As one of the most stunning cities in the UAE, Dubai is a popular location for tourists and businessmen. However, not many people know that internet censorship in this city – and country – is at its highest. Because of that, using the best VPN for Dubai seems like a sensible decision in 2024.
For one, you won’t be able to access many VoIP services like WhatsApp and Viber and enjoy unlimited calls. Also, the country blocks many websites which you can otherwise access in other countries. Not to mention Du and Etisalat, the two telecom operators who can monitor all your online activities.
This surely doesn’t sound exciting, albeit, if you use a Dubai VPN, all of the issues can be resolved. With its ability to secure and encrypt your traffic, it’s easy to go online anonymously. Whether you’re in Dubai or abroad, the VPNs we’re going to introduce to you will be very useful.
We made sure to include VPNs with servers in Dubai, just for your convenience. All you have to do is stay with us and scroll down to find out more about them.
Best VPNs for Dubai: The Top 5 Choices for 2024
Since we’re talking about a censored city that, on top of everything, even blocks some VPNs, it’s vital to use a premium service in Dubai.
Some free Dubai VPN services will work, though, but the best-case scenario is to use a paid provider with unlimited traffic and performance.
Our team tested 30+ VPNs – a pretty hard feat. Therefore, the providers we present are truly magnificent and work perfectly in Dubai, based on our real-world tests. Without further ado, we’ll present them below, so let’s go through them together.
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
9.2 /10
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.8 /10
3000 servers
100 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
8.7 /10
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Dubai in 2024. It’s a perfect choice for people living there, as it has 3,000+ servers in 160 locations around the planet. No doubt, we picked this provider because it’s safe and secure, all while offering fast 10+ Gbps servers for streaming and torrenting.
Dubai residents can enjoy its AES-256 encryption, which, along with a kill switch and DNS leak protection, takes utmost care of your privacy. Not to mention its no-logging policy, which KPMG, Cure53, and PwC audited.
As a result, ExpressVPN won’t store logs of your online history, IP address, or DNS requests. We like that ExpressVPN is user-friendly. Its VPN app for macOS is very impressive, and so is its Windows app with the highest number of features. By the way, it also gives you 5 simultaneous connections!
In addition, ExpressVPN can unblock several Netflix libraries. As the best Dubai VPN in 2024, it also works perfectly for safe and secure P2P activities or going on the dark web with Tor. Its fast speeds are a result of the Lightway VPN protocol, which works like a charm in every scenario.
ExpressVPN even works on Fire TV Stick, so quality streaming is a breeze. Through our site, the provider offers a 49% discount and 3 free months for the annual plan. This is accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes ExpressVPN risk-free.
While not the most affordable pick, ExpressVPN really has no special downsides. With top-notch security and privacy, the ability to block malicious sites, and even a kill switch on iOS, this Dubai VPN will fulfill all your needs. Even if you’re among the most demanding users.
Pros
- Fast and reliable connections
- Fully supports P2P
- No logs are stored
- It has 3 audits from KPMG, Cure53, and PwC
- Military-grade encryption
- User-friendly apps
Cons
- No Dubai VPN servers
- Costly for some people
2. CyberGhost
If you’re abroad and you need a reliable UAE VPN, CyberGhost is a remarkable choice. First, it has 10,000+ servers in 100 countries, with 10+ fast servers in Dubai. If you live in Dubai, however, you’ll also enjoy its vast server fleet, which includes servers for streaming and torrenting.
CyberGhost isn’t better than the previous provider but it’s pretty close. We can say it works with BBC iPlayer and Netflix, all while letting you enjoy torrenting in complete privacy. Additionally, CyberGhost has an ad blocker, which can even block many YouTube ads.
Security-wise, we’re talking about a top-of-the-line service. Its AES-256 encryption is impeccable, and in conjunction with a kill switch, split tunneling, and IPv6 leak protection, you’re 100% safe. Being from Romania, outside of the 5 Eyes, you can expect CyberGhost to not store logs.
This is verified by Deloitte in a recent audit, which confirmed everything the provider claims. Additional features of this Dubai VPN include SmartDNS, Private DNS, and RAM-only servers. The last feature is crucial for your privacy, as none of your data is stored on CyberGhost’s servers because of it.
