The best UAE VPN for Dubai in 2025

The UAE flag displayed on a laptop screen
(Image credit: Future)

A UAE VPN will allow you to sidestep all the restrictions put in place by the country's Telecom Regulatory Authority, which has banned tons of popular websites and apps, including WhatsApp and Skype. Besides keeping your online activities and personal details private, a VPN for Dubai and Abu Dhabi will also grant you effortless access to geo-blocked content from around the world.

However, unlike regions such as the US or the UK, a very small number of VPNs are actually fit for use within the UAE, which is why choosing a VPN for this particular part of the world can be tricky. At Tom's Guide, we've reviewed and compared dozens of providers to round up a list of the top 5 UAE VPNs.

We put the best VPNs through various rounds of testing, checking for privacy, speed, and unblocking within the region – and we also considered factors like ease of use and value for money. Keep reading to find out all about my top recommendations.

Note: For travelers, we strongly recommend installing a Dubai VPN before you leave home, as they may not be available to download when you're in the country.

The 3 best VPNs at a glance

1. NordVPN: the best UAE VPN30-day money-back guarantee

1. NordVPN: the best UAE VPN
NordVPN is my #1 UAE VPN thanks to its incredible unblocking power and array of security-enhancing tools. It's lightning-fast, offers top-of-the-line encryption and, as a cherry on top, NordVPN is an audited no-logs provider so you can be sure that it won't keep tabs on your browsing activity. Prices start at $3.09 per month plus tax for a 2-year plan, plus it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.

2. ExpressVPN: standout simplicity

2. ExpressVPN: standout simplicity
ExpressVPN is a great pick for unblocking sites, services, and apps, and getting around tricky bans. With servers in 105 countries, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to geo-spoofing. ExpressVPN also has handy 24/7 support, allowing you to get the help you need, when you need it.

With this being said, it is one of the more expensive providers at $4.99 per month for a two year plan. But, you'll get an extra 4 months of coverage for free when you pick up a 24-month plan, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try without committing.

3. Surfshark: the best budget-friendly option30-day money-back guarantee

3. Surfshark: the best budget-friendly option
Surfshark proves that you don't have to spend big bucks to get great quality. It's got excellent privacy features and great streaming power all for $1.99 per month plus tax for a 2-year plan. On top of this, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services around, so you won't be waiting for things to load while you use it. Try Surfshark today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Recent updates

This latest update didn't see any major changes, so I double-checked all the info available to make sure it's all as up-to-date as possible. I also added more info about recent updates from VPN providers, like Proton VPN's refresh to its Android, iOS and Windows apps and VyprVPN's new 24-month plan.

The best UAE VPNs in 2025

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NordVPN: the best VPN overall

NordVPN on a mobile device and laptop

(Image credit: NordVPN)

1. NordVPN

Security, speed and simplicity

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 7,400 | Maximum devices supported: 10

Security-focused service
5 servers in UAE
Great connection speeds
Mobile apps are a little awkward
Only 10 simultaneous connections
Subscribe if:

✔️ You need excellent unblocking in the UAE: NordVPN knocks it out of the park when it comes to streaming, unblocking every streaming site under the sun.

✔️ You want built-in antivirus: NordVPN is a complete security solution with a built-in antivirus, a password manager, and ad-blockers for extra safekeeping.

✔️ You want the perfect blend of cost and quality: Usually available at under $3.50 a month – and often less – NordVPN's great value considering what you get.

Avoid if:

❌ You want to protect a lot of devices: NordVPN only offers 10 simultaneous connections, and those on the hunt for a VPN for mass usage may be better off with Surfshark.

❌ You want a VPN for your mobile: NordVPN's map-style interface is slightly complex to deal with on a phone's smaller screen.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

NordVPN offers round-the-clock security thanks to a massive toolkit of privacy-boosting features – including a built-in antivirus and password manager. Plus, NordVPN can unblock every streaming service you can think of, inside and outside the UAE, for a price just over $3.

