You land in Dubai. You open WhatsApp to call your family. Nothing. FaceTime? Blocked. Skype? Gone. You’re paying for fast internet and suddenly half your apps don’t work.
This guide covers the four VPNs that still bypass UAE restrictions in 2026 — tested on both Etisalat and Du, with real speed data and step-by-step setup instructions.
Install your VPN before you land. VPN provider websites are sometimes blocked in the UAE, making it harder to download apps once you’re there.
TL;DR: Best VPNs for UAE and Dubai in 2026
| VPN | Best For | Starting Price | Free Plan | UAE Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Best overall, works on Etisalat | €3.09/mo | No | ★★★★★ |
| ExpressVPN | Easiest setup, auto-obfuscation | $2.44/mo | No | ★★★★★ |
| ProtonVPN | Best free option, Stealth protocol | Free / €2.99/mo | Yes, unlimited | ★★★★ |
| Surfshark | Best value, unlimited devices | $2.10/mo | No | ★★★★ |
The single most important rule: Always use obfuscation or stealth mode. Standard VPN protocols are actively blocked by Etisalat and Du using deep packet inspection (DPI). Obfuscated traffic succeeds far more reliably.
Going to Dubai for a week? Get ExpressVPN — zero setup required, obfuscation is automatic on every server.
Living in UAE long-term? NordVPN gives you the best combination of reliability on Etisalat, server speed, and extra security features.
Tight budget? ProtonVPN’s free plan includes the Stealth protocol with unlimited data. No catch.
How We Tested: UAE Testing Methodology (February 2026)
Each VPN was tested on Etisalat home broadband and Du mobile data in February 2026, using obfuscation and stealth protocols. We measured first-attempt connection success rate, average connection time, and download speed.
| VPN | ISPs Tested | First-Attempt Success | Avg. Connection Time | Speed on 50 Mbps Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Etisalat, Du | 97% | 5 to 8 seconds | 75.17 Mbps |
| ExpressVPN | Etisalat, Du | 100% | 3 to 5 seconds | 70.19 Mbps |
| ProtonVPN | Etisalat, Du | 85% | 10 to 15 seconds | 52.51 Mbps |
| Surfshark | Etisalat, Du | 80% | 12 to 20 seconds | 35.53 Mbps |
What Is Blocked in UAE and Dubai in 2026?
The UAE’s internet is regulated by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Restrictions are enforced by the country’s two ISPs — Etisalat (e&) and Du — using deep packet inspection at network gateways.
What VoIP Apps Are Blocked in UAE?
This is the number one reason people get a VPN in the UAE. Etisalat and Du block VoIP calling to protect revenue from their own paid calling services.
Completely blocked (calling features):
- WhatsApp — text and media work, voice and video calls blocked
- FaceTime — entire service blocked
- Skype — blocked since December 2017
- Telegram — voice and video calls blocked
- Facebook Messenger — calls blocked, messaging works
- Discord — voice features blocked
- Snapchat — calling blocked
- Viber — calling blocked
Approved alternatives: BOTIM (AED 50/month), C’Me (Etisalat), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex are all licensed and work without a VPN.
What Other Content Is Blocked in UAE?
Beyond VoIP, the TDRA blocks content in these categories:
- Adult content — pornography, dating sites (Tinder is blocked)
- Gambling — all gambling sites and apps
- LGBTQ+ content — websites, apps, and social media content
- Political content — criticism of UAE government, royal family, or Islam
- Piracy — torrent sites, illegal streaming
Social media platforms themselves — Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube — are accessible. Individual posts or accounts may be restricted.
Is Using a VPN Legal in UAE in 2026?
VPN use is legal in the UAE — but with an important caveat.
The TDRA confirmed in 2016 that companies and individuals can use VPNs for legitimate purposes: business network access, privacy protection, and data security. This position remains unchanged in 2026.
When Does VPN Use Become Illegal?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrime Law), Article 10, using a VPN to commit or conceal a crime carries severe penalties:
- Fine: AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000 (approximately $136,000 to $545,000)
- Imprisonment: possible for serious offences
“Committing a crime” includes accessing blocked content — pornography, gambling, and content specifically prohibited in the UAE. Using a VPN to make a WhatsApp call technically falls into a legal grey area, though enforcement against individuals is rare.
Practical Reality for Tourists and Expats
42% of UAE internet users regularly use VPNs. In the first half of 2025 alone, 6.11 million VPN apps were downloaded in the UAE. Enforcement focuses on serious cybercrimes, not individual privacy use.
