Best VPN in the UAE in 2025

If you’re looking for the best VPN in the UAE in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. The United Arab Emirates imposes significant online restrictions, affecting both residents and visitors. State-owned ISPs censor content, block VoIP apps, and prevent access to dating, gambling, and news sites.

Given these limitations, a reliable VPN is essential to regain your online freedom. VPNs encrypt your data, mask your IP address, and bypass internet blocks, ensuring privacy while unlocking the web.

In this guide, I tested and reviewed the best VPNs to use in the UAE, comparing their features and performance to help you make an informed choice.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Best VPNs for the UAE at a Glance
2. Why Do You Need a VPN for the UAE?
3. The Best VPN Services in The UAE Reviewed
4. 1. NordVPN – Best VPN for the UAE Overall
5. 2. Surfshark – Best VPN in the UAE for Families
6. 3. ExpressVPN – The Most Secure VPN for the UAE
7. 4. PureVPN – Best UAE VPN for Business Users
8. 5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Budget-Friendly UAE VPN
9. Best UAE VPNs Compared
10. Are VPNs Legal in the UAE?
11. How to Safely Use a VPN in the UAE?
12. How to Get a UAE IP Address With a VPN
13. How to Fix Your VPN if It's Not Working in the UAE
14. How to Choose the Best UAE VPN
15. Best UAE VPNs Speed Test
16. Can I Use a Free VPN in The UAE?
17. Conclusion – What's the Best VPN in the UAE?
18. FAQs

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Best VPNs for the UAE at a Glance
2. Why Do You Need a VPN for the UAE?
3. The Best VPN Services in The UAE Reviewed
Show Full Guide
4. 1. NordVPN – Best VPN for the UAE Overall
5. 2. Surfshark – Best VPN in the UAE for Families
6. 3. ExpressVPN – The Most Secure VPN for the UAE
7. 4. PureVPN – Best UAE VPN for Business Users
8. 5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Budget-Friendly UAE VPN
9. Best UAE VPNs Compared
10. Are VPNs Legal in the UAE?
11. How to Safely Use a VPN in the UAE?
12. How to Get a UAE IP Address With a VPN
13. How to Fix Your VPN if It's Not Working in the UAE
14. How to Choose the Best UAE VPN
15. Best UAE VPNs Speed Test
16. Can I Use a Free VPN in The UAE?
17. Conclusion – What's the Best VPN in the UAE?
18. FAQs

NordVPN – Best VPN for the UAE Overall

Get up to 74% Off

VISIT SITE

More Details

Surfshark – Best VPN in the UAE for Families

Save up to 87% Now

VISIT SITE

More Details

Most Secure VPN for the UAE

Save 82% on a 2 Year Subscription

VISIT SITE

More Details

Best UAE VPN for Business Users

Get up to 83% Off

VISIT SITE

More Details

Best Budget-Friendly UAE VPN

Get 83% off on 2 Year Plan

VISIT SITE

More Details

Why Do You Need a VPN for the UAE?

VPNs provide enhanced privacy and security in the UAE by encrypting your internet traffic and assigning you a new IP address. It also helps bypass blocks on popular communication platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, FaceTime, and Skype, which are restricted in the country.

For those outside the country, a VPN with UAE servers enables access to region-specific content such as OSN, STARZPLAY Arabia, and iQIYI.

VPNs also facilitate remote work and study by providing secure access to work or educational platforms. And finally, they can enhance your streaming and gaming experiences by letting you form virtual LAN connections regardless of your physical location.

The Best VPN Services in The UAE Reviewed

Now, let’s discuss what each of my top VPN picks offers in detail, including their features, pricing, pros and cons, and use cases:

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for the UAE Overall

Why We Picked It

NordVPN stands out as the overall best VPN for the UAE, offering exceptional speed and performance for users in the region. Its extensive server network, coupled with advanced security features, makes it the top choice for those seeking swift, unrestricted internet access in the United Arab Emirates.

Server Network and Bypassing Restrictions

NordVPN has over 6,800 Servers in 111 countries, including five options in the UAE.

This global coverage allowed me to easily access services typically blocked in the UAE during my tests, including VoIP platforms like WhatsApp and Skype.

In addition, NordVPN retained over 930Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline speed and provided smooth streaming of global content on platforms like Netflix US and Hulu.

