the brief moments when switching networks, and recently added automatic ad and tracker-blocking.

VPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (command line). Additionally, ExpressVPN is the only well-known provider that has its own router firmware.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You prefer a smooth, intuitive experience, ideal for VPN beginners
  • You need a router app or smart DNS for unblocking geo-restricted content
  • You want a VPN with multiple independent no-logs audits

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for a cheap subscription
  • You want to connect more than eight devices simultaneously

GREAT FOR SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a quick, reliable service that works well in Dubai & UAE. Unblocks all major sites and apps, including Skype, and offers unlimited bandwidth. Keeps your personal data safe and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review here.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.6 / 10
Ease of use: 8.1 / 10
Features: 4.7 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
US speed: 8.7 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has more than 2,000 servers, spanning roughly 60 countries (including the UAE). Although its website is blocked in Dubai, you can browse the internet as normal, provided you activate the traffic scrambling feature.

This VPN excels at accessing region-locked platforms, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to stream, bypass censorship, or access VoIP services during their visit. If you’re having problems, just let support staff know – they’re available 24/7 over live chat and email.

Screenshot of IPVanish's traffic scrambling feature
IPVanish’s scramble feature works by hiding the telltale signs of VPN usage and reshaping your data to look like regular traffic. It’s currently only available with the OpenVPN protocol though.

To find out how fast IPVanish’s servers were, we conducted multiple speed tests over the course of a day. You can see the results in the chart below.

The provider averaged 180.71 Mbps overall, which is an excellent result. Naturally, it’s fast enough for interruption-free streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

We’re big fans of services that simplify security. By default, IPVanish uses uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to shield your online activities from prying eyes. It also recently added ad and tracker-blocking, plus split tunneling functionality so you can let traffic to certain websites pass through unencrypted.

This provider follows a strict no-logging policy and has proven it with an independent audit. There’s no connection limit, which allows you to protect every device you own with a single subscription.

IPVanish offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually configured to work with Linux devices and a huge number of routers.

Subscriptions are available for a couple of dollars per month, which is great value. If you’re willing to pay a little more, the provider’s Advanced package includes a sandboxed secure browser and a generous 1TB of cloud storage.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want unlimited device connections for full household protection
  • You want a secure browser and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage
  • You value US-based customer support available 24/7

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a provider based outside of the US
  • You want a Linux app

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a fast and reliable VPN that works perfectly in Dubai. It doesn’t compromise on security and lets you secure as many devices as you like. Not sure it’s right for you? No problem: annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Check out our full IPVanish review.

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7. PureVPN

PureVPN Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.6 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Features: 9.0 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.3 / 10
US speed: 3.8 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN operates more than 6,000 servers in 65 countries around the world (including Dubai). It excels at unblocking geo-restricted platforms, allowing you to stream your favorite shows and chat as normal during your stay. Users can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously and while the apps are very easy to use, customer support is available 24 hours per day via live chat.

Screenshot showing BBC iPlayer playing content with PureVPN active
PureVPN is extremely versatile, capable of unlocking a huge range of region-locked services. It’s fast too, so you can watch in the highest possible quality.

Despite this VPN’s low price point, users often mention that they’re impressed by its speed, especially compared to some of the more expensive services on the market. With this in mind, we tested its servers in the US to see for ourselves:

PureVPN averaged 137.03 Mbps overall, which is more than fast enough for placing international video calls or streaming in UHD.

The UAE has a history of digital surveillance and censorship, but that won’t be a problem for you. PureVPN has uncrackable encryption, blocks DNS and IPv6 leaks, and uses a kill switch to ensure you never inadvertently browse unprotected. Most importantly, it refuses to log any details of your activities and has confirmed this fact with four independent audits. There is also a tracker-blocking tool, though this only works if you choose the Plus or Max plan. That’s a little disappointing, considering many competing services offer this feature as standard.

