The Best VPNs for UAE - Access Blocked Sites Anonymously
NordVPN– ~4000 servers with countless locations around the globe
ExpressVPN – Can be used on up to three devices,
Surfshark – Has a strict no-logs policy
Although Dubai’s official tourism website boasts, “Discover all that’s possible in Dubai”, when it comes to their internet, you’ll find that’s not very much. Anxious to protect the “identity, traditions, ethics, morals and culture” of their country, Dubai has introduced some heavy censorship.
Wondering how to open blocked sites in UAE? Well, a VPN or Virtual Private Network is the best solution but even this isn’t straightforward as Dubai’s censorship has also blocked VPN providers’ sites. This means you can’t easily install a VPN which would enable you to bypass the country’s restrictions and access whatever content you wanted, including the best porn sites.
The only way around the problem is to install a VPN before you leave for Dubai, thus enabling yourself to hide your IP location and access content as though you were in a different country.
The Best VPN For UAE
#1 NordVPN
With a 2-year subscription plan that can cost just $3.99 a month, NordVPN is a great-value offer. With almost 4000 servers with countless locations around the globe, it can almost rival ExpressVPN’s offering in terms of quality of connection and speed.
Its connection is also very secure with its strict policies on anonymity and privacy. If the app does not work for you while streaming TV in Dubai, it also comes with a money back guarantee. NordVPN gives you 30 days to try out their service.
Price
- $11.95/month for one month
- $6.99/month for 12 months
- $3.99/month for two years
#2 ExpressVPN -SPECIAL DEAL (3 months free with annual plan)
ExpressVPN tops our charts continuously for several reasons, and it is easily the best VPN for Dubai that the market has to offer. It ticks all the boxes in terms of what is required of a VPN with its quick and secure connection and unrivaled customer service.
More specifically, it has not only the highest speeds available for streaming content, but it also has the most consistent speeds we have seen. Plus, it has 1,500 servers with over 90 country locations. The app delivered a smooth service throughout our tests and we noticed no drop in quality throughout its use.
The provider allows its app to be used on up to three devices, which can also include mobile phones. Its pricing option for a year is particularly attractive, especially with its 30-day money back guarantee – which is available across all its subscription options.
Price
- $12.95/month for one month
- $9.99/month for six months
- $6.67/month for twelve months (49% savings)
#3 Surfshark
Given the strict censorship laws in Dubai, having a VPN that is provided by a company that is dedicated to user privacy is paramount. Surfshark is such a company that is able to offer a highly capable VPN that subscribers find easy to use and straightforward to set up.
With reference to use in Dubai, we liked Surfshark thanks to its large and broad network of servers which can be used to unblock a great deal of the internet’s content. The company has over 800 servers in over 50 countries so users can find a server wherever they need one to be based for that all important new IP address.
Additionally, the company runs with a strict no logs policy. This means that users can be confident that their online activity can never be passed over to authorities that may be asking for more information on customers. This is further underlined by a dedication to DNS leak protection that works to enhance the company’s ability to keep its subscribers 100% anonymous while online as well as having their security upheld at all times.
Price
- From as low as $1.99
How to Access Blocked Porn Sites the in UAE
Once you’ve selected the right VPN for your needs and you’ve signed up and paid for your subscription, installing and setting up your VPN should be pretty straightforward. The best VPNs for UAE all have user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step instructions so even the most technophobic Luddite can get it up and running without a headache.
Most VPNs take a matter of seconds to download and install, after which all you have to do is connect. The VPNs recommended in this article all offer a quick connect option which is ideal if you’re just wanting to remain anonymous while some of the most advanced services, like ExpressVPN, include a Smart Location feature that will enable you to connect to services like Facebook and Skype with minimal lag time. Alternatively, you can select a server in the country where you want to access content.
Once connected, you should be able to access all the free porn sites, social media platforms and streaming sites that you enjoyed at home.
Are VPNs Legal in Dubai?
