VPNs to Enjoy Internet Freedom and Services Like Skype & WhatsApp in the UAE
If you live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), then you know how the internet is controlled and supervised under UAE Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003 and how the Etisalat (the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation) held a monopoly on personal and business telecommunications providers of the UAE.
In other words, internet censorship is quite heavy, and those who try accessing geo-restricted services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, other services like WhatsApp or Skype will not be able to do so. So, to avoid such situations, VPN comes handy.
Furthermore, internet censorship is not only limited to residents of the UAE. But this problem is even faced by visitors. Putting COVID-19 pandemic aside, UAE or Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited places for business and travel purposes. If you’re one of those who happen to visit, you’ll come across similar issues like no access to streaming services such as Netflix US or other communications services such as Skype or WhatsApp.
Here’s What Makes the Best UAE VPN
Practices of the VPN differs upon the usage. VPNs that are considered best for the UAE can provide many things. For instance, a good VPN service should give you access to services like WhatsApp, Skype, and other banned services that are accessible globally. To avoid such network restrictions, you’ve to look at whether obfuscated VPN servers are provided to mask VPN usage. Because the UAE has pretty good restrictions on internet usage and if you ever get detected using VPN, you’ll again come across the same issue of facing geo-restrictions.
Furthermore, restrictions on certain websites differ daily. So, you’ve to make sure that whichever VPN service you choose to go with has a proven track record of being reliable to use in the UAE because there’s no point in paying for any VPN service if you can’t access what you want.
Further, you should also make sure that whichever VPN service you go with has good customer support services like chat, email, and right knowledgebase section covering all the VPN guides. Equally, the money-back guarantee is also essential, in case you didn’t like the service.
Lastly, good privacy should also be on the list of top priorities before choosing a VPN. Because the UAE’s Government isn’t friendly with VPN usage (though it’s legal to use) and if you choose to go with any low-quality VPN, you can come under the radar of internet surveillance or the ISP (Internet Service Provider).
So, it’s best to go with those who provide Military-grade encryption standards along with strict zero log policies and suitable VPN protocols to keep your privacy maintained in such scenarios.
What is the Best VPN to use in UAE
There’s many good VPN out there, but it’s not feasible for us to cover all. Though, here we’ve chosen some of the best ones that are counted among top VPN in UAE and equally popular and respected globally due to their massive stealthy servers, good speed, and privacy and security reliability.
Here’s below is the list of 7 such providers that are recognized as top VPN in UAE:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark VPN
- PureVPN
- VyprVPN
- IvacyVPN
- RUSVPN
1. NordVPN
NordVPN being one of the most respected and top contenders in the VPN industry, is quite famous for providing access to geo-restricted services even in the countries that restrict the internet aggressively. It’s one of the right choices for those who want to get a VPN service in the UAE.
NordVPN is one of the security-focused VPN services that comes with strong military-grade encryption, obfuscated servers, P2P servers for torrenting, strict zero log policy, simultaneous VPN connection for up to six devices through a single account. Massive 5K+ server lists, access to geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and many other sites and services restricted by Etisalat and Du, making it relatively safe to use in the UAE.
However, you can go through NordVPN review, written over here, which will guide you in all aspects if you’re unsure whether it fits your budget and requirement.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top-notch provider of the VPN industry that’s popular for its best-in-class leak-proof and healthy encryption apps and extensions. And, loaded with 3K+ massive servers worldwide, it’s also considered one of the top VPN providers for the UAE.
They are featured with strong AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, popular VPN protocol like OpenVPN with TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPsec & PPTP, and unlimited bandwidth. Five simultaneous VPN connections from a single account and other like bypassing geo-restrictions of streaming services such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
If you still have a question, whether you should go with this ExpressVPN or else look for any other, we recommend going through ExpressVPN review written over here, which will help you make a final decision.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
3. Surfshark VPN
The growing VPN of the UAE, SurfShark, is relatively new in the market. It’s cost-effective, simple, and easy to get the job done. Like other top contenders, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it comes loaded with in-depth features that make it possible to use for day-to-day in the UAE.
It comes with strong AES-256-GCM encryption standard, kill switch, popular VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPsec, IP and DNS leak protection, strict no-log policy, unlimited bandwidth. Additional advanced features like the Camouflage mode for disguising your VPN from ISP are quite crucial for the UAE users. MultiHop to connect more than two VPN servers concurrently to offer two-fold protection. NoBorders mode for accessing geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix US and many others makes this SurfShark one of the best VPN in UAE.
If you still have questions or would like to know further, we recommend going through the SurfShark VPN review, written over here, which will help you know whether to go with this VPN provider or not.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
4. PureVPN
Started with 2 VPN servers initially, now consisting of more than 2K+ servers in several countries, is one of the popular VPN providers which comes with the sole motive of offering intact online privacy, security, and internet freedom.
It’s a no-log VPN that comes with strong AES-256-bit encryption standard, dedicated streaming servers for high-speed access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Foxtel. Also, it’s super-efficient to give access to the complex Internet censorship laws of the UAE, such as accessing VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
However, if you still have questioned whether it offers good customer support service or any other questions. Then we suggest first going through the PureVPN review written over here, which will help you decide whether to go with this VPN provider or not.
