The 6 Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp Calling in UAE

At a Glance

WhatsApp, along with multiple other VoIP services and messaging apps, is blocked in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), making it a pain to stay in touch with friends and family around the globe, unless you’re willing to pay for a government-approved service like C’Me or BOTIM.

Government-approved services are a particularly dreadful alternative to WhatsApp due to the UAE government’s attitude toward encryption, which means your conversations could be subject to being monitored.

However, there is a way to keep your WhatsApp calls and messages unblocked and encrypted.

Can a VPN Help Me Use WhatsApp in the UAE?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can bypass internet roadblocks, including those the UAE erects to prevent WhatsApp usage.

A VPN encrypts a user’s internet connection while also optionally routing the connection through a server based in another region of the world. This not only enables WhatsApp usage but also provides access to other geo-blocked content from around the globe.

A VPN’s encrypted connection protection acts as a tunnel, which hides all of your internet travels from any nosy parties, such as hackers, your Internet Service Provider, or the UAE government.

Before using a VPN inside of UAE borders, keep in mind that the use of a VPN in the UAE is somewhat of a gray area. In most cases, as long as you’re not using a VPN to commit a crime, you’re likely to not be prosecuted.

However, I suggest you play it safe and take a look at some relevant legislation before using a VPN in the UAE.

Also, be sure to subscribe to a VPN and install the provider’s app before entering UAE airspace, as some VPNs are blocked in the UAE.

Here are the six best VPNs to unblock and protect your WhatsApp calling from inside the UAE.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp Calling in the UAE

The following six VPNs offer the best way to unblock and protect your WhatsApp messaging service in the UAE.

The best VPNs for WhatsApp in the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Number one WhatsApp VPN for UAE. This top-ranked provider delivers top-notch protection, fast connections, an above-average global server network, and excellent native app support. It does all of this at a reasonable price and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget WhatsApp VPN option. This is the low-price leader among the top six, delivering reliable access to WhatsApp connections as well as ramming through geo-blocked content roadblocks around the globe. Surfshark is an excellent option for users on a tight budget.
3. ExpressVPN: Excellent premium VPN option. While this provider does charge a premium price, it offers premium VPN service in return. The provider offers the fastest connection speeds around, a wide-ranging global server network, and excellent protection for a multitude of connected devices.
4. CyberGhost: Great WhatsApp VPN for rookie users. This provider is an excellent VPN option for users with little to no experience in using VPNs and other types of security utilities. CyberGhost offers an excellent selection of easy-to-use apps that provide access to the largest global server network on this list.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable online protection for WhatsApp. PIA has a reliable server network, providing comprehensive security and privacy protection, keeping your WhatsApp activity hidden.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN. While the provider has a small global server network, it provides reliable and protected access to WhatsApp conversations. Its “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN activity by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

All top six WhatsApp calling in the UAE unblocking VPNs were ranked according to the following factors:

• Online security
• No-logs privacy protection
• Connection speeds
• Global server coverage
• Multi-platform support
• Customer support

You can read more about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp Calling in UAE – Summary table

Here I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs. If you prefer to read the in-depth reviews start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for unblocking WhatsApp.

Here’s my list of the top six VPNs to unblock and protect your WhatsApp conversations from inside UAE borders.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is the top VPN provider on this list for UAE-based WhatsApp users looking to protect their online activities.

No worries about your online activities being monitored thanks to the provider’s use of military-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Obfuscated servers, as well as ad and malware blocking, add another level of protection.

The provider’s no-logs policy keeps your online activities from being recorded and exposed, while a Bitcoin payment option helps keep your subscription info undercover. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from your data. NordVPN also runs all of its servers directly and solely from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is completely wiped when a server is powered down or restarted.

NordVPN’s download speeds are some of the best around, providing plenty of bandwidth for all of your online activities. Plus, you never have to worry that the provider will restrict your activities with daily or monthly data caps.

With a global server network of close to 5,800 servers in 60+ countries around the world, very little geo-blocked content will be inaccessible to you.

Apps are available for macOS (with native Apple silicon support), iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, and Linux device platforms. Up to six devices can be connected at once via the same login. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is excellent router compatibility. (Pre-configured routers are available.)

Around-the-clock help is made up of 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP IN THE UAE:NordVPN is the top choice for online users who are looking for the best VPN to use with WhatsApp. The provider offers excellent online protection for numerous device platforms via a large global server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

While this provider’s low prices are some of the best around, so are its VPN services.

All Surfshark-provided connections are protected by government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Malware and phishing protections are also available, as is ad and tracker blocking.

The provider’s “Camouflage” feature hides your VPN activity by disguising it as normal browser traffic. An optional “MultiHop” feature can double up on anonymity and encryption by routing your internet traffic through a duo of VPN servers.

Surfshark’s no-server-logs policy means there are no details recorded about your online travels. A private Bitcoin payment option helps protect your payment privacy, especially when it’s used with a disposable email address. The provider also now runs its servers solely from RAM, meaning all data is wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.

