As one of the most stunning cities in the UAE, Dubai is a popular destination for tourists and businessmen. However, few people know that internet censorship in this city—and country—is at its highest. Because of that, using the best VPN for Dubai seems like a sensible decision in 2025.
For one, you won’t be able to access many VoIP services like WhatsApp and Viber and enjoy unlimited calls. Also, the country blocks many websites that you can otherwise access in other countries. Not to mention Du and Etisalat, the two telecom operators that can monitor all your online activities.
Although this doesn’t sound exciting, all issues can be resolved using a Dubai VPN. With its ability to secure and encrypt traffic, it’s easy to go online anonymously. The VPNs we will introduce will be beneficial, whether in Dubai or abroad.
We included VPNs with servers in Dubai, just for your convenience. All you must do is stay with us and scroll down to learn more about them.
Best VPNs for Dubai: A Quick Rundown
- NordVPN — the best Dubai VPN overall
- ExpressVPN — great for fast connections in Dubai
- CyberGhost — suitable for streaming and torrenting
- Surfshark — unlimited VPN protection in Dubai
- Private Internet Access — an affordable VPN to use in Dubai
Best VPNs for Dubai: The Top 5 Choices for 2025
Since we’re talking about a censored city that, on top of everything, even blocks some VPNs, it’s vital to use a premium service in Dubai.
Some free Dubai VPN services will work, but the best option is to use a paid provider with unlimited traffic and performance.
Our team tested 30+ VPNs – a pretty hard feat. Therefore, the providers we present are truly magnificent and work perfectly in Dubai, based on our real-world tests. We’ll present them below without further ado, so let’s review them together.
7492 servers
118 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.8 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
9.2 /10
3000 servers
100 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9.1 /10

27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
8.7 /10
1. NordVPN

Pros
- Many servers in Dubai
- Reliable malware protection
- NordWhisper protocol
- Multiple security audits
- Dedicated torrenting servers
Cons
- No malware blocking in the Basic plan
- Renewal prices are higher
NordVPN has impressive features that many people find extraordinary. With 7,800+ servers in 125 countries, NordVPN has five obfuscated servers in Dubai. What does this mean? Your VPN traffic is disguised as regular traffic, which lets you bypass strong firewalls.
But if you live in Dubai, you most likely won’t use these servers. Nevertheless, NordVPN is a jack of all trades, excellent for streaming, torrenting, going on the darknet, or browsing anonymously. It even offers Threat Protection Pro, one of its best features.
NordVPN also packs 256-bit encryption, but there’s something called Double VPN. Using it, you can effectively double your encryption, making it even harder for anyone to track you online. Meshnet is here too, and with it, hosting secure LAN parties for gaming or business is easy.
Does NordVPN keep any logs? No! Thanks to the Panamanian jurisdiction, it maintains a stringent no-logging policy that screams privacy. Even PwC and Deloitte audited the service a few times, so you better believe it’s safer than your subpar free VPN.
Needless to say, the service offers unlimited bandwidth, along with 10+ Gbps servers and NordLynx. NordLynx is a cutting-edge protocol based on WireGuard, thanks to which NordVPN is highly stable. NordWhisper recently joined to help users overcome network filtering in Dubai and abroad.
NordVPN offers many other exceptional extras, such as 24/7 support, ten simultaneous connections, and a proprietary DNS server, which enhance your privacy. Click the button below to get the best VPN for Dubai in 2025 at a severely discounted price—you won’t regret it!
2. ExpressVPN