There's a reason why my NordVPN review rated the service so highly, and one of the big name's strengths is its power as a UAE VPN. Unlike rival ExpressVPN, NordVPN boasts physical servers in the country – 5 of them – and its global fleet of over 7,400 servers is a particularly generous offering.

As one of the most secure VPNs around, NordVPN comes with excellent 256-bit AES encryption, a combination of two kill switches, and leak protection, meaning both your browsing activities and your personally identifiable data will be kept safe from third-party snoopers while you are in the UAE and Dubai. Furthermore, NordVPN has undergone four independent audits to back up its privacy claims.

I particularly like NordVPN's Double VPN feature. It routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, doubling up the encryption and spoofing your location twice, giving your security an ever bigger and better boost. There's also a handy Onion over VPN feature, which will let you access the super-secure Tor network without having to download the Tor browser.

That's not all, though, as NordVPN also offers one of the most comprehensive security suites I've seen in a VPN. In addition to the basics, you also get built-in antivirus and antimalware, a password manager, the upgraded Threat Protection Pro, encrypted cloud storage, data breach scanning, popup and ad blocking, and even cyber insurance.

It's not all work and no play with Nord, though, as it's also our best streaming VPN, and you'll easily get through to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other sites restricted by Etisalat and Du.

With great connection speeds that topped out at over 950 Mbps in my testing, Nord ensures that you won't be waiting around for pages to load or streams to buffer, and apps for pretty much every device allow you to stay protected wherever you are. In fact, it was one of the fastest VPNs I tested in my last round.

However, one of the few downsides is the design of the mobile VPN apps. They retain the map-based interface from the desktop clients, but on smaller screens, this doesn't work quite as well. This is a very minor issue, though, and one unlikely to cause any real problems.

Another gripe I have with the service is its limit of 10 simultaneous connections. While it's on par with the industry standard – and in fact more than the likes of ExpressVPN, which offers only 8 – I definitely expect more from our #1 pick, especially when Surfshark is out there offering unlimited simultaneous connections. If you've got a larger household, you'll probably want to go for Surfshark.

Overall, though, NordVPN's world-class specs in almost every single domain, from connection speeds, privacy, and security to unblocking, apps, and customer support, make it the best VPN for most people. What's more, it offers excellent value for money, too. Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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NordVPN test results

Feature

Comments

Rating

Design

Intuitive and fun design, but it's not the most clutter-free

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

The map-style interface needs some getting used to, especially on the mobile apps

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

Blistering speeds, one of the fastest I've tested

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Unrivaled streaming support with access to all kinds of libraries

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Well-rounded security thanks to a built-in antivirus and ad & pop-up blockers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

24/7 customer support with lots of helpful guides

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Excellent value for money, but cheaper options are available

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ExpressVPN: the best UAE VPN user experience

ExpressVPN, the best VPN, running on a range of devices

2. ExpressVPN

The best all-round UAE VPN

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,000 | Maximum devices supported: 8

Great apps for all devices
30-day guarantee to test service
Class-leading support
Excellent privacy
Only 8 simultaneous connections
More expensive than other providers
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget: ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature means that you connect once, and you're always protected by a secure VPN line.

✔️ You want access everywhere: with servers in 105 countries and 160 locations worldwide, ExpressVPN provides unrestricted access to geo-blocked content, no matter where you are.

✔️ You want top-notch security: with AES-256 encryption, an intuitive kill switch, and handy add-ons like a password manager and ad-blockers, ExpressVPN is possibly the best security money can buy.

Avoid if:

❌ You want servers in the UAE: unlike some VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn't boast physical servers in the UAE.

❌ You're on a budget: although ExpressVPN delivers tremendous value, its pricing is steep, and I'd recommend Surfshark for those who don't want to break the bank.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

ExpressVPN is an excellent pick for bypassing restrictions in the UAE and Dubai. It offers class-leading encryption, consistent speeds, and powerful unblocking alongside easy-to-use apps across the board, friendly 24/7 support, and an in-depth knowledge hub for help on the fly. Definitely should be on your shortlist.

