UAE is known for its extravagance and luxury, but it is grappling with issues like restricted VoIP app usage, circumventing geo-blocks, limitations on streaming services, and accessing content prohibited by the government and religious authorities. Moreover, journalists need security and privacy due to limited freedom of the press.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) controls the online content, monitors the activities of users, and blocks access to websites found offensive against religion and cultural norms. This censorship also extends to communication apps like WhatsApp and Skype.  Fortunately, these issues can be resolved with a reliable VPN. But the question is which is the best VPN in UAE, as there are several. Don’t fret! This article will give you all the information.

Key Considerations in Choosing the Best VPN

Security and Encryption: A reliable VPN should provide strong encryption mechanisms to protect user data from unauthorized access and potential online hazards.

Server Network: A VPN should have an expansive server network including servers positioned beyond the UAE. This provides access to geo-restricted content and helps users enjoy optimal performance.

Privacy Policy: Choose VPN services that have a strong no-logs policy, ensuring that they don’t keep a record of user activity and connection logs that can compromise their privacy.

Speed and Performance: VPNs reduce the internet speed. So, choose a service that provides fast and reliable performance, especially for streaming and gaming.

Compatibility: The VPN work should work effectively across all devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Best VPN in UAE

There are different types of VPNs. Some are good for streaming, others for privacy. Our research team has tested several VPNs and picked the 3 best. Our selection criteria were based on whether these VPNs worked in Dubai, their number of servers, and their security and privacy features. Moreover, we also assessed the user-friendliness of their mobile applications for seamless operation.

1. Express VPN
2. Nord VPN
3. Surfshark

Express VPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs of 2024, due to its great privacy and security features. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it has servers across 105 countries, all optimized for security and speed, but the exact number of servers is unknown. These servers using the latest encryption protocols keep the user data safe. This VPN offers applications for Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android. Each application has an in-house-built Lightway tunneling protocol, and an industry-leading AES encryption, that offers reliable performance and security.

Pricing: It offers an above-average subscription price, which is one of the drawbacks. It has three subscription plans based on duration and price. The shortest 1-month plan costs $12.95/month. The 6-month plan costs $9.99/month, and the longest 1-year plan costs $6.67/month. All subscriptions have the same features and allow the user to connect 8 devices per account. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.

Security: ExpressVPN is safe due to its secure encrypted tunnel. The AES-256 encryption scatters the user’s data into pieces so that it is protected. Network Lock, which is the VPN’s kill switch, shuts down the internet when the connection gets disrupted, hence preventing unwanted leaks of your location and the real IP. This VPN doesn’t collect any logs of your activity, which extends to DNS queries, browsing history, etc. Hence everything you do is known only to you. It has undergone several privacy audits of its security practices. There have been 16 in 2024, which included checking the apps, privacy policies, and browser extensions.

Connection Speed: Due to its Lightway protocol, it has an impressive connection speed. Moreover, its servers enable you to access a wide range of regional content.

MediaSteamer: It is a Smart DNS feature of this VPN, that helps you spoof your location on your device where you can’t install VPNs. You’ll use this on your Xbox gaming console, or your Playstation to access regional content from different streaming devices. You may also use it on a smart TV that doesn’t have access to the ExpressVPN app. To set it up on your device, you have to register your IP address for the MediaSteamer on the VPN website.

Threat Manager: ExpressVPN has a threat manager that blocks apps and websites from tracking your online activity. It does this by preventing your device from getting connected to a server that is on a blocklist of trackers and malicious sites. It is a new feature and is currently available on iOS, Linux, and macOS.

Nord VPN

It is one of the best UAE VPNs with a vast server network of more than 6100 servers. It employs the NordLynx protocol, which ensures fast connection speeds and enhanced security.

Security: It protects your online data with powerful encryption algorithms like AES-256 and ChaCha20. Its privacy policy undergoes triple verification to ensure your online activities aren’t being tracked. Its servers ensure optimal security. Moreover, it has a Threat Protection feature that stops too many ads, prevents online tracking, and protects against malicious software.

User-Friendliness: NordVPN operates seamlessly across a range of devices such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc in the UAE. It has a user-friendly mobile interface, enabling people to select servers via a map or country list combo, with settings easily accessible with icons in the corner. The users don’t need to worry about the app’s functionality being affected by DU and Etisalat internet providers, as the VPN has strong encryption and tunneling protocols, such as NordLynx which ensure optimal performance.

