Best VPN for Etisalat

If you are traveling to or live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and numerous other countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, you may be using Etisalat to connect to the internet. The communications provider is the main internet provider in the UAE, with a customer network of millions of subscribers.

Once you’re connected to the internet in the UAE, you will find that the internet is a strongly censored place. As a government-run organization, Etisalat heavily censors all internet content before it makes it to the user. Anti-Islamic websites, adult content, video sharing sites and VoIP services such as Skype are all blocked by Etisalat.

Can a VPN Protect Me While Using Etisalat?

Luckily, visitors and residents of the UAE can evade Etisalat’s internet roadblocks by using a Virtual Private Network.

But not just any VPN. The UAE government is especially restrictive when it comes to VPNs. In fact, most VPNs will not work from inside of the UAE – only a few still reliably work from there.

Keep in mind that the battle between VPN providers and the UAE government is ongoing. While the seven VPNs I’ve listed here work at the time of this writing, there’s no guarantee that they’ll work tomorrow.

Luckily, all seven of these providers offer a no-strings money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if your VPN of choice stops working inside of the UAE.

Best Etisalat VPNs

I tested all of my favorite VPN providers, and the seven listed below proved to offer reliable access to an unblocked internet when connected to the Etisalat network in the UAE. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick summary:

1. NordVPN: #1 Etisalat VPN. This provider delivers reliable, fast access to the internet in the free world. Its Double VPN and obfuscated server options help ensure your VPN-related activities will be undetectable.
2. Surfshark: Best Budget-Priced VPN. This is the low-price leader in this roundup, providing reliable access to the internet without breaking the bank. Surfshark still works in UAE, thanks to its No Borders Mode and Camouflage Mode that disguises your VPN activity as normal internet traffic.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds, with reliable VPN servers stationed around the world that all offer top-notch online security and privacy.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for rookie VPN users. Easy-to-use apps for most popular platforms, providing protected access to a massive global server network, providing easy-to-use protection and enhancement for your online travels.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN for Etisalat. This VPN’s global server network provides reliable, well-protected, and fast access to geo-fenced content around the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN. This lesser-known VPN provider has a small but mighty server network. So far, PrivateVPN continues to work in the UAE. The provider allows up to 6 simultaneous connections.
7. Atlas VPN: Excellent VPN services. This provider’s global server network could definitely stand to be bigger. However, that is likely to improve, as NordVPN’s parent recently acquired Atlas.

While there are hundreds of VPNs available, only a few can reliably break through Etisalat’s UAE online roadblocks. To make it on this list, these VPNs had to offer the following.

• Unblocks content from inside the UAE and other countries
• Servers located around the globe
• Fast connection speeds with no data caps
• Military-level encryption
• No server logs
• Excellent customer support

Here is my list of the best VPNs for use with Etisalat:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN provides the best VPN protection for users on the Etisalat network. This reasonably-priced provider delivers protection usually found only from providers well above its pay-grade.

The provider has 5,500+ servers located in nearly 60 countries. Those servers do a top-notch job of unblocking the internet when you’re connected to Etisalat’s network. The provider is adding privacy to its global server network by moving it to a fully owned-and-operated model, meaning third-party contractors will no longer have access to customers’ personal information.

Those servers include special obfuscation-capable servers, as well as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers, all of which help hide your VPN activity. (See here for more information about these features.)

NordVPN delivers some of the fastest connections I’ve ever seen and its connections are certainly up to any online activity you want to throw at it. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are to be found here.

Military-grade encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection all combine to provide optimal connection protection. The provider’s NordLynx protocol (based on Wireguard) is optimized for performance and protection.

Meanwhile, the provider’s servers save no logs of any kind, so no records of your online antics can ever come back and bite you. Plus, the provider’s Bitcoin payment option allows you to go completely incognito, and that’s a definite plus in the UAE. The provider runs all server operations 100% from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server when it is rebooted.

Customer support is available around the clock thanks to 24/7 support chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Native app support is available for all of the most popular platforms, including the iOS, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire platforms. There are browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms. Router support is also available.

