The UAE is known to have strict internet restrictions imposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA). They regularly monitor online content and activities, causing ISPs, such as Etisalat, to block access to certain sites and services. If you’re in the UAE and try accessing content that is prohibited, you’ll come across the following message: Access to this site is currently blocked. The site falls under the Prohibited Content Categories of the UAE’s Internet Access Management Policy. But don’t worry, the best VPNs for Etisalat can help you bypass these restrictions.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service redirects your internet traffic through a VPN server, encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. A VPN is, therefore, not only useful for unblocking geo-restricted content such as messaging and VoIP services, streaming platforms, and news and social media sites, but it can also protect your online privacy and anonymity from potential snoopers.
Unfortunately, Etisalat blocks most VPNs in an attempt to further restrict access. But there are some services that still work in 2024. In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs that work with Etisalat and explain exactly how to use them. We’ll go into more detail about each provider later, but in case you’re short on time. Here’s a quick summary.
Best VPNs for Etisalat:
- NordVPN Best VPN for Etisalat. Provides the fastest speeds around, includes plenty of security features, has a strong record of protecting users’ privacy, and has a large server network of over 6,000. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Etisalat.
- Surfshark Best value VPN for Etisalat. Bypass VPN blocks with its Camouflage Mode. Servers in 100+ countries, MultiHop servers, no connection limits, and a strict no-logs policy.
- IPVanish Provides eight reliable servers in the United Arab Emirates. Apps come with a Scramble function to obfuscate internet traffic and bypass blocks. Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
- ExpressVPN A vast network of fast and secure servers that can unblock just about anything from almost everywhere. 24/7 live chat customer support.
- PrivateVPN Lesser known provider managing to keep under the censors’ radar. Excellent speeds, strong unblocking ability. Allows up to 10 connections.
- Private Internet Access Solid security credentials, huge server network, unlimited connections, and 24/7 support.
- PureVPN: Reliable privacy makes it perfect for using public wifi safely and making VoIP calls privately. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
- ProtonVPN: Reliable servers in over 85+ countries, including the UAE. Strong security and many advanced features. 24/7 live chat support.
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.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
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 Etisalat with no restrictions for a month—great if you just need to bypass restrictions for a short time, such as while traveling.
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.
How we selected the top Etisalat VPNs
Not only is a lot of online content restricted by Etisalat in Dubai and the UAE, but most VPNs are also blocked. To save you the hassle of searching through VPNs that don’t work, we’ve put together this list by looking for VPNs that meet the following criteria:
- Able to securely access the internet in the UAE
- Servers located in plenty of countries around the world
- High-speed connections for streaming HD content
- Strong security with 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch
- A no-logs policy so that your online activity remains private
- Customer support (preferably with a 24/7 live chat feature)
This is just a summary, but we explain fully how we choose the VPNs on this list in our methodology section later in this article.
Best VPNs for Etisalat: at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Etisalat.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access | PureVPN | Proton VPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | PureVPN.com | protonvpn.com | Ranking for Etisalat: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 400 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Activity logs | No identifying data | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $4.49 SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan |
Best VPNs for Etisalat (that still work)
At Comparitech, we use and test a huge variety of VPNs, so you don’t have to. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences and real-world testing. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Etisalat:
1. NordVPN
Dec 2024 Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Etisalat. It’s one of the very few VPNs that works with Etisalat in the UAE. One of NordVPN’s biggest selling points is that it has a huge network of servers. With well over 6,000 servers in 60 countries, this VPN service allows you to beat censorship and browse securely from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Skype and more. Aside from having plenty of servers to choose from, NordVPN is very fast as well as consistent. Indeed, NordVPN does promise 99% server uptime.
NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at a time and has apps that are responsive and easy to use. Aside from a ‘Quick Connect’ option, you can browse servers by country. There’s even the option of specialty servers that include Onion Over VPN and Double VPN. NordVPN ticks all of the boxes when it comes to security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, an internet kill switch, and a proven no-logs policy.
You can download NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.
