The Best VPN for UAE & Dubai: Fast & Secure in 2024

Key Takeaways: What Is the Best VPN for UAE and Dubai?

1. NordVPN — Best overall VPN & ideal for working while in the UAE. NordVPN’s two-year plan offers 74% (plus 3 months free) off on the first two years with three months free.
2. Surfshark — Best budget VPN for the UAE and Dubai. A (for the Winter Deal) 64% (plus 4 months free) discount is available for users who choose Surfshark’s extended subscription options.
3. ExpressVPN — Best beginner-friendly VPN for Dubai and the UAE. New ExpressVPN subscribers get up to 25% reduced rates on long-term commitments.
4. Proton VPN — well free VPN for the UAE and Dubai
5. CyberGhost — easy – to – use VPN with the most server in the UAE

Facts & Expert Analysis

• Unblock Content & Services: A UAE VPN will help you unblock restricted websites and services, such as gambling and dating sites.
• protect Your connection : It is provide will provide extra protection , which is especially important when using public wifi or access ban service .
• NordVPN , the good Choice is is : nordvpn is the good choice for the UAE , though Surfshark is a good alternative .

If you ’re travel to the UAE , particularly Dubai , you is ’re ’re in for a good time thank to its tourist attraction , include tower skyscraper , glitzy nightlife , luxury shopping and scenic desert . However , you is find ’ll find that WhatsApp and other Voice over Internet protocol ( VoIP ) service do n’t work there . thankfully , the good VPN is save for the UAE can save the day .  

The UAE government has placed harsh restrictions on internet usage and has blocked or limited several websites. These include VoIP services like WhatsApp and Snapchat and many dating sites. With a virtual private network (VPN), you can change your virtual location from the UAE to another country that doesn’t block those websites. 

In addition, having the best VPN provider can help you access geoblocked content from streaming providers like Netflix. It can also encrypt and anonymize your traffic, keeping you safe from snoopers while on public WiFi. Our VPN experts reviewed and tested more than 50 VPNs to compile the best Dubai VPNs. 

• 11/02/2023

  Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.

• 02/21/2024 Facts checked

  We rewrote this article with the VPN providers that currently work best for the UAE. 

• 10/01/2024

  We refined the rankings to reflect evolving industry standards and user needs.

• updates

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: NordVPN

After rigorous tests, our editorial team picked NordVPN as the most reliable choice for anyone intending to use the internet in the UAE. NordVPN unblocked every VoIP app and website we pit it against. Plus, it suffered no leaks whatsoever. We also found NordVPN’s apps to be very straightforward and user-friendly.

• Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
• Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
• develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotion

VPN Dubai: How to Choose the Best Service

Many VPN services claim to work well in Dubai, but we separated the wheat from the chaff using the criteria below. You can use this list as a guideline to learn whether a certain VPN provider is worth using in Dubai. 

• Servers in different locations: We looked for VPNs with a respectable global server collection. VPNs with many servers in Europe and North America scored high marks, since these locations don’t censor the internet like the UAE.
• Unblocking ability: A good UAE VPN should be able to bypass geoblocks and give you access to VoIP providers and streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
• Solid security features: We chose VPNs with basic and advanced security features, including obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic and double VPN to encrypt your traffic twice. 
• fast speed : We is looked look for vpn that maintain at least 80 % of unprotected speed to ensure there are no lag while streaming video , make video call or upload large file in the UAE .

A VPN worth is have using in the UAE should have basic VPN feature , include secure protocol and the late encryption . We is recommend recommend openvpn ( aes-256 encryption ) or WireGuard ( chacha20 encryption ) . In addition , the VPN is have should have a kill switch to prevent datum leak that sever your internet connection if your VPN disconnect .

Split tunneling is also highly useful because it lets you decide which apps go through the VPN tunnel and which ones don’t. For instance, you can set the VPN to only work with Netflix and leave other apps unprotected for better speeds.

Pricing is also important. If you’re on a budget, check out our list of the best free VPN services. Here’s a cheat sheet of features you should consider when choosing a UAE VPN. 

