The United Arab Emirates is a country well-known for censorship and government surveillance. However, while not as harsh as China or Iran, the country has a fair share of blocked websites, streaming services, and VoIP applications and platforms.
If you’re using WhatsApp, you know how reliable this platform is. Above all, it’s 100% free, yet, allows for end-to-end encrypted chats, video, and voice calls. Unfortunately, WhatsApp calls are blocked in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi…), so many people turn to VPNs to fix this solution.
But what is the best VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE, you might ask? Well, that’s exactly what I’ll talk about today. I’ll also explain how to use a VPN and talk about why WhatsApp is blocked in the United Arab Emirates.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp in the UAE At a Glance
Unblocking WhatsApp calling in the UAE is simple with a VPN. Thanks to its ability to conceal your online whereabouts and change your IP, accessing WhatsApp in the United Arab Emirates is a piece of cake. In 2024, these are your best options:
- NordVPN (the best all-around VPN)
- ExpressVPN (offers easy-to-use apps for all devices)
- CyberGhost (great WhatsApp VPN for security)
- Surfshark (unlimited simultaneous connections)
- Private Internet Access (advanced security features)
If you’re unsure how to use a VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE, here are a few easy steps:
- Subscribe to one of the VPNs above. We opt for NordVPN, as it offers the best performance and comes with 111 countries to pick from.
- Install NordVPN and open the application.
- Connect to a server in the country where WhatsApp works.
- Download WhatsApp, open it, and start chatting and calling!
Best VPN for WhatsApp Calls in the UAE: Our Top 3 Picks
When talking about using a VPN in the UAE, you must know a few things. First, not every provider will work in the country because of the censorship measures put in place. Second, the VPNs that will work are usually premium providers, although that doesn’t always have to be the case.
On our team, we have a few members who live in Dubai, so we assigned them to test each provider to see how well it works in the country. Thus, with days of testing, we can confirm that these 3 VPNs will unlock WhatsApp calls in the UAE and let you enjoy the VoIP app with no problems.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Obfuscated servers are perfect for the UAE
- 6,300+ worldwide servers
- Double VPN
- Threat Protection offers 360-degree security
- Offer a no-logs policy
Cons
- 5% VAT in the UAE
- Rare connection problems reported by some users
NordVPN is the best and #1 VPN for making anonymous calls and unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE. It has 6,300+ servers in 110+ countries, which is more than enough for bypassing geo-blocks and enjoying a great degree of online freedom.
People in Dubai and Abu Dhabi enjoy NordVPN’s blazing-fast speeds thanks to NordLynx, a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard. However, NordVPN’s focus is primarily on security, which is why it’s so good for using WhatsApp in the UAE or even platforms like Zoom and Viber.
It anonymizes your calls with 256-bit encryption and Private DNS, making sure you’re chatting with no eavesdropping from Etisalat or DU. Moreover, it offers Threat Protection, which keeps malware and viruses at bay that are prevalent on some websites.
NordVPN has Double VPN servers that will route your traffic through two servers in different countries, doubling your encryption in the process. Obfuscated servers are here too and they allow you to use the provider in China with no problems. In general, it is an excellent choice for browsing blocked sites.
I also found NordVPN’s P2P servers useful. They allow you to use NordVPN with uTorrent and enjoy downloading torrents safely and securely. Not only that, but the provider is also great for streaming in 4K on Netflix, HBO Max, and other amazing geo-restricted platforms.
This modern-looking provider will provide native clients for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows, with 10 simultaneous connections per subscription. Its only downside includes value-added taxes which bump up the price in some countries.
But if you live in the UAE, VAT is just 5%, so you’re looking at a negligible price increase. Still, you can get its cheapest deal through our site and receive a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans – even the monthly one – which makes NordVPN a leading choice for making WhatsApp calls in the UAE.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Extremely fast speeds
- Offers obfuscation
- Trusted Server technology
- Servers in 105 countries and 160+ locations
Cons
- It’s less affordable than NordVPN and CyberGhost
- No advanced features like Double VPN servers and others
Another amazing VPN to use with WhatsApp is ExpressVPN. This provider even works to bypass censorship in China, Iran, and Turkey, which is excellent if you live in a censored country like this. Not only that, but it has 3,000 servers in 105 countries, letting you get over any geo-restriction.