Optimized Steaming: NordVPN has SmartPlay technology that ensures seamless access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc. hence making you enjoy movies and TV shows from several countries. Moreover, it is compatible with all desktop and mobile streaming systems, smart TVs, and routers, hence uninterrupted streaming.

Connection Speed: NordVPN is considered one of the best VPNs in the UAE due to its exceptional speed. Due to NordLynx protocol, the service delivers speed that never falls below 90% of the baseline, hence ensuring a hassle-free browsing experience, no matter whether you are streaming UHD video content or surfing the internet. With NordVPN, you can also switch to other protocols like Open VPN.

Affordable Pricing: NordVPN offers a subscription of $3.39 per month, covering usage on 6 devices. It also offers a 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who may reconsider their subscription.

Surfshark

It is an affordable yet feature-rich VPN option for people in Dubai and the UAE. Having an extensive network of more than 3200 server networks, it offers one connection point in the UAE. Surfshark enables users to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic through obfuscation. The nearest servers for this VPN outside of Dubai and UAE are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  

Security: It offers strong security through AES-256 encryption, and its privacy policy ensures your online activity won’t be tracked, hence prioritizing customer privacy. The Surfshark app has CleanWeb which blocks advertisements and malware. It also has a kill switch and DNS leak protection that secures the information on the user’s location.

User-Friendliness: This VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, offering user-friendly interfaces across different applications with appealing designs for mobile and desktop versions. The mobile apps for Android are visually appealing and beginner-friendly. Moreover, they have GPS spoofing and split tunneling features, so users can control which apps are connected to the VPN. However, you may not see these features in the iOS app. This VPN connects quickly with DU in Dubai but takes time with Etisalat. In such cases, switching between servers improves connectivity.  

Content Streaming: Surfshark is a top choice when it comes to streaming. Having an extensive server network, it gives users access to a wide range of content across popular platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, etc. It also offers Smart DNS to unblock content on devices that lack VPN app support.

Connection Speed: Based on our tests, the connection speed of Surfshark is close to that of NordVPN. The WireGuard implementation ensures reliable and uninterrupted connections, hence meeting user demands. Throughout our evaluation, Surfshark maintained speeds of over 86% of the original baseline, hence providing users with minimal disruption during browsing, gaming, and steaming. So, users can rely on this VPN option.

Affordable Pricing: Surfshark offers an affordable subscription option, starting at $2.29 per month. It also offers a complimentary 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who change their minds.

Conclusion

With censorship laws and restrictions on accessing online content in place in the UAE, you need to choose a reliable VPN that ensures security, privacy, and seamless internet access. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are among the best VPNs in UAE each providing unique benefits that cater to the needs of the users. No matter whether prioritizing security, uninterrupted content streaming, speed, or affordability, these 3 VPNs can effectively combat the challenges posed by the internet restrictions in the region, but ultimately it is up to your individual preferences.

FAQs

Why is using a VPN important in the UAE?

Using a VPN in the UAE is crucial for circumventing restrictions on VoIP apps, accessing geo-blocked content, maintaining online privacy, and ensuring security. VPNs allow users to bypass government censorship and protect their data from surveillance.

Which VPNs are best for use in the UAE?

The top three VPNs for use in the UAE are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs are known for their strong security features, fast connection speeds, and ability to bypass geo-blocks and censorship effectively.

How does ExpressVPN ensure my privacy and security?

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a secure Lightway tunneling protocol, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. Additionally, it offers a Network Lock kill switch and has undergone multiple privacy audits to confirm its security practices.

What makes NordVPN suitable for streaming content in the UAE?

NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology ensures seamless access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. It also maintains high connection speeds with its NordLynx protocol, providing an uninterrupted streaming experience across various devices.

Is Surfshark a good option for budget-conscious users in the UAE?

Yes, Surfshark offers affordable subscription plans starting at $2.29 per month. Despite its low cost, it provides strong security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and CleanWeb for blocking ads and malware.

Can I use these VPNs on all my devices?

Yes, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs. They offer user-friendly apps for different operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.