Ultimate Guide Of best VPNs in UAE and Dubai

Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its glamor and luxury, the surrounding region is not without flaws too. best VPNs In UAE And Dubai Additionally, tourists and locals may find it difficult to use VoIP apps, opt out of geo-blocks, enjoy streaming services, or access online content restricted by government and religious authorities, journalists need protection and secrecy due to weak freedom of the press . Fortunately, you can easily solve these and countless other issues with a reliable VPN for UAE and Dubai.

Note: If you are planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates, make sure you choose a reliable VPN before traveling as you may have a tough time setting up while in the UAE.

Key Takeaways

There are a few security reasons and a heavy censorship policy that make you need a VPN in the UAE. Whether you are a permanent resident looking for a long-term solution or just a tourist interested in great travel VPNs, here are the main reasons why you should get a UAE VPN:

Unblock free video and voice calling apps. Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and FaceTime have been blocked in the UAE. To use it for calls and video chats, you need a VPN to exchange your virtual location.

Personal online life. Without a VPN, websites and internet users can view your online activity, which may include your personal information.

Bypass online censorship. The UAE has strict internet laws, blocking many websites. A VPN helps you access websites that are normally inaccessible in the UAE.

Get your streaming content. You may not be able to watch your usual streaming show while traveling in the UAE. A good VPN can remove these limitations, allowing you to watch your favorite content as usual.

The Best VPNs For UAE And Dubai – List

VPNs vary in what they can offer – some are best suited for streaming, while others are more privacy-focused. For people looking for a UAE VPN, the research team tested around 42 trusted VPN providers and selected the best five. Provider selection criteria include whether these VPNs work in Dubai, the number of UAE servers they have, security and privacy policies and features they offer. Evaluating the ease of use of VPNs and ensuring both desktop and mobile apps work.

NordVPN

Servers And locations: 6000+ servers in 61 countries

Devices it supports: Windows-Mac-Linux-Android-iOS

Pricing: $3.39/month

NordVPN is the best UAE VPN operator in Dubai. It has a network of 6000+ servers worldwide and uses the NordLynx protocol to deliver market connection speed and security.

Security

Its privacy policy has also been triple-checked to ensure it doesn’t track your internet activity. In addition, NordVPN includes a Threat Protection feature that disables many ads, blocks online browsing and protects against harmful software.

Utility

NordVPN works well on various devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS in the UAE. The mobile interface is simple and intuitive. You can select the server by a map/country name combination, and the system is easily navigated via the arrows in the corner. For those who are worried that the mobile apps will not work due to restrictions imposed by DU and Etisalat internet operators, rest assured that the apps are working fine. This is because NordVPN uses strong encryption and tunnel-building protocols like NordLynx.

Streaming

Thanks to SmartPlay technology, NordVPN does an exceptionally good job of unlocking Netflix, Hulu, Max, and countless other popular platforms. You can enjoy movies and TV shows from 61 countries around the world. In addition, the service is compatible with all desktop and mobile operating systems, smart TVs and routers.

Pace

The service speed never dropped below 90% of baseline during our testing. Thus, you get a smooth and lag-free browsing experience for streaming UHD video content and surfing the net. Benefits of NordVPN also include switching to other protocols such as OpenVPN if the primary option doesn’t work.

Prices

You can get a NordVPN subscription for $3.39/month to cover 6 devices, and reduce the price with one of NordVPN’s discount rules. There’s also a 7-day free trial and 30-day money back guarantee in case you change your mind.

Pros

• There are 5 servers in the UAE
• The highest speed is NordLynx
• The no-logs policy was audited several times
• Kill switch and Threat Protection features
• Unblocks Netflix and other platforms
• 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

• Free trial on Android only
• There is no kill switch on iOS

Surfshark

Servers And locations: 3200+ servers in 100 countries

Devices it supports: Windows-Mac-Linux-Android-iOS

Pricing: $2.29/month

SurfShark

An affordable and feature-rich VPN for Dubai and Emirates. It has an impressive 3200+ servers in 100 countries and a connection point in the UAE. Surfshark’s features include the ability to disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic through spoofing. The nearest SurfShark servers can be found outside of the Dubai location in the UAE in Riyadh–Saudi Arabia.

Utility

Surfshark VPN for UAE works well on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. It’s user-friendly across apps, optimized for both desktop and mobile versions. Mobile apps, especially for Android, are attractive and beginner-friendly. The Android version has new features like GPS spoofing and split tunneling, which allows you to control which apps connect to the VPN. However, the iOS app does not have these features. There is a chance that the VPN will soon connect to DU in Dubai, but it may take less effort with Etisalat. In that case, server changes can help.

Streaming

Surfshark is one of the best VPN for streaming. For starters, it uses its extensive network of servers to unlock an incredible variety of features. You’ll have no trouble finding more titles on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more. Additionally, Smart DNS is available to unlock content on devices without VPN app support.

Pace

According to our tests, Surfshark is far behind NordVPN when it comes to connectivity. A good WireGuard implementation ensures consistent and smooth communication without losing anything. The Surf Shark was able to maintain over 86% of its initial speed almost constantly during testing. So, expect lag-free browsing, streaming and gaming with this UAE and Dubai VPN.

Prices

Surfshark memberships are more budget-friendly, starting at $2.29/month. If you check out our Surfshark coupon codes, you can get an even better deal. Keep in mind that there is a 7-day free trial and 30-day money back for those who change their mind.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous communication
• Audited no-logs policy
• It works with Netflix and other streaming sites
• 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

• There is no free Windows trial
• There is no free translation

IPVanish

Servers And locations: 2200+ servers in 52 countries

Devices it supports: Windows-Mac-Android-iOS

Pricing: $3.25/month

If you need a well-rounded VPN in Dubai, IPVanish is a solid choice. This provider has 2200+ servers in 52 countries, and uses OpenVPN Scramble to hide VPN traffic from internet service providers.