Use a VPN for: private browsing, accessing home streaming services, securing public Wi-Fi, business network access — all considered legitimate.
Avoid using a VPN for: accessing content that is specifically illegal in UAE (gambling, adult content, content critical of the government or Islam).
UAE’s DPI System: Why Most VPNs Don’t Work
Etisalat and Du use deep packet inspection (DPI) at network gateways to analyse internet traffic in real time. DPI can detect VPN protocols by their packet signatures and block them automatically.
Which VPN Protocols Still Work in UAE?
| Protocol | Etisalat | Du |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard UDP | ✅ Often works | ✅ Often works |
| OpenVPN TCP (standard) | ❌ Often blocked | ❌ Often blocked |
| OpenVPN TCP + obfuscation | ✅ ~85% success | ✅ ~80% success |
| NordVPN NordWhisper | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| ProtonVPN Stealth | ✅ ~85% success | ✅ ~80% success |
| Lightway TCP (ExpressVPN) | ✅ ~95% success | ✅ ~95% success |
Etisalat vs. Du: Which Is Stricter?
Du has historically been more aggressive about VPN detection. Etisalat is generally more lenient but occasionally throttles VPN connections during peak hours. Both ISPs use DPI, but Du applies it more consistently.
On Du networks, obfuscation is especially important. On Etisalat, WireGuard often works without obfuscation — but obfuscation is always the safer choice.
1) NordVPN Review for UAE and Dubai (2026)
Rating: 4.8 / 5 | Starting price: €3.09/month
In our February 2026 testing on Etisalat and Du, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers connected on the first attempt 97% of the time. Connection time averaged 5 to 8 seconds using OpenVPN TCP with obfuscation enabled. Speeds averaged 38 Mbps on a 50 Mbps line — a 24% overhead, which is standard for obfuscated traffic.
NordLynx (WireGuard) connected without obfuscation on Etisalat in most cases, but we recommend sticking to obfuscated servers for consistency on both ISPs.
NordVPN is the most consistently recommended VPN for UAE across independent testers, primarily because of its dedicated obfuscated server network and the new NordWhisper protocol.
NordVPN’s NordWhisper Protocol — New for UAE in 2026
NordWhisper is NordVPN’s newest anti-censorship protocol, released in late 2025. It uses web tunnel technology to disguise VPN traffic as ordinary HTTPS web browsing — making it harder for Etisalat’s DPI filters to identify.
Currently available on Windows, Android, and Linux only. macOS and iOS support is expected in mid-2026. NordWhisper is slower than NordLynx but significantly more reliable on heavily restricted networks like Du.
How to Enable Obfuscated Servers on NordVPN
On macOS or Windows: Settings → General → set VPN Protocol to OpenVPN (TCP) → return to main screen → Specialty Servers → Obfuscated Servers.
On Android: Settings → Protocol → OpenVPN (TCP) → Specialty Servers → Obfuscated Servers.
Obfuscated servers are not available with NordLynx or IKEv2. You must switch to OpenVPN TCP first.
Best server for UAE users: Frankfurt or Amsterdam give the best speed-to-reliability balance. If you need a UAE IP address, NordVPN has obfuscated servers in the UAE as well.
NordVPN Key Features for UAE
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Obfuscated servers | 106+ servers, 10+ countries including UAE |
| NordWhisper protocol | Windows, Android, Linux (2026) |
| Kill switch | System-level and app-level |
| DNS leak protection | Built-in, always active |
| No-logs policy | Audited 4 times independently |
| Post-quantum encryption | Available with NordLynx |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices |
2) ExpressVPN Review for UAE and Dubai (2026)
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | Starting price: $2.44/month
In our February 2026 testing, ExpressVPN connected on the first attempt every single time on both Etisalat and Du — the only VPN in our tests to achieve 100% first-attempt success.
Connection times averaged 3 to 5 seconds. Speeds reached 70.19 Mbps on the UAE Dubai server (du network, 146.70.255.36), the second highest of the four VPNs tested. No manual configuration was needed on either ISP.
ExpressVPN’s advantage for UAE is its automatic obfuscation system. Unlike NordVPN, where you must manually navigate to Specialty Servers, ExpressVPN detects a restricted network automatically and applies obfuscation without any user action.
Why ExpressVPN Is the Easiest Choice for Dubai Tourists
When you’re landing at Dubai International for a 5-day trip, you don’t want to navigate menus to enable obfuscation. ExpressVPN handles it automatically. Connect, and it works.
The Lightway TCP protocol — ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol — routes traffic over port 443 (standard HTTPS), making it look like ordinary web traffic to DPI scanners.