The provider’s connections can easily handle any of your favorite online activities, including streaming video, playing games, or chatting with your friends. These no-data-caps and never-throttled connections can easily handle it.

Surfshark’s global server network size was at one time its biggest “con.” However, in the last year or so, the network has grown like wildfire and currently stands at 3,200+ servers based in 100+ countries.

macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, and Amazon Fire apps are available, as are Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions. The provider is compatible with numerous routers.

The provider puts no limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers.

Always-available customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a contact form, and a searchable support library.

BEST LOW-PRICED VPN OPTION:Users on a tight budget will appreciate Surfshark’s bargain-priced extended subscription options, as well as its high level of services. The provider offers comprehensive global server coverage and app support, unlimited, fast connections, and more, all for a bargain price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an admittedly expensive VPN provider that actually provides an excellent return on investment.

The service uses military-strength 256-bit AES encryption to keep your communications protected, while an automatic kill switch prevents your activities from being exposed if you lose connection to the provider’s servers.

The provider’s no-logs policy means there are no records of your online activities. Also available is an anonymous Bitcoin payment option. Plus, ExpressVPN uses a proprietary “TrustedServer” technology that runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means all data is wiped from the server each time it is rebooted.

This provider’s connection speeds are quite fast. The provider never spoils a good time by imposing data caps or bandwidth limitations on its customers’ data usage.

The ExpressVPN global server network is made up of over 3,000 servers located in nearly 95 countries. This provides access to geo-blocked content in most of the world.

WhatsApp is available on Windows, macOS (with Apple silicon Mac support), Android, iOS, and Windows Phone device platforms. ExpressVPN offers app support for every one of those platforms except Windows Phone. The provider also offers apps for the Linux and Amazon Fire platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Brave, Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, and Firefox platforms.

Up to five devices can be signed in at once using your ExpressVPN login credentials. If that isn’t enough, you can take advantage of the service’s compatibility with multiple router makes and models.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 chat, email support, a searchable support library, and a trouble ticket system.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN is a premium-priced VPN provider that offers a great return on investment. If you’re willing to put down a few extra bucks per month for a premium VPN service, you’ll appreciate what ExpressVPN has to offer. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN option for WhatsApp users who have little to no experience with VPNs.

Online security is provided by military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak protection. Blocking of ads and trackers is available, as is the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages when they’re available.

The provider’s no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option keep your privacy well undercover.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds can easily handle WhatsApp, video streaming, and just about any other online activity you wish to engage in. CyberGhost never imposes bandwidth limitations or data caps.

At the time of this article, the CyberGhost global server network is made up of over 9,000 servers, based in 90+ countries, providing access to WhatsApp, as well as geo-blocked content around the globe.

CyberGhost provides comprehensive app support, with easy-to-use apps available for the macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions also make an appearance.

For users who need more than seven simultaneous connections, you can take advantage of the provider’s wide-ranging router compatibility. (Pre-configured routers are available from FlashRouters.com.)

24/7 live chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library make up the provider’s around-the-clock customer support.

BEST VPN FOR NEW USERS:CyberGhost’s VPN apps offer plenty of security and privacy power, while providing one-click access to a massive global server network. New VPN users could do much worse than giving this provider a try. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a large global server network, (3,300+ servers in 84+ countries), providing reliable access to content around much of the globe, including WhatsApp conversations.

PIA does a top-notch job of protecting its users’ connections, providing additional protection for your WhatsApp activities, thanks to its use of government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The service also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

All PIA servers are run 100% free of user logs, keeping your online activities incognito. Bitcoin is a subscription payment option, protecting your payment information. Plus, all PIA servers are now run solely from RAM. This means that all data is securely wiped from a server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.

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

PIA now allows users to concurrently connect as many devices as they’d like to its servers.

The provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list. That said, its connections deliver more than enough bandwidth to handle WhatsApp and your other favorite online pastimes. There is never a worry about data caps or bandwidth throttling with this provider.

Live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database are all available when you require assistance.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR WHATSAPP:PIA provides unlimited protection for WhatsApp-compatible devices. PIA’s well-protected connections are available from an impressive global server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network is rather limited, as it spreads 200+ servers among 63+ countries around the globe. That said, the provider offers access to geo-fenced content where it has a server.

All PrivateVPN-provided connections are protected with military-level 256-bit AES encryption, as well as IP and DNS leak prevention. A “Stealth VPN” protection option disguises your VPN activity, by making it appear to be regular browser traffic.

PrivateVPN doesn’t log your online activities. A Bitcoin payment option is also available.

The provider’s connection speeds, while the slowest on this list, can easily handle WhatsApp, streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes.

PrivateVPN provides apps only for the four top device platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows), and browser extensions are nowhere to be found. The provider does work with Linux devices and select routers with a bit of manual setup.

Users can connect up to 10 devices at once.

