Best VPN for UAE and Dubai in 2024

If you’re traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) I recommend using a premium virtual private network (VPN) whenever you connect to the Internet. It protects your online privacy and allows you to gain unrestricted access to essential websites back home.

When you use a VPN in UAE, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations and download the service before you arrive, as many VPN services aren’t available in the country.

In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for UAE

Here’s a glance at the 5 best VPNs for UAE:

Key takeaways

1. Premium VPNs permit unhindered and secure access to the web, despite the UAE’s restrictions.
2. Key features to look for include security, obfuscation, encryption, speed, privacy, and network size.
3. My top choice is ExpressVPN.

Why you need a VPN for UAE

Here’s why I recommend using VPNs for the UAE:

• Privacy and security. When traveling, I’m dependent on public Wi-Fi, which is a huge target for cybercriminals. Good VPNs ensure my data is protected from online threats and surveillance.
• Accessing sites from home. Many of my commonly used websites are inaccessible from the UAE, including some of my work sites, online banking, and favorite Netflix shows, all of which I can access using a secure VPN.
• Improve speed. ISPs don’t come with unlimited bandwidth. If you’re using too much, they will throttle your Internet connection. A VPN’s traffic is encrypted, so the ISP can’t see how much data you’re using, and it won’t have a reason to slow your connection.
• Staying in touch with friends and family: Many VoIP services, including WhatsApp and Skype, are blocked in the UAE, where internet freedom is limited. Quality VPNs will let you access these apps with ease.

How does the UAE block VPNs?

The UAE blocks VPNs either using your VPN IP address or through deep packet inspection (DPI).

• IP VPN blocks. Internet providers block any VPN server IP address they acquire from VPN and proxy IP databases. To avoid this, VPN services need to change their IP address regularly.
• Deep packet inspection. Network traffic is analyzed to find evidence of VPN traffic. VPNs can avoid detection through obfuscation, which makes VPN traffic look like typical ISP traffic.

What makes a good VPN for UAE

Not all VPNs meet the needs of world travelers; here’s what makes a good one:

• Unblocking capability. I recommend getting a Dubai VPN with obfuscated servers that frequently update their IP addresses so you can bypass firewalls and access your banking, work, streaming, and VoIP apps from home.
• Security. You’ll need strong security features, including AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, an independently verified no-logs policy, an automatic Kill Switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Speed. I look for fast VPNs so I can make VoIP calls, download files, stream videos, and play games without interruption.
• Server network. Sticking with a large server network keeps your speed up by avoiding overcrowding and provides broad access to worldwide content.
• Compatibility. I prioritize VPNs with intuitive apps for my home and mobile devices and include enough simultaneous connections to cover my whole network.
• Customer service. Even as a seasoned user, I want a provider that offers assistance 24/7 and a 30-day trial in case any unexpected issues come up.

5 best VPNs for UAE

After extensive research, here’s my list of the 5 best VPNs for the UAE:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out for its easy use, consistent performance, privacy, and security.

Features: I love the additional features that enhance my security, like obfuscation, ad-blocking, tracker blocking, malware protection, and split tunneling. Plus, it offers 3,200+ servers in 105 countries.

Speed: I was thrilled with the speed I got, maintaining 98% of the baseline download speed when I used the quick connect feature.

Privacy and Security: With ExpressVPN, you get the best in security and privacy including military-grade encryption, an independently verified no-logs policy, and protection against accidental leaks.

Performance: The fast speeds support smooth VoIP calls, browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: ExpressVPN excels at bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN has intuitive apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. A single connection supports 8 devices.

Pricing: Pricing for the 1-year plan is $6.67/month, which includes three months free and a 30-day trial.

2. NordVPN

If you’re looking for a UAE VPN that offers security, speed, and reliability, NordVPN checks all the boxes.

Features: NordVPN offers features to improve your security and performance, including obfuscation, ad blocking, malware protection, double VPN, and data breach monitoring. It has 6,400+ servers across 111 countries, including options for a UAE IP address.