Needless to say, it works with no problems, and once you connect to a server overseas, downloading and using WhatsApp in the UAE will be a breeze. One important thing to mention is its security. Connecting to a server grants you 256-bit encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch.
These security measures will prevent IP and DNS leaks, letting you use the application completely anonymously. In other words, DU and Etisalat – two telecom operators in the UAE – won’t be able to spy on your chats, voice, and video calls.
What’s more, ExpressVPN has this Lightway VPN protocol, which delivers stunningly fast speeds. This is essential for smooth calls with no audio artifacts and glitches. I also like ExpressVPN’s no-logging policy which ensures that your browsing history or personal data aren’t stored on its servers.
This is further guaranteed by TrustedServer Technology e.g. RAM-based servers that wipe every bit of data upon restart. Aside from that, the provider offers simplistic apps for all platforms, allowing you to unblock WhatsApp calls in the UAE on your computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone… In fact, we consider it the best VPN for Android devices.
With 8 simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat support, you’ll never be left stranded not knowing what to do. The downside is that ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than CyberGhost and NordVPN, while not necessarily offering more than the latter.
But at the same time, you can get its 49% discount and 3 free months for the annual plan, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thus, feel free to test it out and see how well it works for you – I guarantee your satisfaction.
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- Support for WireGuard
- It’s great for streaming and torrenting
- Cheap long-term plans
Cons
- It doesn’t have obfuscation (not working in China)
- Windows app could use an interface overhaul
The last great VPN for WhatsApp calls in the UAE is CyberGhost. In 2024, we tested it on multiple occasions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, only to be happy with the results we achieved. It’s really a phenomenal choice that you won’t need to spend a fortune on.
Vital to mention is that CyberGhost will bypass geo-blocks with no issues, allowing you to unblock WhatsApp and successfully anonymize your calls and chats. With its WireGuard support, you can enjoy a blazing-fast performance and stable connections essential for enjoyable video calls.
There’s 256-bit encryption for securing your connection, but I like the addition of IPv6 leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and OpenVPN support as well. Much like NordVPN, this VPN for WhatsApp in Dubai/Abu Dhabi is known for zero-logging practices.
As such, it stores absolutely zero logs of your chat history, IP address, and DNS requests, making DU and Etisalat powerless when it comes to spying on you. People who use CyberGhost can also rely on its NoSpy servers which are based in Romania and independently controlled by CyberGhost.
They add a lot to your privacy and make them a perfect choice for the UAE. In addition, people enjoy P2P and streaming servers too. With the latter, you can watch US TV channels from anywhere, for example, or access Disney+ abroad.
CyberGhost also boasts 7 simultaneous connections on a single subscription and offers amazing apps for all platforms. While not as intuitive as NordVPN on Windows, users can still enjoy its smooth and elegant interface on iOS and Android.
And finally, if you live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the price of CyberGhost will not be a problem. I recommend checking its deal below where you can get this service for less than $2.5 a month, with a 45-day money-back guarantee for all long-term plans.
How to Use a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in the UAE
If you’ve never used a VPN, you might be wondering how to use this tool to unblock WhatsApp calling in Dubai and/or Abu Dhabi. The great thing is that VPNs are extremely easy to use and require no special technical knowledge, especially if we’re talking about a VPN like NordVPN.
Here are a few simple steps to unblock WhatsApp and enjoy anonymous chatting:
- Subscribe to the best VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE. I recommend NordVPN and its 65+% discount for any of the 2-year plans.
- Download and install NordVPN. It works on all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Open NordVPN and sign in using the credentials you provided in Step 1.
- Connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp works. It can be a server in the US, Canada, Germany, or anywhere else.
- Go to the WhatsApp website and download the application for your platform (Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows).
- Sign up or sign in to WhatsApp and enjoy chatting or video/voice calling anonymously!
Why Is WhatsApp in the UAE Blocked?
As said, people use a VPN in the UAE to unblock WhatsApp calling and make sure they’re not spied on. This country has two telecom operators called DU and Etisalat. As the only two operators in the country, you have no choice but to comply with their stringent laws.
These telecom operators actively control what people can see and do online, which means censoring websites and services that they deem “inappropriate.” WhatsApp is also on this list as this is an encrypted VoIP service that they can’t use to control you.