While it is technically not legal to purchase and operate a VPN in Dubai, it is very much illegal to use the VPN for “criminal purposes.” What are considered criminal purposes? Accessing content and websites that are illegal in Dubai and the UAE. Some examples of online content that are illegal to access in Dubai are: porn, social media sites, dating sites, Israeli domain names, and even online chat services like Skype. Although you might not consider these to be “Criminal”, keep in mind that they are not legal in Dubai, so buying a quality, trustworthy VPN is of the utmost importance to keep you safe.
How We Rated Best VPNs for the UAE
Different cultures have different perspectives of things like online dating and pornography and the UAE are pretty conservative on all levels, leading some people to wonder how to watch and access restricted content? Well, if you’re planning a trip to Dubai, or maybe even moving there for work, you need to start looking for a VPN before you go. The top five most important features to look out for include:
1. Server location – A well-distributed international network of servers is vital if you want to access content from a range of countries. For example, if you want to watch American Netflix, you need to connect via a server in the USA. Local servers also mean for faster connection speeds so server location is crucial for your browsing convenience.
2. Security – selecting a VPN for UAE means high security so look out for those VPN services that offer military-grade encryption levels like NordVPN which uses AES-256-CBC with a 2048bit DH key. Additional security features such as Double VPN servers and kill switches are also an advantage, especially as a kill switch will protect your personal information in the event of your VPN disconnecting.
3. Speed – it can be tedious waiting for a page to load or having the film or TV program you’re watching constantly lagging. A VPN with no bandwidth caps will offer a better service as will one with multiple servers as this dilutes the amount of traffic being processed by each one.
4. Privacy – no-logging policies are a standard part of any VPN but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will not keep information about you. Look for a service that is situated outside the 14-eyes surveillance countries or one that has participated in the Center for Democracy and Technology’s ‘Signals of A Trustworthy VPN’ initiative.
5. Customer service – of course, we all want to feel valued but good customer service in the realm of VPNs goes a little further than that. If you have a problem connecting or are struggling to access porn sites in Dubai, having the ability to contact an informed individual on a 24/7 live chat service is invaluable. Look out for the VPNs that offer this function as not all are quite up to speed yet.
Why Do I Need A VPN?
A large amount of content on the internet is blocked in the UAE for several reasons. This stops citizens and travelers from watching programs they would otherwise freely view elsewhere.
Even when visiting relatively relaxed cities like Dubai, the larger country laws still apply. This means that the following content is blocked, amongst many others:
- Social networking and dating sites, like Match.com
- SIP services, like Skype or IMO
- Content that is politically sensitive
- Any site with an Israeli domain
- Dubai Porn
- Content that challenges the morals of the UAE
Even if you don’t want to access more controversial or adult-only content, like the top porn sites, a VPN is the only way to open blocked sites and be free to comment on political issues without censorship. A VPN creates a safe tunnel to the internet where your activities are hidden from prying eyes, along with your IP address. By encrypting your traffic, a reliable VPN will make it appear as though you’re operating from a different country, and therefore enable you to flirt online or even visit free porn sites.
With so much content blocked in the UAE, a VPN is a way around that problem. VPNs allow you to stream the TV shows you want to watch and to call friends on communication apps like Skype. Are VPNs Illegal in UAE Dubai?
Staying within the law is obviously very important, and up until recently, VPNs were totally legal to use in Dubai and the wider UAE.
However, in 2016, a law was passed that made it illegal to use a fake network address, though users would only be subject to prosecution if they used VPNs or other software with the intention of ‘committing a crime or preventing its discovery’. Since then, rumors have abounded about what the restrictions actually are and what punishments might be expected if people contravene the law.
Currently, the law states that you can use a VPN as long as it’s a legal service and you agree not to use it for any criminal activity or to hide any such activities. Reports that those using a VPN needed to pay a 5000 AED fine and report to their local police station have been quashed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority who stated that the message was fabricated.
In terms of which VPNs are considered legal in accordance with UAE law, there seems to be no definitive answer so our recommendation is to find a VPN that is right for you and fulfills the criteria laid out earlier in this article. If in doubt, opt for one of our best VPNs for UAE listed below.
Can a Free VPN Access Dubai Porn?