BEST VPN FOR ETISALAT:NordVPN offers optimal protection for your connection to Etisalat. The provider’s lightning-fast speeds, wide global server coverage and comprehensive app support will all enhance your experience. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers a couple of handy features to help you unblock the outside world while using the Etisalat network, and it doesn’t charge a high price for them.

The provider has a fast-growing global server network made up of 3,200+ servers stationed in 95 countries (including the UAE). The provider says it provides access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Thanks to Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, which disguises your VPN activity as normal internet traffic, and its MultiHop server mode, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers, you are able to unblock the entire internet and go undetected while you’re doing it.

If your ISP-provided speeds are up to handling your favorite online pastimes, there will be no worries about whether Surfshark can handle it. Video streaming, online gaming, and sharing files, Surfshark can handle it. And, there are no data caps or bandwidth limitations to spoil the fun!

Those speedy connections are protected by military-level encryption, DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch feature. Ad and tracker blocking, as well as phishing and malware protection, are all present and accounted for. Throw in the previously mentioned Camouflage Mode and MultiHop server option, and it all adds up to comprehensive online protection.

Privacy is also never an issue, as the provider never saves any user logs on their servers and accepts numerous forms of cryptocurrency as payment.

Surfshark offers around-the-clock customer support, including 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library/FAQ section, and a support request form.

The provider offers native app support for the major device platforms, including Android, Android TV, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), iOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms, and the provider works with a large number of router makes and models.

Surfshark offers unlimited concurrent connections on a single set of login credentials.

BEST FOR BUDGET:If you’re not an oil sheik, you may be looking to save a few bucks. Surfshark can help you do that. The provider delivers fast, reliable access to the world on an unlimited number of simultaneous devices on a single set of login credentials. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers reliable connections, which somehow manage to fly under the Etisalat radar. Its fast speeds and worldwide server coverage give you access to plenty of content around the globe.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers stationed in 94 countries around the globe. They provide excellent access to internet content that might normally be blocked while on Etisalat’s UAE-based internet network.

ExpressVPN provides speeds that will easily handle any of your favorite online activities, especially streaming. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions are ever imposed on customers’ online activities.

In addition to spoofing your IP address to make it appear as if you’re connecting from another country, the provider offers other connection protections. Protections include military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS leak protection.

You’ll have no worries about the UAE government acquiring logs related to your online travels, as this provider follows a strict no-logs policy.

ExpressVPN uses “TrustedServer” technology, which ensures all data is never written to a physical hard drive, meaning all data is completely wiped each time a server is rebooted. Plus, you can have total anonymity by using a disposable email address in conjunction with the provider’s Bitcoin payment option.

Around-the-clock support is available thanks to the provider’s 24/7 live chat support, email support, and support ticket system. They also provide a searchable support and troubleshooting library.

The provider offers native app support for all of the top device platforms – including the iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms – and also offers excellent router compatibility. The provider also offers browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN’s fast connection speeds, its thousands of servers across the globe and its excellent content-unblocking ability all make it a top-notch option for streaming your favorite international shows and movies. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

If you’re new to the VPN scene, you’ll appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful applications for most popular devices.

The provider’s large global server network is made up of 7,000+ servers based in 90+ countries around the globe. Many of the provider’s servers are optimized for streaming and file sharing activity.

CyberGhost protects its users’ connections by using military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and an automatic kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking, malware protection, and the ability to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages are all available.

A no-server-logs policy, along with a cryptocurrency subscription payment option, keeps you covered on the privacy end of things.

The provider’s fast connections can easily handle your favorite online activities, including HD streaming, online gaming and more. Plus, you never need to worry about the fun being cut short because of data caps or bandwidth throttling.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app lineup includes offerings for the Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available, as is extensive router compatibility.

Up to 7 devices can connect at once on an account.

Alongside the provider’s comprehensive VPN services, CyberGhost also offers Windows antivirus and anti-malware protection, a password manager, alerts if and when your email is exposed in a data breach, and other protective measures.

24/7 support chat, email support, a trouble ticket system and searchable support database have your customer support needs covered around the clock.

EASY-TO-USE OPTION FOR ROOKIES:First-time VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use but powerful VPN services. An impressive global server network delivers fast, well-protected connections for an array of devices. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to geo-protected content.