Pros
- Fast servers in Dubai and 100+ other countries
- Proprietary Lightway protocol
- Automatic kill switch (Network Lock)
- Apps for all devices
- Unblocks Netflix libraries
Cons
- It could be less expensive
- Not many advanced features
ExpressVPN is among the top VPN services for Dubai in 2025. It’s a perfect choice for people living there, as it has 3,000+ servers in 160 locations around the planet. We picked this provider because it’s safe and secure and offers fast 10+ Gbps servers for streaming and torrenting.
Dubai residents can enjoy its AES-256 encryption, which, along with a kill switch and DNS leak protection, ensures their privacy, not to mention its no-logging policy, which KPMG, Cure53, and PwC audited over a dozen times.
As a result, ExpressVPN won’t store logs of your online history, IP address, or DNS requests. We like that ExpressVPN is user-friendly. Its VPN app for macOS is impressive, and so is its Windows app, which has the most features. By the way, it also gives you eight simultaneous connections!
In addition, ExpressVPN can unblock several Netflix libraries. As the best Dubai VPN in 2025, it works perfectly for safe and secure P2P activities or going on the dark web with Tor. Its fast speeds result from the Lightway Turbo VPN protocol, which works like a charm in every scenario.
ExpressVPN works on Fire TV Stick, so quality streaming is a breeze. The provider offers a 61% discount and four free months for the biennial plan that you can claim below. This is accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes ExpressVPN risk-free.
While not the most affordable pick, ExpressVPN has no special downsides. With top-notch security and privacy, blocking ads and malicious sites, and even Onion over VPN support, this Dubai VPN will fulfil all your needs, even if you’re among the most demanding users.
3. CyberGhost

Pros
- No-logs policy
- Dedicated P2P servers
- Generous refund policy (45 days)
- Very affordable
Cons
- No VPN obfuscation
- Only seven simultaneous connections
If you’re abroad and need a reliable UAE VPN, CyberGhost is a remarkable choice. First, it has 12,000+ servers in 100 countries, with over ten fast servers in Dubai. If you live in Dubai, however, you’ll also enjoy its vast server fleet, which includes servers for streaming and torrenting.
CyberGhost isn’t better than the previous provider, but it’s close. It works with BBC iPlayer and Netflix while letting you enjoy torrenting in complete privacy. CyberGhost also has an ad blocker, which can also block trackers..
Security-wise, we’re talking about a top-of-the-line service. Its AES-256 encryption is impeccable, and in conjunction with a kill switch, split tunnelling, and IPv6 leak protection, you’re 100% safe. Being from Romania, outside of the 5 Eyes, you can expect CyberGhost not to store logs.
Deloitte verified this in a recent audit, which confirmed everything the provider claims. Additional features of this Dubai VPN include SmartDNS, Private DNS, and RAM-only servers. The last feature is crucial for your privacy, as none of your data is stored on CyberGhost’s servers because of it.
Even SmartDNS works well, allowing you to stream endlessly on many devices. Unlike its sister company, CyberGhost allows for seven simultaneous connections and offers support in three languages. All of this isn’t so expensive, actually—plus, there’s a 45-day refund policy.
CyberGhost’s 2-year plan is available below, and you can enjoy a special discount. You don’t need to apply a CyberGhost coupon code to your order to take advantage of this special offer.
While it doesn’t have obfuscation, and thus, doesn’t work in China, CyberGhost VPN works perfectly fine in Dubai. Because of that, it’s one of the top VPNs for Dubai in 2025.
4. Surfshark

Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Antivirus in the Surfshark One plan
- Minimal logging
Cons
- Expensive 1-month plans
- Occasionally slow speeds
Surfshark is a Dutch VPN that offers plenty of stuff that won’t cost you a fortune. Surfshark is known for unlimited connections, allowing you to protect all devices with one subscription. Its subscription is very cheap too, with a 30-day refund policy for all plans.
Another perk is that you can enjoy 3,200 servers in 100 countries! And if you find yourself abroad, watching UAE TV channels is easy, thanks to reliable Dubai VPN servers. Despite being so cheap, Surfshark skimps on nothing. WireGuard is here, and so is CleanWeb, an awesome ad blocker.
Let’s not forget about its impressive torrenting/streaming capabilities. With it, you can unblock at least 10 Netflix catalogues or download torrents anonymously. While Surfshark isn’t the fastest, you won’t notice it much if you use nearby servers.
Also, it’s vital to mention its MultiHop servers that work like Double VPN. Surfshark, on top of that, lets you spoof your location with the GPS Override function. Perhaps one of its best features is IP Rotator, which rotates your IP periodically to make your traffic untraceable by ISPs and hackers.
Surfshark sports some of the best apps on the market. This is great news for beginners who want an easy-to-use VPN that won’t store logs and compromise their privacy. Indeed, Surfshark’s logging practices are minimal, so those who often watch porn can do so anonymously.
After all, we invite you to read our Surfshark review. It contains all the information you need about this fantastic VPN. Just beware of its occasional slowdowns, which NordVPN doesn’t have. If you can pay for it, NordVPN is a tad better, and if not, Surfshark is also a great pick.
5. Private Internet Access