PureVPN apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. If you prefer, you can also manually install it on just about any home router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want always-on obfuscation for restrictive regions like the UAE
  • You need solid streaming access for Netflix and Amazon Prime while abroad
  • You want a low-cost long-term plan with decent overall speeds

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You prefer VPNs with regular third-party audits for transparency
  • You need the fastest performance for 4K streaming

BEAT CENSORSHIP:PureVPN automatically obfuscates your traffic, making it as easy as possible to access your usual services in the UAE. Every subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not check out our full review of PureVPN?

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.8 / 10
Ease of use: 8.2 / 10
Features: 8.8 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10
US speed: 0.7 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than others in this list (roughly 200 servers in 63 countries) but it’s still well worth trying out. For starters, it owns all of these servers outright and even acts as its own ISP. From a technical perspective, this means it’s one of the most privacy-conscious VPNs on the market.

Screenshot of PrivateVPN's interface on windows in feb 2025
This provider doesn’t have thousands of servers but it still provides reliable performance and can also help you access UAE-only content abroad.

What really stands out to users is PrivateVPN’s streaming ability. It can help you regain access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, or most other popular streaming apps when traveling abroad. In our experience, you very rarely have to try more than one server, too! Of course, support staff are on-hand virtually 24/7 over live chat so getting help is quick and easy.

It’s worth mentioning that PrivateVPN has never been known for its ultra-fast speeds. We do, however, have to make sure it’s capable of handling day-to-day tasks like streaming. To find out, we tested its US servers three times; here are the results:

This service actually performed quite well, never falling below 100 Mbps, and averaging 109.16 Mbps overall. That’s a solid result and more than fast enough for streaming in high resolution.

Let’s talk about security. You can choose between 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, which uses perfect forward secrecy. IPv6 leak and DNS protections are built in, as is a kill switch. PrivateVPN also boasts a stealth mode that works in countries like the UAE and China, plus a true no-logs policy (though it hasn’t been independently-audited at the time of writing). Users can pay via credit card, Stripe, PayPal, or Bitcoin.

You can connect a maximum of 10 devices simultaneously on a single account. Apps and software are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Linux systems and routers are supported but require manual configuration.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want stealth VPN features that bypass censorship in countries like the UAE
  • You need access to most major streaming services reliably
  • You value full control over encryption levels and protocol configuration

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to a large server network
  • You want the fastest download speeds possible

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN works well in the UAE and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. A small network of servers but fast VPN connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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9. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access Works in UAETested Sep 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.5 / 10
Ease of use: 8.6 / 10
Features: 4.5 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming: 8.6 / 10
US speed: 1.4 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access operates more than 10,000 servers in 91 countries around the world, including Dubai and the UAE. It’s a fairly reliable option for streaming, providing access to most major services, though it does struggle from time to time with larger platforms like Netflix. Still, customer support is available 24 hours per day and you can connect as many devices as you like, which is great to see.

So how quick is it? To find out, our experts ran multiple speed tests. We made sure to perform these at different times of day to account for increased usage at peak time. Here are our findings:

Not bad at all! Private Internet Access never dipped below 100 Mbps and actually averaged a little higher than that, at 115.60 Mbps. This means that in real-world scenarios, you’re unlikely to notice any stuttering, buffering, or pages that take forever to load. If you want even better speeds, PIA allows you to drop the level of encryption. Think carefully before you do, though: the speed boost will be very small and you can’t put a price on your privacy.

On that note, PIA has a suite of useful security tools, including a malware blocker, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Additionally, it uses 256-bit encryption and has a verified zero-logging policy. This all means that even though PIA is based in the US, a Five Eyes country, there’s no need to worry about your data being intercepted.