Features

• Privacy and Security – NordVPN comes with robust, military-grade AES-256 encryption and an independently-audited no-logs policy to ensure your privacy and security online. On top of that, I was impressed with its CyberSec feature, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts.
• Streaming – Apart from its high speed retention, NordVPN offers a SmartPlay feature for seamless streaming. It automatically connects you to the best-performing server, allowing smooth access to geo-restricted content from the UAE.
• Various Server Options – NordVPN offers obfuscated servers, which mask your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS browsing and easily deal with deep packet inspection. Then, there’s Double VPN, which routes your requests through two separate servers. And, for maximum protection, you get Onion over VPN, which combines VPN security with the Tor network’s anonymity. Keep in mind, though, that these options negatively impact browsing speed, so I recommend only using them when you need maximum privacy.

Pricing

NordVPN’s plans start at $2.99/month for the two-year subscription, allowing up to 10 simultaneous connections.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test the service. For those wanting to try before committing, NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial on Android devices.

Who It’s Best For

NordVPN is ideal for UAE residents and visitors requiring fast and secure access to restricted content, streaming services, and online gaming platforms while maintaining privacy and bypassing government censorship.

For more information, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – Best VPN in the UAE for Families

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is a top choice for families in the UAE, offering unlimited simultaneous connections. The VPN provides malware protection, an ad blocker, and robust encryption, all while maintaining a user-friendly setup.

Server Network and Bypassing Restrictions

Surfshark VPN has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including the UAE.

During my tests, Surfshark was able to easily unblock VoIP apps, including WhatsApp and Viber. Additionally, it made quick work of the restrictions imposed on streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Hulu.

Features

• Privacy and Security – Surfshark offers strong VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP. It also uses AES-256-GCM encryption to provide top-level security for all family members. Additionally, it maintains a strict no-logs policy, independently verified by Deloitte.
• Connection Options – For highly restrictive environments, I recommend using Surfshark’s MultiHop feature, which sends your traffic through multiple VPN servers. If that’s not enough, there’s the Rotating IP option. This automatically changes your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes to prevent tracking.
• Safe Browsing – The provider offers a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. And if your VPN connection happens to drop, its reliable kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet to prevent your personal data from leaking. I found it highly reliable during my assessments, as it never revealed my real information in over 15 IP and DNS leak tests.

Pricing

Surfshark’s affordable plans start at $1.99/month for the two-year Starter subscription. The VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, making it an excellent pick for households with numerous devices.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial on Mac, iOS, and Android.

Who It’s Best For

Surfshark is perfect for a household setup since one account can serve an unlimited number of devices. This, plus its budget-friendly pricing, makes it a perfect choice for security-conscious families.

For more information, read our Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN – The Most Secure VPN for the UAE

Why We Picked It

ExpressVPN is the most secure VPN for the UAE I’ve tested, offering robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Its British Virgin Islands jurisdiction provides strong protection against invasive surveillance laws.

Server Network and Bypassing Restrictions

With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers extensive global coverage. While it lacks servers in the UAE, nearby locations in the Middle East ensure fast connections.

ExpressVPN excels at circumventing UAE’s internet restrictions. Its advanced obfuscation technology effectively unblocked VoIP services during my tests, as well as streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney+.

It also allows access to local channels like OSN+ when traveling abroad.

Features

• Privacy and Security – Apart from the industry-standard AES-256 encryption and strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN gives you a Private DNS feature with encrypted servers to prevent leaks. Then, there’s the TrustedServer technology, which wipes all user data from the provider’s hardware after each server reboot.
• Network Lock Kill Switch – ExpressVPN also features a reliable kill switch that prevents personal data exposure by blocking internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Similar to Surfshark, ExpressVPN did an excellent job at protecting my IP and DNS data in testing.
• Lightway Protocol – Finally, you get ExpressVPN’s in-house Lightway protocol for faster speeds and improved security, ideal for bypassing UAE restrictions. It maintained speeds of about 560Mbps during my tests, so it’s not as fast as NordVPN’s Nordlynx, but streaming in 4K was still buffer-free.

Pricing

ExpressVPN costs $4.99/month with a 1-year subscription, making it a more expensive option than NordVPN and Surfshark.

Each plan allows up to eight simultaneous device connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also test the service before committing, thanks to its 7-day free trial on Android and iOS.

Who It’s Best For

ExpressVPN is ideal for expats, business travelers, and UAE residents who prioritize online privacy and secure internet access. It’s particularly beneficial for journalists, activists, and individuals accessing sensitive information who require strong protection against surveillance.

For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.