A fairly impressive global server network boasts 3,300+ servers, spread among 80 or so countries. This provides reliable access to geo-fenced content around most of the globe.

All PIA-provided connections are protected by government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and kill switch protection. Ad, tracker, malware, and malicious website blocking services are also available.

All PIA servers run user log free, meaning there is no evidence to expose your online activities. Cryptocurrency payment options help keep your subscription payment information private, especially when a disposable email address is used to sign up.

While PIA’s download speeds are not as impressively fast as those offered by other provider’s on this list, it provides more than enough horsepower to handle any popular online activities. No restrictions like data caps or throttling to worry about here.

PIA has most popular device platforms covered, including Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Meanwhile, the provider’s router support protects all of your router-connected devices.

Users can connect up to 10 devices at once to PIA’s servers.

PIA customer support options include live support chat, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR ETISALAT:Private Internet Access delivers reliable access to geo-protected content located around the world, via its well-protected, fast connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN earns the 6th spot in this lineup thanks to its ability to work well in highly restricted countries like the UAE (as well as China).

While the provider’s global server coverage is a bit limited, with 200+ servers in 60 countries, its servers do a good job of tunneling under roadblocks put up by overly restrictive governments.

PrivateVPN delivers fast connection speeds, providing plenty of horsepower for all of your online activities. The provider won’t slow down your fast UAE connection speeds. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about having your connection throttled or dealing with daily or monthly data caps.

This provider is no slob in the connection security arena thanks to its military-grade encryption, auto-reconnect option, nifty “Stealth VPN” obfuscation feature, IPv6 leak protection, and more.

Privacy after the fact is also never an issue thanks to PrivateVPN’s “no server logs” policy. If you want to go totally incognito, use a disposable email address and the provider’s Bitcoin payment option.

The provider’s customer support department offers live support chat, which they claim is available 24/7, but I’ve visited the site plenty of times when it wasn’t available. Also available are a support contact form and Getting Started and FAQ areas, although neither area offers search capabilities.

Native app support is limited to the top 4 device platforms. However, you can protect other device platforms by taking advantage of the provider’s router capabilities.

RECOMMENDED FOR MOST RESTRICTIVE COUNTRIES:PrivateVPN is an attractive option for travelers who visit countries that are ruled by restrictive regimes. The provider has proven roadblock-busting power. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Etisalat viewers will appreciate Atlas VPN’s quality VPN protection.

The provider has a somewhat limited global server network, with 750+ servers distributed among nearly 35 countries. However, the server network does deliver reliable access to geographically-controlled content in the regions where it stations servers.

Atlas VPN’s connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and other layers of protection. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus protection keeps you and your device from multiple online perils, including those pesky unwanted ads.

Atlas VPN servers save absolutely no usage logs, meaning no records are ever kept of your online antics. Unfortunately, a cryptocurrency payment option is not available.

This provider’s fast connections are more than up to your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

Native app support from the provider includes options for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Unfortunately, Linux support, browser extensions, and router support are not available. However, Atlas says all three features are currently in development.

An unlimited number of devices can be simultaneously connected to Atlas VPN’s server network on a single user account.

While live support access is limited to paying subscribers, everyone has access to email, a contact form, and a support library.

UNLIMITED ETISALAT PROTECTION:Atlas VPN’s reliable online security and privacy provides protection for most popular connected devices. Access to geo-challenged content around much of the globe is available. A 30-day money-back guarantee available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Etisalat

Since many of the countries where Etisalat are at best, “partially free,” any VPN service provider that you consider should offer access to Etisalat while also offering optimal online security and privacy protections. Never select a VPN provider without first considering both features and performance.

Below, you’ll find the categories that I always consider whenever I assess VPNs for this particular task:

• Connection speeds: A VPN’s bandwidth is an important factor to keep in mind. If you choose one of the VPNs on my list, you’ll find they do little to slow your connection to an unusable level.
• Global server network: Make sure you choose a VPN that has servers located in the same region of the world where you enjoy your content. Plus, consider how many servers are located in each region. The more servers, the better the chance that no individual server will be hit with too many users at once.
• Value: To determine a VPN provider’s true value, simply compare its features and functionality to its asking price. All of the VPNs on my list provide an excellent value.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer apps for as many popular devices as possible. The apps should also be easy to use. The VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should protect your online security and privacy, keeping your online activities undercover. A VPN should offer, at the very least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must.
• Streaming: Video streaming is arguably one of the most popular activities for today’s VPN users. The VPNs on my list offer reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Etisalat, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.