Private Internet Access has its own Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android apps. Further, it provides manual setup instructions for most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want unlimited device connections and full customization of protocols
  • You want built-in features like a malware blocker and the SOCKS5 proxy

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re uncomfortable using a US-based service
  • You want highly effective obfuscation

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:Private Internet Access includes a built-in ad-blocker and kill switch, operates servers in over 91 countries, and doesn’t collect logs. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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Recent VPN Product Updates

Our ongoing monitoring of VPN providers ensures our reviews reflect the latest capabilities. Here’s what’s new:

NordVPN

  • Network stability advanced with automatic connection recovery (June 2025)
  • Collaboration efficiency improved through Meshnet drag-and-drop transfers (June 2025)
  • Privacy monitoring expanded to track 50 email addresses via Dark Web Monitor (June 2025)
  • Cybersecurity strengthened with Threat Protection Pro’s enhanced malware filtering (May 2025)
  • Linux user experience modernized with new GUI application (May 2025)

Surfshark

  • Breakthrough Nexus infrastructure launched leveraging software-defined networking (February 2025)
  • Selective routing perfected with Bypasser’s cross-platform availability (April 2025)
  • Server flexibility enhanced through seven additional dedicated IP locations: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, and more (April 2025)
  • Linux distribution simplified via Flatpak package integration (October 2024)
  • Apple mobile users gain Bypasser functionality for traffic control (October 2024)

Total VPN

  • Apple TV compatibility delivered through tvOS application
  • Android security strengthened with “always on” killswitch protection
  • iOS and macOS automation enhanced via “connect on demand”
  • Performance benefits realized through WireGuard protocol adoption
  • Traffic management improved with Android split tunneling

Proton VPN

  • Living room entertainment secured with Apple TV app release (October 2024)
  • Protocol modernization achieved through IPv6 support in browser extensions and Linux (2024)
  • Instant access enabled via Android guest mode without registration (2024)
  • Threat detection enhanced with NetShield’s anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
  • Streaming versatility expanded to support approximately 100 entertainment platforms (Spring 2025)

ExpressVPN

  • Next-generation PC support through Windows Copilot+ integration (September 2024)
  • Digital identity protection launched via Identity Defender for US customers (November 2024)
  • Service management improved with streamlined account deletion (March 2025)

VPNs to avoid in the UAE and Dubai

If you’ve been Googling around for what VPN to use while you’re in the UAE, a few probably popped up that are actually best avoided, either because they don’t work in the UAE or because of a precedent of shifty practices. There are a lot of bad VPN services out there, but here are two, in particular, to stay away from:

Hola

Hola is a peer-to-peer network that uses idle bandwidth on other people’s computers to create a VPN tunnel. Likewise, other people utilize your bandwidth when you’re not using it. This can make you liable for other people’s online activity, a huge risk when in the UAE and Dubai. The company has a history of abusing users’ trust as well. It once turned all of the devices on its network into a huge botnet and used it to carry out distributed denial-of-service attacks on websites.

HideMyAss

While HMA doesn’t record any of your activity or the contents of your internet traffic, it does store detailed metadata user logs, including your real IP address. The most famous example is the arrest of Cody Kretsinger, a LulzSec hacker involved in a cyber attack on Sony Pictures. HideMyAss handed over evidence to authorities under a court order that led to his arrest. While we don’t condone what Kretsinger did, VPN users should be skeptical of HideMyAss’ “no logs” claims.

Are VPNs legal in the UAE?

Many users turn to a VPN to bypass these digital content blocks, an action that currently resides in a significant legal gray area in the country. In fact, rumors regarding the legal consequences of using a VPN in the country abound.

The fact is that while VPNs are not expressly forbidden in the UAE, Federal Decree Law No. 5 on Combatting Cybercrime states that it’s illegal to “[use] a fraudulent computer network protocol address by using a false address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery“. In other words, so long as you aren’t doing anything illegal while connected, you should be fine.

Besides, between 2012 and 2016, few, if any, VPN websites that allowed users to access blocked internet content were themselves blocked by the TRA, indicating that the country is not actively blocking these sites, or at the least, not actively reporting it. Even still, many local stores sell VoIP cards that allow the use of Voice Over IP services, despite the ban on services like Skype. It would appear a blind eye is turned to what might be considered minor transgressions and a huge number of people use Skype and other “banned” VoIP services with the help of a VPN.