Even SmartDNS works really well, allowing you to stream endlessly on a myriad of devices. Unlike its sister company, CyberGhost allows for 7 simultaneous connections and offers support in 3 languages. All of this isn’t so expensive, actually – plus, there’s a 45-day refund policy.
CyberGhost’s 2-year plan can be obtained below, where you can enjoy a special discount. You don’t even need to apply a CyberGhost coupon code to your order to take advantage of this special offer.
While it doesn’t have obfuscation, and thus, doesn’t work in China, CyberGhost VPN works perfectly fine in Dubai. Because of that, it’s one of the top VPNs for Dubai in 2024.
Pros
- 10+ servers in Dubai
- RAM-based servers
- It works with Netflix
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- It offers an ad blocker
Cons
- No obfuscated servers
- Expensive 1-month plan
3. NordVPN
NordVPN comes with some impressive features that many people find extraordinary. With 5,500+ servers in 60 countries, NordVPN even has 5 obfuscated servers in Dubai. What does this mean? Well, it means your VPN traffic is disguised as normal traffic, which lets you bypass strong firewalls.
But if you live in Dubai, you most likely won’t use these servers. Nevertheless, NordVPN is a jack of all trades, being excellent for streaming, torrenting, going on the darknet, or simply browsing anonymously. It even offers Threat Protection, one of its best features.
NordVPN also packs 256-bit encryption but there’s something called Double VPN. Using it, you can effectively double your encryption, making it even harder for anyone to track you online. Meshnet is here too, and with it, hosting secure LAN parties for gaming or business is easy.
Does NordVPN keep any logs? Absolutely not! It maintains a stringent no-logging policy thanks to the Panamanian jurisdiction, which screams privacy. Even PwC and Deloitte audited the service a few times, so you better believe it’s safer than your subpar free VPN.
Needless to say, the service offers unlimited bandwidth, along with 10+ Gpbs servers and NordLynx. NordLynx is a cutting-edge protocol based on WireGuard, thanks to which, NordVPN is extremely stable. However, it does have very rare connection issues.
This isn’t too alarming, especially considering other features like 24/7 support, 6 simultaneous connections, and a proprietary DNS server, adding to your privacy. Click the button below and get the best VPN for Dubai in 2024 at a severely discounted price – you won’t regret it!
Pros
- Equipped with antivirus & malware protection
- One of the fastest VPNs
- Modern security protocols (OpenVPN & NordLynx)
- 5,500+ worldwide servers
Cons
- Infrequent connection problems
- Value-added taxes in some countries
4. Surfshark
Surfshark is a Dutch VPN that offers plenty of stuff that won’t cost you a fortune. For the start, Surfshark is known for unlimited connections, allowing you to protect all devices with one subscription. Its subscription is very cheap too and comes with a 30-day refund policy for all plans.
Another perk is that you can enjoy 3,200 servers in 100 countries! And if you find yourself abroad, watching UAE TV channels is easy, thanks to reliable Dubai VPN servers. Despite being so cheap, Surfshark skimps on nothing. WireGuard is here, and so is CleanWeb, an awesome ad blocker.
Let’s not forget about its impressive torrenting/streaming capabilities. With it, you’ll be able to unblock at least 10 Netflix catalogs or download torrents anonymously. While Surfshark isn’t the fastest, you won’t notice it that much if you’re using nearby servers.
Also, it’s vital to mention its MultiHop servers that work like Double VPN. Surfshark, on top of that, lets you spoof your location with the GPS Override function. Perhaps one of its best features is IP Rotator, which rotates your IP periodically to make your traffic untraceable by ISPs and hackers.
Surfshark sports some of the best apps on the market. This is great news for beginners who want an easy-to-use VPN that won’t store logs and compromise their privacy. Indeed, Surfshark’s logging practices are minimal, so those who often watch porn can do so anonymously.
We invite you to read our Surfshark review, after all. In it, you’ll find all the information related to this fantastic VPN. Just beware of its seldom kill switch issues that ExpressVPN doesn’t have. If you can pay for it, ExpressVPN is a tad better – this is more for budget-focused users.