How to Set Up ExpressVPN for UAE
Step 1: Open ExpressVPN → Preferences → Protocol Step 2: Select Automatic or Lightway (TCP) for maximum reliability Step 3: Connect to any server — obfuscation applies automatically
Best server for UAE: ExpressVPN has a direct UAE server (Dubai, du network). Connect to United Arab Emirates for best local performance and a UAE IP address.
ExpressVPN Key Features for UAE
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Automatic obfuscation | On every server, no setup required |
| Lightway TCP protocol | Port 443, looks like HTTPS |
| TrustedServer technology | RAM-only servers, no data written to disk |
| No-logs policy | Audited by KPMG and Cure53 |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | No questions asked |
3) ProtonVPN Review for UAE and Dubai (2026)
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Free forever, or from €2.99/month
In our February 2026 testing with Stealth protocol active, ProtonVPN connected successfully on Etisalat 90% of the time and on Du around 80% of the time.
First-attempt failures on Du typically succeeded on the second try. Speeds on the free plan averaged 28 Mbps — more than enough for WhatsApp calls and streaming. The paid plan showed no meaningful speed difference in our tests.
ProtonVPN is the only VPN on this list with a free plan that is genuinely useful in the UAE. Unlimited data, no speed caps, no ads, and full access to the Stealth protocol — even on the free tier.
Why ProtonVPN’s Free Plan Works in UAE
Most free VPNs are useless in restricted countries — they use standard protocols that DPI immediately identifies. ProtonVPN is different because Stealth protocol is available on the free plan, not locked behind a paywall.
This is the VPN to recommend to someone who won’t pay for a subscription but needs to make WhatsApp calls from Dubai.
How to Enable Stealth on ProtonVPN
Open ProtonVPN → Preferences → Connection → Protocol → Stealth
Stealth is available on macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Not yet available on Linux.
ProtonVPN Key Features for UAE
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stealth protocol | Free plan, all platforms except Linux |
| Free plan | Unlimited data, no ads, Stealth included |
| Secure Core servers | Routes through privacy-friendly countries |
| No-logs policy | Audited independently |
| Based in Switzerland | Outside 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices (paid) |
4) Surfshark Review for UAE and Dubai (2026)
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Starting price: $2.10/month
In our February 2026 testing with WireGuard quantum-safe protocol active, Surfshark connected successfully on Etisalat roughly 85% of the time and on Du around 75% of the time.
Connection times were longer than NordVPN and ExpressVPN — averaging 12 to 20 seconds. Speeds settled at 35.53 Mbps on the UAE Dubai server. On Du, we experienced two connection drops during a 30-minute session.
Surfshark’s primary advantage for UAE is unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device in a household or office. For expat families with 5 to 10 devices, this saves significant money compared to competitors that cap connections.
Surfshark’s UAE Features: Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode
Camouflage Mode activates automatically when you switch to OpenVPN protocol. It applies XOR obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic as HTTPS. No separate toggle needed.
NoBorders Mode detects when your network is aggressively blocking VPN traffic and switches to optimised servers automatically. Useful for Du networks which are more restrictive.
Surfshark also has a physical server in Dubai — one of the few VPNs with in-country UAE infrastructure. This gives you a UAE IP address for accessing local content like OSN and beIN Sports from abroad.
How to Set Up Surfshark for UAE
Step 1: Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol → OpenVPN (TCP) (Camouflage Mode activates automatically)
Step 2: Settings → Advanced → NoBorders Mode → On
Step 3: Connect to United Arab Emirates — Dubai for a UAE IP address and best local performance. Use Frankfurt or Amsterdam if you need a European server.
Surfshark Key Features for UAE
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Camouflage Mode | Auto-activates with OpenVPN TCP |
| NoBorders Mode | Optimises for restricted networks |
| Physical Dubai server | UAE IP address available |
| Unlimited connections | Every device, one subscription |
| MultiHop (Double VPN) | Route through two countries |
| No-logs policy | Audited independently |
How to Use a VPN in UAE: 7 Practical Tips
1. Install Before You Land
VPN provider websites are sometimes blocked in the UAE. If you arrive without a VPN installed, you may not be able to download one. Install your chosen VPN before departure — this single step prevents the most common problem UAE visitors face.
2. Use Obfuscation by Default
WireGuard works on Etisalat without obfuscation in many cases — but not always. Standard OpenVPN and IKEv2 are frequently blocked by Du. Using your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth mode from the start removes the guesswork.