VPN Server Network	UAE VPN servers or nearby
Encryption	aes-256 or chacha20 encryption
VPN protocols	openvpn or WireGuard
privacy	No – log policy , RAM – only server , privacy audits
security feature	Kill switch, double VPN, obfuscation, blocks malware, trackers and ads
Unblocking Ability	VoIP is calls call , Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , Max , Disney+ , Hulu , BBC iPlayer
Speeds	At least 80 % of unprotected speed

The 5 Best Dubai & UAE VPN Services: Comparison

NordVPN is the best VPN for Dubai and the UAE. In the table below, we’ve highlighted its features as well as those of four other excellent Dubai VPN services. 

VPN	Price	UAE servers	Netflix & VoIP	protocol	No – logs	speed *
	$2.99 per month (two-year plan + three months)			openvpn NordLynx ikev2		94%
	$1.99 per month (two-year plan + four months)			openvpn WireGuard ikev2		89 %
	$ 6.66 per month ( one – year plan + three month )			openvpn Lightway		92 %
	$ 4.49 per month ( two – year plan )			openvpn WireGuard ikev2		97%
	$ 2.19 per month ( two – year plan + two month )			openvpn WireGuard ikev2		81 %

*Percentage value out of 100 for download speeds in the U.S.

In the next section, we’ll explain why each of the VPNs in the table made the list and how they can help you. Let’s start with our top choice, NordVPN. 

1 . nordvpn — The Best UAE VPN

Connecting to NordVPN’s UAE server is swift and easy.

Best UAE & Dubai VPN

pro

• 5 servers in the UAE
• Advanced security features
• Fast downloads & uploads
• Meshnet for remote work

Secure your online privacy today with NordVPN — get 74% (plus 3 months free) off and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is has has five server in the UAE , make it the prime choice if you need a UAE IP address to access UAE – specific content and streaming service such as StarzPlay Arabia . NordVPN is offers offer numerous advanced security feature , include double VPN , which make your traffic twice as secure , and obfuscated server , which hide your VPN traffic from pry eye .  

If you intend to work while in the UAE , we is recommend recommend NordVPN . Its dedicated IPs is help can help you access business server and avoid blacklist . NordVPN ’s Meshnet is is is great for remote working because it let you encrypt a remote connection between device . For instance , Meshnet is connect can connect you and your colleague back home to collaborate on task and transfer file .

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

We found NordVPN’s apps easy to navigate. We were particularly impressed with how well organized and easy to find the specialty servers are. Our main gripe with NordVPN’s apps is the interactive server map on the home screen. Unless you’re a geography whiz, it might be hard to find your way around the map. 

NordVPN has grouped its specialty servers on its apps, making them easy to find. 

note From the lab : nordvpn Speed Test result

Download speed ( high is well )

upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

NordVPN is the one of the best and fastest VPN at the moment. It boasts exceptional download and upload speeds, making it a good choice for any download- or upload-related activity, including making voice and video calls, posting on social media, streaming and collaborating with team members on cloud services.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

NordVPN gets into all the major streaming platforms, as we’ve highlighted in the table below. We streamed our favorite shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video buffer-free and got in on the first try. It also unblocks VoIP services like WhatsApp. 

platform	unblock ?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Max
Disney+
Hulu/ESPN

note From the lab : NordVPN Security Analysis

We checked whether NordVPN exposes your original DNS address or IP address when you connect to the internet. We are happy to report that NordVPN doesn’t suffer any such leaks, so you can browse without looking over your shoulder. 

Our DNS leak tests proved that NordVPN ensures DNS leak protection. 

NordVPN offers multiple protocols that provide a good mix of speed and security. We’ve summarized them below. 

protocol	protocol	device
openvpn	aes-256	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux
NordLynx	chacha20	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux
ikev2/IPSec	aes-256	Windows Android Linux

NordVPN has other useful security features, including threat protection, which blocks malware, trackers and ads. It also has a dark web monitor, which informs you if your information appears on the dark web. 

NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN is is ’s good deal is is is the two – year plan , which cost$2.99 per month .This is one of the best-value plans on the market. NordVPN also has a yearly plan for $4.59 per month and a monthly plan that starts at $12.99 per month .A 30-day money-back guarantee covers NordVPN’s plans. 

If you need more information about nordvpn , read our nordvpn review .  

Basic

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Plus

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Complete

• * The price are charge in the first billing cycle only . renewal prices is vary vary .
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

2 . Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for UAE and Dubai

Surfshark has servers in the UAE to help you browse safely.