Pros
- Servers in 100 countries
- GPS Override functionality
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes)
- A bit on the slower side
- Some kill-switch problems
5. Private Internet Access
Is Private Internet Access the best VPN for Dubai? Well, it’s not #1 but it’s surely up there with all the big boys. Speaking of big boys, this one is a bit too big, with 30,000 worldwide servers. We think that the question of Dubai VPN servers is now irrelevant – you’ll get them, of course.
Private Internet Access is one of the safest VPNs you can get. It has a renowned no-logging policy, and despite being based in the US, it’s incredibly secure. PIA MACE is an ad blocker that you get here, along with bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and the WireGuard protocol.
All of its sweet features will work on most of its supported devices. You can, therefore, enjoy safety and security on Chromebook with this VPN, or simply on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. We should also mention its unlimited simultaneous connections, which PIA VPN started offering recently.
In terms of entertainment, this isn’t the best provider, though. Its streaming capabilities are just enough for an average user but don’t expect it to work with dozens of Netflix libraries. Torrenting is allowed but Private Internet Access isn’t the fastest, so ExpressVPN is better.
However, the service offers an impressive set of advanced features. Some of them include Shadowsocks, SOCKS5, port forwarding, unlimited traffic, and RAM-based servers. It even allows you to customize your connection by choosing the level of encryption and MTU size.
The best of all is that it’s rather affordable. It’s priced similarly to CyberGhost and Surfshark, but it’s still cheaper than them. If you’re intrigued, you can check its cheapest deal below and enjoy a 30-day refund policy for any plan. Dissatisfied? Simply get a refund and pick another Dubai VPN from the list.
Pros
- 30,000 servers (many in Dubai)
- Advanced security features
- Torrenting is supported on all servers
Cons
- It could be faster
- Doesn’t work the best for streaming
- A US-based company (5 Eyes)
Why Use a VPN in Dubai?
Having a VPN in Dubai is always a good thing considering the state of the internet space in the city. Let’s remind ourselves why people look for the best Dubai VPN in 2024.
Bypassing Censorship
As we said, Dubai is a rest haven for censorship, which applies all across the country – even Abu Dhabi. Not only there are multiple blocked sites but freedom of speech is also endangered. This calls for a VPN for Dubai that’ll secure your traffic and apply bank-grade encryption.
In return, users get total privacy when going online, with the ability to access any restricted site. For example, you can even safely access pornographic sites with a VPN, despite the obvious block. The same could be said about online bookies, which we don’t recommend, as they’re against the law.
Unblocking VoIP Services
The VoIP ban in the UAE is one of the most annoying things about the country. In Dubai, nothing’s different, as the city is still subject to bans related to WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and other services. That’s because Du and Etisalat offer their proprietary VoIP services instead.
To prevent people from utilizing free calls with Viber or WhatsApp, they developed C’Me and BOTIM, applications used for the same purpose. Needless to say, they’re under the direct surveillance of these ISPs, which allows them to apply censorship and literally destroy your privacy.
Using a VPN can help you unblock VoIP services in the UAE and enjoy encrypted video and voice calls. You can, for example, use WhatsApp or Telegram to chat with your friends and family without anyone snooping around and spying on your conversations.
If you’re interested, we recently tested and compared the best VPNs for unblocking Skype in the UAE.
Unrestricted Streaming
Dubai, in all of its fantastic glory, is still subject to many geo-restrictions.
Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hotstar are only some of the inaccessible sites in Dubai. Not to mention a plethora of channels from other countries, many of which offer sports live streams for free.
A VPN’s ability to change your online location comes in handy, as a result. When you change your IP to another country, all sites you visit will see that country as the new location. This will allow you to circumvent geo-blocks and access the sites you couldn’t otherwise.
That’s how many people watch free live streams of MotoGP or enjoy popular shows and movies on Netflix and Hulu. All five providers from the list are streaming-friendly, but if you need the best choice for this very purpose, look no further than ExpressVPN.
Saving Money on Flights
Dubai is an expensive city and we don’t need to mention that. Opulent buildings, eye-watering prices of hotels, and unaffordable rents are only some of the telltale signs of this country’s living standard. Because of that, the prices of flight tickets tend to be pretty high.
