Living in UAE is a dream come true for many people. However, the restrictions on social media and different online websites might be outside that dream.
UAE has always been known for its tight restrictions on internet use in its cities. The government has restricted apps like WhatsApp, VOIP, and many video streaming platforms.
Etisalat and Du are behind these restrictions and have restricted all social media apps. Your best bet is to use a VPN, as cellphone plans are way too expensive in UAE.
According to a report, the number of people that use VPNs in the UAE is larger than the number of people who use VPNs in any other part of the world.
Why are there internet restrictions in UAE?
The United Arab Emirates imposes internet restrictions for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is to maintain social and cultural values. The UAE is a Muslim country, and the government strives to ensure that the content accessible to its citizens and residents is consistent with Islamic principles and values.
Another reason for internet restrictions in the UAE is to protect national security and public order. The government is responsible for ensuring that individuals and organizations do not use the internet to spread harmful or illegal content, including terrorist propaganda, hate speech, or pornography.
Furthermore, the UAE has strict laws that regulate online activities, and internet restrictions are used to enforce these laws. The government also monitors and censors online content to prevent the spread of information that could harm national security or incite unrest. In such as scenario, only a VPN can be your best bet.
What should you look for in a UAE VPN?
Your UAE VPN should be an all-rounder, as you will face many issues while surfing the internet. Firstly, your VPN should have an obfuscation feature, which will let you use your VPN without getting detected. Because, when caught, you will get banned from using social media sites.
Secondly, your VPN should be able to unban all the restricted content effortlessly, as UAE authorities tend to block different sites without proper notice.
Thirdly, your VPN should be super fast, and you must be able to enjoy high bandwidth while using it in UAE. Lastly, and most importantly, the VPN should provide a secure and safe connection, a no-log policy, and excellent encryption. These features will keep your login credentials safe and provide an anonymous connection.
We understand the importance of the features mentioned above, so we have listed the top 5 VPNs you should use in UAE.
Top 5 VPNS for UAE
Here are the top 5 VPNs that work well in the UAE:
ExpressVPN:
Key Features:
- High speed
- High-quality encryption
- A kill switch
- Excellent privacy
- Can access all the banned apps in UAE
ExpressVPN is on the top for all the right reasons. It has everything: fast connection speeds and the ability to unblock websites.
With AES-256 encryption, different protocols, and a kill switch, your privacy is solid with ExpressVPN. Moreover, it’s perfect for unblocking geo-restricted streaming services.
You can browse Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and catch live sports events from anywhere worldwide, even if you are sitting in Dubai. Pick a server in the country you want, and you’re ready.
When you’re in the UAE, it’s important to have good support since the rules keep changing. That’s where ExpressVPN shines. Their customer support is available 24/7 to help you out. And they even have a page on their site just for UAE-specific issues.
What sets ExpressVPN apart is how easy it is to use. Even if you need to be more tech-savvy, you can set it up quickly. Plus, they’ve got a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it out for free.
The only downside is that you can only use it on five devices simultaneously. But honestly, that’s more than enough for most people. So if you want the best UAE VPN, go with ExpressVPN.
NordVPN:
Key features:
- High speed in UAE
- 5 UAE based servers
- Two kill switches
- Onion over VPN
NordVPN is no less than ExpressVPN when its use in UAE is concerned. As we have already discussed, you should look for high-end security features while buying a VPN for UAE. We suggest you go for Nord’s top-notch security features. Their security protocols are accurate and will provide 100% security.
The VPN has two kill switches, high-quality DNS leak protection, and Onion over VPN, giving you solid security in your online adventures.
NordVPN also has a decent reputation for unblocking entertainment sites blocked by Etisalat and Du. With Nord, there is no holding back on iplayer, Netflix, and other restricted websites. Plus, the high speed will give you the fast streaming experience you need in UAE.
However, with all the benefits, you might face a downside: the design of their mobile app needs to be clarified. Their desktop interface is map based, which will not work on mobile phones.