That said, the current amendment to the law is new and one that should be watched closely. There are many uses for a VPN in the UAE and Dubai, most of which are very much within the country’s legal gray area, such as accessing geographically blocked content from streaming content websites like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to use a VPN in the UAE.

UAE’s content and VPN laws

The UAE’s internet content blocking laws are overly complex but based on two categories: religious principles and protecting businesses.

The religious principles aspect of this is pretty clear. The United Arab Emirates has a complicated government structure with an absolute monarchy at the top. Laws are based on a mixture of Sharia and secular civil ideals.*

As the country’s laws have a significant basis in Sharia, the Telecom Regulatory Authority’s online content blocking makes sense per the UAE’s enshrined Muslim belief system, although it’s less draconian than what one might find in other primarily Muslim countries such as Iran or Saudi Arabia.

According to the TRA, content that “contradicts with the ethics and morality of the UAE” is blocked outright. This includes:

  • Pornography
  • VoIP sites and services (Skype)
  • Gambling
  • Websites containing anti-religious hate speech
  • Websites related to the production, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs
  • Content that is often contrary to the beliefs of the majority Sunni population
  • Many Wikipedia pages
  • Israeli websites

The TRA provides statistics yearly on its content-blocking initiative:

2016 amended VPN law

In early 2016, the UAE amended its cybercrime law to specify more VPN uses. The law reads:

“Whoever uses a fraudulent computer network protocol address (IP address) by using a false address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery, shall be punished by temporary imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dhs 500,000 ( USD $136,128.51) and not exceeding Dhs 2,000,000 (USD $544,514.04), or either of these two penalties.”

Many stories came out immediately following this amendment that seemingly broadened the extent of this law to include all VPN usage. However, this has not been the case. Indeed, VPN usage in the UAE and Dubai is exceptionally high and very common. As evidenced by the TRA’s own content filtering statistics, most websites outside of those going against ethics laws are not commonly banned. This includes VPN services. Nevertheless, as long as the VPN you are using is doing its job and obfuscating your connection to the VPN server, you’re not likely to draw any attention from authorities.

Some content blocking is meant to benefit businesses

The UAE sees a significant amount of international business traffic and relies heavily on that traffic as part of its economy. Dubai, in particular, has a large number of non-Muslims and temporary residents living and working in the city year-round and long-term. To stay on the friendlier side of their international business partners, the country tends to spend less time enforcing some of the laws it has on the books in Dubai, although recent changes to the law may indicate a consequential return to strict censorship and enforcement.

Businesses themselves enjoy some content-blocking laws that are designed to protect their interests. The digital content blocking of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and many other messaging apps, such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts, is because the country wants to protect its telecommunications industry from losing business to those using free communication platforms. As such, long-distance calling in the UAE can only be accomplished the old-fashioned way, at least legally.

The VoIP cards that are commonly sold in the country are a below-the-counter method of getting past this ban. VoIP calling cards are a workaround to the system, allowing users to call a remote PSTN that then connects to a VoIP system. This way, users can make VoIP calls using a regular cellular network or a landline phone.

Online streaming in Dubai and the UAE

Netflix is not blocked in the UAE. The service was launched in the UAE earlier in 2016. There are now over 300 TV shows and just under 1,000 movies available in the country. This represents around 30% of what is available through U.S. Netflix. Many Netflix users in Dubai are using VPNs to access other Netflix regions. Note that not all VPNs are effective at accessing Netflix; for more details see our Netflix VPN list.

Similarly, many users are utilizing VPN services to access Amazon Prime Video services in the country. Amazon itself is not blocked, but the website does not operate its video streaming services in the country. These are, however, available through a VPN, and not considered part of the “illegal content” under the country’s recently amended VPN laws.

Using a VPN to access international libraries of online media streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video is considered a low-risk venture. Authorities are more concerned with users utilizing VPNs for serious crimes and, more particularly, for issues more directly related to the ethics laws mentioned earlier.