From delivering excellent connection speeds worldwide to evading VPN-blocking technology, in my ExpressVPN review, I found it to be an all-round package that delivers on every front.

Express provides excellent privacy, with AES-256 encryption, a selection of encryption protocols to choose from, IPv6 leak protection, and a robust kill switch. If you're less confident when it comes to tweaking settings, or you're someone who just likes their VPN to be serviceable right out of the box, ExpressVPN might be the perfect pick for you. It offers easy-to-use apps on every platform, combined with a one-click connect feature, which will protect you as soon as you launch the app.

Seeing as the VPN's default configuration provides the perfect combination of speed and security, ExpressVPN is my top pick for the best VPN for beginners. Moreover, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unsatisfied, you can reclaim your dough without any hassle.

One of the most important factors for a UAE VPN is speedy and reliable customer support. In addition to 24/7 live chat and an email ticketing system, ExpressVPN has a dedicated UAE page on its support site.

Although ExpressVPN is one of our top recommendations for folks who wish to tap into international content while in the UAE, such as on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, I, unfortunately, can't say the same for fans of local, Middle Eastern content.

This is because ExpressVPN doesn't have a server in the UAE, so if you want to browse privately locally or watch Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League when you're traveling abroad, consider one of NordVPN or Surfshark instead.

It’s also worth noting that Express only offers eight simultaneous connections – meaning you'll only be able to use the VPN on eight devices at a time. However, that should still be more than enough for most small households.

Lastly, while there are options cheaper than ExpressVPN, if you look at what it offers as standard compared to the add-ons of other VPN providers, it actually works out as better value than NordVPN. This is due to the fact that, to get the same cybersecurity features on each plan, you would be paying $6.99 per month plus tax for NordVPN as compared to ExpressVPN's $4.99.

So, if you want just a regular VPN with no extras, Surfshark is an excellent, low-budget option. However, if you want a VPN with cybersecurity features, too, ExpressVPN is the best value for money.

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ExpressVPN test results

Feature

Comments

Rating

Design

Simple and clean design with every option very easy to find

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Ideal for both beginners and tech experts, thanks to simple customization options

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

Sufficiently quick for everything you may need it for

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Access to every streaming site I threw at it

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Rock-solid encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and nifty add-ons like ad-blocking

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

24/7 customer support with tons of helpful guides

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Quite expensive when compared to others options on the market

⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark: the best cheap VPN

Surfshark on a range of devices

3. Surfshark

A fast and cheap UAE VPN

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200 | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

One of the cheapest VPNs on this list
Easy to use
Excellent Netflix and iPlayer unblocking
Unlimited connections
Not very customizable
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a fast UAE VPN: with speeds of over 950 Mbps, Surfshark is up there with the very fastest.

✔️ You want to protect tons of devices: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning there's no limit to the number of devices you can use it on.

✔️ You're on a budget: at less than $2.50 per month means that it's hard to beat how value for money Surfshark really is.

Avoid if:

❌ You want a VPN for torrenting: although Surfshark supports torrenting, it doesn’t quite match up to the likes of ExpressVPN and other top providers.

You want to avoid price hikes. While Surfshark offers great value for money in your first term, it does have some pretty hefty price hikes after your initial subscription is over.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Surfshark is the best budget choice for those looking for a secure and fast UAE VPN. With unlimited simultaneous connections and near class-leading unblocking capabilities, it's in the upper echelon of VPNs fit for streaming geo-restricted content around the world. Powerful yet simple apps make it a delight for beginners, and a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android plus a 30-day money-back guarantee means that you can try it risk-free.

For many, Surfshark could provide the perfect UAE VPN experience. Having overtaken ExpressVPN as my #2 VPN overall, Surfshark's now full-fledged security suite, comprehensive unblocking, and mind-boggling speeds, combined with a slew of unique offerings and a sub-$2 price tag, make it the best cheap VPN.