SurfShark:
Key Features:
- Great streaming experience
- It has solid security features
- Cheaper than other paid VPNs
Do you need an easy-to-use VPN that also provides excellent value in UAE? Surshark is your guy. We have used this VPN and found that it is a perfect pick for those who want to go for a cheaper option with some valuable features. It may not be as good as the NORD and EXPRESS but believe us; it will do the deed.
Surfshark tries hard to provide top-class security with its AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, and double-hop features. And it does deliver the type of security you will need while using a VPN in UAE.
Not to mention the fantastic streaming experience you will have while using Netflix, Hulu, or iPlayer, some users have even reported that its streaming is even better than most paid VPNs. If you are on a budget, this VPN can be your best bet.
Proton VPN:
Key Features:
- Pen source apps, zero logs policy
- A variety of servers in the UAE
- Tor over VPN
Proton VPN is nothing less than our top 3 VPNs because its security game is solid. Its security features are worth paying for as that’s all you need while accessing restricted content in UAE. The VPN has high-end security features, including no log policy, pen source apps, Tor over VPN, and top-class secure core servers.
This is one of the very few VPNs that also contains several servers in the UAE. You can connect to any of the servers with its advanced secure core system and enjoy a safe stream.
What’s weaker is their customer support, as they do not provide a 24-hour live chat, so you will have to wait hours for a reply if you encounter any connectivity issues.
VyprVPN
Key Features:
- Zero log policy
- Good for many apps
- Chameleon protocol
Vypr may not be the most prominent VPN provider out there, but it gets the job done in many different situations, including as a UAE VPN. Most VPNs beat around the bush, but VyprVPN tells you it can get you past restricted content. That’s good if you’re trying to dodge censorship in the UAE.
VyprVPN is all about keeping you safe and sound online. They’re zero-logging, so you don’t have to worry about them collecting any data that could put you at risk. And it’s excellent at unblocking just about every streaming service out there.
Now, we need to be honest with you. Compared to some of the other VPNs on this list, VyprVPN has recently bumped up their prices, so they’re not the cheapest option out there.
Plus, their connection speeds could be better. But, if you have difficulty finding a VPN that works for you in the UAE, then it’s worth giving VyprVPN a shot.
How to set up a VPN on your device in UAE
Setting up a VPN on your device in the UAE can help you access websites and services that the government may restrict or block.
Here are the steps to set up a VPN on your device:
- Choose a VPN service: You can choose from the five options we have given above.
- Download and install the VPN app: Once you have chosen a VPN service, download and install the app on your device. Most VPN services have Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac apps.
- Connect to a VPN server: Open the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in a country where the websites or services you want to access are not blocked. For example, if you want to access a website blocked in the UAE, you can connect to a server in the US or the UK.
- Verify your connection: Once connected to a VPN server, visit a website blocked in the UAE to verify that your connection is working. If the website is accessible, then your VPN connection is working.
FAQs
Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?
Using a VPN is legal in the UAE, but it is important to use a reliable VPN service that complies with the country’s laws and regulations. Pick from ExpressVPN, NordVPN or SurfShark.
Can I access all websites and services with a VPN in the UAE?
While a VPN can help you access some websites and services that may be restricted or blocked in the UAE, it may not be able to bypass all restrictions.
Are all VPNs equally effective in the UAE?
No, not all VPNs are equally effective in the UAE. Some VPN services may not work in the country, while others may have their servers blocked by the government. Choosing a reliable VPN service with servers in countries where the websites or services you want to access are not blocked is important.
Can I use a free VPN in the UAE?
Using a free VPN in the UAE may not be a good idea, as free VPNs offer more security and privacy than paid VPNs. Additionally, free VPNs may have limited server options and slower speeds, negatively affecting your online experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s best to use one of the VPNs mentioned above for your stay in the UAE. But install the VPN before leaving for UAE, as they won’t be available there.
