What Is the Best VPN for Dubai in 2024?

At a Glance

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country that is known to be rather strict when it comes to internet censorship.

The country blocks any websites offering content that is considered “immoral” based on local religious beliefs. Immoral content can include streaming audio and video sites, gaming sites, and many others. The government instructs Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to use a supplied list of keywords to actively block any such websites.

Can a VPN Help Me in Dubai?

One way around such content-blocking is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts a user’s internet connection, protecting it from prying eyes. It also offers the ability for the user to appear to be connecting to the internet from another country, where the content isn’t blocked.

In this article, I’ll share the seven VPNs that offer the best protection while using the internet inside Dubai city limits. (Am I the only one who just “heard” the first few bars of the Tina Turner classic, “Nutbush City Limits”?)

Later in this article, I’ll share the best practices for using a VPN in a restrictive locale like Dubai.

WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN FOR DUBAI RISK-FREE?: The top-notch VPN service providers listed in this article all offer 30- to 45-day money-back guarantees. If you subscribe to one of the providers in this article and find that it doesn’t fit your needs, you can easily request a full refund before the money-back guarantee period has elapsed.

Best VPNs for Dubai

I ran all of my top VPN providers through rounds of rigorous testing, and the results proved that the seven VPNs listed below offer the best protection from inside Dubai. Here’s a quick summary, in case you’re short on time.

The best VPNs for Dubai:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN is my top pick for VPN protection in Dubai. This VPN service offers a Double VPN option that routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers, providing added anonymity. Its fast connection speeds and great multi-platform support are added bonuses. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Dubai. This budget-priced VPN is a fairly recent addition to the world of VPNs, but it has quickly become known for reliable protection for users in Dubai and other locations in the Middle East. The provider allows unlimited connections, making it excellent value.
3. ExpressVPN: Expensive, but worth it. This provider scored the #3 spot thanks to its optimal connection and privacy protections and content-unblocking ability. ExpressVPN uses banking industry-grade encryption and follows a no-logs policy.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN for first-time users. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it a great option for new VPN users. The provider offers gaming-, streaming-, and downloading-optimized servers around the globe, all of which provide comprehensive online security protection.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable Dubai VPN protection. PIA provides comprehensive online security and privacy, while also providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around much of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Tiny but powerful PN network. This VPN is well-known for providing comprehensive online protection, which includes AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection.
7. Atlas VPN: Protect all of your devices at once. This provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means the provider’s customers can concurrently protect as many devices as they’d like to its VPN network.

I evaluated and ranked the top Dubai VPNs using the following criteria:

• Online privacy and security protection
• Connection speeds
• Global server coverage (bonus for UAE servers)
• Native app support
• Customer support

Take a look at the testing methodology section in this article for more information about the criteria I used.

Here’s my list of the top seven VPNs for protected internet use in Dubai.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN to use in Dubai because of its optimal all-around security and privacy protections, which include connection obfuscation and Double VPN protection. The provider’s fast connection speeds will also go far in Dubai.

The provider’s connection speeds are quite impressive, making it great for streaming, file sharing, gaming, and more.

Your online undertakings are kept from observation thanks to military-grade encrypted connections, kill switch protection, and connection obfuscation, while NordVPN’s custom DNS servers protect you against DNS leaks.

Additionally, an available “Double VPN” option routes your connection through two VPN servers, further protecting your real IP address from detection. The provider’s NordLynx connection protocol is based on the WireGuard protocol.

Based in Panama, this VPN provider goes completely sans server logs, leaving no evidence of your online activities. Plus, by using a throwaway email address in conjunction with the service’s Bitcoin payment option, your subscription is completely incognito.

NordVPN owns and operates its server farms, meaning third-party contractors do not have any access to your personal data. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, meaning all data is securely wiped whenever a server is rebooted or shut down.

Over 6,000 servers stationed in 60+ countries (the UAE included) provide superb access to the outside world. The provider’s servers are run completely from RAM, writing no data to the server’s physical hard drive. All data is securely wiped from NordVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.

Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV platforms are all covered by NordVPN’s excellent native app support. The provider recently debuted a native app for Apple TVs running tvOS 17 or later. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox users have access to NordVPN browser extensions.

Users with a need to protect other types of devices, or who require protection for more than six devices simultaneously, can use the provider’s router support to protect them.

In addition to VPN protection for individuals, the provider also offers NordPass (password manager), NordLocker (cloud storage with file encryption), and NordVPN Teams (VPN service for businesses).

Around-the-clock support is available thanks to live chat, email, a “contact us” form, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR DUBAI:NordVPN comes in 1st when it comes to protecting your connections in Dubai, thanks to its high-end encryption, connection obfuscation feature, no-logs policy, Double VPN option, and more. Its fast speeds for a reasonable price also make it attractive. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers a high level of service for a relatively low price. It also offers a feature very few other VPN providers offer: unlimited simultaneous connections.

This provider can readily handle your high-definition streaming needs, and they’ll also come in handy for gaming, as well as downloading and sharing files.

Military-grade encryption and kill switch protection make the feature list. Plus, Surfshark’s “CleanWeb” feature blocks unwanted ads and trackers, while its “MultiHop” protection routes your internet activity through a pair of servers, adding additional connection obfuscation to the equation.

The British Virgin Islands-based VPN service keeps no server logs of any kind, meaning no evidence of your online antics is ever available. Bitcoin is an available subscription payment option. The provider has now joined the ranks of VPN providers that run their servers strictly from RAM, which ensures that all data is securely wiped when a NordVPN server is rebooted or shut down.

The Surfshark global server network consists of over 3,000+ servers located in 99+ countries (including the UAE), providing access to most areas of the globe. Surfshark claims it unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

The provider’s native app support includes apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon Macs included), Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox users have access to browser extensions. If you need to protect a device that is not on this list, you can make use of the provider’s excellent router support.

No worries about managing use by multiple users on the same account, as the provider offers an unusually liberal simultaneous users allowance, placing no limits on the number of concurrent users.

Support is available anytime thanks to the provider’s 24/7 support chat feature, as well as a support contact form and a searchable support library.

BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark offers its optimal connection protections and unlimited simultaneous connections policy for a very affordable price, making it attractive to users with a lot of devices (or friends) to protect, but who don’t want to break the bank to do so. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN makes it third on this list because of the worldwide access to content that its thousands of servers in many countries offer.

The provider’s connections offer top-notch speeds, ExpressVPN protects those fast connections using military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, and the ability to force your device to use the provider’s protected DNS servers.

The VPN service keeps no logs of any kind, which ensures no one can ever gain access to records of your online travels. Plus, if you sign up for the service using a disposable email address and make use of the provider’s cryptocurrency payment option, there will never be a detectable connection between you and your VPN account.

ExpressVPN opens up access to a world of geo-blocked content thanks to a global server network of 3,000+ VPN servers in 100+ countries (including the UAE).

Users of most popular devices will find a VPN app available to protect their online activities. macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Nook, Linux, and Chromebook devices are on the protected list. The provider has also added native app support for the Apple TV (running tvOS 17). The provider offers Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions.

Users who have other devices, or who find the provider’s simultaneous connection allowance of eight a bit limiting, can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s router support.

24/7 live chat, email support, a support ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library all provide around-the-clock support.

ACCESS TO WORLDWIDE CONTENT:ExpressVPN makes for an excellent choice for users who want to protect their connections while simultaneously accessing content in other countries thanks to the provider’s strong security protections and wide-ranging global server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps offer one-click protection, making it an excellent option for internet users who do not have any experience in using VPN apps.

In addition to the 10+ servers that CyberGhost has stationed in Dubai, CyberGhost also has 10,000+ servers in 99+ other countries. Many of those servers are optimized for gaming, streaming, or downloading, optimizing your experience while engaging in those activities.