Although the standard of free VPNs is improving with services like those offered by ProtonVPN giving free users unlimited bandwidth, the speeds are often laborious and access regularly limited. For example, although ProtonVPN’s free service is reliable enough, it won’t get you past the geographical blocks on either BBC iPlayer or Netflix as free users don’t have access to the servers capable of such navigation.
There are a number of problems with free VPN services which, given the situation in the UAE, make them inadvisable, especially for those wanting to access porn sites in Dubai. Some of the major issues with free VPN services are:
1. Connectivity – many VPNs offering a free option limit the number of servers their free users can access, meaning both content and speed are limited. In other words, forget about streaming or torrenting because they will be fraught with constant interruptions.
2. Anonymity – The main reason for using a VPN is to give you free and anonymous access to any site. How a VPN does this is by creating a virtual tunnel that allows you to visit your favorite porn sites in UAE without anyone, except your VPN provider, knowing about it. Unfortunately, free VPN services don’t always play their cards close to their chest and recent research indicates that up to 75% of free VPNs track their users in some way or another.
3. Security – Although free VPNs claim to protect you against hackers, fraudsters, and other cybercriminals, research suggests that over a third of free VPN services carry some kind of malware. Not only could this infect your device and slow down your connection, but it also contravenes the very nature of a VPN, exposing its users to just the kind of targeted advertising they are trying to avoid.
Not all VPN services work in the UAE and a forum discussion posted last year indicated that TunnelBear was struggling to maintain a secure connection while Betternet wouldn’t work with Whatsapp at all. As the UAE authorities have introduced increasingly strict censorship and surveillance technology, so some VPNs have had an increasingly difficult time maintaining their services in Dubai. Some users have experienced recent problems with dropped connections when using top-of-the-range VPN services. To avoid these and other similar issues, choose from one of our carefully selected candidates for the best VPN for UAE.
The Bottom Line
If you are moving to Dubai or the UAE, or even if you’re just traveling there for a month or two, a VPN is an invaluable part of your packing list. A reliable VPN will give you access to social media and free porn sites without exposing your activities to the world. Stay in touch and up-to-date by signing up for a reliable VPN service before you leave – don’t forget, most reputable services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so, even if it doesn’t work, you won’t be out of pocket.
Avoid free VPN plans which may compromise your security and privacy, especially if you want to watch Dubai porn, and put your cybersecurity into safe hands.
Hello, are online games banned in the UAE? I’ve been using this game called ROBLOX which was banned in may 2018 and I have a ton of stuff on it (it’s a Kids game and roblox was banned here since exploiters did some weird stuff with avatars but it got removed).
Hi Khalid,
It will depend on each individual online game. Most likely ROBLOX got banned in May and was part of a list of other banned games. But that’s not to say that ALL online games are blocked.
Could anyone give an update with regards the latest update about VPN in UAE 2018
it is legal or still illegal?
Hi Tess,
As of now, you can ONLY use a VPN legally in the UAE for approved services. Accessing any restricted content is illegal, and can be fined heavily. That’s why it’s important to use a VPN that you can rely on.
How about if i stay only for two weeks.. Is there a vpn plan for two weeks? If yes, how?
Hi Melchor,
There is no plan currently for two-weeks. However, many VPN providers offer a 30-day money back guarantee. So you can sign up for the usual subscription, and then cancel it before your 30-days are up.
I live in a relatively new tower block and find that no VPN will connect there, DU is my provider. Someone told me that in newer blocks they have managed to configure the network to block VPN access. Do you know of one I could acquire? I have Hotspot Shield, X-VPN and VPNProxy, all of which do not connect at home
Hi Robert,
Have you tried NordVPN? It works best for users in the UAE.
I have need a dubai vpn so plz guide me to purchase vpn to your website…
Hi Albert,
Please choose one of the VPNs listed in the article above, and click on the link. It will guide you directly to the VPN’s website where you can purchase the plan of your choosing and start watching all of your preferred content from Dubai.
I need a VPN works on dubai and for free because i dont have VISA
Hey there,
If you’re looking for a free VPN, this article can help. However, you should know that these free VPN’s are not recommended for full privacy. ExpressVPN excels in privacy and anonymity, and it accepts PayPal, so a Visa is not necessary!