Pros
- 30,000 servers (many in Dubai)
- Advanced security features
- Torrenting is supported on all servers
Cons
- It could be faster
- Not the best option for streaming
- Convoluted desktop apps
Is Private Internet Access the best VPN for Dubai? Well, it’s not #1, but it’s surely up there with all the big boys. Speaking of big boys, this one is a bit too big, with 30,000 worldwide servers. We think that the question of Dubai VPN servers is now irrelevant—you’ll get them, of course.
Private Internet Access is one of the safest VPNs you can get. It has a renowned no-logging policy, and despite being based in the US, it’s incredibly secure. PIA MACE is an ad blocker that you get here, along with bank-grade encryption, a kill switch, and the WireGuard protocol.
All of its sweet features will work on most of its supported devices. Therefore, you can enjoy safety and security on Chromebook with this VPN or on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. We should also mention its unlimited simultaneous connections, which PIA VPN started offering recently.
This isn’t the best provider in terms of entertainment, though. Its streaming capabilities are enough for an average user, but don’t expect it to work with dozens of Netflix libraries. Torrenting is allowed, but Private Internet Access isn’t the fastest, so NordVPN is better.
However, the service offers an impressive set of advanced features. Some include Shadowsocks, SOCKS5, port forwarding, unlimited traffic, and RAM-based servers. It even allows you to customise your connection by choosing the level of encryption and MTU size.
The best part is that it’s relatively affordable. It’s priced similarly to CyberGhost and Surfshark, but it’s still cheaper than them. If you’re excited, you can check its cheapest deal below and enjoy a 30-day refund policy for any plan. Not satisfied? Get a refund and pick another Dubai VPN from the list.
Why Use a VPN in Dubai?
Considering the state of the city’s internet, having a VPN in Dubai is always a good thing. Let’s remind ourselves why people look for the best Dubai VPN in 2025.
Bypassing Censorship
As we said, Dubai is a haven for censorship, which applies across the country, even in Abu Dhabi. Multiple sites are blocked, and freedom of speech is endangered. This calls for a VPN for Dubai that’ll secure your traffic and apply bank-grade encryption.
In return, users get total privacy when going online and the ability to access any restricted site. For example, you can even safely access pornographic sites with a VPN despite the obvious block. The same could be said about online bookies, which we don’t recommend, as they’re against the law.
Unblocking VoIP Services
The VoIP ban in the UAE is one of the country’s most annoying features. In Dubai, nothing’s different, as the city is still subject to bans related to WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and other services. That’s because Du and Etisalat offer their proprietary VoIP services instead.
To prevent people from utilising free calls with Viber or WhatsApp, they developed C’Me and BOTIM applications for the same purpose. Needless to say, they’re under the direct surveillance of these ISPs, which allows them to apply censorship and violate your privacy.
A VPN can help you unblock VoIP services in the UAE and enjoy encrypted video and voice calls. You can, for example, use WhatsApp or Telegram to chat with your friends and family without anyone snooping around and spying on your conversations.
We recently tested and compared the best VPNs for unblocking Skype in the UAE, if you’re interested.
Unrestricted Streaming
Dubai, in all of its fantastic glory, is still subject to many geo-restrictions.
Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hotstar are only some of the inaccessible sites in Dubai. Many channels from other countries also exist, offering live sports streams for free.
A VPN’s ability to change your online location comes in handy. When you change your IP to another country, all sites you visit will see that country as the new location. This will allow you to circumvent geo-blocks and access the sites you couldn’t otherwise.
That’s how many people watch free live streams of MotoGP or enjoy popular shows and movies on Netflix and Hulu. All five providers from the list are streaming-friendly, but if you need the best choice, look no further than NordVPN.
Saving Money on Flights
Dubai is expensive, and we don’t need to mention that. Opulent buildings, eye-watering hotel prices, and unaffordable rents are only some of the telltale signs of this country’s living standard. Because of that, flight tickets tend to be pretty high.
However, using a VPN lets you combat this issue by altering your IP. You can change your online location to a country with a lower standard and purchase the flight ticket you wanted for a cheaper price. The same applies to hotel rentals or rent-a-car services!
If you frequently travel abroad, using a VPN can save you upwards of $1,000 a year!
Is Using a VPN in Dubai Legal?
In spite of Dubai’s strict censorship policy, using a VPN actually isn’t illegal. We shouldn’t forget that many companies and businesses rely on VPNs to protect their networks, so the country, and by extension, Dubai, can’t afford to simply ban them.
Now, it depends on HOW you’re using a VPN. Accessing restricted content isn’t illegal, but sits in the so-called grey area. Some say that fines for using a VPN to commit a crime can go up to $500,000. However, not a single person has been fined or arrested for accessing restricted content.
The authorities in this country are more concerned about big criminal activities that can “hurt” the country or ruin its reputation. Selling drugs on the dark web using a VPN surely will not go unpunished if you’re caught, so don’t abuse VPNs!
A few members of our team actually live in Dubai, and they test and use VPNs daily. As you can guess, they’re not rotting in jail, as many would think. We respect our countries’ laws and legislations, and as long as you do as well, there should be no worries regarding VPN usage.
Free VPN for Dubai: Is It Going to Work?
Dubai and the UAE, in general, are not strangers to various VPN bans. While the majority of VPNs work in this country, dozens of providers still fail to provide their services there. Unfortunately, many free VPNs fall into this category, which is why we don’t recommend them.
Another reason (or reasons) is that they’re severely cut down. While our recommended services offer unlimited traffic and fast speeds, free providers are the polar opposite. They limit your monthly traffic, and on top of that, slow down your internet connection.
In addition, they’re notorious for limited server fleets and no simultaneous connections, making them not particularly useful. Still, we can’t lie to you and say that free VPNs for Dubai won’t work. They’ll do, but with all the shortcomings we mentioned.
Because of that, we’ll briefly recommend the two free VPNs for Dubai that we tested and can confirm they work properly in 2025.
Proton VPN

