5 best VPNs for the UAE – They still work in 2024

I know, you are feeling the excitement of spending your time in the United Arab Emirates. You have got your visa, bought the ticket, landed in Dubai, and now you are in your hotel. So far, everything looks so smooth and perfect till you take out your phone and experience one of the worst online restrictions in the world!

When you are in UAE, you cannot use anything for voice or video calling such as Whatsapp, Telegram, Skype, or Facetime; or online dating apps like Tinder, Grinder, OkCupid, eHarmony, Badoo, Happn, etc, or access any website contradicting Islamic values. The list goes on.

Bearing this restriction in mind, a VPN service would be handy. However, UAE also blocks VPN websites, VPN protocols (encryption types), and their login pages as well. To fix this issue, I personally visited Dubai and got myself an Etisalat sim card to find out more about working VPN services in the UEA.

After testing more than 20 different VPN services along with all of their protocol options, I came up with 5 different VPN services that work in UAE. However, only two of them are accessible currently, while the other three you can only download before visiting the country (only if you still have the chance).


1. ExpressVPN: Accessible via mirrow website; Works both on Etisalat, and Du internet providers; Proven no-log policy; 5 simultaneous connections; Starting from 6.67$ per month.

2. AtlasVPN: Accessible directly; Works both on Etisalat and DU internet providers; Clear log policy; Unlimited simultaneous connections; Starting from 1.83$ per month.

3. VeePN: Pre-download before your visit; Works both on Etisalat and DU internet providers; 10 simultaneous connections; Cheapest VPN on our list starting from 1.67$ per month.

4. Private Internet Access: Pre-download before your visit; Works on Etisalat and DU internet providers; Unlimited simultaneous connections; Starting from 2.03$ per month.

5. Astrill VPN: Pre-download before your visit; Only works with Etisalat, unstable with DU internet provider; Unlimited simultaneous connections; Starting from 15$ per month.


How I picked the best VPNs for the UAE

Etisalat and DU not only block websites but also restrict VPN protocols from connecting to servers outside the United Arab Emirates. Having personally experienced these online restrictions in Dubai, I can attest that there are numerous factors to consider when selecting a VPN service. Drawing upon my experience, I will elaborate on how I identified the top five VPNs that work effectively in the UAE.

  • Website is accessible

Etisalat and DU rapidly block VPN websites, making new VPN providers and those with mirror websites the most viable options at present. Interestingly, you will find a limited number of accessible VPN services while in the UAE. Out of the top five VPNs that work properly in the country, only two are accessible. The other three must be downloaded before you arrive in the UAE.

  • The service is working

Suppose you have already found a free or premium VPN service. When attempting to connect to a VPN server, you may notice that the connection button does not turn green. This happens because Etisalat or DU is blocking your VPN connection from reaching the target server. At that point, you will realize that a random VPN is not working in the UAE.

After analyzing more than 20 paid and several free VPNs, you will discover the only viable VPN options in our curated list. Be sure to pay attention to the side notes for each VPN provider on our list, as they will guide you directly to the recommended VPN protocol.

  • Privacy Policy

The United Arab Emirates places significant stress on monitoring and controlling online traffic, which is why they are particularly strict in targeting VPN services. In the face of such authoritarian control, our chosen VPN must offer peace of mind regarding online privacy. With this in mind, I have made a concerted effort to focus on no-log VPN services when evaluating options.

  • Speed performance

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are renowned for their cutting-edge 5G networks. The following data demonstrates my internet speed results when using Etisalat’s 5G network (without a VPN connection):

This image depicts the download and upload speed performance by Etisalat internet provider in the UAE.

Using a VPN service will undoubtedly affect your online experience by slowing down your connection. Therefore, it is worthwhile to examine the download and upload speed results of functional VPN services from various locations around the world.

  • Compatibility and pricing

Regardless of whether you are a digital nomad or a short-term tourist, the VPN of your choice must be compatible with as many devices as possible. Additionally, factors such as the number of simultaneous connections and the cost associated with these features will contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of suitable VPN options.

5 working VPNs in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi…)

Now that we understand our requirements, it’s time to delve deeper into the VPN services that work in the UAE. I encourage you to carefully read the detail of each VPN service provided below. Failing to do so may result in difficulties and potentially hinder the VPN from functioning optimally.

1. ExpressVPN

FeaturesExpressVPN
Accessible
Suggested protocolLightway
Works withEtisalat, DU
Speed250+ Mbps
Price6.67$/month
Mirror websitewww.expressvpn.works

ExpressVPN stands out as a prominent VPN provider, well-known for its prowess in circumventing restrictions. To achieve this, they create mirror websites when their main website, expressvpn.com, is blocked in certain countries. In the UAE, the company operates under the expressvpn.works domain, which may change based on the blockage status of the URL.

