Best VPN for Etisalat

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:

  1. 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 5,500. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Etisalat.
  2. 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.
  3. ExpressVPN A vast network of fast and secure servers that can unblock just about anything from almost everywhere. 24/7 live chat customer support.
  4. PrivateVPN Lesser known provider managing to keep under the censors’ radar. Excellent speeds, strong unblocking ability. Allows up to 10 connections.
  5. Private Internet Access Solid security credentials, huge server network, unlimited connections, and 24/7 support.

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 monthgreat if you just need to bypass restrictions for a short time, such as while traveling.

There are no hidden termsjust 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)

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 valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNPrivateVPNPrivate Internet Access
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comPrivateVPN.comPrivateInternetAccess.com
Ranking for Etisalat:12345
UAE Servers10+
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps100+ Mbps
Activity logsNoneNoneNo identifying dataNone
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited810Unlimited
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$2.03
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr 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

NordVPN Mar 2024 Works with EtisalatTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background 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 valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.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)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE

Pros:

  • Huge network of over 5,500 servers
  • The fastest speeds we’ve seen
  • 6 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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

NordVPN Coupon
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
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2. Surfshark

Surfshark works with EtisalatTested Mar 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 VPN 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 valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.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)$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan

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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Surfshark Coupon
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
Get Deal >
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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works with EtisalatTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is an ideal 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 valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.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)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

ExpressVPN Coupon
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
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4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works with EtisalatTested Mar 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 valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.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
  • 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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access works with EtisalatTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background 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 valuePrivate Internet Access
WebsitePrivateInternetAccess.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)$2.03
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Servers in 84 countries
  • Built-in kill switch
  • Vast server network

Cons:

  • Easily detected by some streaming providers
  • Settings may be a little complex for new users

Our score:

4 out of 5

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.

Private Internet Access Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan
Get Deal >
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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 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. Leave the protocol on Automatic.
  2. Try connecting to any of the UK or USA server locations.
  3. It may take longer than usual to connect (up to a minute or more at times), but that’s normal.
  4. Try a few other server locations if the above step fails.
  5. 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, 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.