All of CyberGhost’s connections are protected with military-grade encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection. The provider also has the ability to block trackers and ads, while also being able to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages, if they’re available.

The provider also offers optional security features for an additional fee, including a password manager, antivirus protection, and a utility that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable apps.

CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy ensures that there is no evidence being kept of your online travels. A Bitcoin payment option is available to keep your payment info undercover. The provider now runs all of its servers from RAM, meaning all data is wiped with every reboot or shut down.

CyberGhost’s well-protected connections are also fast enough to handle all of your favorite online activities. No worries about data caps or bandwidth throttling to be found here.

The provider offers easy-to-use apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Support for select makes and models of routers is also available.

Up to seven devices can be simultaneously connected to CyberGhost servers.

Customer support is always available, thanks to its 24/7 live chat, email support, trouble ticket support system, and search support library.

BEST FOR ROOKIE USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are perfect for first-time VPN users. Streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-enhanced servers offer an improved online experience for those activities, while servers around the world provide plenty of content access options. You’ll never have to worry about your security or privacy, thanks to CyberGhost’s excellent online protections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a large global server network, made up of 3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries, including the UAE.

The provider protects its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The VPN can also block malware, ads, trackers, and dangerous websites.

PIA’s servers save no user logs of its users’ online activities. The provider accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, keeping your payment information incognito.

PIA now runs its servers solely from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means that all data on a PIA server is securely and automatically wiped whenever it is restarted, powered down, or simply unplugged.

This provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest speeds on this list of seven. That said, the provider’s connections are certainly up to handling popular online activities (as long as your usual connection speeds are up to the task). No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

PIA’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. The provider is also compatible with select routers.

There is no limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect to PIA’s servers.

PIA support options include live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR DUBAI:PIA’s large global server network provides comprehensive online security and privacy protection for your online travels. The provider also offers reliable access to content in 90+ countries, including Dubai, for an unlimited number of devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are the slowest of any VPN provider on this list, although it should work well for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

Banking-grade encryption is just one of the connection protective measures offered by the provider. The provider’s Stealth VPN and IPv6 leak protections chip in on privacy and security protection.

No records are being kept of your online travels, thanks to the Swedish VPN provider’s strict no-logs policy. The provider’s Bitcoin payment option, used with an anonymous email address, keeps your subscription information completely private.

While the PrivateVPN global server network covers 63+ countries (the UAE included), a mere 200+ servers means the coverage is stretched thin. The small server count means your connections could slow as more users join the network.

Speaking of limited, app support is restricted to the big five (iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows). Router support is available to protect devices on other platforms. Up to 10 simultaneous users can connect to the service via a single set of user credentials.

A 24/7 messaging system keeps you covered. However, the provider’s FAQ section isn’t searchable, making it a bit more laborious to find help on your own. A contact form is also available.

GOOD OPTION FOR EXPERIENCED USERS:PrivateVPN’s protection is an attractive option for experienced computer users looking for fast connections. Users looking for wide-ranging app support or global server networks are advised to look elsewhere. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s global server network includes 1,000+ servers, based in close to 50 countries around the globe, the UAE included. While that is far from the largest network on this list, the network does an admirable job of providing access to geo-fenced content in those countries.

The provider’s blazingly-fast connections make easy work of video streaming, sharing files, and online gaming. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to deal with when using Atlas.

Atlas VPN protects its connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider’s “Safebrowse” feature protects you from online dangers and pesky ads.

The provider runs its servers 100% free of user logs, meaning no records of your online travels are to be found. A cryptocurrency payment option helps keep your payment information undercover.

Atlas VPN offers native app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Atlas is one of the few VPNs on this list to offer an app for Apple TVs running tvOS 17. Browser extensions and router support are not currently available.

Atlas VPN customers can connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s servers.

Live chat is limited to paying customers, although all customers have access to a contact form, email support, and a support library.