NordVPN speed test data
No value | NordVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 354 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 262 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 284 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months |
Pros:
- Huge network of over 6,000 servers
- The fastest speeds we’ve seen
- 10 devices can connect via one account
- Unblocks all manner of services
- Strong security with a no-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Desktop apps take slightly longer to connect
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR ETISALAT:NordVPN is our top pick. Huge network of very fast servers. Also offers powerful security and privacy features and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out our video review below.
2. Surfshark
works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has a feature called Camouflage Mode, which disguises your VPN use as regular web traffic. The ability to hide your browsing history and stay anonymous online makes this VPN service highly suitable for use with Etisalat and the UAE. You’ll have more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries to choose from, so you can bypass censorship with ease. You can also expect fast servers and unlimited bandwidth.
With a single Surfshark account, it’s possible to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. A subscription also includes access to 24-hour live chat and email support. When it comes to security, Surfshark ensures your data is safe with military-grade encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch feature. Extra protection can be had by connecting to one of its MultiHop servers.
To use Surfshark, simply download and install a VPN app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, you have the option of using a Chrome or Firefox browser extension. Use with routers requires manual setup.
Surfshark speed test data
No value | Surfshark |
Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 521 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 702 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 561 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free |
Pros:
- Stealth feature called Camouflage Mode
- Servers available in 100+ countries
- Very fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth
- Connect all of your devices at the same time
- No-logs policy means Surfshark has no data to provide if requested
Cons:
- Some features require an additional payment
Our score:
BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has a stealth feature for bypassing VPN blocks and has servers in 100 countries. High-speed connections for streaming and torrenting. No-logs VPN with MultiHop servers available. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review here, or check out our video review below.
3. IPVanish
Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is consistently one of the fastest VPNs for the United Arab Emirates. The company, which owns most of its network hardware, has eight servers in the UAE. It lists the ping time and relative load of each server to make it easier to select the fastest at any given time.
If you have trouble connecting, IPVanish has a Scramble function that obfuscates user-generated traffic. To enable Scramble, you need to switch from the default WireGuard protocol to the OpenVPN protocol and toggle the function on.
Other IPVanish features include an ad and malware blocker and free access to a SOCKS5 proxy. Split tunneling is available, which allows users to select which apps or domains they wish to use with VPN protection and which without. An auto-connect feature ensures users don’t unwittingly connect to Wi-Fi hotspots without first being connected to the VPN.
We tested IPVanish’s built-in leak protection and discovered no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks while connected to a server in the UAE. IPVanish says that it stores no record of user activity. This claim has been verified by third-party auditors.
Apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Amazon Fire Stick/ FireTV. Subscribers can connect as many as they want simultaneously. Subscriptions start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month for a two-year plan.
IPVanish speed test data
No value | IPVanish |
Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 277 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 237 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal |
Pros:
- Servers in the UAE
- Obfuscation available
- Impressive connection speeds
- Reasonably priced subscriptions
Cons:
- Based in the US
Our score:
SCRAMBLE FEATURE:IPVanish has consistently fast connection speeds, eight servers in the UAE and can obfuscate user traffic to bypass blocks and provides access to a SOCKS5 proxy. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review here, or check out our video review below.
4. ExpressVPN
Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a solid VPN service to use around the world, with over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. This means you’ll be able to browse safely not only in the UAE but also in the likes of the USA, UK, and Japan. We’ve found ExpressVPN connections to be consistently high-speed, which makes this an excellent VPN for streaming HD-quality videos with no buffering or lag.
Some of the sites and services that ExpressVPN works with on Etisalat include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp. Accessing geo-restricted content in the UAE is quick and easy, thanks to ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps. Simply select a location, and you’ll be connected to a VPN server in seconds. If you do encounter any issues with Etisalat, you can always contact ExpressVPN support. There’s a live chat feature which we’ve tested ourselves and found to be excellent.
Online security is always important, particularly in countries where users worry about legal consequences for mistakenly accessing content deemed inappropriate. ExpressVPN features 256-bit AES encryption (military-grade) – one of the most widely used encryption standards. Also important is the kill switch feature that prevents your data from being exposed should the VPN connection drop. Finally, ExpressVPN has DNS leak protection and doesn’t keep any identifying connection or activity logs of its users.
ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It’s also one of the few VPNs to offer apps for Linux and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer also makes it easier to use ExpressVPN on games consoles, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
ExpressVPN speed test data
No value | ExpressVPN |
Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 319 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 303 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 278 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans |
Pros:
- Works with lots of popular streaming services
- Fast and consistent connection speeds
- Servers in 100+ countries
- User-friendly apps
- Excellent overall security with encryption
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than most VPNs
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
EXCELLENT SECURITY:ExpressVPN puts your privacy first. It offers fast speeds for downloading and streaming and is excellent at unblocking content in the UAE including Skype. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. PrivateVPN
Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that still works well with Etisalat. Despite having a smaller network of around 200 servers, these are strategically located worldwide in an impressive 63 countries. PrivateVPN has consistently found ways around anti-VPN measures. As such, you can use PrivateVPN to regain access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Skype, and more. What we like most about PrivateVPN is that it offers very fast speeds. We were able to stream at high resolutions with absolutely no buffering.
We can recommend PrivateVPN for both beginners and more experienced VPN users alike. That’s because this VPN’s apps offer simple and advanced menus. You can simply click and connect to a server or explore the various settings on offer. PrivateVPN can be used on 10 different devices simultaneously, letting you secure everything from your laptop to your mobile. Speaking of security, PrivateVPN is safe to use since it offers a high level of encryption (256-bit AES), an internet kill switch feature, and DNS leak protection. PrivateVPN also states that it has a zero-data logging policy.
PrivateVPN offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
PrivateVPN speed test data
No value | PrivateVPN |
Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Pros:
- Very fast and consistent performance
- Strong unblocking abilities
- Allows up to 10 devices on a single account
- Secure VPN with 256-bit AES encryption
Cons:
- Fewer servers than many VPNs
- Live chat isn’t 24/7
Our score:
FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN offers fast speeds for HD streaming, works with Netflix and Skype and has a zero data logging policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. Private Internet Access
works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access is a solid choice that allows access to Etisalat and other popular streaming providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. PIA has servers in 84+ countries, with a network of over 30,000 servers globally.
Private Internet Access shines in its security offering, providing military-grade encryption, an in-app kill switch, an ad blocker, and a malware blocker. DNS leak protection ensures your privacy remains watertight, and its no-logs policy ensures your activities are never recorded.
Unlimited simultaneous connections are standard, allowing you to connect all your devices with VPN protection under a single account. Speeds are decent across its servers, and apps are available for desktop and mobile. WireGuard is its standard protocol, boosting your connection for streaming and gaming. 24/7 support is available via live chat, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access speed test data
No value | Private Internet Access |
Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 93 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 58 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 200 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free |
Pros:
- Servers in 84 countries
- Built-in kill switch
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Struggles with some streaming platforms
- Settings may be a little complex for new users
Our score:
WIREGUARD READY:Private Internet Access uses 256-bit encryption, it includes around-the-clock support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
7. PureVPN
works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN is an ideal choice for UAE residents needing a budget-friendly, fast VPN. It offers access to local UAE streaming services and global platforms like Netflix US, with a network spanning over 65 countries. Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it suits various devices, perfect for use at home or on public wifi in the UAE. It has robust encryption, allowing you to make VoIP calls using apps like WhatsApp or Viber.
Priced at US$1.96 per month, PureVPN is effective for streaming both local UAE content and international shows, making it versatile for diverse viewing preferences. In our tests, it worked to watch OSN, Starz Play, and Wavo from abroad.
Its encryption technology allows UAE users to bypass local restrictions with complete privacy, useful for accessing regional services like UAE internet banking from abroad, or for streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix US from the UAE. It will also work to bypass restrictions at work, or government-imposed blocks on gambling sites, for example.
PureVPN’s WireGuard protocol ensures quick streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video calling. Although live chat support can be slow, the VPN’s ease of use, stringent no-logs policy, obfuscation, and a kill switch make it a secure option for maintaining privacy in the UAE. You can test it yourself using its 31-day money-back guarantee.
