If you already live in the UAE, you probably know how popular VPNs are, as they allow you to access blocked websites and apps like Skype and WhatsApp, or connect to Netflix and other streaming services in the US.
Here, we look at the best VPN for Dubai or other parts of the UAE. We discuss some common concerns about using a VPN in the UAE and try to clear up some misconceptions about the legality of using a virtual private network.
Why do you need an IP address in the UAE?
Bypass location restrictions and watch channels like AD Drama and MBC from abroad. View your UAE online bank account from anywhere – many banks, such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, restrict access from abroad to prevent fraud, but a VPN can bypass these blocks.
Use exclusive UAE VOIP apps like BOTIM and HIU Messenger from abroad so you can easily stay in touch with family and friends in the UAE.
ExpressVPN
If you are looking for the best UAE VPN that has it all, ExpressVPN should be your choice. It offers great connection speeds to servers around the world and is known for bypassing the VPN blocking technology used by ISPs in the UAE.
ExpressVPN also offers great data protection with AES-256 encryption, protocol selection, IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. However, keeping applications in an auto-configured state also ensures the perfect combination of speed and security.
In addition to great data protection, ExpressVPN is great for unlocking geo-restricted streaming services – browse US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and live sporting events from around the world. All you have to do is select the server in your country and you can stream as if you were there in person.
NordVPN
NordVPN is my top choice. It’s easy on your wallet while offering great performance and the fastest speeds I’ve ever seen. With over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, you have plenty of options to find a stable connection. You can narrow down the list of servers to show only the particularly mind-boggling ones that have the best job opportunities in the UAE. Speeds are lightning fast, and NordVPN unblocked most of the streaming sites I tested, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
This provider has a zero-logging policy and uses 256-bit encryption (which is reportedly nearly unbreakable) and Perfect Forward Encryption. A kill switch (for all apps except Android) and leak protection ensure you never have to worry about your IP address leaking out. Automatic WIFI protection and dual VPN options are popular security additions.
You can download desktop clients for Linux, Windows, and macOS, as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS. Allows up to six simultaneous connections. NordVPN can be manually configured with a home router. It offers 24-hour support via live chat.
SurfsharkVPN
SurfShark is a growing VPN in the UAE that is relatively new to the market. It is inexpensive, simple and easy to set up. Like the other top contenders ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it is packed with in-depth features that make it a must-have for daily use in the UAE.
Strong AES-256-GCM encryption standard, kill switch, popular VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPsec, IP and DNS leak protection, strict no-logging policy, unlimited bandwidth.
Additional advanced features such as Camouflage mode, which allows you to hide the VPN from ISPs, are important for UAE users. MultiHop is used to connect to more than two VPN servers simultaneously, providing double protection. Borderless mode allows access to geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix US and many others, making SurfShark one of the best VPNs in the UAE.
CyberGhostVPN
CyberGhost offers 11 servers in Dubai, UAE. If you need an IP address in UAE to access local channels like Dubai Sports, Sama Dubai, Al Dafrah TV, Noor Dubai, etc, you can connect to this particular server.
However, if you want to challenge the censorship and geographical restrictions in the UAE, you need to use an offshore server from a list of over 6,300 servers in 90 countries. With CyberGhost, you can access international content such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, CBS, HBO Now, Yupp TV, NBC Live, Fox Sports, and use VoIP apps on your device such as Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, and Skype.
CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps that support all major devices such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and routers. No logs are stored.
Private Internet Access
With a large number of servers scattered all over the world, private internet access is a popular choice when it comes to saving content and streaming services like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, etc.
As someone who prefers torrenting over streaming – this VPN has it all. In addition to an overwhelming number of servers, Private Internet Access has top-notch encryption, an auto-off switch, and a strict no-logging policy, making it a great way to download your favorite torrent files with speed and privacy.
Besides torrents and streaming, it’s also great for gaming and video calling thanks to its high speeds.
Although Private Internet Access has 24/7 live chat support, I found it a bit slow. On the plus side, their website is full of useful troubleshooting information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be tracked if I use a VPN in the UAE?
If you’re using a VPN that doesn’t provide the necessary privacy and security measures, you probably will. The problem is that many VPNs lack adequate privacy and security features, which can leave you with little protection. However, the VPN providers listed in this guide offer all the security and privacy measures you need to ensure you’re not tracked when you use a VPN in the UAE.
Do any of these VPNs have servers in the UAE?
Unfortunately, very few VPNs have servers in the UAE. Renting a server in the UAE is expensive, and to make matters worse, you can expect to be banned by the authorities. Most VPNs in the UAE offer virtual IP addresses that use clever DNS routing tricks. As a result, you can get a local UAE IP address from abroad. It’s best to check with your preferred service to see if they can provide you with a UAE IP address.
What are the penalties for getting caught using a VPN in the UAE?
If you use a VPN in the UAE, you will not be penalized by the proxy. It is legal to use a VPN in the UAE, and you will only be penalized if you use a VPN to access restricted or censored content – this is because the government has explicitly blocked and banned such material. For this reason, if you want to use a VPN to access illegal content, you should only use a secure VPN with strong privacy features.
How can I avoid getting caught using a VPN in the UAE?
The best way to avoid getting caught in the UAE is to stick to one of the VPNs featured in this article. Our top picks have strong privacy policies that promise not to keep records. Moreover, all of these providers offer secure connections, handle DNS requests and Internet traffic properly, and provide full privacy protection. We also recommend enabling a kill switch and DNS leak protection once you install a VPN. However, if you are concerned, you can also use the WebRTC blocking plugin and turn on VPN stealth so that your ISP doesn’t know you are encrypting traffic.
Is it safe to use a VPN in the UAE?
You can be safe in the UAE if you follow a few tips – stick with a reputable VPN provider and always use available kill switches and obfuscation techniques like obfsproxy, stunnel, XOR or even just TCP over port 443.If you are unblocking BBC iPlayer or watching Netflix in the US (in the UAE there are no explicitly illegal sites), you don’t have to worry about using a VPN.
Summary
Although the UAE government severely restricts internet usage, there are ways to access the entire internet through the UAE network.
VPN – like ExpressVPN, which is the best in my opinion – are the absolute best way to bypass any internet censorship, protect your online activities from surveillance, and give you access to content that would normally be inaccessible.
ExpressVPN offers fast download speeds, the best security and privacy protection online and offline, and a global network of servers that opens the door to content and services from all over the world.
AWSM TIPS
Iran, also called Persia, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It borders Armenia and Azerbaijan to the northwest and the Caspian Sea to the north. Check out the Best VPN for Iran to surf the web browser and access social media.