Why to use VPN when you can use tools like R-HUB web video conferencing servers, webex, gomeetnow, gotomeeting etc. They work well and are not banned in UAE.
Because you do not have the same level of security, privacy and anonymity. when surfing from UAE you need to understand that the government/ISP is tracking every connection. in few words you can get in trouble if you do not know what you are doing. those software you mentioned were not build for privacy and anonymity, The VPN we are reviewing here are 100% secure, no-log and we have tested them for DNS and IP leak etc…
Hi is it crime to watch adult movies using vpn in uae?
Hi, and thanks for the interesting question. To answer you concern, let’s start with the laws regarding adult content. It is still not permitted to access any adult content in the UAE, and such websites are blocked by the government. Viewing them carries a hefty fine. You can still access them through a VPN, and in many cases you will likely not be detected. However, the government can charge you with fraudulent use of an IP address, which also brings fines and other consequences. While a VPN can help you avoid the law, you should always learn a little more about local laws before deciding for yourself. Let us know how it works for you!
In Dubai, VPNs are critical for businesses or nearly all companies to securely exchange data between their branches and their partners, and to allow their employees to work remotely. Without it, financial transactions will not be secure.
Furthermore, as popular social media sites like IMO and Skype remains banned, the cost of using a VPN on a daily basis also comes into consideration. Even though ExpressVPN is one of the most secure and fastest VPN in use today, its high subscription fee is a concern for many.
As Dubai bans the usage of VPNs and imposes strict internet usage laws, isn’t the high subscription fee also an added disadvantage for the user?
Hello, and thank you for the considerate question! We appreciate ExpressVPN because it allows users across the world to handle the business needs you’ve described easily alongside reliable speeds and security. We understand that many users have expressed concerns about the service’s high subscription fee, but it can be greatly offset when you purchase one of the company’s long-term plans. For a VPN that offers a strong combination of features, we feel the price is reasonable, but understand that each user has unique financial constraints and VPN needs. If you feel ExpressVPN is truly unaffordable, we recommend you take a look at the other VPNs we recommend in the article, which all provide great features and privacy protections when you’re accessing the web from Dubai. Let us know which service you choose!
I was transferred to UAE for a year. I am still shocked that Skype barred. It’s almost unthinkable. I wasn’t able to use Skype till I stumbled upon your article and used Express VPN. It’s reliable and affordable I’d totally recommend.
This article does provide helpful ideas for those visiting or residing in Dubai and might want to access popular apps like IMO that are banned in Dubai. However, as ExpressVPN is an expensive VPN for usage, there are other VPNs that are relatively cheaper like PrivateVPN as mentioned above. But such cost-friendly VPNs also provide the risk of inefficient privacy and protection which might prove vulnerable for the user as if detected by the authorities, legal actions might be taken as Dubai exhibits strict censorship and internet usage laws. Don’t you think ExpressVPN might not be the ultimate solution for this problem then?
Hello, and thank you for such a well-thought question! We base our recommendations on a rigorous series of tests that gives us a good idea of what a VPN can actually do in the real world. ExpressVPN is on the pricier side of the industry standard, but we recommend it because it offers a great combination of reliably fast speeds and excellent security features alongside a spotless record of bypassing geo-restrictions. However, choosing a VPN is not solely about performance, as you noted, and sometimes price is an important consideration. For this reason, we try to recommend a variety of options that can meet a broad array of users’ needs. All the VPNs you see listed are strong alternatives, and you’d be well suited with any of them. Let us know which you do end up choosing and why!
hey thanks for sharing information about vpn in UAE and it is very useful.Can you tell me about the vpn in China means can i access social media through these vpn in china also?
Hi James,
You’re very welcome!
As for travelling in China, please consult with the following article: best vpns for China.
Is still true that can’t use VPN from Dubai? Listed VPN is secure from govement police and will not get caught? Thanks.
Hi Ahmed,
You can definitely use VPNs in Dubai. We re-confirmed with ExpressVPN, NordVPN and all the brands presented in this article for 2018.