PureVPN speed test data
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- UAE IP works to access popular streams.
- User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow to respond
- Additional charge for port forwarding
Our score:
VALUE VPN FOR UAE:PureVPN is very affordable and provides exceptional speeds. It allows you to get an IP address in Dubai and works with popular UAE ISPs. Reliable privacy makes it perfect for using public wifi safely and making VoIP calls privately. It has IPs in the UAE and 65+ other countries. Allows torrenting. 31-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
Find out more in our PureVPN review.
8. ProtonVPN
works with EtisalatTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN developed by Proton Mail. It has a stellar reputation for privacy, enhanced by Switzerland’s strong privacy laws and a watertight no-logging policy that has been audited. The VPN offers advanced applications equipped with AES encryption, a kill switch, multiple protocols, obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN. The inclusion of self-owned Secure Core servers provides an additional layer of security.
Known for its impressive speed courtesy of its WireGuard protocol, ProtonVPN excels in streaming, gaming, torrenting, and making private video calls in the UAE. Its UAE servers grant local IP addresses, which is crucial for accessing UAE streaming services like OSN, Starz Play, and Wavo and bypassing blocks of VoIP services securely.
In our tests, ProtonVPN seamlessly accessed a variety of UAE streaming services and popular content from over 85 countries, including popular platforms in the US and the UK. This VPN is especially beneficial for torrent users, thanks to its split tunneling and port forwarding, ideal for efficient seeding.
Offering 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ProtonVPN ensures easy setup and testing. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other options, its advanced capabilities and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those in the UAE seeking a high-quality VPN experience.
ProtonVPN speed test data
No value | Proton VPN |
Website | protonvpn.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 390 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 306 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 295 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $4.49 SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan |
Pros:
- Robust encryption and strict no-logs policy
- Tons of advanced features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, and multi-hop
- Works to access UAE streaming services
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than our top options
- A touch harder for beginners to use
Our score:
FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is a highly secure and reliable VPN based in Switzerland. It has an outstanding reputation, a no-logs policy, and many advanced features. It has servers in over 85+ countries, including the UAE. 24/7 live chat support. Port forwarding for torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Etisalat
Browsing the web in the UAE can be frustrating due to the strict internet censorship that’s in place. Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, such as server speed and security. Below, we detail our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Etisalat:
- Unblocking: More than anything, you’ll need a VPN with strong unblocking ability in the UAE. That’s because many popular websites and services are restricted. These can only be unblocked by connecting to servers in other countries and changing your IP address.
- Speed: There are multiple reasons why a VPN might slow your connection. Server proximity and user load, as well as encryption, are factors at play. However, some VPNs are simply faster than others, while the best VPNs for Etisalat even include unlimited bandwidth.
- Network size: Any high-quality VPN will have servers in dozens of countries. This allows you to unblock the most popular websites and services that might be geo-restricted or government-censored. Furthermore, the larger a network, the less server load there’s likely to be.
- Security: Whether you’re in the UAE or traveling abroad, there are always security risks to be aware of. By using a VPN, you can ensure your data is encrypted and secure from hackers. The VPNs recommended above also include a kill switch and protection from leaks.
- Privacy: Privacy protection is always important, particularly in the UAE, where your online activity may be monitored by your ISP and even the government. As such, you must use a VPN with a no-logs policy. We’ve assessed VPN logging policies so you can see which are safe (and which to avoid!).
- Ease of use: All of the above means little if the VPN is too complicated to use. To make your life easier, there should be beginner-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems. We also only choose VPN services that include 24/7 support via live chat and email.
- Value for money: With so many VPNs challenging for your business, there’s just no need to spend a fortune on one. All of the best VPNs for Etisalat offer affordable subscriptions plus multiple simultaneous connections. In fact, you can save further by taking advantage of our VPN coupons.
Want to know more? Check out our detailed post explaining our VPN testing methodology.
Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?