Tip: Get your VPN before arriving in the UAE

Although VPN websites are in the legal gray area in the UAE, accessing them to download a VPN service may trigger warnings and make you a monitoring target, even if you’re not using the service for illegal purposes. It’s best to download a VPN program before entering the country.

Downloading before you go will help ensure you have the VPN service on your computer before going to the country. You won’t raise any red flags by visiting the VPN’s website after arriving. And if you’re making sure to utilize obfuscation, assuming you’re using a service with this option, you can avoid even getting identified as a VPN user.

Getting around VPN blocking in Dubai

As stated earlier, VPN blocking does occur in the UAE, as VPN services are among the items listed by the TRA that they monitor. The new amendments to the country’s cybersecurity law to broaden the scope of VPN illegality also makes it more likely that you’ll find your VPN service blocked.

You can, however, get around VPN blocks by utilizing several known methods.

1. Don’t use a free VPN

Free VPN providers are a gamble that is simply not worth your time, especially if you’re traveling to the UAE. Free VPNs often:

  • Useless secure encryption methods
  • Place third-party ads on your web pages
  • Keeps logs
  • Have fewer server options
  • Have slower servers with less bandwidth
  • Sell users’ personal information

Given the significant gray area that exists for VPN users in the UAE and Dubai, there’s no reason to take that risk to save a few bucks.

2. Change your TCP port to 443

OpenVPN TCP protocol can travel through the 443 port. This is the same port as the HTTPS protocol. This is essentially a mild obfuscation method, making your VPN traffic look just like regular SSL traffic from an HTTPS website. Many paid VPN services allow you to easily change to this setting, especially if they’re already using OpenVPN.

3. Change to a different protocol

If the OpenVPN TCP protocol is getting blocked, you may try changing to L2TP/IPsec protocol. This protocol is highly secure and still common. However, make sure that your L2TP protocol comes with the IPsec security, as a “raw” L2TP protocol is not secure.

You may also try the SSTP protocol, if available. However, this protocol is not commonly supported on most devices, although some Windows machines may have it as an option.

We do not recommend changing to the PPTP protocol. It’s not secure, primarily because it is viewed as obsolete. Given that you’ll be connecting to a VPN in a more-or-less unfriendly environment, you’ll want to avoid an insecure VPN protocol.

*Disclaimer: While we have researched this topic thoroughly, nothing in our article should be taken as legal advice. Our goal is to provide you with the best information and solutions. That said, we are not legal experts on the nuances of the UAE’s laws.

Best VPNs for UAE and Dubai FAQ

Is online banking safe with a VPN accessed from the UAE?

Yes! VPNs add an extra layer of security for your banking information when you access your online bank account from the UAE. Online banks now use TLS encryption standards (noted in the website address as HTTPS) that create a secure connection between your website browser and your bank. However, websites with HTTPS are not completely secure, and you’ll still be vulnerable to certain types of attacks, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi. If you want to hide and encrypt all of your internet traffic (including disallowing anyone from seeing the sites you’re visiting), you’ll need a VPN.

Can my online activities be tracked if I use a VPN in the UAE?

Your online activities cannot be tracked if you use a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and that invests in the technology required to avoid data leaks. VPN users in the UAE should avoid free VPNs, which typically do not have the capital to invest heavily in upgrading and maintaining infrastructure and technology, and VPNs that don’t have a proven track record of preventing data leaks.

Do I need to download a VPN app before I travel to Dubai?

There’s a high level of internet censorship in the UAE. As such, some VPN websites may be blocked, preventing you from downloading your preferred VPN while in Dubai. Furthermore, you may attract the attention of authorities if you visit a VPN site and download a VPN while in the country.

With the legality of VPNs being something of a gray area in the UAE, it’s a good idea to download and install a VPN before you travel to Dubai. That way, you can better protect yourself from prying eyes as soon as you arrive. If you use a VPN that obfuscates traffic, you should even be able to bypass VPN blocks, too.