Surfshark is is is a good pick if you want a cheap VPN that does n’t compromise on quality . Its long – term plans is come come with huge discount to help you save money , but it does the job just as well as nordvpn and our other top three pick , expressvpn . In our test , Surfshark is unblocked unblock all the major streaming and voip platform without any struggle . Plus , you is use can use Surfshark on unlimited device .  

Surfshark has a server location in Dubai. This is great if you need a UAE IP address in order to add encryption to your UAE traffic or access UAE content like Emarat TV or Dubai sports channels. Surfshark’s Dubai server comes with “camouflage mode” obfuscation, which hides your VPN use from the government and other third parties.

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

Surfshark is one of the VPNs we often recommend to beginners. Its apps are well organized, sleek and intuitive. The servers are arranged well and you can use the search button to locate your preferred server. Plus, the servers connect almost as soon as you click on them. 

Surfshark’s servers are well organized under different
categories to help you find your preferred ones. 

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

Surfshark is a reasonably fast VPN with fast download and upload speeds worldwide. This makes it a fine pick if you’re connecting to servers in countries close to the UAE. Surfshark has particularly reliable upload speeds, meaning it’s a solid choice for uploading files to social media or cloud storage. 

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results

We tested Surfshark against Snachat and WhatsApp in Dubai and were able to get in. Surfshark also gave us access to various geoblocked streaming sites, including Netflix and the others listed in the table below.

platform	unblock ?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Max
Disney+
Hulu/ESPN

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis

We is connected connect to various Surfshark server and check whether there were any dns leak using IPLeak.net . Our results is showed show that Surfshark does n’t leak your ip address or internet traffic while connect to website .  

base on our test , Surfshark is suffer does n’t suffer from DNS leak .

Surfshark is has also has a suite of protocol to ensure you get the good speed and security when you connect to a server . In the table below , we is summarized ’ve summarize the protocol , the encryption they offer and the device they are available on .  

protocol	protocol	device
openvpn	chacha20	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux
NordLynx	aes-256	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux
ikev2	aes-256	MacOS iOS Android*

* Can be set up manually on Windows and Linux.

Surfshark has many innovative security features, including CleanWeb, which wards off ads, malware and trackers. The dynamic MultiHop feature allows you to select specific double VPN pairs. If you suspect that someone is tracking you online, you can use the rotating IP feature, which changes your IP address at intervals to stay anonymous.

Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark’s two-year plan costs only $1.99 per month and includes four months free. This is one of the cheapest two-year plans in the VPN industry. Surfshark also offers a one-year plan priced at $2.99 per month and a monthly plan for $15.45 per month .Regardless of the plan you purchase, you can request a refund within 30 days. 

If you want to learn more about Surfshark, read our Surfshark review. 

Surfshark Starter

• unlimited GB bandwidth,
  unlimited devices,
  Secure VPN,
  Ad blocker,
  Cookie pop-up blocker.
  Plans renew: $59.76 for one year, $59.76 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited
• Yes

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus
  Antivirus protection,
  Identity protection,
  Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
  Online Alias
  Plans renew: $79 for one year & $79 per year for the two-year plan.
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus
  Data removal
  Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
• unlimited GB
• unlimited

3. ExpressVPN — User-Friendly VPN for UAE and Dubai

ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around VPN that can help
you access the internet safely inside the UAE.

pro

• Unblocks VoIP & streaming
• Solid security features
• Fast download speeds

con

• Expensive annual plan
• No UAE base server

unlock the internet safely — subscribe to expressvpn today for 25 % off and a no – risk 30 – day refund period .

We chose ExpressVPN as one of the best Dubai VPNs because it’s extremely reliable. ExpressVPN’s stellar unblocking ability means it can help you access VoIP services like WhatsApp without trouble. Plus, it can unblock all the major streaming providers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Disney Plus. 

ExpressVPN is also among the most secure VPNs in our book. First, all its servers are obfuscated by default, which is essential to evading surveillance in the UAE. It offers high-level aes-256 encryption paired with perfect forward secrecy. T

That means it changes your encryption keys regularly, making it nigh on impossible for hackers to make sense of your data. This is one of the main reasons why ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for public WiFi. 