In my Surfshark review I found it to have excellent security features, including rock-solid AES-256 encryption, Dynamic MultiHop, and split tunneling. Each of these features increases your overall privacy and security to ensure that your VPN use will go undetected and your data will be kept safe.

Other security features designed to keep you safe online includes its Alternative ID and Alternative Number features, both of which generate an entirely new persona and personal information for you, allowing you to keep your real details under wraps on the internet. Great for staying anonymous if you want to browse restricted sites, which is a must in the UAE.

Additionally, features like CleanWeb, Surfshark’s ad-blocking tool, built-in malware blocking, real-time security breach alerts, a private search tool, and webcam protection further bolster Surfshark's cybersecurity arsenal.

What’s more, a handy Camouflage mode will keep you hidden from VPN blocks and snooping UAE ISPs, and its unique NoBorders mode will connect you to the best-performing server under your current network restrictions. It's also worth mentioning that while Surfshark's Windows kill switch previously failed when I tested it under extreme pressure, the issue has now been resolved.

A core selling point, though, is Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections – meaning you'll be able to log in as many devices as you want, and all that without a drop in privacy or performance. If you want to use multiple devices, you may be better off going for Surfshark over NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

For those looking for one of the best streaming VPN services, Surfshark's got you covered. It performed flawlessly in my testing, with absolutely no issues accessing any streaming platform I tested it with. Plus, you'll be able to access Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and more without any buffering thanks to class-leading speeds of over 950 Mbps and servers in 100 countries, including servers in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Surfshark also offers some of the best Android VPN and the best iPhone VPN apps, thanks to their ease of use and functionality. However, while its apps are super easy to use, they do not offer a great deal of configurability or customization. So, if you're a user looking to have more control over your VPN connection, you're better off going for Proton VPN.

Overall, Surfshark proves that quality does not need to come at a high price. Plus, in addition to the 30-day money-back guarantee, there's also a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android, so you can try the service risk-free before committing.

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Surfshark test results

Feature

Comments

Rating

Design

Fun and intuitive design, superb for new VPN users

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Both mobile and desktop apps score maximum points on ease of use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

One of the fastest providers in my testing

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Effortless unblocking and gets past every streaming site there is

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Overall very secure but the kill switch could've been better

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

24/7 customer support with an in-depth knowledge hub

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Excellent value for money, one of the cheapest option

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ProtonVPN: the most secure UAE VPN

Proton VPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: ProtonVPN)

4. Proton VPN

Super secure with excellent speeds

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: Netflix, Prime Video, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 12,000 | Maximum devices supported: 10

Great for streaming
Reliably fast speeds
Very privacy-focused service
Lots of customization options
Live chat isn't 24/7
Relatively expensive
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a super secure VPN for Dubai: Proton VPN is a delight for privacy purists, thanks to Secure Core servers, open-source apps, and physical servers in the UAE.

✔️ You want a VPN for Linux: Proton VPN comes with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux installations, unlike ExpressVPN, which only offers a command-line interface.

✔️ You want a free UAE VPN: Proton VPN has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, which you can use for as long as you want.

Avoid if:

❌ You're on a tight budget: Proton VPN is a relatively expensive pick so if you're looking for great value for your money, consider Surfshark.

❌ You want a free streaming VPN: while Proton VPN’s free version is more than capable of day-to-day usage, it doesn’t come with any unblocking abilities.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Proton VPN is a UAE VPN that sets the bar high for what a secure VPN should look like – Secure Core servers, Swiss privacy laws, and open-source apps all ensure awesome reliability. Streaming support is on par with the big three, and there's very little it misses out on. Plus, you can give it a spin with the free version to make sure you like the app interface.

Proton VPN is a great UAE VPN, primarily because it has its users' privacy at its heart. Its zero-logging policy, Secure Core servers, and Tor over VPN mean that Proton VPN works hard to keep you completely anonymous.