It is generally considered legal to use a VPN in the UAE, despite the anti-VPN measures implemented by internet service providers such as Etisalat. The UAE actually has laws related to the use of VPNs. Indeed, UAE law says that a VPN is only illegal if it’s used to commit a crime.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) is responsible for internet censorship in the UAE. Content that is prohibited in the UAE is:
any content that offends against, is objectionable to, or is contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, public national security, Islam morality or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law, regulation, procedure, order or requirement…
Some examples of prohibited content include:
- VoIP sites such as Skype
- Pornography and nudity
- Fraud, impersonation, and phishing
- Drugs and mind-affecting substances
- Gambling and similar activities (bets, lottery, electronic gambling)
- Discrimination, racism, and contempt of religion
You can read more on using a VPN in our guide to the best VPNs for UAE.
Disclaimer: Comparitech does not condone or encourage any violation of copyright restrictions. Please consider the law, victims, and risks of piracy before downloading copyrighted material without permission. If you’re unclear about the legal ramifications, then it’s best to speak with a lawyer first. We are not legal experts and you should seek out qualified legal advice on these matters.
Using a free VPN with Etisalat
There are several reasons why we advise against using free VPNs, particularly in the UAE:
- The vast majority of free VPNs simply won’t work with Etisalat, which blocks VPNs on a regular basis. Indeed, if you’re trying to access VoIP services such as Skype, you’ll need a quality VPN to get past the blocks implemented by the UAE government.
- Free VPNs have far fewer servers. This makes unblocking content from other countries more difficult. In contrast, the best-paid VPNs have thousands of servers worldwide, often in dozens of countries.
- With fewer servers and more people trying to use the service, free VPNs often suffer from poor performance. As such, you’ll find streaming videos and making video calls will be difficult due to buffering and lag.
- A VPN should improve your online security. Free VPNs do not offer as many security features as paid VPNs. At the very least, you should look for a VPN that uses 256-bit AES encryption, has DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
- Last but certainly not least, free VPNs often keep logs of your data and activity. This is especially risky in countries such as the UAE, where accessing content that is deemed inappropriate or illegal may have legal consequences. For this reason, we strongly advise you to choose a VPN with a no-logs policy.
For these reasons, we highly recommend opting for a quality paid VPN instead. That being said, if you are committed to trying to find a free VPN, here are some tips you help you do so safely:
How to get a free VPN for Etisalat:
- Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, so it could be enough if you just want to be protected for a short time.
- Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They tend to last 30 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.
VPN not working with Etisalat? Try this
We’ve found NordVPN to be by far the most reliable VPN in the UAE. However, even this provider can occasionally struggle to work with Etisalat. If your VPN is not working with Etisalat, try this:
- Leave the protocol on Automatic.
- Try connecting to any of the UK or USA server locations.
- It may take longer than usual to connect (up to a minute or more at times), but that’s normal.
- Try a few other server locations if the above step fails.
- As a last resort, switch protocol to L2TP and then try connecting again. We don’t advise users always to use L2TP, but it might work in the UAE.
Best VPNs for Etisalat: FAQs
Is Etisalat the only internet provider in UAE?
No, there are actually two main internet providers in the UAE: Etisalat and Du. Etisalat is the larger of the two. The same online restrictions apply to whichever ISP you choose to use. Fortunately, you can bypass the strict internet censorship of the UAE by connecting to a server in another country via a VPN.
Does Etisalat track my online activities?
It’s not known to what extent Etisalat tracks the online activity of its users. Due to the significant restrictions on internet freedom in the UAE, it’s safer to assume that there is a level of monitoring taking place. What we do know is that Etisalat’s privacy policy states that they “may monitor your use of the services.” As such, you’re best off using a VPN if you’d like to enjoy online privacy and anonymity.
Is Etisalat mobile WiFi secure?
While the WiFi of Etisalat is no less secure than that of any other ISP, a VPN offers an even greater layer of security. Your internet traffic is secured with the highest level of encryption while, unlike Etisalat, the best-paid VPNs don’t keep any logs. Furthermore, hiding your IP address with a VPN makes it much more difficult for your online activity to be tied to your identity and location.