However, using a VPN lets you combat this issue by altering your IP. You can change your online location to a country with a lower living standard and purchase the flight ticket you wanted for a cheaper price. The same applies to hotel rentals or rent-a-car services!
If you’re often traveling abroad, you can save upwards of $1,000 a year just by using a VPN!
Is Using a VPN in Dubai Legal?
In spite of Dubai’s strict censorship policy, using a VPN actually isn’t illegal. We shouldn’t forget that many companies and businesses rely on VPNs to protect their networks, so the country, and by extension, Dubai, can’t afford to simply ban them.
Now, it depends on HOW you’re using a VPN. Accessing restricted content isn’t illegal but it sits in the so-called grey area. Some say that fines for using a VPN to commit a crime can go up to $500,000. However, not a single person was fined or arrested for accessing restricted content.
The authorities in this country are more concerned about big criminal activities that can “hurt” the country or ruin its reputation. Selling drugs on the dark web using a VPN surely isn’t going to get unpunished if you’re caught, so don’t abuse VPNs!
A few members of our team actually live in Dubai and they’re testing and using VPNs daily. As you can guess, they’re not rotting in jail as many would think. We’re respecting our countries’ laws and legislations, and as long as you do as well, there should be no worries regarding VPN usage.
Free VPN for Dubai: Is It Going to Work?
Dubai and the UAE, in general, are not strangers to various VPN bans. While the majority of VPNs work in this country, there are still dozens of providers that fail to provide their services there. Unfortunately, we can put many free VPNs in this category, which is why we don’t recommend them.
Another reason – or reasons – lies in the fact that they’re severely cut down. While our recommended services offer unlimited traffic and fast speeds, free providers are the polar opposite. They limit your monthly traffic, and on top of that, slow down your internet connection.
In addition, they’re notorious for limited server fleets and no simultaneous connections, making them not particularly useful. Still, we can’t lie to you and say that free VPNs for Dubai won’t work. They’ll do but with all the shortcomings we mentioned.
Because of that, we’ll briefly recommend the two free VPNs for Dubai that we tested and can confirm they work properly in 2024.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is not the best VPN for Dubai by any stretch. However, its free plan offers plenty to look forward to, such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. The free plan even supports split tunneling and WireGuard, one of the most important features.
Let’s not forget its no-logs policy, making sure you’re always safe and secure in the Dubai online space. Now, contrary to ExpressVPN, this provider has just 5 GB of monthly bandwidth – all but enough. While it’s also reasonably fast, it’s hard to say it’s faster than ExpressVPN or CyberGhost.
Another problem is that it has no simultaneous connections and offers just 3 server locations – 2 in the United States and only 1 in the Netherlands. If you want a Dubai IP, you can forget about Atlas VPN since it won’t give it to you – only in the premium version.
All that said, it’s still the best free VPN for Android today.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN has unlimited traffic, so it’s, at first, a tad better. Don’t get your hopes up, however. It’s pretty slow on the other hand, and also comes with 3 server locations. This time, we’re talking about the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.
ProtonVPN isn’t capable of torrenting, as it completely forbids P2P traffic. Streaming is also impossible because it won’t work with Netflix and the service has a small server fleet for streaming either way. The good thing is that ProtonVPN uses bank-grade encryption with bare-metal servers.
This is further accompanied by a no-logs policy, WireGuard support, a kill switch, and split tunneling. ProtonVPN has port forwarding too, but in the free version, you won’t find Secure Core and NetShield. If you want a VPN with an ad blocker, it’s better to use a premium VPN like CyberGhost.
Summary
To put things into perspective, we think it’s pretty clear what is the best VPN for Dubai in 2024. Our selection of VPNs will cover all your needs, even if you need Dubai VPN servers. Granted, ExpressVPN has none of them but if you live in Dubai, this is our #1 recommended choice.
People abroad who want to watch local Dubai TV channels or access their bank account can use CyberGhost instead. While not better, it’s a formidable choice for users who won’t complain about a proper budget-friendly service with one or two compromises.
Of course, we must mention NordVPN, Surfshark, and PIA as extraordinary choices, each in its own right. Using them, you can also enjoy privacy and security in Dubai, while not sacrificing decent performance and a smooth browsing experience.