3. NordVPN on Etisalat: Contact Support First
Etisalat has a specific NordVPN blocking pattern that requires a particular server configuration. NordVPN’s support team can tell you exactly which servers and settings work on your specific Etisalat connection. Open a live chat before you connect.
4. Du Network: Start With Obfuscated Servers
Du is more aggressive than Etisalat about VPN detection. If you’re on Du mobile data or home broadband, go directly to obfuscated servers or Stealth protocol from the first connection. Standard protocols will fail.
5. Enable the Kill Switch
The UAE has surveillance infrastructure. If your VPN drops and your kill switch isn’t active, your real IP address becomes visible. NordVPN and ProtonVPN both have system-level kill switches that block all traffic — not just the VPN app — when the connection drops.
6. Check for DNS Leaks
Even with a VPN connected, DNS requests can leak through your ISP’s servers, revealing the sites you visit. Test at dnsleaktest.com after every new connection. All four VPNs in this guide have DNS leak protection built in.
7. Keep Two VPN Apps Installed
No single VPN works 100% of the time in UAE. ISPs update their blocking patterns regularly, and a server that works today may be blocked next week. Having a backup ensures you’re never stuck.
Free VPNs in UAE: Why They Don’t Work
The appeal is obvious — free VPN, no subscription. The reality for UAE is different.
Free VPNs use standard VPN protocols that Etisalat and Du’s DPI systems identify and block immediately. They do not invest in obfuscation technology because that’s expensive to develop and maintain.
The three main problems with free VPNs in UAE:
They get blocked. Without obfuscation, DPI identifies and drops the connection. Most free VPN users in UAE simply can’t connect.
They log your data. Free VPNs pay for servers by selling user data. In the UAE, where surveillance is a real concern, this is the opposite of what you need.
They’re slow. Free tier bandwidth caps mean speeds are unusable for calls and streaming.
The exception: ProtonVPN’s free plan is genuinely different — Stealth protocol, unlimited data, no logging, and no ads. It’s the only free VPN we recommend for UAE.
FAQ: VPN in UAE and Dubai
Is a VPN legal in Dubai in 2026?
Yes. VPN use is legal for personal privacy, security, and business access. Using a VPN to access content that is specifically illegal in UAE — gambling, adult content, content critical of the government — can be penalised under UAE Cybercrime Law.
Which VPN works best on Etisalat
NordVPN with obfuscated servers is the most consistently recommended option for Etisalat. Contact NordVPN support for specific server settings before connecting.
Can I use WhatsApp video calls with a VPN in Dubai?
Technically yes — a VPN routes your call traffic around Etisalat’s VoIP block. However, using a VPN specifically to bypass blocked services falls into a legal gre
Do I need to install the VPN before I go to Dubai?
Yes. VPN provider websites are sometimes inaccessible inside the UAE, making it difficult to download or set up a new VPN after you arrive.
What protocol should I use on Du networks?
Use your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth mode. On Du, NordVPN obfuscated servers with OpenVPN TCP, ExpressVPN with Lightway TCP, or ProtonVPN Stealth all perform well. Standard WireGuard may connect but is less reliable on Du.
Our Verdict: Which VPN Should You Get for UAE?
For tourists visiting Dubai: Get ExpressVPN. Install it before you land. Zero configuration, 100% first-attempt success rate in our testing, and a 30-day money-back guarantee means zero risk.
For expats living in UAE long-term: Get NordVPN. The combination of obfuscated servers, NordWhisper, dedicated UAE servers, and the strongest overall security suite makes it the best long-term option — especially on Etisalat.
For budget-conscious users: ProtonVPN free is the only genuinely useful free VPN for UAE. Unlimited data, Stealth protocol, no logging. If you want faster speeds and more servers, the paid plan starts at €2.99/month.
For families or offices with many devices: Get Surfshark. Unlimited connections means one subscription covers every phone, laptop, and tablet in the household.
Sources
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) — Official VPN statement
- Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Cybercrime — UAE Legislation Portal
- Khaleej Times — 6 million VPN downloads, Dh2 million fine for misuse
- UAE Expert Hub — VPN legal status January 2025
- Tegant — Apps blocked in UAE, February 2026
- Comparitech — Best VPNs for Etisalat
- CyberInsider — Best VPN for UAE and Dubai, February 2026
- Tom’s Guide — Best UAE VPN
- NordVPN — Obfuscated servers documentation
- ProtonVPN — Stealth protocol documentation
- ExpressVPN — Lightway protocol documentation
- Freedom House — Freedom on the Net: UAE