Purchasing the service is a simple process. Upon completion, you can install the VPN app through ExpressVPN’s mirror website. Once installed, you can log in to the VPN using a dedicated license code or an email/password combination.

To ensure ExpressVPN works properly in the United Arab Emirates, it is crucial to use its “Lightway UDP or TCP” protocol. By changing the VPN app’s protocol settings, you can choose a VPN server and establish a connection right away.

Beyond its accessibility and functionality, ExpressVPN is among the first audited VPN companies in the market. Its strict no-log policy renders ExpressVPN a trustworthy choice for evading the UAE’s online tracking.

Additionally, ExpressVPN delivers remarkable download and upload speeds. Speed test results from three different global locations are presented below for your consideration.

  • The United States – Download: 297 Mbps, upload: 36.1 Mbps
  • Germany – Download: 215 Mbps, upload: 88.5 Mbps
  • Australia – Download: 252 Mbps, upload: 96.7 Mbps

With its impressive speeds, ExpressVPN enables you to stream 4K videos, enjoy seamless voice/video calls, and browse the internet as though you are not connected to a VPN service.

ExpressVPN is accessaible in the UAE via mirror website. This image is proof of work depicting the established VPN connection.

Lastly, ExpressVPN’s subscription can be used on the following apps:

  • PC: Linux, Windows, MacOS
  • Mobile devices: iOS, Android
  • Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Vivaldi
  • TVs: Android TV, Amazon Fire, ROKU, Chromecast, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield
  • Consoles: Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
  • Others: Routers, FireStick, Kindle Fire

It is important to note that each ExpressVPN subscription allows for up to 5 simultaneous connections, and their most affordable VPN plan starts at just $6.67 per month.

PROS:

  • Accessible via the mirror website
  • Works without any issues in the UAE with Lightway protocol
  • Decent download speed for streaming, video/voice calls, and meetings

CONS:

  • Quite an expensive VPN solution
  • Limited to just 5 simultaneous connections
  • Upload speed is below average

2. AtlasVPN

FeaturesAtlasVPN
Accessible
Suggested protocolWireguard
Works withEtisalat, DU
Speed390+ Mbps
Price1.82$/month
Mirror websitewww.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a relatively new VPN provider that operates under NordVPN. Due to its recent establishment, the AtlasVPN domain has not yet been blocked in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, users can access the official AtlasVPN website and download the application regardless of whether they use Etisalat or DU.

To make AtlasVPN function correctly in the UAE, users need to access the settings and protocols menu and change the “Auto” protocol to WireGuard. After doing so, you can connect to one of the free VPN servers available in the app or choose to expand the server list by purchasing the premium plan.

Using AtlasVPN is straightforward, and users can bypass unwanted restrictions in the UAE within a few minutes. However, given that AtlasVPN is a new provider, we cannot be entirely certain that they are not collecting data. Nonetheless, being rooted in NordVPN, AtlasVPN may be a privacy-friendly VPN service in the UAE.

Being a new player in the market, AtlasVPN also has several advantages such as less crowded VPN servers, leading to better speed results. The impressive speed results are provided below, ensuring users a lag-free browsing, buffer-free streaming, and an exceptional online experience.

  • The United States – Download: 390 Mbps, upload: 69.9 Mbps
  • Germany – Download: 552 Mbps, upload: 51.3 Mbps
  • Australia – Download: 277 Mbps, upload: 48 Mbps

AtlasVPN only works with its Wireguard VPN protocol in the UAE and its website is not blocked yet.

However, one potential downside is that AtlasVPN has limited app compatibility compared to its competitors.

  • PC: Linux, Windows, MacOS
  • Mobile devices: iOS, Android
  • Browsers: N/A
  • TVs: Android TV, Amazon Fire
  • Consoles: N/A

While the new presence has its advantages, this may be a significant drawback for some users. Nonetheless, the single plan offers unlimited simultaneous connections and starts at just $1.83 per month.

PROS:

  • Accessible and working in the UAE
  • A free option is available
  • A cheap VPN solution for the UAE
  • Decent download and upload speed performance

CONS:

  • Slow speed on free servers
  • Limited app compatibility

3. VeePN

FeaturesVeePN
AccessiblePre-download only
Suggested protocolWireguard
Works withEtisalat, DU
Speed340+ Mbps
Price1.67$/month
Mirror websitewww.veepn.com

VeePN used to be an accessible VPN provider until Etisalat and DU blocked its website. However, it remains one of the most sought-after VPN services in the UAE due to its ability to bypass restrictions imposed by internet providers.