Customer support options include email support, an FAQ library, and live chat.

STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION FOR UAE:PrivateVPN provides reliable and well-hidden access to WhatsApp, as well as the outside world, thanks to its “Stealth VPN” feature. While the provider has the least servers on this list, it provides fast and well-protected connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE

You should never simply pick a VPN at random for use with WhatsApp in the UAE. You need to carefully consider several factors.

The most important considerations when deciding on a VPN are listed below:

• Connection speed: Fast connection speeds are your friend when it comes to most popular online activities. The faster the download speeds, the faster you can download a game or begin watching video content. The VPNs on my list have been tested to ensure they offer sufficient speeds.
• Server network: The size of a global server network directly affects the access you’ll have to geo-blocked content around the globe. Also, look for providers with more than one server in a country. The more servers in a single country, the less chance of the servers being overloaded by too many users.
• Value: Always compare a VPN provider’s service offerings to its asking price. The VPNs on my list offer top value.
• Ease of use: VPN services should offer intuitive apps for popular device platforms. Any VPN on my list offers easy-to-use apps for a wide range of platforms.
• Security and privacy: Banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection are the minimum in online protection that you should settle for. Also, never settle for a provider that doesn’t have a strict no-logs policy.
• Streaming: Streaming is arguably one of the most popular pastimes for many VPN users. Each VPN on my list offers reliable access to streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

My data-driven VPN testing methodology doesn’t end here. In fact, the list above contains just a bit of what I researched. This in-depth approach allows me to accurately rate these VPNs, allowing me to recommend only those that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

In Addition to the UAE, Where Is WhatsApp Calling Banned?

WhatsApp protects its users’ messages and voice calls by using end-to-end encryption. That means the information encrypted on the sender’s device remains encrypted during the journey on the internet, and then can only be decrypted and viewed on the recipient’s device.

This means that anyone who can intercept a WhatsApp call or message cannot decrypt it. Even WhatsApp itself cannot decrypt it. This end-to-end strong encryption scheme is also used for similar apps, such as Signal, Apple’s iMessage, and FaceTime, and others.

While this level of security has made WhatsApp attractive to activists, dissidents, and journalists (and unfortunately also to the bad actors of the world), numerous restrictive governments around the globe are less than pleased and have banned apps like WhatsApp or blocked certain aspects of the service.

Countries banning or blocking the WhatsApp service include:

• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Montenegro
• Saudi Arabia
• The Gambia
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

Meanwhile, some other strict countries haven’t entirely blocked WhatsApp, but have blocked the app’s Voice over IP (VoIP) calling functionality. (Which works similarly to Microsoft’s Skype or Apple’s FaceTime.)

Some countries don’t ban WhatsApp VoIP calls because of the company’s use of end-to-end encryption. Instead, they do it out of fear that WhatsApp will cut into the profits of state-owned or authorized Voice over IP services.

WhatsApp calls are blocked in:

• United Arab Emirates
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Morocco
• Uzbekistan

How to Protect Your WhatsApp Calls With a VPN

Enhancing and protecting your WhatsApp calls and messages with a VPN is easy:

1. Subscribe to a VPN. (Seems logical, right?)
2. Install your chosen VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Select and connect to a VPN server. (Or use the “quick connect” feature.)
4. Securely conversate.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Protecting My WhatsApp Calls?

I won’t claim that you won’t find a free VPN that will work with WhatsApp. However, I will warn you that you’re not going to be satisfied (or well protected) by the free VPN experience.

First off, free VPN providers usually have lousy server networks. The number of server locations will usually be limited, and you may be automatically connected to a server of the free provider’s choice. (Plus, you may be forced to cool your heels in a virtual waiting room for a bit before any server action occurs.)

Freebie VPN connection speeds are notoriously slow. This is because VPN providers want to preserve their available bandwidth for use by their paying users. Even worse, most free providers inflict daily or monthly data caps on their free users. This means you could be in the middle of a WhatsApp call and you’ll be cut off from any protection.

You’ll also find that a free VPN is lacking in the “privacy” column.

Many free VPNs keep their servers humming by tracking and logging their users’ online travels, selling that valuable information to advertisers and anyone else with the money to pay for it. (There isn’t too much money floating around in the UAE, is there?)

In other cases, free VPNs have also been caught injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. Remember, those tracking cookies stick around, even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN.

WhatsApp is all about online privacy and security. Don’t risk that privacy by using a free VPN provider.

Conclusion

A Virtual Private Network busts through WhatsApp calling roadblocks, no matter where you are.

A VPN prevents overly restrictive folks, such as your country, school, or employer, from preventing you from staying in contact with friends and family via WhatsApp calling.

NordVPN offers the best way to enhance and protect your WhatsApp video and voice calls from inside the UAE or anywhere else in the world. The provider delivers video and audio streaming-capable connection speeds, excellent global server coverage, and top-notch encrypted connection protection.

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

WhatsApp Calling in UAE FAQs