The Best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai

Best Free UAE and Dubai VPNs

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How to choose the best VPN for the UAE

The VPN you choose must be reliable. Here are some things you should look for in a VPN in the UAE and Dubai:

Large server network

You should choose a VPN with more proxy servers at various locations. A large server network will provide you with a selection of server locations to choose from.

Fast Speed

Sometimes VPNs in the UAE are slow, making it difficult to stream online videos. If possible, sign up for VPN trials before purchasing a VPN. Then, you can test them out and choose one with a good server speed.

If you haven’t got the time for that, read this article instead: Fastest VPNs of 2021.

No traffic restrictions

Some VPNs block Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks and movie streams, restricting your downloading bandwidth per month. When choosing a VPN, it is ideal to go for one that does not have these limitations.

Zero-logging policy

A virtual private network should not store any of your personal information. Therefore, a reliable VPN must have a zero-logging policy. Otherwise, you are putting your privacy at risk.

Kill switch

Another vital safety feature that a good VPN will have is a kill switch. This is important because it helps you instantly disconnect from the Internet, keeping your IP address and identity secure. Ideally, you should check for such a feature before choosing a VPN.

User-friendly

VPN software should be easy for everyone to install and use, so it should not require technical knowledge.

How the UAE’s Internet Censorship Works

The UAE highly restricts internet content. Until 2006, Etisalat was essentially a monopoly as the only telephone and telecommunications provider in the UAE. Currently, there are two major telecommunication companies, and one of their main roles is restricting access to censored sites. These internet service providers (ISPs) block almost all Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, and some streaming services.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA), responsible for the UAE’s internet censorship, has stated that prohibited content includes:

“any content that offends against, is objectionable to, or is contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, national public security or Islam morality, or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law…”

These regulations apply to:

• VoIP sites
• Nudity and pornography
• Fraud
• Drugs
• Gambling and similar activities (bets, lottery, electronic gambling)
• Discrimination and racism
• Contempt of religion

Are VPNs legal in the UAE?

Yes. Despite the efforts of internet providers, such as Etisalat, VPN usage in the UAE and Dubai is not inherently illegal. According to Article 1 of Federal Law No. 12 of 2016, amending the Cyber Crimes Law in the UAE, using a VPN on its own is not a crime. However, using a fraudulent IP address in order to commit a crime or prevent the discovery of a crime is illegal.

Can you get in trouble for using a VPN in the UAE?

Using a VPN will not automatically lead to getting in trouble. However, you must follow the guidelines around VPNs and use them properly. The law states that a VPN is only illegal if it’s used to commit a crime.

What sites are blocked in the UAE?

As previously mentioned, the UAE and Dubai have highly censored internet access. Therefore, many websites and apps are blocked. Here is a list of some of the most popular websites and categories that are inaccessible:

• Online casinos and gambling websites
• Pornographic websites
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• Most dating websites and apps
• Most VPN websites
• Websites deemed offensive to Islam
• New sites related to Qatar
• Flickr
• FaceTime
• Snapchat
• Viber
• Facebook Messenger

Do any free VPNs work in the UAE?

While some VPN providers offer free services, they are a gamble. Here are some reasons to avoid using a free VPN, especially in the UAE:

Getting past government-implemented blocks isn’t that simple

The UAE government has implemented a number of blocks restricting access to various categories of websites and VoIP services. If you want to download a VPN to use Skype, for example, you will need a better-quality VPN in order to get past these bans.

Free VPNs do not have a large number of servers

As mentioned earlier in this article, a good VPN will have a large number of servers, providing you with ample choices of server locations. In contrast, a free VPN will likely have a limited number of servers, making it difficult to unblock content from other countries.

Free VPNs perform poorly

Combine a free VPN’s low number of servers with a high volume of people trying to use them, and you may find it difficult to do simple things, such as stream videos or make video calls, due to slow buffering and lagging.

Lack of security features

Free VPNs do not offer as many security features, such as data encryption and a kill switch. A VPN should provide you with a high level of online security, and you won’t find that from a free VPN.

They keep activity logs

As mentioned previously, the best VPNs provide a zero-logging policy, which you most likely won’t find with free VPNs. Your privacy is especially important if you’re accessing blocked content in the UAE since some websites may be deemed inappropriate under the law.

Why is my VPN slow in the UAE?

The internet is a vast network with millions of pockets of data, all working to send information to different servers. During peak hours of use, there can be lags in sending this information as the servers look for alternate network paths. In this case, internet speed issues are often temporary. A key factor in the speed of a VPN is how strong your internet connection is. Service providers determine internet speed access and may limit the speed of VPNs. Additionally, you can expect to lose a small amount of speed by using a VPN since the software encrypts all the data.

What To Do If Your VPN Isn’t Working in the UAE

Remember, the more servers a VPN has, the faster it will go. It is imperative to make sure you have a good internet connection and a reliable VPN provider with a large server database. If these factors are not the issue, try the following steps to fix your VPN:

Change your device

If you’re using a VPN on an outdated or old device, it could be beneficial to switch to a newer device. Also, smartphones and other small devices sometimes struggle to keep up with the extensive encryption that VPNs require. As a result, they may be slower.

Connect to a wired connection

As opposed to a wireless connection, a wired connection is often stronger with improved latency.

Change your VPN

If your VPN provider’s data server isn’t fast enough for your needs, you might need to switch to a different server or find another VPN provider.

Reboot your router

Sometimes, rebooting your router or device to refresh the software will clear up any networking issues and improve your internet speed.

Check for updates

Check that your devices do not need a system update. Outdated software can easily cause programs to slow down.

Change your location

If your ISP address is the root of the problem, try to use the internet from a different location altogether. For example, a café or library might have a stronger ISP address.

How to unblock Google, YouTube, and more in the UAE

Both YouTube and Google are accessible in the UAE and Dubai. Therefore, they do not need to be unblocked. In order to unblock restricted websites, a trusted VPN is suggested, such as the following:

NordVPN

This VPN does not track, collect, or store your data. It encrypts data that is sent and received. NordVPN also offers a free 30-day trial.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has 3000+ fast and secure servers. It also allows you to connect up to 5 devices.

PrivateVPN

You are able to encrypt transmitted data with this VPN provider. There is no data allowance, and it is best for streaming high-quality videos.

Surfshark

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers. This VPN keeps your physical location private and your sensitive data secure. It also has a kill switch.

Conclusion

VPNs provide an extra layer of anonymity and protection while using the internet and open doors to otherwise blocked content. By choosing a trusted VPN, you will enjoy more open and secure internet access. Now that you are informed on some of the basics of finding the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai, you can choose which one will work best for you!

Related articles

• The ultimate guide to creating your own VPN.
• These are the 10 best cheap VPN services.
• Per-Erik answered the question: What is the most secure VPN for the dark web?

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