Security

Like any proper Dubai VPN, IPVanish uses the secure AES-256 protocol for unbreakable privacy. It also has privacy settings maintained, so you can make sure your data isn’t encrypted, and a reliable kill switch, which shuts down your internet connection if the VPN fails

Utility

IPVanish VPN has easy-to-use applications for the UAE, but is more suitable for advanced users due to the interface-rich interface with advanced settings and comprehensive related data Dedicated to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS users Apps are available, while Linux users need to rely on the Command Line Interface. IPVanish is another great VPN operator in Dubai and UAE. Like Surfshark, you may encounter some connectivity issues with Etisalat, but changing servers or security protocols helps.

Streaming

As for streaming, the IPVanish service can open popular sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Max, etc. without issue. You can also install IPVanish on Apple TV devices to unlock your favorite platforms on the big screen. Naturally, desktop and mobile devices also work with this VPN.

Pace. Although not as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN, IPVanish has a stable connection with the market standard WireGuard protocol and retains over 80% of the original speed thus giving you a fast connection and quality experience anywhere in the Emirates.

 

Prices

Message pricing starts at $3.25/month and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can also get discounts with IPVanish coupons.

 

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous communication
• Confused with OpenVPN Scramble
• Unblock streaming websites
• 30-day money back guarantee

 

Cons

• The price increases after the first year
• Robust mobile apps

PrivateVPN

Servers And locations: 200+ servers in 63 countries

Devices it supports: Windows-Mac-Android-iOS

Pricing: $2.00/month

If you are looking for one of the cheapest VPN in the UAE, consider PrivateVPN. While it offers a limited selection of servers, it’s not invisible – local ISPs won’t know you’re using a VPN.

Security

There is the option to configure your encryption and choose AES 128 or 256-bit versions in CBC and GCM modes. Also, this VPN has a no-logs policy, so your information is not stored and cannot be shared with anyone.

 

Utility

PrivateVPN works best in UAE on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. The mobile apps look simple and offer basic features for a mobile VPN. We tried it and liked the kill switch in the Android app, especially for users of older devices. However, the kill switch is not available on iOS. PrivateVPN also supports multiple security protocols, which is ideal if you face issues when accessing a mobile VPN app in the UAE.

Streaming

If you are interested in checking your daily activities while visiting any city in the UAE, PrivateVPN can easily bypass location-based restrictions. It unlocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and other major streaming services. In addition, one subscription supports 10 connections simultaneously.

Pace

PrivateVPN apps, by default, work on the OpenVPN tunneling protocol. It provides adequate acceleration, averaging 30% wear, which means it retains only 30% of the original acceleration. However, the PrivateVPN package is included in the WireGuard configuration file if you want to manually set up a faster connection.

Prices

PrivateVPN membership costs $2/month, and you can also get a free 7-day trial without giving out your credit card information.

Pros

• Stealth feature obfusion
• No-logs configuration
• Great speed
• It works with most popular streaming platforms
• Free 7-day trial (not credit card)

Cons

• Slightly smaller server fleet
• There is no kill switch feature on iOS

VyprVPN

Servers And locations: 700+ servers in 64 countries

Devices it supports: Windows-Mac-Android-iOS

Pricing: $5.00/month

VyprVPN is an affordable but highly reliable VPN that works in Dubai and UAE. It offers a low-cost server fleet of 700+ servers in 64 countries and uses the Chameleon protocol to mask your VPN traffic as regular encrypted traffic.

Security

This VPN protects your data using AES-256-bit protocol. It is also one of the first businesses to pass its independent privacy policy audit. It was certified by VTI (VPN Trust Initiative) and providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, etc., thus proving its reliability once again.

Utility

VyprVPN is versatile and works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Use macOS and Android apps for the best experience. However, developing a Linux app can be a bit complicated. The Android and iOS apps have a similar and user-friendly interface with a minimalist yet simple design. When testing VyprVPN for the UAE, the country configuration with latency information looked simple, so that mapping was not necessary. One important thing to mention is that if you are having trouble connecting in the UAE, be it DU or Etisalat, it is strongly suggested that you use the Chameleon protocol on your mobile for a seamless and lagging experience

Streaming

VyprVPN successfully bypasses location-based restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming platforms. Our VyprVPN review and provider’s official website confirms that the service works with various internet TV channels and game streaming platforms.

Pace

You can expect robust speeds from VyprVPN as it includes the state-of-the-art WireGuard protocol. And while it wasn’t as fast as some of the other UAE VPNs we tested, it’s fast enough for HD streaming and everyday browsing.

Prices

Subscription rates start at $5/month. On the bright side you are always a great Vyp.

Pros

• Unblock all major streaming websites
• Strong security
• Free 3-day trial for mobile devices
• 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

• Server fleet low
• It is very expensive
• Lack of kill switch on iOS

Bottom Line

While there are tons of VPN services available, not all of them are suitable for UAE cities like Dubai. A good UAE VPN should have terrible servers to hide the fact that you are using a VPN and using a zero-knowledge framework. It may even help you use VoIP apps without being blocked, access streaming platforms, or access content without the barriers of censorship.

Our top recommendation for the best VPN for UAE and Dubai is NordVPN, which can be easily installed on any of your devices. Not only does it provide a high level of security and privacy, but it also blocks all popular streaming platforms and allows you to enjoy world-class online content.