As mentioned in my in-depth Proton VPN review, Secure Core is a very interesting feature. Functioning much like NordVPN's Double VPN, Secure Core routes your traffic through an ultra-secure server in either Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before sending you on to your location of choice. This is especially useful when connecting to regions like the UAE, Turkey, or Iraq that have (a very small) potential to be compromised at the server level.

Besides the fact that it’s based in Switzerland, a country outside EU and US jurisdictions and well-known for its strict privacy laws, all of Proton VPN's apps are open source, which means anyone can inspect them at any point in time. What's more, Proton VPN also allows users to pay for their subscription anonymously via Bitcoin.

In addition to being one of the few VPNs to have servers within the UAE, Proton VPN also recently increased its server network from 8,200 servers in 112 countries to 12,000 servers in 117 countries, meaning that it offers more servers than most, if not all, of the VPN services on this list.

Speaking of recent updates, Proton VPN has also rolled out a new look for its iOS, Android and Windows apps, making them more streamlined. This app removed my two major issues I had with its iOS app, namely that its disconnect button was in an inconvenient place and its functional server map was a little cluttered and (in my opinion) arbitrary. The disconnect button has been moved, so no more accidental disconnects, and the server map is purely aesthetic.

Performance-wise, too, Proton VPN keeps up with the competition. With peak speeds of over 950 Mbps in my latest round of testing, it's now neck-and-neck with the top dogs NordVPN and Surfshark. So, whether you want to steam in 4K or play online multiplayer games, Proton has you covered.

Speaking of streaming, Proton VPN showed no signs of trouble unblocking today's most popular platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, Proton VPN has servers inside the UAE, meaning it's also a solid choice for streaming local content from outside the country, unlike ExpressVPN.

It’s worth noting that while Proton VPN offers one of the best free VPNs, this free plan doesn’t come with unblocking capabilities, as they’re exclusive to users of the paid plan. However, it does offer unlimited data, so you can privately browse and download large files for as long as you want to. The free plan also has a partnered server to allow anyone anywhere access to Deutsche Welle's unbiased news coverage.

Speaking of pricing, Proton VPN is very much on the expensive side of things at $3.59 per month for a two year contract. While it’s still cheaper than ExpressVPN, those pinching pennies will be better off with Surfshark. With that said, a unique advantage of spending that extra bit of money with Proton is that you can get its entire suite of privacy-focused tools, including Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, for a fraction of the cost you'll spend on getting similar products individually.

Another downside is the fact that Proton's live chat isn't 24/7, meaning that you may have to wait around if something goes wrong. However, that's a small complaint – and if having one of the best private VPNs is your prime objective, Proton VPN is, undeniably, a great choice. You don't have to commit straightaway, either; a 30-day money-back guarantee will allow you to use the service risk-free first.

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Proton VPN test results

Feature

Comments

Rating

Design

Fun and dynamic design, with the dark mode stealing the spotlight

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

The mobile apps are super easy to use, but the desktop apps may need some getting used to

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

Not slow, but certainly not the fastest on the market

⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Access to pretty much every streaming site you'd like to watch, plus great ofor evading censorship

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Excellent security thanks to open-source apps and Secure Core servers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Doesn't have 24/7 live chat but no shortage of helpful guides

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

A touch more expensive than the others, but there's a free plan for limited usage

⭐⭐⭐

VyprVPN: a reliable UAE VPN

VyprVPN UAE VPN

(Image credit: VyprVPN)

5. VyprVPN

Good security and a server within UAE

Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Unblocks: iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Number of servers: 700 | Maximum devices supported: 5

Apps for everything
Verified zero-logging
Chameleon protocol is great for VPN-unfriendly locations
Introduction of cheaper 24-month plan
Not the cheapest VPN
Not many servers
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a reliable UAE VPN: VyprVPN's Chameleon protocol bypasses VPN blocks in restrictive countries like UAE and China with ease.