I strongly suggest downloading VeePN before visiting the UAE. If that is not possible, you can use hotel Wi-Fi to access the VeePN website. Once downloaded, go to settings > protocol and change the preferred protocol to “Wireguard.”

Regarding privacy, VeePN is a relatively new VPN provider in the market. To date, the company has not experienced any data leaks or official request issues. Additionally, VeePN claims to have a zero-log policy under Panama’s jurisdiction, which is favorable to VPN companies. However, more time is needed to evaluate the full extent of the trustworthiness.

Fast internet speed is crucial, especially in the UAE. In this regard, VeePN will not disappoint users.

  • The United States – Download: 335 Mbps, upload: 22 Mbps
  • Germany – Download: 400 Mbps, upload: 99.7 Mbps
  • Australia – Download: 290 Mbps, upload: 85.2 Mbps

VeePN offers decent performance in all three locations. However, the upload performance from the USA servers may not be ideal for users who plan to join several meetings with high upload demands. In such cases, it is preferable to use a server located in Europe.

I recommend you download and install the VeePN before your visit to the UAE. Otherwise, you might experience accessibility issues.

Whether you are a tourist or a long-term ex-pat, VeePN offers several VPN apps that are compatible with the most commonly used devices.

  • PC: Linux, Windows, MacOS
  • Mobile devices: iOS, Android
  • Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox
  • TVs: Android TV, FireTV
  • Consoles: N/A
  • Others: Router

However, VeePN still lags behind its competitors in terms of compatibility. It may take some time for the company to add more devices to its download page.

If users are content with the aforementioned features, they may choose VeePN as their primary VPN service for the UAE. One significant advantage is that for just $1.67 per month, users can enjoy 10 simultaneous connections.

PROS:

  • The cheapest option on our list
  • Works in the UAE with Wireguard protocol
  • Decent speed performance

CONS:

  • The website may not be accessible
  • Limited app compatibility
  • Limited payment options
  • Low upload speed in the USA servers

4. Private Internet Access

FeaturesPIA
AccessiblePre-download only
Suggested protocolWireguard
Works withEtisalat, DU
Speed400+ Mbps
Price2.03$/month
Mirror websitewww.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA), a sister company to ExpressVPN under Kape Technologies, has also faced internet censorship in the UAE. Therefore, I recommend downloading the PIA VPN app before visiting the Emirates. If already in the UAE, make sure to use hotel or restaurant Wi-Fi that is less censored. Once access to PIA is acquired, you can start using the VPN service immediately with the Wireguard protocol.

Unlike other off-shore VPN services, PIA operates under USA jurisdiction. In the event of a request from federal agencies, PIA is required to comply with USA law. However, the company maintains a zero-log policy, even hiding users’ email addresses from the login credentials, ensuring that no online data can be traced back to them.

Furthermore, users will appreciate PIA’s speed performance in the UAE. Refer to the speed results below.

  • The United States – Download: 401 Mbps, upload: 11.8 Mbps
  • Germany – Download: 412 Mbps, upload: 19.9 Mbps
  • Australia – Download: 406 Mbps, upload: 95.6 Mbps

PIA has the fastest download performance among the VPN providers on our list. However, it ranks the slowest in terms of upload results.

If users are satisfied with PIA’s features, the VPN service can be installed on the following devices during their stay in the UAE.

  • PC: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chromebook
  • Mobile devices: iOS, Android, Kindle Fire
  • Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge
  • TVs: Android TV, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, Chrome cast
  • Consoles: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
  • Others: Routers, Nvidia

PIA’s long-term history makes it one of the best VPN services with the most compatible VPN apps. Additionally, PIA recently announced that they removed the simultaneous connection cap, making their service offer unlimited simultaneous connections. All of these features are available for just $2.03 per month.

PROS:

  • Works in the UAE with Wireguard protocol
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Inexpensive VPN plans
  • Fastest download speed
  • Wide range of compatible apps

CONS:

  • May not be available to Etisalat, or DU users
  • USA-based VPN provider
  • PC apps do not look modern and they are hard to use.

5. Astrill VPN

FeaturesAstrill VPN
AccessiblePre-download only
Suggested protocolStealth VPN
Works withEtisalat, DU
Speed260+ Mbps
Price15$/month
Mirror websitewww.astrill.com

Astrill VPN is renowned for its ability to work in highly restricted countries such as China, Turkey, and Iran. The company prefers to create dedicated landing pages for each country if its website is blocked, but unfortunately, all mirror domain names are inaccessible in the UAE. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you download the service before your arrival.

