Best VPN for the UAE
Looking for the best UAE VPN service to use when visiting the UAE? Looking to unlock your favourite online content such as Netflix & BBC iPlayer? Need a VPN to bypass UAE censorship laws and stay safe online? Then you need the best VPN for the UAE!
The best VPNs for the UAE explained
Whether you’re a resident living in UAE or simply visiting on holiday, a VPN will allow you to unlock the internet and give you exceptional levels of protection whilst preventing you from unknowingly falling foul of local laws.
The UAE government imposes strict censorship laws across the region and have banned access to political, pornographic and gambling websites and these websites should never be accessed without a secure VPN. Unblocking certain content in the UAE is high-risk and using illegal applications can land you in serious trouble with the authorities so be careful!
A VPN in the UAE needs specific security features not always found in all VPNs (especially the free apps) so we advise choosing a premium paid service if you’re going to or live in the United Arab Emirates.
What do you need from a VPN in the UAE?
A VPN for the UAE needs to be able to bypass state censorship and keep its users safe online. The most important features we expect from a VPN in the UAE are seriously strong online protection ensuring that any user activity cannot be tracked back and potentially landing that user in trouble with the authorities. It also needs to bypass state censorship. Our top 5 best VPNs for the UAE all cover:
- Enhanced security features such as stealth mode and DNS leak protection
- Kill switch (in case your VPN loses connection, you won’t leak your online activity)
- Servers located in nearby countries
- Transparent and strict logging policy
- Ability to safely unblock restricted content
- Well designed, easy to use apps with great customer support
Melvyn's top 5 VPNs for the UAE
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best and most popular VPN providers out there. It strikes the perfect balance for privacy concerned users and those looking for lightning fast speeds. It’s great for unblocking content such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer and also supports P2P and torrenting. Add to this its no logs policy and impeccable security, Nord sure does tick all the boxes!
Compatible with
Summary
Outstanding speeds, zero logs, and award winning 24/7 customer support… NordVPN is up there with the very best in the VPN market!
Our score:
4.9
★★★★★ 4.9/5
Price from:
$3.71
per month
CyberGhost
CyberGhost are an exceptional VPN provider with industry leading levels of privacy, worldwide server locations ideal for torrenting with user friendly applications that flawlessly unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other popular streaming services. If you want a super-fast, zero logs, easy to use VPN… then look no further!
Compatible with
Summary
Super-fast, zero logs, easy to use apps and friendly 24/7 customer support… you can see why it’s our number one recommended provider!
Our score:
5.0
★★★★★ 5/5
Price from:
$2.75
per month
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN are one of the most recognisable names on the market, offering best-in-class zero logs privacy, fantastic speeds, awesome features and easy to use applications. ExpressVPN is a true market leader, and whilst it comes with a premium price tag (compared to others), users are rewarded with an outstanding product!
Compatible with
Summary
Blazing-fast speeds, exceptional app usability and 24/7 customer support… ExpressVPN is a real force to be reckoned with!
Our score:
4.8
★★★★★ 4.8/5
Price from:
$8.32
per month
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a remarkably secure, zero logs VPN provider that sets out to keep its users safe and secure online with an array of great features. For those locked out in areas of high government censorship, their proprietary chameleon protocol overcomes censorship barriers anywhere in the world which ideal for users in China, the UAE and India etc. And with servers in 70+ worldwide locations, decent speeds can be achieved whilst doing so.
Compatible with
Summary
Unprecedented focus on user privacy, great speeds and competitively priced… if you’re looking to get around government censorship, look no further!
Our score:
4.7
★★★★★ 4.6/5
Price from:
$2.50
per month
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN are a first class, zero logs VPN provider and are one of our top picks if you’re concerned about online privacy. Combining market leading security with excellent speeds produced from its global network of servers, you can safely enjoy torrenting or stream HD content from all the popular providers such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer with ease. Private by name and private by nature… this VPN is hard to beat!
Compatible with
Summary
Exceptionally privacy focused, ultra-quick download speeds and ridiculously competitively priced… you don’t want to overlook PrivateVPN!
Our score:
4.7
★★★★★ 4.6/5
Price from:
$1.89
per month
UAE VPN related news
UAE VPN FAQs...
Do I need a VPN in the UAE?
Yes. Using a VPN in the UAE is an essential tool for protecting your online activity and privacy. The best VPNs in the UAE will ensure your privacy is fully protected as many websites are blocked. You can of course browse the internet without a VPN however; all of your activity will be monitored and if you attempt to access banned content that information is logged by ISPs. Many sites in the UAE are blocked or restricted including YouTube, dating sites, gambling, pornographic and all voice over IP applications.
What are the best UAE VPN features?
The best UAE VPN features need to be more security conscious as it’s such a sensitive jurisdiction. Apart from the VPN being easy to use, fast, reliable, have great customer support as well as offering good value, we are looking for:
- A kill switch which ensures that if your VPN connection drops for any reason, your unencrypted activity isn’t then made available to ISPs
- A strong military grade VPN encryption for the UAE is essential as this encrypts your IP address and keeps you safe from being monitored by the authorities
- A stealth mode which prevents ISPs knowing that a VPN encryption is even taking place (also known as obfuscation)
- DNS leak protection
Are UAE VPNs fast and reliable?
When selecting the best VPNs in the UAE, speed is an important factor as many users want to unblock streaming services such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer etc. We look for VPN server locations located in neighbouring countries as generally speaking the closer you are to the server the better the speeds. Also the more choice of servers reduces congestion and the best VPNs in the UAE will automatically detect where the fastest servers are and connect to automatically.
Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?
Yes having a VPN installed on your device is totally legal in the UAE. We recommend you adopt a cautious approach when using your chosen VPN as if you are caught, then this may be enough to raise suspicion and you should always comply with local laws.
Should I use a VPN in the UAE as a tourist?
We are often asked if when visiting the UAE do you need a VPN? We recommend you download a VPN before you arrive in the country because as soon as you connect, ISPs can track your online activity. Many tourists flock to Dubai and other popular destinations. so a VPN will help individuals on holiday from unknowingly falling foul of any local laws. Also for business it helps keep your data encrypted and away from prying eyes or hackers.
Can a VPN in the UAE unblock Netflix?
Yes. If you are in the UAE and want to watch blocked content such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer etc, one of our recommended UAE VPNs will unlock such geo-restricted content. All our top 5 VPNs for the UAE have strong server coverage allowing for high speeds and smooth streaming. Please visit our Best VPN for Netflix page by clicking here for more information.
What content is blocked in the UAE without a VPN?
The UAE impose some tough censorship laws which limit residents and visitors from accessing them. If you unblock VoIP applications, this is against the law in the UAE and therefore its essential your VPN has the strongest security features and a kill switch! Some examples of what is blocked without a suitable UAE VPN are:
- Anti-government websites
- Anti-religious websites
- Gambling websites and applications
- Pornographic websites
- VoIP applications such as Skype and FaceTime
Should I use a free VPN in the UAE?
Yes. You can download a free VPN to use in the UAE, however, there aren’t any free VPNs that we would endorse. You really do need some advanced security features and the technology doesn’t come cheap for the VPN companies. We only therefore recommend the premium VPN suppliers as you need 100% reassurance that your encryption is secure, reliable, privacy friendly and has additional obfuscation tools. The best UAE VPNs represent great value and the minimum cost outlay is certainly worth it. If you want to know more about free VPNs in the UAE, please visit out free VPN guide here.