4. PureVPN – Best UAE VPN for Business Users

Why We Picked It

PureVPN stands out as the best VPN for businesses on my list with its dedicated Business solution. This feature enables secure remote access to company resources, ensures compliance with data regulations, and reduces costs associated with remote work environments.

Server Network and Bypassing Restrictions

With 6,000+ servers across 65+ countries, including the UAE, PureVPN offers extensive global coverage.

For UAE-based companies, PureVPN ensures secure access to international resources while maintaining compliance with local regulations. Unblocking restricted communication tools like Viber and Skype was also seamless during my tests, as was accessing streaming platforms like YouTube TV and BBC iPlayer.

Features

• Privacy and Security – Much like ExpressVPN and Surfshark, PureVPN operates under a no-logs policy, independently verified by KPMG. It also offers military-grade encryption, plus obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
• Business Features – The service provides a dedicated solution for secure remote access to company resources, ensuring data protection and compliance across all business operations. On top of that, there’s PureKeep – an integrated password manager that securely stores and organizes complex passwords for multiple business accounts.
• Split Tunneling – Finally, PureVPN lets you optimize your bandwidth by routing only selected traffic through the VPN. This is quite helpful when you want to protect business operations while maintaining solid performance for non-critical activities like streaming. The feature is only available for Windows and Android devices, but I found it easy to set up and use on both platforms.

Pricing

PureVPN offers a range of pricing options to suit various business needs. Its long-term plans provide the best value, with the 5-year plan starting at just $2.14/month.

Shorter subscription periods are also available, including monthly and yearly options. All plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, there’s no free trial, as testing the service for seven days costs $0.99.

Who It’s Best For

PureVPN is a perfect fit for businesses operating in or accessing UAE markets, offering strong security, fast connections, and features tailored for remote work environments.

For more information, read our PureVPN review.

5. CyberGhost VPN – Best Budget-Friendly UAE VPN

Why We Picked It

CyberGhost VPN is the best budget-friendly VPN option, as it delivers exceptional value for users in the UAE. It combines an extensive global server network and robust security features at a competitive price point.

Server Network and Bypassing Restrictions

CyberGhost boasts an extensive network of 11,700+ servers across 100+ countries, including 12 servers in the UAE. Apart from that, you get 21 dedicated IP locations.

In addition, CyberGhost VPN uses smart technology to sidestep UAE’s internet blocks, opening up a world of online freedom. I easily made voice calls through apps like IMO, streamed shows on platforms such as Disney+, and read news from sources like The New York Times.

Features

• Privacy and Security – CyberGhost’s no-logs policy is independently audited by Deloitte, ensuring your browsing data and online activities are never stored or shared. Moreover, it offers robust 256-bit encryption and a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks on shaky connections.
• Dedicated IP –  The VPN also offers exclusive IP addresses for enhanced security and reliable access to IP-restricted networks or services. These are paid separately, though, so I only recommend them if you’re facing frequent VPN IP blocks.
• Ad and malware blocker – This feature filters out annoying ads and protects against malicious websites to enhance your browsing experience. However, I noticed that some pages loaded slower than usual due to the real-time scanning process.

Pricing

CyberGhost’s budget-friendly plans start at $2.03/month for a 2-year subscription, allowing for 7 simultaneous connections across devices.

There’s a 14-day money-back guarantee on the monthly plan, while longer subscriptions come with an extended 45-day money-back policy. Various free trial options are available across devices to test the service before committing.

Who It’s Best For

CyberGhost VPN is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable, feature-rich VPN for long-term use. Its affordable pricing, extensive server network, and strong security features make it perfect for those wanting to bypass UAE restrictions without breaking the bank.

For more information, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Best UAE VPNs Compared

In case you’re in a rush, I created a neat head-to-head comparison table to show you what each of my top VPN picks offers:

Are VPNs Legal in the UAE?

The UAE has strict regulations to protect children from inappropriate content and to uphold cultural values. As a result, gambling and pornographic websites, and certain VoIP apps are banned. These restrictions also serve to control the telecommunications market.

Attempting to bypass government-imposed restrictions or censorship using a VPN is against the law. If caught, penalties can include fines ranging from $40,846 to $186,150, imprisonment, or both.

So, make sure to employ the listed VPNs responsibly and in compliance with UAE laws.

Is Torrenting Legal in the UAE?

Downloading or sharing copyrighted material through pirate sites is against the law and can result in fines and other sanctions. If you’re in the country, you should exercise caution and only engage in torrenting activities with non-copyrighted content to remain compliant with UAE laws.