Proton VPN has unlimited traffic, so it’s incredible at first. Don’t get your hopes up, however. It’s pretty slow, on the other hand, and also comes with five server locations. This time, we’re talking about the US, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Japan; no Dubai!
Proton VPN cannot torrent, as it completely forbids P2P traffic. Streaming is also impossible because it won’t work with Netflix, and the service has a small server fleet for streaming either way. The good thing is that Proton VPN uses bank-grade encryption with bare-metal servers.
This is accompanied by a no-logs policy, WireGuard support, a kill switch, and split tunnelling. Proton VPN has port forwarding too, but in the free version, you won’t find Secure Core and NetShield. If you want a VPN with an ad blocker, it’s better to use a premium VPN like NordVPN.
Hide.me VPN

Hide.me VPN is not the best VPN for Dubai. However, its free plan offers plenty to look forward to, such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. The free plan even supports split tunnelling and WireGuard, one of the most important features.
Let’s not forget its no-logs policy, which ensures you’re always safe and secure in the Dubai online space. Contrary to NordVPN, this provider blocks torrenting due to unlimited bandwidth. While it’s also reasonably fast, it’s hard to say it’s faster than NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Another problem is that it has no simultaneous connections and offers just eight server locations, which, as expected, exclude Dubai or the UAE. If you want a Dubai IP, you can forget about Hide.me VPN since it won’t give it to you—it’s only in the premium version.
All that said, it’s still the best free VPN for Android today.
Summary
To put things into perspective, we think it’s pretty clear what the best VPN for Dubai is in 2025. Our selection of VPNs will cover all your needs, even if you need Dubai VPN servers. NordVPN is the best overall pick with many VPN servers in Dubai.
People abroad who want to watch local Dubai TV channels or access their bank account can also use ExpressVPN. While not better, it’s a formidable choice for users who won’t complain about a slightly higher price with one or two compromises.
Of course, we must mention CyberGhost, Surfshark, and PIA as extraordinary choices, each in its own right. Using them, you can also enjoy privacy and security in Dubai, while not sacrificing decent performance and a smooth browsing experience.