Speed: Using the quick-connection feature, NordVPN maintained 98% of its baseline download speed.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN truly prioritizes security, offering military-grade encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and leak protection even if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

Performance: NordVPN performs seamlessly for VoIP calls, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: With Nord, I can unlock Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and many other streaming services.

Compatibility: NordVPN’s user-friendly apps are compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Each connection supports 10 devices.

Pricing: The 24-month basic plan is only $3.39/month, and they throw in 4 extra months and a 30-day trial.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is affordable, packed with features, and includes unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription.

Features: Surfshark delivers an extra layer of security with its ad blocker, malware protection, dark web monitoring, and more. It’s got 3,200+ servers in 100 countries with the option for a UAE IP address.

Speed: I tested the speed and held on to 81% of my baseline download speed using the quick connection button.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark has impressive security, including military-grade encryption, a verified zero-logs policy, and protection from leaks even if your connection drops.

Performance: If there’s a lot of web traffic, you may experience some lag, but it can be resolved by finding a less crowded connection.

Streaming: You can count on Surfshark to unblock platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and other streaming sites.

Compatibility: Surfshark’s intuitive apps work with Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS. Every connection supports unlimited devices.

Price: Surfshark pricing starts at just $1.99/month and includes a 30-day trial and 4 months free.

4. CyberGhost

If you’re looking for a cheap UAE VPN with an emphasis on privacy and security, CyberGhost is a great option.

Features: CyberGhost has a network of 11,500+ servers across 91 countries, including ones optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Speed: Using the quick-connection feature, I retained 73% of my baseline download speed.

Privacy and Security: CyberGhost excels in privacy and security, providing 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and leak protection.

Performance: CyberGhost performs well for streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting on nearby VPN servers.

Streaming: CyberGhost unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Compatibility: CyberGhost works with macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android devices. The connection supports 7 devices.

Pricing: CyberGhost has rates as low as $2.03/month, including 4 months free and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is fast, secure, and privacy-focused, with a free version that has all the security features you get from the paid plan.

Features: With ProtonVPN’s paid plans, you get 8,600+ servers across 112 countries, alongside bonus security features like ad blocking, malware protection, secure core, and obfuscation.

Speed: During testing, I retained 76% of my baseline download speed on a local server.

Privacy and Security: ProtonVPN offers both free and paid users top-grade security, including AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and leak protection.

Performance: I found the service to be suitable for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and VoIP calls.

Streaming: ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: ProtonVPN supports smart TVs, laptops, mobiles, and desktops. Each connection supports 10 devices, with the free VPN service supporting one connection.

Pricing: Proton VPN’s paid plans start at $4.99 per month with 3 months free and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology: How I chose these 5 VPNs

I put the VPNs to the test on these main criteria:

• Security and privacy. All the VPNs safeguard your security with an independently verified zero-logs policy, AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, an automatic Kill Switch, and DNS & IP leak protection.
• Speed. I conducted speed testing on all the VPNs to ensure smooth VoIP calling, streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting.
• Unblocking capability. All the chosen VPNs come with obfuscation, a good track record for bypassing geo-blocks, and a broad network of servers worldwide.
• Compatibility. I chose VPNs with intuitive apps on all common devices and operating systems.
• Customer support. I prioritize providers that offer 24/7 customer support and come with a 30-day trial.

Useful tip: Get a VPN before going

VPNs are a legal grey area, so it’s best to download your app before your arrival so you don’t raise any red flags, no matter how strong the security features are.

What VPNs work in UAE? 

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and ProtonVPN all work in the country.

FAQ

Are VPNs illegal in UAE?

No. VPNs are not illegal as long as you don’t use them to break any laws.

Does NordVPN have a Dubai server?

Yes. With NordVPN, you can get UAE IP addresses for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Is ProtonVPN safe?

Yes. ProtonVPN offers excellent security features.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a great VPN for use in the United Arab Emirates, check out my detailed list of the 5 best UAE VPNs, all of which offer strong security, privacy, reliable servers, and unrestricted Internet access.

My top pick overall is ExpressVPN. I love it for its easy-to-use apps, reliable connections, fast speeds, and first-rate privacy and security features.