Best VPN for UAE and Dubai in 2025

As of June 2025, NordVPN remains the best VPN for UAE and Dubai, thanks to its blazing-fast speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and advanced security features like AES-256 encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, and a kill switch. With servers in nearby countries, it bypasses tough internet restrictions while keeping your online activity completely private.

The UAE still censors the internet, preventing VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram, as well as streaming sites like Pornhub and BBC iPlayer. Whether you're trying to call home, stream your favorite shows, or stay under the radar, a VPN is the only reliable solution.

In this guide, I’ll show you which VPNs actually work in the UAE, how to use them safely, and what features to look for to stay secure and connected in 2025.

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Top 5 VPNs for Dubai: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN for Dubai
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fast and affordable UAE VPN with easy setup
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Security-oriented UAE VPN
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest available Dubai VPN
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Robust VPN for UAE for anonymous browsing
   8.4

Why do I need a VPN for UAE?

A VPN is essential in the UAE for privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content and apps. There are several key benefits to setting up a VPN for the UAE, including:

• Online privacy and anonymity. A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic, protecting you from government surveillance, ISP tracking, and third-party snooping in the UAE, with strict internet laws.
• Bypass censorship and restrictions. Access blocked websites and services like WhatsApp and Messenger calls, Telegram, porn sites, and BBC iPlayer content that is restricted under UAE law.
• Get a UAE IP address. Use local UAE services, like online banking, streaming platforms, or business apps, safely from abroad by connecting to VPN servers in the UAE.
• Stay safe on public Wi-Fi. Secure your connection to open networks, whether you're in a cafe, hotel, or airport, with a VPN, which protects your passwords, messages, and sensitive information.
• Prevent ISP throttling. VPNs hide your activity and prevent ISPs from slowing down your connection during streaming or downloading.
• Access to global content. You can unblock geo-restricted content from platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu that are not normally available in the UAE by connecting to servers outside the UAE.

I recommend NordVPN for its unmatched privacy protections, blazing-fast speeds, and ability to bypass UAE’s toughest blocks. The provider offers high-speed servers, a wide range of servers, RAM-only infrastructure, and a strict no-logs policy, making it the most secure and reliable VPN in the region.

Best UAE VPNs in 2025: detailed list

1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for Dubai
2. Surfshark VPN – affordable high-speed VPN for UAE
3. Proton VPN – UAE VPN built for security and privacy
4. TotalVPN – cheapest UAE VPN with core features
5. IPVanish – reliable Dubai VPN for full online anonymity

To find the best VPNs for the UAE, I tested 18 different providers and carefully evaluated their ability to bypass censorship, maintain fast and reliable connections, and ensure strong privacy. I focused on features crucial for users in the UAE, including obfuscated servers, military-grade encryption, a reliable kill switch, and consistent access to restricted services like WhatsApp, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Below, you’ll find my top recommendations and a detailed review of my tested and selected VPNs for UAE.

Top 1. NordVPN – best VPN for UAE overall

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for the UAE and Dubai because it reliably bypasses ISP-level blocks from DU and Etisalat, giving you access to WhatsApp calls, BBC iPlayer, adult sites, and more. With over 7400 servers in 118+ countries, including 5 UAE servers, it’s ideal for getting a local or foreign IP address for unblocking geo-restricted content.

All servers support obfuscation, ensuring your VPN traffic stays hidden, even under deep packet inspection. You can choose NordLynx, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 for speed and security. During my testing, I easily unblocked popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix (US library), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. I hit 468Mbps with 96% speed retention, making it excellent for HD streaming, gaming, and defeating throttling.

NordVPN also delivers rock-solid privacy: AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Bonus tools like Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, and Threat Protection add extra security layers.

NordVPN subscriptions start at $3.39/month with a NordVPN coupon code. The service is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial is available for Android devices.

For more information, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark – fast UAE VPN with simple setup

Surfshark is the best VPN for UAE if you are looking for easy setup, affordable subscriptions, and unlimited device connections. This is particularly useful if you want to unblock VoIP services like WhatsApp as well as streaming platforms that are restricted by DU and Etisalat.

Surfshark provides reliable access to local and international content with 3200 RAM-only servers in 100 countries, including 8 in the UAE. During my speed tests, I found that the average connection speed of different servers was around 466Mbps with a 94% initial speed retention rate.