Can The Police Track VPN Usage in the UAE?

The ability of police to obtain such information from a VPN depends on the provider’s jurisdiction and data retention policies. Services that have been independently audited for their no-log policies offer a higher level of privacy protection, as they don’t store user information that could be handed over to authorities.

How to Safely Use a VPN in the UAE?

The UAE’s cybercrime laws impose severe penalties on individuals found using VPNs to access or share content that violates the country’s rules. To ensure safe VPN usage in the country, you can take advantage of the following features:

• Obfuscated servers are a crucial feature for maintaining privacy. Unlike regular VPN connections that ISPs can detect, obfuscated ones mask your VPN traffic, making it indistinguishable from normal internet activity. This significantly reduces the risk of your VPN usage being identified.
• Double VPN or multi-hop technologies are another way to gain an extra layer of security. By encrypting and routing your internet traffic through two or more servers, these features make it extremely difficult for ISPs or other entities to monitor your online activities.
• Choosing a VPN with a verified no-log policy is also important. Such services don’t collect or store data passing through their servers. It’s important to select providers whose no-log claims have been independently audited and verified, ensuring that your online activities remain truly private.
• A kill switch is another critical feature for safe VPN use. This function automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any unintended exposure of your real IP address or online activities.

How to Fix Your VPN if It’s Not Working in the UAE

Sometimes, your VPN might fail to work properly in the UAE. If that’s the case, here are the possible causes and solutions:

• The server’s IP address is blocked – Authorities may block specific VPN servers to prevent access to them. Try using obfuscated servers, dedicated IPs, changing ports, or switching to different servers to bypass these blocks.
• Your firewall or antivirus is blocking your VPN – Security software might misidentify your VPN connection as malicious activity. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to test if the VPN works, then add the VPN to their exception lists.
• Your ISP is restricting or throttling your VPN traffic – ISPs may reduce VPN speeds to discourage usage. Consider switching to a different ISP or using a VPN with obfuscation servers to mask VPN traffic.
• DNS servers aren’t resolving correctly – If websites aren’t loading, your DNS settings may be the culprit. Enable DNS leak protection in your VPN settings or manually set DNS servers to those offered by your provider.
• The VPN protocol is blocked – Some networks may block specific VPN protocols. Try switching between different options (e.g., OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard) in your VPN settings to find one that works.
• Your real IP address is leaking – A VPN leak occurs when your IP address, DNS requests, or other personal information are exposed to third parties monitoring your connection. Ensure your VPN is turned on, check if any apps are being split tunneled, and update your VPN software. If the issue persists, contact technical support.

How to Choose the Best UAE VPN

To help you narrow down your choices, here are the main factors to consider when choosing the right VPN for your needs:

Best UAE VPNs Speed Test

To show you which of my top picks performs the best, I tested all five providers on a baseline download speed of 500 Mbps and an upload speed of 350 Mbps.

Then, to keep things fair, I connected all VPNs to a US server via the WireGuard protocol or proprietary versions based on it, like NordLynx and Lightway.

Here are the results:

Can I Use a Free VPN in The UAE?

You don’t get to choose which country you connect to and you won’t have all the advanced features, but the provider has a proven track record of offering a high-quality service.

That aside, it’s important to understand the significant drawbacks of free VPNs, especially in a country with strict internet regulations like the UAE.

Free VPNs often offer poor encryption, making your data vulnerable to interception. They’re also prone to data leaks and may even engage in data theft, selling user information to third parties. In the UAE’s tightly controlled internet landscape, these vulnerabilities can expose users to legal risks.

Free VPNs also typically struggle to unblock restricted content – a key reason many users in the UAE seek VPN services.

The unique challenges in the UAE, including sophisticated VPN blocks and severe penalties for unauthorized VPN use, make free VPNs a suboptimal choice.

Given these factors, investing in a reputable paid VPN service is generally recommended for safer and more effective use in the UAE.

Conclusion – What’s the Best VPN in the UAE?

A VPN is an important tool for internet users in the UAE, providing anonymity, bypassing restrictions, and enabling remote access to work and study environments. It also improves streaming and gaming experiences while allowing access to UAE services from abroad.

After testing all the leading providers, I can say NordVPN is the best option for the UAE. It offers fast speeds, excellent features, and great value for money. Its independently audited no-logs policy ensures user privacy, while advanced features like obfuscated servers and double VPN are particularly useful in the UAE’s restrictive internet landscape.

FAQs