Do any of these providers other than PureVPN work for mobile devices? I will be traveling to Dubai in April and will need a VPN can work on my Smartphone, Tablet, Mac and Laptop. Yes, I actually use all of those (graphics and audio engineer).
I really don’t want to get multiple VPNs but I will if I have to. What do you recommend?
Hi Thomas,
All of the VPNs provided above work on mobile devices as well. For more precise information, please consult with our best vpn for Android and best vpn for iphone review.
Want to know, which of the VPN comes with a money back guarantee, I have seen people mentioning NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and am really confused here. I don’t even know the best trusted one to go for.
Hi Daisy,
As per surveys, I know that the preferred choice is ExpressVPN even if it’s more expensive, based on the service performance. NordVPN and SaferVPN are trusted providers as well. They all have a money back guarantee of 30 days for you to try.
Gosh! Thank you for such beautiful service. I was unable to get access to some of my apps in Dubai and now all of them are working perfectly.
I haven’t been to Dubai but I’m planning on taking my family there soon. I sure hope I can access all my social media pages over there? Can I also access Netflix while I’m there?
I Clark,
Yes you can, provided there are servers to connect to. You can easily get your answers via ExpressVPN, NordVPN or any other of the providers on this list via their live chat option.
These listed VPNs are good and I know. The moneyback is what I am concerned about. Is there guarantee on the 30 days moneyback as enlisted in NordVPN?
Hi Craig, I assure you that NordVPN has a 30-day money back guarantee and that you fill get full refund for the service if you are not satisfied.
I had a very redundant but self-assuring system for my Dubai browsing. I obviously used expressVPN because they’re reliable though they are cost effective.
I have been trying to access a website in UAE since last week. Got a VPN and still not accssible. Please, could it be that All these VPNs are not working here as I’ve tried about 3 VPNs already. Help!
Dear Karim,
We can confirm that these brands do work from the UAE based on their confirmation and other users experience. However, your best bet would be to communicate with their live chat customer service (they are real people, not robots and are very knowledgeable) so that they trouble shoot together with you and walk you through the steps. The reason you are encountering issues is most likely dependent on more than 1 factor (device, streaming service, etc), so getting their direct assistance is the best thing to do.
Hi lyndon
Can we use VPN fo Facebook calling or IMO calling in UAE? Or this also ban in UAE? Some people are still using VPN in UAE for call quality on facebook and IMO.
Thanks
Hello Rishi,
Based on my understanding it should be possible, although as to the legality of a VPN in the UAE depends on how you use it. As I am not a UAE Legal expert of any kind, I would recommend checking with more detailed resources on the subject.
Best,
Lyndon
Hi Rishi,
With vpn you should be able to do those things. I used a VPN when I was in Dubai and I can do FB and Netflix streaming without any issues.
If I open match.com with hidemyass…How long would I be on the sites. Whenever I use Vpn to sign up on the site, they block me after few day. I will be getting email notifications but I can’t log in to the site. Any help suggestion would be helpful and very much appreciated. Thanks
Hello Anthony,
I’m afraid I’m not certain enough about your problem in order to properly solve it. It could very well be an issue with Match, and it might be prudent to contact their customer service to find your answer. Depending on how the sites logs and tracks IP addresses (they could get suspicious about different logins from different places) a VPN could simply not work for the dating service.
Hope this helps!
Lyndon
It seems tht every vpn has been restricted in uae and if we use this they might take a particular action towards it. So wat ever vpn u have talked about is safe or not for viber,whatsappcall etc
Hey Savith,
So Dubai is a special situation in that they banned VPNs in the country. We believe these are the Best VPNs for the country at the time being with that in consideration, but each user has to weigh the benefits and costs for themselves.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Lyndon
Awesome post, very informative. Was thinking of how to stream on Netflix when I go there for holiday this Christmas. I really hope Express VPN is fast there.
Hello Jen,
Hope you can help me…I have a friend working in Dubai (Suadi). She got the job through an agency. She applied as a nurse and when she arrived there, she had trouble with her VISA, it now turns out that she is there as a teacher (which she is not at all). Now she is blocked on their system and can’t get a VISA. Can you help? What can we do?
Angela you would need to speak with a lawyer about this.