Which VPN are people using in Dubai?
Unfortunately, ISPs such as Etisalat are actively blocking VPNs in Dubai and UAE. This is a country with a high level of internet censorship. However, the good news is that there are still some VPNs that work in Dubai. In particular, people are using NordVPN, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and PrivateVPN to bypass restrictions. To do this, you’ll need to change your IP address by connecting to a VPN server in another country.
Why did Roblox get banned in the UAE?
In 2018, Roblox was banned in the UAE. The government’s reasoning was that the popular online game platform was damaging to the health of children. The live chat feature is thought to have been one area of particular concern. Fortunately, not all VPNs are blocked in the UAE. As such, it’s possible to use the likes of NordVPN to bypass restrictions and unblock Roblox in the UAE.
Is WireGuard blocked in the UAE?
WireGuard is a newer VPN protocol that claims to be faster and more efficient than the likes of OpenVPN and IKEv2. Many VPNs are blocked in the UAE. However, NordVPN is one of the few that still works. One of its protocols is NordLynx which is a modified version of WireGuard. Indeed, NordVPN recommends using the NordLynx connection protocol when connecting from a country with internet restrictions.
What is an obfuscated server and why is this important for UAE VPNs?
An obfuscated server is a VPN server that you can connect to using protocols designed to conceal your VPN connection from your ISP. VPN obfuscation makes your web traffic appear to be regular HTTPS, like that used by secure websites. This makes it much harder for anybody to detect that a VPN is being leveraged by the user.
VPN providers that implement obfuscated servers use a variety of different obfuscation methods. This includes Obfsproxy, Stunnel, Xor, and other proprietary obfuscation technologies developed by individual VPN providers for their users.
Some VPNs also provide the option to connect using the OpenVPN TCP protocol over port 443, which serves as a rudimentary form of obfuscation (but is not effective enough to get around firewalls such as that used by the Chinese government, for example).
Obfuscation is extremely useful in countries like the UAE, where VPN use is monitored and restricted. It allows internet users to connect to a VPN without causing their ISP or the government to become suspicious about what that consumer may be doing online. This is useful if you are using a VPN to access online services that the government has purposefully censored, such as VoIP apps.
Will Etisalat know I'm using a VPN?
When you connect to a VPN, it is possible that your ISP will detect that a VPN is in use, and if it knows which IPs are associated with a VPN, it may even know which VPN provider you’re using.
Besides detecting VPN use in this way, the ISP may detect VPN use by monitoring your traffic itself. A VPN thwarts your ISP’s ability to monitor your DNS requests and to keep a list of the URLs you visit. As a result, it is possible that Etisalat will deduce that you are using a VPN for privacy purposes.
Thankfully, some VPNs provide a feature called obfuscated servers. This allows you to connect to the VPN while also concealing the encrypted VPN connection from your ISP. Obfuscation works by making your web traffic appear to be regular HTTPS traffic bound for a website. This allows you to use the VPN without raising an alarm.
That said, the VPN rules in the UAE are complicated. Although it is illegal to use a VPN to access services and websites that have been censored by the government, it is not actually illegal to have or use a VPN. In fact, many businesses rely on VPNs for privacy and security purposes. Thus, you should be safe to use a VPN without obfuscation as long as you are not doing anything illegal.
Will a VPN change my Etisalat DNS server IP address?
VPNs can change your Etisalat DNS server IP address, but whether or not they will depends on the VPN service you are using. Some VPNs automatically change your DNS server settings when you connect to them, while others do not.
Why are so many messaging apps banned in the UAE?
The UAE’s official stance is that free messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime take profits away from state-backed telecoms companies like Etisalat and Du. According to Freedom House, these services are still accessible via fixed-line connections, at least for the time being.
It’s also worth noting that not every blocked service is a direct result of governmental decisions. For instance, Freedom House’s 2022 UAE Freedom on the Net report mentions that both Etisalat and Du have previously blocked access to certain sites because of flaws in their automated filtering tools.