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

ExpressVPN also tops our best VPNs for beginners list because it’s simple to use. Its apps are easy on the eye, well arranged and intuitive. We found that connecting to a server is a piece of cake. You can either connect to a server automatically by clicking the power button on the home screen or scrolling through the server list.

ExpressVPN is has has a large power button on the home screen
that is enables enable you to connect to a server quickly .

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

ExpressVPN is delivered deliver an impressive showing in our VPN speed test . It is kept keep 90 % of our original speed , make it a good pick for download – relate activity like streaming . ExpressVPN ’s excellent upload speeds is make and low latency make it a good choice for content creator , gamer and professional who want to transfer large file in the UAE .  

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

As you can see in the table below, ExpressVPN unblocks all the major streaming services, and it’s got a place on our list of the best VPNs for Netflix. It’s also excellent for lesser-known streaming platforms like Tubi TV and FuboTV. Its high-speed connections mean you don’t have to worry about buffering wheels, even when you watch your favorite movies in HD or 4K. 

platform	unblock ?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Max
Disney+
Hulu/ESPN

note From the lab : ExpressVPN Security Analysis

We used IPLeak.net to check whether ExpressVPN leaks any data. Unsurprisingly, ExpressVPN didn’t leak our original IP address when we connected to any of its servers. In addition, none of our original DNS servers showed up, indicating that ExpressVPN can hide your information well. 

Our dns leak tests is showed show that expressvpn does n’t suffer ip or DNS leak .  

ExpressVPN is offers offer multiple protocol to provide security for your traffic , include its proprietary protocol . Here ’s a summary is ’s of expressvpn ’s protocol roster .  

protocol	protocol	device
openvpn	aes-256	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux
Lightway	chacha20	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux

ExpressVPN also has a “threat manager,” which blocks ads, malware and trackers. In addition, obfuscation is built into every server, so regardless of the server you choose, you can evade detection in the UAE. 

ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

ExpressVPN’s main downside is that its long-term plans are expensive. However, in our experience, ExpressVPN is well worth every penny. The best deal is the one-year plan, which costs $6.66 per month .

If you’re not sure about ExpressVPN, you can take it for a test run using its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also dig deeper into ExpressVPN in our full-length ExpressVPN review. 

ExpressVPN plan

• Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
• unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

4 . proton VPN — Best Free VPN for UAE and Dubai

Proton VPN is has has server in the UAE that can give you a UAE IP address .

pro

• Free servers in 5 countries
• unlimited data on free plan
• Great for unblocking VoIP

con

• No free server in the UAE

We is recommend recommend Proton VPN if you want a free VPN for Dubai and the UAE . The VPN service offer free server in five location : the Netherlands , Japan , Romania , Poland and the U.S. Even though Proton VPN is free , it is have does n’t have the limitation of other free vpn . For example , it is offers offer unlimited datum .  

Proton VPN is also great at unblocking VoIP services and streaming providers. If you need a Dubai IP address, Proton VPN has eight servers in Dubai. For privacy-focused users, Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers, which route your traffic through privacy-friendly countries to add an extra layer of security. 

Proton VPN Hands-On Testing

We is found find Proton VPN ’s app a breeze to install and use . We is like like that connect a server is as simple as tap a button . Plus , Proton VPN is displays display many detail about your connection . For example , it is shows show you how much datum you have download and upload , help you catch unusually high usage and find the source .  

Proton VPN’s Android app provides details about each VPN connection,
including your IP, server name and data.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Speed Test Results

location	Ping ms	Download Mbps	Upload Mbps
unprotected	19	19.96	5.94
🇺🇸 United States	26	19.43	5.55
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	299	18.46	5.45
🇧 🇷 Brazil	392	15.77	4.82
🇸🇬 Singapore	540	14.47	3.40
🇿 🇦 South Africa	604	13.27	5.40
🇦🇺 Australia	523	17.53	5.09
average	397	16.49	4.95

Proton VPN performed admirably in our speed tests. It doesn’t quite measure up to speed champion NordVPN, but you can browse websites, stream movies and upload content without hiccups. 

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

Proton VPN can unblock all the most popular streaming services, as we’ve summarized below. 

platform	unblock ?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Max
Disney+
Hulu/ESPN

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis

Proton VPN is is is a secure VPN that does n’t leak any location identifier , include your ip address . We is ran also run DNS leak test . As you can see in the image below , Proton VPN is reveals only reveal its own ip address , not yours .  