As an alternative to WhatsApp, DU, and Etisalat offer their versions of VoIP services like C’Me and BOTIM that are directly controlled by them and allow them to see what you’re chatting about or spy on your voice and video calls.
And that’s basically the whole idea behind using a VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE. People are getting tired of DU and Etisalat shoving their VoIP services that infringe on their privacy while not being able to use WhatsApp, Zoom, Telegram, or Viber.
However, with the use of a VPN, people successfully unblocked WhatsApp and can now enjoy private and anonymous chatting, video, and voice calls. Besides, providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are affordable, yet, they do their job perfectly fine.
Is Using a VPN for WhatsApp in the UAE Legal?
The final question many people have is whether or not it is legal to unblock WhatsApp in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. This question is pretty tough to answer, but let me explain it as clearly as possible. For one, you should know that using a VPN in the United Arab Emirates is NOT a crime.
It’s 100% legal and you can use it to conceal your IP and protect your privacy without issues. However, keep in mind that VoIP services like WhatsApp are forbidden and blocked by the authorities and we’re talking about using a VPN for bypassing government-imposed measures.
By pure logic, you’re entering the so-called “grey area” where the legality of using a VPN service for this purpose is questioned. So far, we haven’t heard of a single case of people getting fined or arrested for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai or elsewhere in the kingdom, but you can keep out of trouble by using a secure provider.
We also recommend using a provider with obfuscation, just in case – these providers include NordVPN and ExpressVPN, for example. Finally, I should mention that taking my advice and following the steps presented in the article is completely optional and up to you.
I don’t condone or encourage illegal online activities and I definitely don’t want to help you break the laws in any country. Therefore, if you plan on using any providers for unblocking WhatsApp calling in the UAE, do it at your discretion and responsibility.
Bottom Line
If you live in Abu Dhabi or Dubai and you don’t like DU and Etisalat blocking your favorite VoIP services and spying on your conversations, using a VPN is a pretty smart idea. With it, you can unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE and finally enjoy smooth, uninterrupted video and voice calls.
With providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost, this is fairly simple. Once you connect to a server overseas, accessing any VoIP service including WhatsApp will be possible. I just suggest avoiding free UAE VPNs because they won’t work due to limited bandwidth and poor unblocking capabilities.
Besides, all providers I talked about have a money-back guarantee of up to 45 days, so if you’re not satisfied after testing them out, you can get reimbursed. That, I think, won’t happen, having in mind the vast possibilities that don’t end here.
FAQ
If you’re still in doubt our solution works, let us clear things up by answering a few more questions.
Can free VPNs unblock WhatsApp in the UAE?
Generally speaking, they can, but in most cases, they won’t work. The reason is that they’re not equipped to get over censorship and are frequently detected by Du and Etisalat. While the UAE isn’t as censored as China, the country can still block VPN connections.
Some free VPNs like Proton VPN and Hide.me VPN work, for example. However, Proton VPN is very slow, while most of others free VPNs limit you to 10 GB of bandwidth a month. These providers won’t suffice for smooth video and audio calls, with buffering, stuttering, and even frequent disconnects.
People often think about using Hola, which seemingly offers all. However, its unlimited bandwidth and solid performance come at the expense of your privacy, so it’s a big no-go. The safest way to use WhatsApp in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is to go for NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
What if my VPN isn’t working?
If your VPN isn’t working in the UAE, chances are you’re not using a provider from our list. These 3 are personally tested by our team and they work flawlessly in this country. Now, you might have a problem with not being able to unblock WhatsApp and use it.
In this case, consider switching to another server, using a different protocol, or updating the VPN client. Ensure you haven’t connected to a server in a country where WhatsApp is blocked. All in all, you shouldn’t experience any issues with these providers.
The solution we described couldn’t be simpler. Get an IP from somewhere else and use WhatsApp!
Are there any alternatives to WhatsApp in the UAE?
There are but they’re also blocked by Etisalat and Du. Viber is a solid alternative but it’s an encrypted VoIP service, which the authorities won’t allow you to use. Telegram and Skype are here as well but as you can guess, they won’t work without the VPN. Either way, you’ll have to use it – that’s the point.