- 6500+ Secure Servers
- 3 Million+ Satisfied Users
- 10-Multi Logins
- One-click Software
- 31-Day Refund Policy
- 24/7 Customer Support
5. VyprVPN
VyprVPN, one of top-rated Switzerland based VPN providers, comes with the philosophy of offering complete data privacy. Like other top VPN contenders, it comes with an ability to access the restricted content making VyprVPN quite favorable in the UAE.
Friendly with VoIP services such as Facetime and Skype, it also bypasses streaming services such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and more. It also maintains strict no-log policy, strong encryption standard, Chameleon technology to bypass aggressive countries like China, which means it’ll prove helpful in UAE.
If you still have questions or would like to know further, we recommend going through the VyprVPN review, written by our experts, which will help you decide whether to go with this VPN provider or not.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock Kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
6. IvacyVPN
Singapore based Ivacy VPN is one of the award-winning providers that offer all types of features provided by other VPN giants. It comes with more than 2K+ servers in more than 100 locations across 50+ countries.
Interesting features offered by Ivacy VPN are like popular VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Simultaneous VPN connection for up to 5 devices using a single account, strong AES-256-GCM encryption standard, split tunneling and kill switch, unlimited bandwidths, firm no-log policy, dedicated IPs, and much more.
If you still have questions or would like to know further, we recommend going through the Ivacy VPN review written by our experts, guiding you in deciding whether to go with this VPN provider or look elsewhere.
- 3500+ Servers in 100+ Locations
- 10 Devices Simultaneous Logins
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Malware Protection
- P2P Support
7. RusVPN
Dominica based RUSVPN is a relatively new VPN provider that comes with the philosophy of offering top-notch privacy. It’s one of the fastest VPN that’s not known like big giants such as ExpressVPN, but it’s loaded with a lot of features that it can outperform many other providers.
Some of the features that make it quite popular for UAE users are like, DNS leak protection, SmartPlay for streaming geo-restricted services like Amazon Prime, Pandora, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, P2P torrenting and much more.
However, if you’re not sure and want to know further, we recommend going through the RUSVPN review, which will guide you in deciding whether it fits your requirements, and budget which will help you make the final decision.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
Best Free VPN for the UAE
Yes, it’s, but obvious question whether to go with a free VPN provider or not as subscription does cost money. However, we suggest staying away from free VPN providers, as such VPNs sometimes get involved in tracking user activity and selling them to third parties.
Other than that, keeping VPN servers does cost money and further maintaining privacy even more. And, in free VPNs, these are some of the weak points. If they’re offering free VPN, usually they’re earning by selling users data or else in any other means, which can’t be trusted if you’re a privacy enthusiast who’s looking to use VPN in regions like UAE.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN Solution in the UAE?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN since it’s used for many business purposes. However, it’s not suggested to make use of VPN for any illegal activity, whether it’s within the UAE or outside. In such cases, if anyone gets caught, the Government can make its way to access data.
What’s the Need to Use VPN in the UAE?
There are many reasons where a VPN can prove beneficial and why it’s becoming essential to use in the UAE. For example,
Restricted Websites in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the countries with strict regulations on online activity, which includes banning many types of sites like criticizing religious beliefs, gambling, and many others. ISPs and telecommunications authorities regularly check, and if found any content, they block it immediately. Here, VPNs help you bypass such restrictions issues while giving you a suitable server location and masking your real IP address.
Security Over Public Wi-Fi
Nothing new in that. VPNs are used around the globe for this purpose. Security is fragile in open public Wi-Fi hotspots, and the UAE is not any different. It puts the user’s information under threat. For avoiding such a scary situation of Public Wi-Fi, where you can lose your sensitive data, it’s best to avoid it by using VPN solutions. The strong encryption that comes with VPN helps enhance your security against these types of threats that are relatively easy on Public Wi-Fi connections.
Government Surveillance
The UAE Government is quite strict with internet users, whether they’re visitors or their residents. They’ve even taken the help of NSA for spying on local and visitors who they seem are critical for the Government. So, to avoid such consequences of being tracked without any specific reason, it’s best to use VPN solutions.
How to Use Banned VoIP Apps Like Skype & WhatsApp in the UAE
UAE has never liked the idea of using VoIP apps like Skype and WhatsApp because it hurts the business targets of government-owned telecom operating services of the UAE. However, a VPN solution can be helpful in such a situation.
Also, for accessing WhatsApp, Skype, or any other VoIP functionality from the UAE, it’s best to subscribe to a VPN solution so you can connect with non-UAE IP address like the US or the UK and benefit yourself by downloading banned services. To access the VoIP functionalities of such apps from the UAE, all you’ve to do is get a VPN subscription and connect with another country’s VPN server.
For using VoIP:
- Take a VPN subscription.
- Download its app from their website and install on your device. (For visitors it’s suggested to download and install it before reaching UAE).
- Launch that VPN app and log in by entering your login details.
- Connect with another country’s VPN server, such as the UK or the USA servers.
- Start using your favorite VoIP app like Skype or WhatsApp.
Summary
Here, we’ve listed the top 7 VPN providers that can help those who want to use it from the UAE. However, if you have any other, you can go with, but be careful to watch whether they offer good privacy and security standards and whether their other security features like encryption standards, VPN protocols are proper in place or not.