UNLIMITED ONLINE PROTECTION:Atlas VPN follows an unlimited server connections policy, making it a good VPN option for large families or small businesses. The provider’s speedy connections deliver well-protected access to geo-fenced content around much of the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Dubai

Dubai residents or visitors in search of a quality VPN to protect their internet activities while in the UAE should carefully research VPN service providers’ offerings before deciding which one is right for your needs. Not all VPNs will provide the features you require, and you’ll want some assurance that your VPN of choice will fit your needs.

These are the most important feature to consider when choosing a VPN for Dubai:

• Connection speed: A fast connection is your best friend, no matter what online activity you plan to enjoy while using a VPN. The VPNs I include on my list offer impressive connection speeds, which are verified via periodic connection speed testing.
• Server network: If you’re looking to access Dubai-based content while you’re traveling or working abroad, you want to find a provider with servers located inside of UAE borders. You’ll also want servers located around the globe if you want to access geo-blocked content in other countries. A large number of servers in a single country is a bonus, as it helps to ensure that no individual server will be overloaded with many users all trying to connect at once.
• Value: You can calculate a VPN provider’s true value by comparing its services with the price it asks. Each VPN on my list offers a price that is commensurate with what it offers.
• Ease of use: A VPN’s apps should be easy to use and be available for popular device platforms. All of the VPNs on my list offer intuitive apps.
• Security and privacy: No matter where you’re located you may be subjected to monitoring, tracking, and other online dangers. A VPN should offer, at the very least, banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection to keep your online activities undercover. A no-logs policy is also a must, as it will ensure that no logs of your online activities are ever saved.
• Streaming: Video streaming is a popular activity among internet users, and VPNs should be capable of offering access to geo-blocked streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

The list above covers only some of the features I researched as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven research provides an in-depth understanding of each provider, allowing me to only recommend those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN in Dubai

All the VPN providers I’ve taken a look at in this article do an efficient job of protecting your internet connections while you’re in Dubai.

Be advised, however, that Dubai is inside the United Arab Emirates, and UAE officials are known to block the websites of several VPN providers.

So, I strongly advise you to subscribe to a VPN provider and install the provider’s apps on your devices before entering UAE airspace.

If you’re looking to keep your online activities from being monitored or restricted while inside Dubai city limits, follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice.
2. Install the VPN’s native app(s) to your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN’s network.
4. Select and connect to a VPN server located anywhere outside of Dubai (UAE) borders.
5. Enjoy your internet freedom.

Important note: While the use of a VPN is technically illegal in Dubai, you likely won’t be prosecuted for simply using a VPN. However, you could face charges for using one in the commission of illegal activities. For more information, read the “Are VPNs Legal in Dubai?” section later in this article.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use in Dubai?

I generally advise against using a free VPN for any online activity, but I want to strongly discourage their use inside an overly restrictive area like Dubai.

The most important thing any VPN should do is to protect your online activities from being detected and investigated. A free VPN doesn’t offer an optimal level of protection for either of those.

Like any business, so-called “free” VPNs need to cover their expenses. Many freebie providers keep logs of their users’ online travels, selling that information to advertisers and other interested parties.

If a free VPN provider sells that information to the highest bidder, they’ll likely buckle under pressure from Dubai officials.

While on the subject of privacy, you should know that many free VPN providers have been known to inject unwanted advertisements and tracking cookies into their users’ web browsing sessions. (Those tracking cookies hang around even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN provider’s servers.)

Using a free VPN can often be inconvenient. Some will force their users to wait in a holding queue before being allowed to connect to their servers. Once allowed to connect, the server selection is limited, and that’s if you’re allowed to select a server and not automatically connect to a server of the provider’s choice.

You’ll also find that free VPNs will limit your usage, imposing daily or monthly data caps or throttling your connection speeds.

Really, does any of this make a free VPN provider sound like an optimal online protection solution? It doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Dubai?

Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Freedom House gives the UAE an aggregate 2021 Internet Freedom Score of 27/100 (100 = Most Free, 0 = Least Free). That score ranks as “Not Free” on the website’s Freedom Score scale.