Unlike other VPN services, Astrill VPN operates in Seychelles Islands, where there is no data retention law. This ensures that your online activity is safe and that none of your browsing histories can be traced back to you. Moreover, the company has a strict policy to keep user data safe and will not share it with UAE authorities if requested.

Astrill VPN claims to be the fastest VPN provider in the world, but this has proven to be untrue based on my speed test results in Dubai, which are listed below.

  • The United States – Download: 240 Mbps, upload: 103.59 Mbps
  • Germany – Download: 294 Mbps, upload: 64.36 Mbps
  • Australia – Download: 266.53 Mbps, upload: 82.11 Mbps

Results depict Astrill VPN as the second slowest VPN provider with download speed performance on our list. However, it is the fastest if you consider the upload speed results.

Another disadvantage of Astrill VPN is its limited device compatibility. The company only provides VPN apps for the most commonly used devices and may not support less popular ones.

  • PC: Windows, MacOS, Linux
  • Mobile devices: iOS, Android
  • Browsers: N/A
  • TVs: N/A
  • Consoles: N/A
  • Others: Routers

Currently, Astrill VPN is compatible only with the platforms mentioned above. A single account will provide you with unlimited simultaneous connections, and the cheapest plan starts at $15 per month.

PROS:

  • Works in the UAE with StealthVPN protocol
  • Strict no-log policy
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Outstanding upload speed

CONS:

  • Too expensive VPN
  • Limited compatible apps
  • VPN apps are not user friendly

Online censorship in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has a highly restrictive online environment, where online privacy is heavily monitored and controlled. The country employs strict measures to prevent incoming and outgoing online traffic, including the blocking of VPN services and encrypted communication tools.

Additionally, the UAE has strict rules to block websites that involve pornography, impersonation, defamation, invasion of privacy, offenses against the UAE, drugs, discrimination, illegal communication systems, gambling, terrorism, and viruses.

As a result, it can be challenging to access basic communication tools such as Whatsapp and make calls to friends and family while in the UAE.

How a VPN can help you in the UAE?

If you have not been compelled to use a VPN in one form or another, you probably would not be here. To broaden your perspective, let me provide you with a more detailed understanding of how a VPN service can assist you in the UAE.

Make voice and video calls

Voice and video calling services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime are prohibited in the UAE. You can get around these restrictions and easily make audio/video calls to friends and family by using a VPN.

Watch Porn in the UAE

Pornhub, xHamster, or any other porn websites are banned in the UAE. A VPN allows you to access these sites by routing your traffic via a server in another country where access to these sites is not prohibited. EU countries are recommended!

Avoid the UAE’s internet restrictions and monitoring

The UAE has severe regulations regarding online censorship and surveillance. A VPN protects your privacy and allows you to bypass these limitations by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, making it more difficult for authorities to monitor your online activity.

Gain access to geo-restricted content

Netflix, for example, has distinct content libraries based on the country you’re in. You may change your virtual location and access material available in your hometown or other countries by using a VPN, offering you a wider range of movies and TV series.

Use dating apps

In the UAE, dating applications such as Tinder, Grindr, Badoo, and Happn may have limited functionality or be banned. A VPN can assist you in circumventing these limitations and freely using these dating apps, allowing you to interact with individuals and broaden your social network.

While doing any of these activities, make sure you are always connected to the VPN service with a “Kill Switch” feature so that no data can be leaked to the internet providers in the UAE.

Summing up the best VPNs for the UAE

Online restrictions can be quite frustrating, and this problem is particularly pronounced in the UAE. When using internet infrastructure provided by Etisalat or DU within the country, you can face some of the most severe online censorship in the world. This includes being unable to call loved ones via WhatsApp, Telegram, or FaceTime, access adult content, or use dating apps for enhanced social experiences.

In such cases, a VPN service can be an invaluable tool for bypassing these limitations in the UAE. However, the government goes so far as to block VPN websites and protocols. After conducting thorough research, I have discovered five working VPNs in the UAE: ExpressVPN and AtlasVPN, which are readily accessible, and Private Internet Access, VeePN, and Astrill VPN, which require pre-download before entering the country.

In addition to identifying these effective options, I have also detailed the specific VPN protocol needed to ensure the VPN operates successfully in the UAE. Without this, Etisalat and DU can detect the encryption and block it before you connect to the desired server.

Make the most of your online freedom while you can, as VPN services may become blocked in the future. Rest assured, I will continually update this article with viable alternatives as needed.

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