✔️ You want to be sure you won't be tracked: VyprVPN has a verified no-logs policy – just like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

✔️ You want tons of server locations: despite being a smaller provider, VyprVPN has servers in over 70 countries worldwide.

Avoid if:

❌ You want a VPN that's fast: VyprVPN's speeds are average at best, and providers like Surfshark and NordVPN are head and shoulders ahead.

❌ You want to stream UK Netflix: VyprVPN unblocks an impressive number of platforms, but UK Netflix isn't one of them.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

VyprVPN is an excellent UAE VPN with decent unblocking powers and a verified no-logs policy. With fully-owned servers in over 70 countries and a unique Chameleon protocol for bypassing VPN blocks, it's a go-to solution for keeping your internet activities private in restrictive regions like the UAE and Russia. However, if you're looking for a real all-rounder, I'd recommend my choices above.

Don't be fooled by VyprVPN's small size. In my VyprVPN review, I clearly state how it may not be as all-encompassing as the other providers above, but it works very well in a number of different situations, one of which is as a UAE VPN.

Like all the VPNs on this page (but very few others), Vypr clearly states its ability to access restricted content. This commitment to help those in the UAE avoid censorship is a good sign and means it should be proactive about maintaining the service.

What's more, Vypr is also one of the best Egypt VPNs, and it works excellently in China, too, offering reliable access to a country that similarly restricts its citizens' internet access.

One of the biggest highlights of the service is that it uses a proprietary protocol, called Chameleon. It's been purposefully designed by the VyprVPN team to be able to obfuscate your VPN connection – meaning the fact you're using a VPN will remain hidden – and allow you to bypass VPN blocks in the UAE and elsewhere.

Although VyprVPN's assortment of 700 servers may not be as impressive as NordVPN's 7,400, let alone Proton's 12,000 servers, they're neatly distributed across 70 countries worldwide. This includ the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, so VyprVPN can unblock more sites than your average VPN.

Additionally, you get effortless access to the very popular BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and US Netflix. Because it has servers in the Middle East, it's, in fact, better for streaming local content in those areas than ExpressVPN, which doesn't have a server in the UAE.

Another VyprVPN positive is the company's full ownership of all the servers it operates. This means that there's no involvement of any third-party hosts, which translates to better privacy of user data.

VyprVPN prioritizes its users' security and has been verified as a zero-logging VPN, which is exactly what we've come to expect from the most trustworthy VPNs. The service never collects any data that can identify users, which is important for personal privacy online.

However, it's worth noting that you'll only have 5 simultaneous connections to play with. Plus, with top speeds of only around 300 Mbps in my testing, it's not exactly a speed demon. If this is a concern, Surfshark offers excellent speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections.

VyperVPN was previosuly one of the most expensive VPN services on this list, at $5 per month for a 12-month subscription. However, with the introduction of a new 24-month subscription plan, VyprVPN has dropped its prices down to $3 per month, putting it squarely in the ProtonVPN and NordVPN price range. With this being said, both Proton VPN and NordVPN offer faster speeds, more simultaneous connections and more servers than VyprVPN for a similar price.

On the other hand, if you find that other providers don't do the job in the UAE VyprVPN is definitely worth trying out thanks to its a server in the country and rock-solid privacy measures. You can take a trial run before committing, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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VyprVPN test results

Feature

Comments

Rating

Design

Fun and interesting design with lots of neatly presented options

⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Simple enough for beginners, and tech experts will have a great time too

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance

Not quite as fast as a Surfshark or a NordVPN

⭐⭐⭐

Unblocking

Lots of server locations ensure decent unblocking

⭐⭐⭐

Security and privacy

Proprietary protocols, an independently audited no-logs policy, and fully-owned servers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Customer support

Quick email support and a very detailed knowledge hub

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

No renewal hikes make it a great catch

⭐⭐⭐

How to choose the best UAE VPN

A Dubai VPN should be well-rounded and reliable. For users looking to access VoIP services and avoid network restrictions, however, obfuscated servers that mask VPN usage are essential. This is because if you're detected using a VPN, you won't get access to the apps or sites you're trying to check out.