The Dubai/UAE government blocks any apps and websites that link to or contain any content related to gambling, pornography, or terrorism.

Also blocked are sites that contain materials criticizing the government or that discuss social taboos. During 2021, one man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a Facebook post criticizing the Jordanian royal family. The government frequently uses cyberattacks against activists and online journalists.

A VPN routes your internet connections through a tunnel of encrypted protection, preventing any monitoring or restricting of your online activities. 

This keeps the government and the local ISP from monitoring or blocking your online travels, and also helps to keep your identity safe from the government should you post anything “controversial.” This is especially valuable in overly restrictive locales such as Dubai.

How to Maximize Your Privacy in Dubai

Before connecting to your VPN’s servers from inside heavily restricted areas like Dubai, I strongly recommend doing the following.

Enable every protection that your VPN provider offers. Use the OpenVPN protocol if it’s available. If kill switch protection, auto-reconnect, obfuscation features, “scrambling”, and other security features are available, enable them. Anything that can protect your online activities, turn it on.

In addition to in-app features, there are other ways to maximize your anonymity, such as avoiding public WiFi hotspots, using an encrypted email provider, and using a secure browser, like Tor.

Are VPNs Legal in Dubai?

Although the use of a VPN service from inside Dubai is technically illegal, the government isn’t apt to arrest you simply for using a VPN. However, they will nab you if you’re using a VPN connection to conduct criminal activities.

Using a VPN in the commission of illegal activities can bring additional charges, resulting in fines of 500,000 AED to 2,000,000 AED ($140,000 USD to $540,000 USD, at current exchange rates).

Those illegal activities include data and identity theft, bank fraud, and other cybercrimes. Using a banned VoIP service can also be punishable under that same law.

While I strongly advise you to play it safe while using a VPN from inside the city of Dubai, I wouldn’t worry about the local officials prosecuting you for using a VPN to view your favorite episode of Letterkenny on Hulu.

Does a VPN Offer Any Additional Advantages?

In addition to keeping your online activities undercover, a VPN offers numerous other features to enhance your online life.

A VPN is an excellent tool for opening access to streaming, gaming, and other content and services that might normally be blocked in your region of the globe. Streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Netflix geographically block access to some of their content due to their agreements with movie and television studios.

A VPN also offers protection from your ISP’s ability to throttle your connection speeds if you’re accessing “non-approved” services, such as P2P file sharing.

The encrypted connections that your VPN provider offers also help keep your personal information from the prying eyes of the bad guys, such as that shifty fellow with the WiFi Pineapple down at Starbucks.

It keeps your banking, online shopping, and bill-paying info safe when using an unprotected public WiFi hotspot, like those found at Starbucks and other public locations.

Dubai VPN FAQs

What’s the Best VPN in Dubai for Video Calls?

When looking for a VPN to use in Dubai to protect and enhance your video calls, look for a provider that offers reliable connections, excellent connection protection, and a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN offers all of that and more.

Can I Use a VPN for Dubai Online Shopping?

Yes. I strongly recommend that you use a VPN for online shopping, no matter where you may be. Also use it for banking, paying bills, gaming, or any other online activity.

What Content is Blocked in Dubai?

Any content that “contradicts with the ethics and morality of the UAE” is blocked. Examples include:

• Pornography
• VoIP sites and services
• Gambling sites
• Anti-religious hate speech
• Websites related to the production, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs
• Content that is contrary to the beliefs of the Sunni majority
• Numerous Wikipedia pages
• Israeli websites

Conclusion

While Dubai may do its best to restrict its inhabitants’ internet access, a VPN offers the best available set of tools to preserve your online freedom.

A reliable VPN service – such as the #1 choice for use in Dubai, NordVPN – offers the best way to avoid internet censorship and to protect your online travels from being monitored and restricted.

NordVPN offers fast connections to a global network of VPN servers, offering optimal access to a world of content and services that users might normally never have the ability to enjoy. Their well-protected connections prevent users from being persecuted for their online choices.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.