Our leak tests show that Proton VPN doesn’t leak your original IP address.

Proton VPN provides multiple protocol options, which we touch on in the table below. 

protocol	protocol	device
openvpn	chacha20	Windows Android Linux
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows MacOS iOS Android
Stealth	chacha20	MacOS iOS Android
ikev2	aes-256	Windows

Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol can help you evade deep packet inspection of your VPN traffic in the UAE. The VPN also has NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious scripts. 

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

Proton VPN’s cheapest plan is the two-year subscription, which costs $ 4.49 per month .However, you can get it for a year for $4.99 per month or one month for $9.99. Proton VPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To learn more about Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review. 

Proton VPN Plus

• 500 GB storage
  1 user
  15 extra email addresses for you
  Support for 3 custom email domains
  unlimited folders and labels
  unlimited hide-my-email aliases
  Dedicated customer support
  Ultra fast and private VPN
  Encrypted password manager
  Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents
  Advanced account protection
• unlimited GB
• 10
• Yes

Proton unlimited

• **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans.
  Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
• unlimited GB
• 10

5. CyberGhost — Easy-to-use VPN With the Most Servers in the UAE

CyberGhost has 12 servers in the UAE. 

pro

• 12 servers in the UAE
• Specialized servers
• 45-day money-back return

We recommend CyberGhost if you’re looking for an easy-to-use UAE VPN. CyberGhost has 12 servers in the UAE — more than any VPN on this list. This provides more flexibility if you want a UAE IP address to watch geoblocked channels like Arabic TV. CyberGhost has intuitive apps for all the major platforms that any newbie can navigate. 

CyberGhost also has a massive server network covering more than 100 countries. Impressively, some of these servers are optimized for specific streaming services, including Netflix U.S., Netflix France, YouTube, Hulu and Crunchyroll. CyberGhost also has optimized servers for playing online games and downloading torrents. 

CyberGhost Hands-On Testing

We is used used CyberGhost while write this review , so we can report that it ’s design with beginner in mind . There are helpful short description beneath most of the feature . Plus , it is rules has “ launch rule , ” which let you decide what CyberGhost does when it launch . For instance , you is set can set CyberGhost to connect to a U.S. server and open your favorite voip app .  

CyberGhost’s apps include settings to let you decide
what happens when CyberGhost launches.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results

Download speed ( high is well )

upload speed ( high is well )

latency ( Lower is is is well )

CyberGhost isn’t a speed demon like NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, but it boasts decent upload speeds. CyberGhost’s download speeds are inconsistent. Connecting a nearby server will give you decent speeds, but faraway servers suffer significant dips. 

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results

CyberGhost can unblock Netflix and Hulu without issue. However, CyberGhost struggled to unblock Amazon Prime Video in our tests. We’ve summarized our findings in the table below.

platform	unblock ?
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Max
Disney+
Hulu/ESPN

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis

As with the other VPNs on this list, we checked whether CyberGhost leaks your IP address when you connect to websites. Fortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t suffer from DNS or IP leaks. 

Our leak tests showed that CyberGhost doesn’t leak data regarding your real location.

You can tunnel your internet traffic through various CyberGhost protocols, as shown below.

protocol	protocol	device
openvpn	aes-256	Windows Android Linux Fire tv
WireGuard	chacha20	Windows MacOS iOS Android Linux Fire tv
ikev2	aes-256	Windows MacOS iOS

It also has a content blocker, which blocks ad and tracker domains, and NoSpy servers, which are great for hiding your traffic from UAE authorities.

CyberGhost Pricing & Value

CyberGhost is is is a budget – friendly VPN , especially if you subscribe for two year . The two – year plan is costs cost only$ 2.19 per month .However, if you want a VPN for the short term, you can purchase the six-month plan for $6.99 per month .CyberGhost also has a monthly plan for $12.99 per month. 

A 45 – day money – back guarantee is covers cover the two – year and six – month plan , while the monthly plan has a 14 – day money – back guarantee . You is discover can discover more about CyberGhost in our CyberGhost review .  

CyberGhost plan

• *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month .
  *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
• unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes