Best VPNs for Dubai and the UAE to bypass blocks in 2024

Want to bypass blocks and use VoIP apps in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE? We explain how to use the internet without being tracked and recommend the best VPNs for the UAE.

The government of the UAE is known for enforcing high levels of online censorship and surveillance. A VPN can give you online freedom and privacy in the region.

Whether you want to access Western services such as dating websites and online casinos, VoIP calling apps, or news content blocked for political reasons, a VPN for the UAE is the best solution.

A UAE VPN encrypts your internet data so that ISPs like Etisalat and Du can’t track your web visits. As a result, you can sidestep internet restrictions without fear of being discovered.

In addition to bypassing online censorship, a VPN will let you access region-locked services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN. Conversely, you can use a VPN to access UAE services from abroad.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs work in the UAE. Those that work may be blocked by some ISPs but not others. To help as many UAE citizens as possible, we have recommended a variety of VPNs that have a money-back guarantee. You can test each VPN with your ISP, risk-free.

Below, you’ll see a shortlist of the best VPNs for the UAE. Scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you choose between them.

Best VPN services for the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick VPN for the UAE. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy to protect your browsing activities. Provides mirrors of its website to bypass blocks in the UAE. Can provide help to get you connected. Kill switch and obfuscation features. Has fast servers in the UAE and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: A super-fast VPN that is cheap and allows unlimited connections. Has a GUI app for Linux and servers in 100+ countries, including the UAE. Strict no-logs policy, AES encryption, a kill switch, and malware filtering to keep you safe. Obfuscation to conceal VPN use. 
3. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable, and easy to use. Has servers in over 94 countries, including the UAE. Secure apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Obfuscated OpenVPN connection helps to keep you connected in the UAE. Has a dark web mirror of its website.
4. CyberGhost: A simple and reliable VPN with servers in 100+ countries, including the UAE. Super fast thanks to its Wireguard protocol. Easier for beginners to use thanks to its simple interface. Works to access Netflix US and other popular services.
5. Mullvad: The best VPN for people in the UAE who want the highest levels of privacy. Includes Shadowsocks brides for OpenVPN, a kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, a no-logging policy, and MultiHop connections. 
6. ProtonVPN: A highly trusted VPN brand that offers a large number of advanced privacy features, including Secure Core servers, AES encryption, obfuscation (Stealth), and Tor over VPN.

Summary Table

Our reviewers worked hard to find the top six VPNs for the UAE. To recommend the very best providers, we checked hundreds of consumer-facing VPNs and carefully assessed them using strict criteria. The compulsory criteria for inclusion in this guide are listed below.

• Servers that work in the UAE
• A minimal impact on connection speeds
• A no-logging policy that never tracks you online
• Robust VPN protocols that include 256-bit encryption
• A kill switch and DNS leak protection 
• A global server network
• Access to popular streaming services like Netflix US
• Reliable customer support available around the clock
• Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more

To be included in our top three recommended VPNs for Dubai and the UAE, each VPN must-have diskless servers that run on RAM. This allows those servers to be wiped instantly in an emergency. 

Additionally, they must all have passed third-party audits of their applications, policies, and infrastructure. This ensures that users don't have to simply trust that the VPN is secure. Later in this article, we will provide additional information about our testing methodology. 

Best VPNs for the UAE

Here's our list of the best VPNs for Dubai and the UAE:

NordVPN is a secure VPN that is perfect for netizens in the UAE. It has all the features needed to enhance your privacy and bypass blocks imposed by the government. You can use it to regain access to VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime. It also works to access censored news, media, games, and social media sites.

It has over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries, including the UAE. This allows you to use local Emirate internet services with added security and privacy. It also means you can watch UAE TV platforms like OSN, beIN Sports, and Etisalat eLife from abroad. The provider can also bypass geo-restrictions seen with international platforms, accessing the likes of BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and much more. 

NordVPN provides un-crackable encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and obfuscated servers. This makes it secure for bypassing online blocks in the UAE. It also provides mirrors to its website, alternative connection methods, and dedicated IPs that allow users to avoid being blocked by their ISP.

This provider has previously suffered blocks at the hands of Etisalat and Du. Some servers may still be blocked, while others aren't. For this reason, we recommend sticking to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers. NordVPN should work better with non-government-controlled ISPs such as Virgin Mobile, Vodafone, Freedom Broadband, Connect, and MEO Internet.

All NordVPN subscriptions include double-hop connections, Tor over VPN for added anonymity, ad blocking, and malware filtering. NordVPN also provides DNS leak protection to ensure your browsing is always private. It is also one of the few VPNs that work to access Netflix US, Hulu, iPlayer, and other international streaming services.

Finally, NordVPN's Meshnet private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux is now free for everyone, including users who do not have a subscription with the provider.

BEST OVERALL VPN FOR THE UAE: NordVPN has strong encryption, a choice of protocols, and obfuscated servers to help keep you connected in the UAE. Works to bypass government censorship, and prevent online surveillance. Fast speeds for streaming, and works with popular platforms like Hulu and Netflix. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to test it with your ISP.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a reliable VPN for people in the UAE who have many devices. The VPN has apps for all popular platforms, including a GUI app for Linux. Best of all, you can install and use the VPN on an unlimited number of devices, so you can share your account with friends and family. You can easily use the VPN at home, on public WiFi, and at work. 

Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which puts it well out of reach of invasive jurisdictions like the US, the UK, and the EU. The VPN has a solid no-logging policy, so it never keeps any records of what its users do while connected. 

To make things even safer, the servers are all diskless – allowing them to be deleted instantly by pulling the plug. The VPN has completed a third-party audit of its network that uncovered no serious flaws and allowed the VPN to rectify some low-level vulnerabilities. 

The VPN’s kill switch and AES encryption make it a superb option for anybody wanting to bypass censorship and gain online privacy in the UAE. Surfshark also offers a “NoBorders” mode, which makes it possible to bypass firewalls and access websites and services in countries with restricted access. 

The Surfshark network extends to 100+ countries, including servers in the UAE that you can use to access beIN Sports, OSN, and StarzPlay abroad. This VPN also works to access popular streaming services such as Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max from the UAE. 

As with other VPNs, the government may have successfully requested ISPs like Etisalat and Du to impose blocks on its servers. This could mean that some servers don't work. To avoid blocks as much as possible, we recommend connecting to servers using Surfshark’s No Borders mode. 

BEST BUDGET VPN: Surfshark is an excellent low-cost choice, with functionality that rivals its more expensive competitors. The VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, and facilitates reliable streaming in the UAE.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN was first launched in 2009. It is an excellent VPN for people in the UAE, thanks to its solid no-logs policy, robust AES encryption, and built-in obfuscation for all OpenVPN connections. It also has a kill switch, which cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.

Servers are available in 105+ countries, and it has over 3,500 in total. To make things even better, the VPN has a proprietary tunneling protocol called Lightway that gives you even better speeds for gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting.

For added security, ExpressVPN’s server network runs exclusively on diskless servers. The service has endured a full third-party audit of its apps and infrastructure. The VPN apps support split tunneling, which lets you specify what traffic travels through the VPN. This is ideal if you want some apps to access the internet privately while appearing like a normal internet user to your ISP when performing other online tasks outside of the VPN tunnel.

The only real drawback is that Express does not provide ad blocking. However, it does block trackers and malicious domains. It is also impossible to get dedicated static IP addresses.

On a more positive note, ExpressVPN is compatible with various routers, and it has a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer that lets you easily access US streaming platforms like Netflix on devices that won't let you install a VPN directly. 

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is a solid choice for gaining privacy and online freedom in the UAE. Fast servers and Lightway protocol work to stream Netflix, DAZN, and other popular services. Has plenty of advanced features, including tracker and malicious site blocking. Strong encryption to safely bypass Emirates censorship. 30-day money-back guarantee to try it yourself.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is a VPN that was first launched in 2011. The service is based in Romania, a location that lacks mandatory data retention directives that apply to VPNs. It has a solid no logging policy, which means it never tracks what its users do while connected. It uses strong AES encryption and a kill switch on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This makes it suitable for torrenting.

This VPN is a little basic compared to the options above it. It has no split tunneling or port forwarding, so if you need these features for your torrent client, you may prefer to shop elsewhere. The VPN is great for beginners who do not need these extra features, and it works to access Netflix US without issues.

We checked the VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and it had none. The VPN proxies your DNS requests to ensure that your ISP cannot track what you are doing online. This makes it suitable for bypassing censorship. The only caveat is that it doesn’t have any obfuscation options. So, if you also want to prevent your ISP from detecting that you are using a VPN, then you may prefer something else.

CyberGhost has over 9,000 servers in 100+ countries, which allows it to avoid congestion and provide fast speeds. It also supports the popular WireGuard protocol, which makes it good for streaming, gaming, and downloading content quickly. You can install the VPN on up to seven devices simultaneously and you can ask questions at any time of day thanks to its live chat support. A generous 45-day money-back guarantee means you can try it with your UAE ISP to make sure it works without issues.

EASY TO USE: CyberGhost is good for beginners and has all the features the average internet user needs. Has servers in the UAE to watch beIN Sports, OSN, and StarzPlay from abroad. Provides privacy at home and on public WiFi. Works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and other international services. Excellent speeds, 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Mullvad is a highly advanced VPN based in Sweden. It has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Those apps come with a kill switch, a choice of protocols, AES encryption, and various obfuscation options for avoiding censorship and VPN blocks in countries like the UAE. It’s suitable for bypassing online censorship and preventing government surveillance in the UAE.

Mullvad has advanced features such as split tunneling and port forwarding. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to be able to seed torrents. It also means that you can route some apps through the VPN tunnel while leaving others with a direct, unencrypted connection.

To make your online experience even better, this VPN also provides DNS filtering to block ads, trackers, and a list of sites that are known to be malicious. This helps to improve page load times, and even saves on mobile data plans.

The main caveat is that this VPN’s advanced features can make it seem tricky to use. Admittedly, most people will have no problem learning its advanced features. However, there will be some people who don’t need those extras, and they may prefer a cheaper option from this list. It does work with geo-restricted content such as social media apps, but the same can't be said for streaming sites like Netflix. The provider is solely focused on online privacy. 

Mullvad does not have live chat support. So if you are a beginner who will need help understanding and using the VPN, you may prefer to shop elsewhere. That said, we found its email support to be decent. Finally, Mullvad has diskless servers in 40+ countries, including a single server in the UAE. It's ideal if you want above-average speeds and comprehensive features.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Mullvad is a highly advanced VPN that comes with many advanced features, including malware filtering and ad blocking, split tunneling, port forwarding, AES encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and a strict-no-logs policy. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN was launched in 2017 by the company behind Proton Mail. It is a highly trusted VPN service based in Switzerland; a country that stands out due to its lack of mandatory data retention directives, and legislation that prevents it from ever being forced to log user activity. 

The VPN has highly advanced apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This makes it a great all-rounder for people who own many devices. You can connect up to 10 devices with a single account, which is usually enough for families and power users.

One of the impressive things about ProtonVPN is that it has a completely free plan that lets you connect to servers in the US, Japan, and Australia. This is great if you want to get online privacy or regain access to censored services, but can’t afford a premium subscription. Best of all, the free plan is completely secure and implements the same no logging policy as its premium counterpart. As such, it won't reveal your real IP address, and your online activities will be encrypted. 

Paying for a subscription ensures that you get access to servers in 69+ countries. This includes its Secure Core servers, which are perfect for anybody who wants the very highest levels of online privacy. You'll also get access to popular streaming sites with paid plans, so it's great for any geo-restricted content.  

The VPN is suitable for users in the UAE thanks to its DNS leak protection, AES encryption, obfuscation (stealth), split tunneling, port forwarding, and solid no logging policy. You can bypass censorship and use the internet at home, at work, or on public WiFi without being tracked by ISPs or the government.

The VPN works to access UAE services from abroad, and it is also fast thanks to its WireGuard implementation. It even works with the vast majority of international streaming services, including Netflix. The only drawback is that it is a touch tricky for beginners to understand. However, it does attempt to explain each feature in the apps.

BEST FREE OPTION: ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN based in Switzerland. Strict no-logs policy. Lots of advanced features. Lets you bypass censorship in the UAE with complete privacy. Port forwarding and split tunneling make it good for torrenting, or any other online activities. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for UAE

Saying that a VPN is best is easy, but at Bleeping Computer we go above and beyond by thoroughly testing and comparing each VPN to its peers. We have set high standards to ensure only providers with a dedication to digital privacy, excellent usability, and strong security for users in the UAE are recommended. Below you can see our criteria:

• Your privacy and security are paramount: We only endorse service providers that do not log any personally identifying information or keep records of your activity because it is crucial that no one else is aware of your online actions. Additionally, we mandate that all VPNs use the highest level of protection currently available and support continued advancements in cybersecurity. The VPN must come with a strict no-logs policy, obscuring your online activities. 
• Global network of fast Tier 1 servers: We test each provider using a dedicated test server to find top speeds and home broadband setup to understand how it will perform for home users. We only recommend services that will let you do tasks like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing while connected to the VPN. Our recommendations all have servers in the UAE and globally.
• Making secure connections must be easy for everyone: The majority of consumers are not IT professionals. This is why we only recommend VPNs that have specialized customer support teams capable of providing help for a multitude of VPN queries via live chat or email. We always consider beginners, and whether they will be able to use the VPN; even if it has advanced features. Ideally, the VPN will allow for more than five simultaneous connections. 
• Excellent accessibility: Regardless of device, location, or price range, we think VPNs should be for everyone who wants to stay safe online in the UAE. We highlight VPNs that support this ethos; providing unrestricted access in nations with censorship laws via user-friendly apps for a variety of devices. We give preference to VPNs that are user-friendly, honest about their cost, and accessible to beginners.
• Third-party audits: VPNs handle your data instead of your ISP, and must do so securely and privately. This is why it is so important for a VPN to have a solid no logging policy, secure servers, and well-designed apps with encryption. The only ways to concretely confirm that a VPN is "no logs" is through court proceedings or independent audits. Our top three VPNs for the UAE have all been audited by reputable security firms. 
• Diskless server network: A VPN network that runs on diskless servers exists only in volatile memory (RAM). This means that the VPN provider can instantly pull the plug on its servers and all the data passing through them will be erased. This is an added layer of protection that helps to secure a VPN’s network against unwanted instructions, such as government raids. Only VPNs that have diskless servers make it into our top three providers.

Etisalat is blocking my VPN what should I do?

The UAE's strict internet regulations mean that the government puts pressure on ISPs to block as many VPNs as possible. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to get around this issue, ensuring online freedom. Etisalat is the most popular UAE Internet Service Provider. 

Firstly, try switching VPN servers within your VPN provider's network. Some VPNs have specific servers designed to work in countries with heavy internet censorship like the UAE. Switching to one of these servers might help you bypass the block, so check with your VPN to find out which servers are better. 

Another option is to use a VPN that has obfuscation protocols. These protocols disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it more challenging for ISPs like Etisalat to detect and block you. Ensure that your VPN service provides obfuscation and find it in the settings to enable it. Obfuscated servers are offered by the majority of services listed above. 

Contact your VPN provider's customer support. These may be able to provide information and advice on how best to get connected in the UAE. If you still can't get connected, you may need to switch providers.

Some VPNs are known for their ability to bypass restrictions in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are examples of VPN providers with a track record of working in the UAE, which is why we have recommended them in this guide. 

Finally, you could try getting a dedicated IP address provided by your VPN service. These IPs are less likely to be blocked by ISPs, but will usually cost you a bit extra.

UAE VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN in the UAE?

Although there is nothing stopping you from using a reliable and trusted free VPN such as ProtonVPN or Atlas VPN in the UAE, we strongly recommend against using the vast majority of free VPNs that can be found in Google searches or popular app stores.

Most free VPNs have concerning privacy policies that let them harvest user data and track user habits for profiling purposes. This data is used to create a revenue stream by selling that user data to third parties, including marketing companies, data brokers, and literally any other company (including potentially government agencies) that are willing to pay for the data.

In addition, free VPNs have been found to lack basic encryption, suffer from IP, DNS, and Web RTC leaks, and even contain spyware or tracking libraries in their apps. This makes using these free VPNs a huge risk to your online privacy and the health of your devices.

Finally, it is worth noting that the free servers associated with reliable VPNs, such as Proton VPN, are much slower and more restrictive than those that you get access to when you pay. Those servers are more likely to have been blocked in the UAE, and will not be suitable for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. For the full range of server locations, you'll need a paid account. Otherwise, some of the more impressive features will be missing, and you might not be able to access your favorite content from abroad. 

In addition, the free servers provided by reputable VPN providers do not work to access streaming services like Netflix US. Streaming-optimized servers are for paying subscribers only. We'd advise to stick with a reputable provider offering DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, and access to geo-restricted content from abroad. 

Why is a VPN necessary in the UAE?

People in the UAE need a VPN for a number of reasons. Firstly, a VPN is necessary to gain privacy and to prevent online surveillance at the hands of ISPs and the government. In the UAE, online surveillance is carried out by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). The TRA is responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry and has the right to monitor communications, filter online content, and block access to websites or services.

The government has been known to target certain individuals for surveillance. This includes journalists, activists, and political opposition. Unfortunately, even expressing opinions that run counter to the status quo could be enough to single you out. This causes high levels of self-censorship in the country and makes it hard for people to exert true political and social freedoms online.

Citizens in the UAE also need a VPN to bypass strict censorship. The government has the power to block access to websites or services, including news outlets, social media, gambling sites, and even online games. Authorities impose online blocks for a number of reasons. These include preventing the spread of false information, protecting citizens against content deemed to be ‘harmful’ or ‘immoral’, and protecting national security.

In addition, the government actively blocks access to popular VoIP services that let people make free voice and video calls. As a result, citizens cannot use Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other popular VoIP services.

Using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection is the best way to prevent online surveillance at the hands of ISPs, WiFi network admins, and government authorities like the TRA. A VPN can also be used to sidestep online blocks to regain access to VoIP apps, news, educational resources, or any other online resources that are restricted. This allows citizens to access the services they want without fear of being singled out by the government.

A VPN is ideal for making secure VOIP calls, securing your internet traffic in the process. You'll be able to access a wide range of blocked services with a VPN connection, whether it's popular streaming platforms like U.S. Netflix, or any other online activities that are blocked in the UAE.

What games have been blocked in the UAE?

The government of the UAE has previously blocked various games and platforms associated with gaming. This includes blocking games that are considered immoral or that go against the “public interest.” 

Platforms related to games, such as Twitch, Steam, and Discord, have also suffered blocks at one time or another, usually for containing posts or content that include indecent content. To enforce bans, the government has tasked Internet Service Providers with the responsibility of blocking online games, whether it's for Windows, Mac, or a dedicated console. 

Below we have included a list of games that have been blocked at some time in the UAE:

• Grand Theft Auto V
• PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
• Overwatch
• Heroes of the Storm
• Forza Horizon 3
• Dead Island
• Fallout
• Gal Gun
• The Godfather II
• Roblox
• Max Payne 3
• Saint Row
• Watchdogs
• Mafia 2

What laws allow censorship and surveillance in the UAE?

The UAE government uses various laws to track citizens online. These surveillance laws include:

• The Cybercrime Law of 2012. This law on Combatting Information Technology Crimes can also be used to punish people for disseminating content or information that is considered against public order.
• The Telecommunications Law of 2006. This law controls internet use and makes it illegal to access websites considered immoral. It is also leveraged to block consumer VPNs, force VPNs to register with the TRA, and make VPN use illegal for certain purposes (specifically bypassing any censorship or blocks imposed by the government). 
• The United Arab Emirates Personal Data Protection Law of 2020. This law permits the government to access personal data without an individual’s consent if there is a public interest. The law is leveraged to engage in online surveillance and censorship.

These laws give government authorities the ability to collect and store large amounts of personal data from both citizens and visitors to the country. This includes tracking phone numbers, IP addresses, metadata, and other personal information. 

Due to the government’s ability to intercept internet communications, it is important for people living in and visiting the UAE to use a VPN to encrypt their internet connection. This will prevent the UAE from tracking your web visits and profiling you.

Are telecom companies in the UAE partly owned by the government?

Yes. In the UAE, the government partly owns a number of telecom companies. Etisalat is 51% owned by the government and Du is around 49% owned by the government. 

Due to the Emirates Investment Authority being a primary stakeholder in these telecoms companies, the government can exert a direct influence on their operations and policies. This makes it easier for the government to enforce blocks on VoIP services and websites. It also allows the government easily to track users online to monitor communications and collect data from its citizens.

The government’s involvement in telecoms directly influences its decision to block VoIP messengers that allow free voice and video calls to be made. The government wants people to communicate via traditional methods such as telephone calls and SMS messages because these create a profit for local telecoms.

Are VPNs legal in the UAE? 

VPNs are not technically illegal in the UAE, which means that citizens can use them without getting in trouble. That said, it is important to remember that what you choose to use a VPN for could be illegal. For example, using a VPN to engage in online harm, criminal activities such as hacking, or accessing content that has been purposefully blocked by the government is still considered a crime.

Nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice, so we recommend that you do your own research to understand the laws in the UAE. This will allow you to understand how bypassing restrictions with a VPN could potentially be putting you at risk of prosecution.

Using a VPN to access gambling sites, pornography, news resources, or anything else blocked by the government is done at your own risk, and you must understand how best to protect yourself, which privacy features you should use (such as a kill switch and obfuscation) and what the potential repercussions might be.

What VoIP services have been blocked in the UAE?

In the UAE many popular VoIP services have been blocked at one time or another. Below, we have included a list of services that could be blocked either now or in the future:

• Facebook Messenger
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• Viber
• Google Hangouts
• Facetime
• Telegram
• Signal
• Discord
• Line
• Nilfon
• Tango

The UAE also has a history of blocking other services that allow people to communicate online for free. This includes online games that use VoIP for multiplayer purposes.

What websites and services are blocked in the UAE?

The UAE is known to impose online blocks for cultural, religious, and political reasons. This includes censoring news sites critical of the government or content that is considered politically sensitive. Authorities also restrict dating websites and websites related to gambling (including bookies and online casinos).

Websites that are “immoral” are also blocked. This includes services or sites that contain nudity and pornography. VoIP apps, adult content, dating websites, games, social media sites, blogs, content relating to alcohol or drugs, and news deemed harmful to the social well-being of citizens are also restricted. 

Furthermore, the government has also previously imposed blocks on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, usually to prevent access to indecent content or false information. As an ISP has access to your actual IP address, it's easy to enforce blocks across a range of users in the UAE.

What VPNs have been blocked in the UAE?

The UAE withholds the right to block VPNs, their servers, and the websites where you purchase a subscription and get help. This can make getting a VPN in the UAE tricky, or make it harder to get help if the VPN stops working. 

Due to the ongoing circumstances in the UAE, it is possible that a VPN could become blocked at any time. You will want a VPN that is reputed to provide reliable anti-censorship tools and obfuscation protocols.

The government of the UAE blocks VPNs to prevent citizens in the UAE from acquiring a subscription. This is to stop people from using popular VPNs to bypass local censorship. 

While the situation is fluid, there are a number of popular VPNs that have been blocked in the UAE at one time or another. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and ISPs in the UAE may block other VPNs, or specific servers that belong to VPNs, at any time. 

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Hotspot Shield VPN
• VyprVPN
• IPVanish
• TorGuard
• VPNSecure
• TunnelBear
• Private Internet Access
• Windscribe
• CyberGhost

It is also worth noting that VPN blocks in the UAE are not always indefinite. This is because leading VPN providers work hard to regain access for users in the UAE. 

NordVPN, for example, provides various mirrors of its website to continue providing a service to its users (nord-help.com, nord-help.net, cn-nord.info, cqxqlbe.site, cn-accelerator.site, security-cn.info, and onlinesecurity.website). It also offers advice on alternative connection methods that can help to get people connected to its servers in the UAE. This is just one example of how VPNs continue to serve users in the UAE.

It is also worth mentioning that some ISPs in Dubai and the UAE are more effective at blocking VPNs (and other content) on behalf of the government. For example, Etisalat and Du are well known for blocking VPNs – while others such as Virgin Mobile, Vodafone, Freedom Broadband, Connect, and MEO Internet – are less restrictive. A VPN with a comprehensive range of robust security features will be helpful for most internet users in the region. 

Can I use a VPN to access UAE TV platforms abroad?

Yes. If you are living or traveling outside of the UAE, you can use a VPN to get a valid IP address back home. This will allow you to watch region-locked streaming services and TV platforms from the UAE. 

Below, we have included a list of services you can access by connecting to a VPN server in the UAE:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime
• OSN Streaming
• Starzplay
• beIN Connect
• Iflix
• FOX+
• ZEE5
• Arabic Box
• Icflix
• Starzplay Arabia
• MBC Shahid

Note that the encryption provided by a VPN will also let you access TV platforms on any restricted network within the UAE too. So, if your streaming service or TV network’s stream has been blocked at work, in school, or on a public WiFi hotspot, you can use a VPN to privately regain access. The same goes for international platforms, so you can use many streaming VPNs to watch your favorite content from anywhere on the planet. 

Can I watch US TV networks in the UAE?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server in the US, you get a valid IP address in that country. This means that you can watch American TV platforms and streaming services from the UAE. This is perfect if you are visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi on vacation, or have traveled to the UAE for business and want to be able to continue watching your usual streaming services.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs work to watch American streaming services and TV broadcasts. Streaming providers understand that consumers bypass region locks using a VPN. In order to comply with licensing agreements, those streaming providers make efforts to block IP addresses that are associated with VPNs.

Today, the vast majority of VPNs have given up getting around streaming provider blocks, which means you have to pick your VPN carefully if you want to access popular streaming services in the UAE. Thankfully, the VPNs in this guide continue to invest in new methods to bypass VPN blocks and continue providing streaming-optimized servers for their users.

Note that each VPN is different and may work with slightly different streaming services. For this reason, you should either read our full VPN review to find out more about that specific service or test the VPN that interests you using its money-back guarantee. That way you can test it to watch your favorite content.

Below, we have included a list of US services you can watch with streaming VPNs:

1. Netflix
2. Amazon Prime Video
3. Hulu
4. Disney+
5. Apple TV+
6. HBO Max
7. Peacock
8. Paramount+
9. YouTube TV
10. Sling TV
11. fuboTV
12. ESPN+
13. Discovery+
14. CBS All Access
15. Vudu
16. Tubi
17. Pluto TV
18. Crave
19. STARZ
20. Showtime
21. ABC
22. NBC
23. CBS
24. FOX
25. The CW
26. USA Network
27. TNT 
28. TBS
29. FX
30. AMC
31. Bravo
32. Comedy Central 
33. MTV 
34. VH1 
35. BET
36. HGTV
37. Food Network
38. Discovery Channel 
39. National Geographic 
40. History Channel