Additionally, Surfshark ensures your privacy and anonymity with military-grade AES-256 encryption, while your real IP address is protected with a reliable kill switch and DNS and IP leak protection features. Surfshark also offers a CleanWeb feature that blocks pop-ups, ads, and trackers from targeting you. Moreover, Surfshark’s IP Rotator regularly changes your IP address without disconnecting from the VPN. Plus, you can route your traffic through two servers using Dynamic MultiHop connections or obfuscated servers.

Surfshark costs $2.19/month with a coupon code. You can try the service for 7 days for free, and all purchases are protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – freemium UAE and Dubai VPN

Proton VPN is the best VPN for the UAE and Dubai if you are looking for strong privacy protections, reliable performance, and a solid free version. It boasts 13000 RAM-only servers in 122 countries, including 16 in the UAE. During my tests using the WireGuard protocol, I retained speeds of 428 Mbps with 88% speed retention, which is more than enough for streaming, gaming, and secure calls via apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Proton VPN focuses on advanced security features, such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IP leak protection. Moreover, it also offers Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through multiple hardened servers before exiting the internet. Plus, with Tor over VPN and a strict no-logs policy, your internet usage remains completely anonymous and secure.

If you're just browsing casually or testing the service, you can use Proton VPN free with unlimited bandwidth but limited server options in the US, Japan, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands. Hence, Proton VPN Premium plan subscriptions start at $3.59/month with a discount code. In any case, you can try the free version first, and if you decide to purchase the Premium version, you will be protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Proton VPN review.

Top 4. Total VPN – cheapest VPN for Dubai

TotalVPN is one of the best entry-level VPNs for the UAE and Dubai, thanks to its beginner-friendly interface, strong privacy features, and reliable access to restricted content. With TotalVPN, you can unblock sites like PornHub, access VoIP services, and browse securely with no technical knowledge.

While its server network is modest, with just over 50 servers in 35+ countries, it delivers solid performance with minimal buffering or lag. In my testing, its speed of 423Mbps with 84% retention was sufficient for streaming and video calls, even with heavy censorship in the UAE. Plus, even if the VPN connection drops while browsing, your data remains private thanks to AES-256 encryption, a built-in kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Unlike other VPN services, TotalVPN comes bundled with TotalAV Internet Security, which includes antivirus protection, identity theft monitoring, and a powerful ad blocker. This means you can bypass UAE blocks and protect your device from malware and intrusive ads as well.

The price for Total VPN is just $1.59/month. If you want to test it out before you make a commitment, you can start with the 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth TotalVPN review.

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Top 5. IPVanish – secure Dubai VPN to bypass geo-blocking

IPVanish is a reliable VPN for the UAE and Dubai, especially if you want to bypass restrictions on services like WhatsApp video calls. With over 2400 servers across 109+ countries and 8 servers in the UAE, IPVanish supports multiple tunneling protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. It also features a Scramble option, which obfuscates your VPN traffic, making it harder for UAE firewalls to detect and block your connection.

During my tests, IPVanish reached average speeds of 459Mbps with 92% speed retention, making it fast enough for HD streaming, secure VoIP calls, and lag-free gaming. It successfully unblocked several popular streaming platforms, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Additionally, it offers a free SOCKS5 proxy, which can improve speeds for both streaming and torrenting by routing your traffic through a faster, more lightweight connection.

Additionally, IPVanish includes AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, IP and DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. I also found its Threat Protection feature helpful for blocking malicious sites and intrusive ads.

IPVanish subscriptions start at $2.19/month and also have a discount code. There’s no free trial, but a 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try out the VPN risk-free.

For more information, read our in-depth IPVanish review.

Best UAE VPNs compared

There are many VPNs that claim to work in the UAE, but only a few actually are able to tackle its strict censorship and surveillance requirements. During my testing, I found 18 providers with the best obfuscation, unblocking, and fast speeds. Below you will see a comparison table of the best VPNs for UAE and Dubai:

How I tested and selected best VPNs for Dubai in June 2025

To find the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai, I tested and reviewed 18 different providers. I focused on what matters most in the region, whether the VPN could bypass restrictions, how fast and stable the connection was, and how well it protected my privacy. Here's a detailed breakdown of how I performed my tests and my main review criteria:

• Server availability and obfuscation. UAE blocks many VPN services, so I looked for VPNs with obfuscated servers that hide VPN traffic. I also prioritized providers with UAE-based servers and a wide range of global options for accessing restricted or local content.
• Speed and stability. Using tools like speedtest.com, I measured upload, download, and latency across multiple servers. I selected only VPNs that maintained over 80% of my base speed, even on distant servers.
• Security and privacy features. To assess encryption strength and leak protection, I ran DNS and IP leak tests using tools like ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com. I checked for AES-256 encryption, reliable kill switches, no-logs policies, and extra features like Double VPN and threat protection.
• Unblocking capabilities. I tested access to restricted services in the UAE, including WhatsApp and Messenger calls, BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Hulu, and adult sites, and only selected VPNs that consistently bypassed these blocks.
• Ease of use and support. I tested both the mobile and desktop apps to see how easy each VPN was to use and set up. I prioritized providers with 24/7 live chat support that could help immediately. I also looked for well-organized knowledge bases and setup guides on their websites to ensure users could get help without contacting support.

Get NordVPN for UAE

Is Dubai VPN legal to use?

Yes, using a VPN in Dubai is legal, as long as you’re not using it for illegal activities. The UAE does not ban VPNs outright but restricts how they’re used. For example, using a VPN to access blocked VoIP services, streaming platforms, or adult sites can violate local regulations if done for illegal purposes.

That said, many people rely on VPNs in the UAE for privacy, business, or accessing essential apps, especially since internet providers like DU and Etisalat block many services at the ISP level. So, if you are going to use a VPN in Dubai, make sure it’s secure, reliable, and discreet.

UAE VPN not working: step-by-step fix

If your VPN isn’t working in the UAE, it’s likely due to the country’s strict internet restrictions. Telecom providers like Etisalat and DU actively block VPN traffic, especially to VoIP apps, adult content, or foreign streaming platforms. Here's a workaround for connecting safely to a VPN in Dubai:

1. Get a reliable VPN with obfuscated servers. I recommend NordVPN with 76% discount.
2. Download and install a VPN app on your device
3. Turn on the kill switch in the settings. Enable the kill switch in the VPN settings to block all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects.
4. Connect to a server. For everyday browsing in the UAE, you can connect to the local server for optimal speed. However, if you want to make video calls on WhatsApp or Messenger, or access adult websites blocked locally, you must connect to France, the UK, or the US servers.
5. That’s it! Enjoy private, secure, and unrestricted internet access!

Access UAE restricted content

Can I use a free VPN for Dubai?

Technically, yes, you can use a free VPN in the UAE, but it’s not ideal. Most free VPNs have serious limitations, such as slow speeds, limited server access, and weak unblocking abilities. Particularly in the UAE, strict internet rules make it hard to access websites and keep your data private, especially since providers like DU and Etisalat block many services directly. That’s why you need a VPN that reliably bypasses these blocks.

However, there are some free VPNs that do provide free, safe versions, such as Proton VPN. While Proton VPN offers an unpaid version with unlimited bandwidth, you will only be able to connect to five server locations and won't be able to access all of its features. For a safer and more reliable experience, I recommend NordVPN, which offers a free trial and money-back guarantee. It’s fast, secure, and works well for accessing blocked content in the UAE.

Conclusion

A VPN is essential in the UAE to access blocked services like WhatsApp, BBC iPlayer, and adult sites. Besides ensuring robust traffic encryption, a VPN helps protect your privacy from strict ISP-level restrictions enforced by DU and Etisalat, while also unlocking loads of new content by bypassing geo-blocks. However, not all VPNs are strong enough to circumvent tough internet blocks and strict regional monitoring.

Based on my tests of different VPN providers, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for the UAE and Dubai. It offers fast, reliable connections, excellent unblocking abilities, and strong privacy protections, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an independently audited no-logs policy.

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FAQ

How can I get a Dubai VPN?

You can get a Dubai VPN by signing up for a reliable service like NordVPN, installing the app, and connecting to a server. It’s the easiest way to bypass local restrictions and protect your privacy from strict ISP-level blocks by DU and Etisalat.

What is the best VPN for UAE?

The best VPN for the UAE is NordVPN. It’s fast, secure, and consistently bypasses DU and Etisalat internet restrictions. It also keeps your online activity private with its obfuscated servers, strong encryption, and strict no-logs policy. Plus, it allows you to access blocked content like WhatsApp and Messenger calls, BBC iPlayer, and adult sites.

Is there a free VPN for UAE and Dubai?

I do not recommend using a free VPN in the UAE or Dubai, as many free apps lack the security to handle strict internet blocks and could even put your data at risk. If you need an unpaid VPN, you can try Proton VPN for free, or I recommend NordVPN for a 7-day free trial to access all premium features.