This isn’t the only research I do. The above considerations are merely a bit of my overall comprehensiveVPN testing methodology. My data-based approach allows me to analyze and to better understand each VPN and its services, and recommend only those VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN on the Etisalat Network in the UAE?

While UAE Internet Service Providers (like Etisalat) have anti-VPN measures in place to attempt to block VPN usage, UAE law says that VPN usage is illegal only if you use it to commit a crime.

The country’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) is charged with internet censorship in the UAE, and it prohibits content that is “contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, public national security, Islam morality or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law, regulation, procedure, order or requirement.”

Examples of prohibited content include:

• Using VoIP services (such as Skype)
• Accessing pornography or nudity
• Fraud, phishing, or impersonation
• Drugs
• Gambling (betting, lottery, online casinos)
• Racism, discrimination, contempt of religion

Using a VPN in the commission of illegal activities can result in additional charges. Fines can vary between 500,000 AED to 2,000,000 AED ($136,000 USD to $545,000 USD, at current exchange rates).

Illegal activities can also include cybercrimes (such as data and identity theft), bank fraud, and other nefarious schemes.

Is a Free VPN a Valid Option For Use on the Etisalat Network?

If you’re a regular visitor to this site, you’ll know that I am not a fan of free VPNs. That said, trying to use a VPN on the UAE-based Etisalat network could lead to legal trouble, depending on what your online activities consist of.

First off, let’s cover the main thing you should worry about: your online privacy.

Many “free” VPN providers make their money by monitoring their customers’ online activities and then selling that information to the highest bidder. What if the highest bidder is the UAE government?

Plus, other freebie VPNs have also been found injecting unwanted advertisements and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. (FYI, those tracking cookies stick around even if you’re not connected to the VPN provider’s servers.)

There are also non-privacy-related reasons for not using a free VPN provider. Many gratis VPNs throttle their users’ connection speeds and restrict their usage with daily or monthly data caps.

Plus, most free VPNs do not offer a large selection of VPN servers for their customers’ use. That means there’s a very good chance a free VPN would be blocked inside the UAE.

I strongly advise that you not attempt to use a free VPN, as your privacy is of utmost importance when you’re using the internet in the UAE, and a free VPN just doesn’t cut it.

What Else Can a VPN Do?

A VPN is an excellent way to keep your online travels undercover in the UAE, as well as to open up access to blocked content. However, it also offers other features that enhance and protect your online activities.

A VPN is also a handy tool to ensure your online privacy and security when you’re connected to the internet via an unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot, like those found in coffee shops and hotels.

Many Wi-Fi hotspots do not require a password to connect to the network. This means the connection is not encrypted, leaving your online activities open to the observation of other users.

Even if the hotspot requires a password, it may not be secured properly, leaving you open to data theft or man-in-the-middle attacks while shopping or banking online.

A VPN can also enhance your online activities by preventing your ISP from throttling your connection speeds or blocking your activities.

Some Internet Service Providers have been caught throttling or blocking customers’ connections if they’re found to be engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as P2P file-sharing or viewing content from certain streaming providers.

A VPN prevents your ISP from doing any of the above by encasing your internet connection in a protective tunnel of encryption, preventing monitoring of your activities. They can’t block what they can’t see.

Etisalat VPN FAQs

Conclusion

I heartily advise that Etisalat users in the UAE who are looking to protect and enhance their online activities subscribe to a Virtual Private Network.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your online activities from the prying eyes of Etisalat, the UAE government, and the bad guys.

A VPN also offers the ability to access websites, streaming services, gaming servers, and other services that may normally be blocked when inside UAE borders.

NordVPN provides reliable protection for your online activities, while also opening up access to services that are normally unavailable in the UAE. The provider delivers fast connection speeds, excellent multi-platform app support, and top-notch customer support. The provider’s privacy protections are some of the best available in the VPN industry.

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