The UAE also has a track record of blocking sites with little to no notice, so having a VPN with a good history of accessing restricted content is a must. A robust support network is also invaluable in the case that something doesn't work as it should.

As always, privacy should be a priority. Staying anonymous is of utmost importance due to the government's strong opposition to VPNs, so quality encryption, zero-logging policies, and a choice of protocols are signs of VPNs that take privacy seriously.

Topping my list is NordVPN. Widely regarded as the best UAE VPN for Dubai and the rest of the country, its stealthy servers, great speeds, and excellent support mean it's a reliable way of accessing restricted content. However, there are a number of other options, so figure out exactly what you need from your VPN, and pick from our comprehensive list above.

UAE VPN FAQs

Are VPNs illegal in UAE?

No. Having a VPN is not illegal in the UAE. Businesses rely on them too much for the government to ban them outright.

However, using a VPN to access restricted content is a grey area, and those using a VPN for the "purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery" risk a fine of up to AED2,000,000 – equivalent to over $500,000.

With this being said, we can't find any evidence of an individual ever being prosecuted for using a VPN.

We do not condone using a VPN to break the law. We also believe in the freedom of information and the internet. If you choose to use a VPN, for whatever reason, it's important to assess the risks to see if you think it's worth it.

You can learn more about where VPNs are illegal here.

Why do you need a UAE VPN?

People use VPNs in the UAE for a number of reasons.

Firstly, internet access is censored and restricted, and a VPN can allow the user to access this content.

Secondly – and probably the most common reason – is that Etisalat and Du hold a monopoly on the VoIP market, meaning free apps like WhatsApp and Messenger cannot be used to call people for free. A UAE VPN can allow individuals to use these free services for a much lower monthly cost compared to the state-sanctioned providers.

Thirdly, streaming. With a VPN you can access streaming media, including Netflix, live sports, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. This is especially useful for expats as media from their home country is likely to be blocked. A VPN can virtually relocate them back home and give them access to this media.

What VPNs work in UAE?

Other than ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and VyprVPN, not many. Thanks to the UAE's tough restrictions on VPN usage, many VPN providers – including larger ones – have been effectively disabled. While they're great in the rest of the world, in the UAE and Dubai they simply don't work.

The five on this list mostly work thanks to obfuscated servers that can evade VPN detection. This basically means that anyone inspecting web traffic won't be able to tell that a certain connection is using a VPN.

While some other providers may work, we believe these five offer citizens and travelers the best chance at accessing what they want when in the UAE.

Can you get a free UAE VPN for Dubai?

If you want a free UAE VPN, you should take a look at our rundown of the best free VPN services. However, from this list of the best UAE VPNs, only Hotspot Shield offers a free service.

We'd highly recommend using a paid-for service in countries like the UAE that have strict censorship laws. This is because in most cases you'll want to have your VPN switched on all of the time, and free services almost always come with data limits.

Also, paid-for VPNs give you the widest selection of servers, and you can be absolutely sure that they'll consistently unblock sites. No-fee VPNs may also compromise your safety by either not working properly or even leaking your data.

Finally, all the best Dubai VPNs on this list offer at least 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can get your money back within 30 days if the service turns out not to be for you – no questions asked.

Learn more on why you should go for a premium VPN over a free VPN.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo has been rigorously testing, reviewing, and analyzing VPN services at Tom’s Guide for more than five years. He heads up the three-person Tom's Guide VPN team, and is passionate about accessibility: he believes that online privacy should be an option that’s available to everyone. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the products he uses most on a daily basis, but he experiments weekly with all the top services, evaluating their privacy features, connection speeds across various protocols, and server reliability – among other things – so that he can make confident VPN recommendations that are backed by data. To see his latest advice, head over to Tom’s Guide’s best VPN and best free VPN guides.

With contributions from