Summary:  The United Arab Emirates has some of the most restrictive internet censorship in the world. If you’re in one of these countries, access to many popular sites and services will be blocked.

You can get around this though, if you use a VPN. VPNs give you an alternate IP address, getting you around regional content blocks.

For the fastest connection to all of your favorite content in the UAE, I recommend using Express VPN.

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Why Is My Access Limited?

It’s no secret that in the United Arab Emirates, internet access is very restricted. Access to content is very limited, due to government censorship that bars access to content such as:

• pornography
• politically sensitive material
• all Israeli domains
• most VoIP services
• sections of Wikipedia
• all dating sites
• some social networking sites
• Skype

Pretty long list, huh? And that doesn’t even include content that gets blocked on a more specific basis just because the government feels it doesn’t mix well with the UAE’s moral values.

In addition, the UAE monitors internet activity closely with their surveillance software, so that they can prosecute offenders.

If you’re like 95% of UAE citizens, you’re not crazy about all of this. To get around these extensive content blocks and protect your privacy, use a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are Virtual Private Networks. They do is provide you with a secure connection through a remote server so that you can access any content you like completely anonymously.

You’re given a new IP address, which gets your through geographically imposed internet censorship, and all of your activity is protected with encryption.

Top 3 VPNs for The UAE

There are tons of VPNs out there to choose from, so make sure you choose one that has a fast enough connection to handle your usual internet activity.

Here are a few of the most popular ones out there, and what you can expect from their service.

#1 Choice:  Express VPN – 9/10 – Fastest connection overseas

When it comes to getting you through censorship, Express VPN does that and more. They have a huge network of servers, so you can get access in just about any part of the world.

Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can use all of your favorite streaming and VoIP services without ever worrying about hitting a cap.

Express VPN has very thorough encryption, with multiple protocols in place in addition to their standard 256 bit encryption.

You can even use it on more than one device simultaneously without paying additional fees.

Their software is very easy to use, so it’s great for people that may not be familiar with VPNs and how exactly they work.

It’s also compatible with all major operating systems, from Mac to Linux, so it’s great for people that use a variety of WiFi enabled gadgets.

Where Express VPN really shines is their customer service though. You can get a hold of their support staff any time, day or night, through either their live chat feature or e-mail.

What’s really great is the average turn around time for e-mail inquiries is actually less than 30 minutes!

Express VPN also offers a 30-day money back guarantee and a referral program that gives customers and their referred friends a month of free service,

For private and unlimited browsing in the UAE, the number one choice is  Express VPN.

#2:  IPVanish – 8/10 – Not quite as fast, but low monthly rates

While IPVanish isn’t quite as fast as Express VPN, they do offer their customers completely unlimited bandwidth with all of their service plans.

Plus, you can use their VPN software on up two devices at a time. However, if you’re using Apple devices, keep in mind that IPVanish isn’t compatible with iOS.

They have customer service too, although admittedly they can’t match Express VPN’s super-fast response time.

You can reach their support staff 24/7 through their e-mail or live chat options. They also offer a 7-day money back guarantee for their customers, which is great, but they don’t have a referral program.

IPVanish doesn’t have quite as many security protocols as Express VPN does, but they do include 256-bit encryption standard with all of their service plans, so your connection is secure.

They don’t have servers in quite as many countries as Express VPN, but they actually cover more major cities around the world.

IPVanish can be found here.

#3: HideMyAss– 6/10 – Unreliable connection, security risk

HideMyAss has some pretty cool features, like unlimited bandwidth, and compatibility with all operating systems.

However, in my experience, the connection to their servers is very unreliable, often cutting in and out.

This poses something of a security risk. If the VPN fails in the middle of your browsing session, any applications connected to the internet are exposed to whoever may be watching – not good.

Like Express VPN, HideMyAss has 24/7 customer service, with reps that can be reached by phone, e-mail, or live chat.

However, I wasn’t impressed by their response times, and the responses seemed like they were copied and pasted right out of a FAQs section. I just wasn’t impressed.

HideMyAss does have a pretty large network of servers, with locations in 151 countries, so if you can’t access Express VPN or IPVanish, then they’re a good last option to look into.

However, if you’re within range of an Express VPN server, go with them for a more reliable connection and better customer service.

HideMyAss is here.

Conclusion:  Use Express VPN for Fast, Unlimited Access

The United Arab Emirates has earned an infamous reputation around the world for their excessive censorship of the internet, and pervasive surveillance programs.

Not only does this limit your access, but their surveillance programs mean that you will be prosecuted for accessing or publishing material they deem inappropriate.

The right VPN can solve this problem. Express VPN will assign you a new IP address that will get you around the censorship blockades.

It will also encrypt your data, which will protect your personal information, and Express VPN never logs their users’ activity, protecting you from government monitoring.

Express VPN won’t slow down your connection, it’s super-easy to use, and it works on all operating systems.

For the fastest, most secure connection, sign up with Express VPN now.