5 Best Free VPNs for UAE (Still Working in Dubai in 2024)
If you’re traveling in Dubai or visiting any other part of the UAE, you may struggle to access your favorite online content. What’s more, VoIP services like voice and video calls on WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype and other apps are blocked in the UAE.
You’ll need a VPN to call friends and family via VoIP and access your accounts with overseas streaming services in the UAE. There are many free VPNs, but not all are safe or reliable and some don’t work in the UAE at all.
Although it isn’t free, I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the fastest and most secure VPN out of the 50+ I tested. If you don’t like how it works after buying, there are no risks at all. You can ask for a refund within 30 days without a hassle.
Warning! Although VPNs are legal in the UAE, using them to violate copyright or carry out illegal online activity is still prohibited. I don’t condone using VPNs to break the law in the UAE or anywhere else.
Quick Guide: Best Free VPNs for the UAE in 2024
- ExpressVPN — The fastest, most secure VPN for the UAE. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it comes with a 30-day refund policy.
- CyberGhost — NoSpy servers keep your online activity in the UA private, but faraway connections can be fairly slow.
- Proton VPN — Double VPN servers give an extra layer of security in the UAE, but the company is based in a 14 Eyes jurisdiction.
- Hotspot Shield — You can use the free version privately without registering, but there’ll be some ads.
- hide.me — Bolt enables better connection speeds on some devices, but data is capped at 10GB a month.
The Best Free VPNs for the UAE (Updated 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — The #1 Best VPN for Fast and Secure Internet Use in the UAE
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including Israel, Pakistan, and Egypt
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer technology, Network Lock kill switch, and more
- Customer support available via 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously in the UAE
- All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming and browsing in the UAE, as it’s the fastest and most secure. The proprietary Lightway protocol combines 256-bit encryption (trusted by the US military and never before cracked) with high-speed connections. Additionally, it has an extensive network of servers worldwide to unblock apps and streaming libraries.
No other VPN I tested was faster than ExpressVPN. While connected to a server in Israel, I watched a Lana Rose YouTube video, downloaded a file in another tab, and talked to a friend on Skype. Despite my traffic being routed through an overseas server, speeds were fast enough (slowdown was only 3%) that there was no lag or buffering with any of these tasks.
When 3 of the servers in the UK were tested, they unblocked Sky Sports without fail. In the US, all 3 servers tested unblocked NBC Sports, making it easy to watch the EPL from the UAE. ExpressVPN’s extensive network of 3,000 servers also unblocked:
| Netflix | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video | Starzplay Arabia | Shahid | Eros Now |
| DAZN | Hulu | BBC iPlayer | Peacock TV | MAX | OSN+ |
| ESPN | Fubo TV | Showtime | VIU | Paramount+ | BeIn Connect |
As well as Lightway, you can choose from the highly secure OpenVPN and the extra-fast IKEv2 protocols, both with 256-bit encryption to protect your data in the UAE. There’s also a built-in data leak protection feature that ensures none of your DNS or IP information passes through encryption and reveals your identity. Other safety measures include:
- Automatic kill switch — shuts down your browsing session instantly if your device loses VPN connection, so your location and identity in the UAE aren’t revealed.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy — automatically replaces your encryption key regularly for an extra layer of security.
- Split tunneling — choose the sites you want to access with the VPN like your overseas bank account and still be able to watch local UAE Netflix without disconnecting.
- RAM-based servers — use TrustedServer technology, so there are no physical hard drives where your data is stored.
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction — based in the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t part of any intelligence-sharing agreements.
- No-logs policy — independently audited and verified multiple times.
Although ExpressVPN isn’t free (it costs $6.67 a month for the 1-year + 3 months subscription), it’s definitely worth the money for how well it keeps your data secure in the UAE. You can also try it risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund using the 24/7 live chat and my money was returned in 3 days.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, gaming consoles, select routers, and more.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Protect Your Data When You Go Online in the UAE
Key Features:
- 11,800+ servers in 100 countries, including 12+ in Dubai
- Military-grade encryption, NoSpy servers, and data leak protection
- Get help over email, 24/7 live chat, email support, and online troubleshooting guides
- Connect up to 7 devices at the same time
- 45-day refund policy
CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers improve your online privacy while browsing foreign websites from the UAE. These servers are owned and managed by CyberGhost in its headquarters in privacy-friendly Romania without any involvement from third parties. This protects your data from falling into the wrong hands.
I experienced zero data leaks thanks to CyberGhost’s robust DNS/IP leak protection measures. All 4 encryption protocols employ military-grade 256-bit ciphers, for top security and anonymity when browsing the internet in the UAE. Other CyberGhost features include:
- WiFi Protection — automatically connects to servers when you connect to vulnerable networks such as public WiFi networks in the UAE.
- Split tunneling — lets you choose which apps use the VPN, so you can access foreign websites safely while simultaneously browsing local UAE content.
- Strict no-logs policy — verified by the professional audit firm, Deloitte.
- Kill switch — shuts down your WiFi immediately if you lose connection to CyberGhost for any reason.
This is also a good VPN for accessing your streaming accounts from back home as CyberGhost managed to unblock:
| Netflix | Disney+ | Amazon Prime Video | Starzplay Arabia | Shahid |
| Eros Now | Hulu | BBC iPlayer | NBC Sports | MAX |
| ESPN | Fubo TV | Showtime | VIU | Paramount+ |
The one issue I had is that its distant servers are not as fast as ExpressVPN. However, CyberGhost’s local servers were fast during tests. The connection speeds only dropped by 5% which is less than most other VPNs and the episodes of Succession played with no lag on OSN+.
The 2-year + 2 months plan is good value at $2.19 each month, and there’s a 24-hour free trial if you want to try it out for a day. There’s also a generous money-back guarantee which means you can use CyberGhost while visiting the UAE and get refunded within 45 days. I tested this refund policy by messaging the 24/7 live chat, and my money was returned in less than a week.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, select routers, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Proton VPN — Use the Internet More Securely in the UAE With Double VPN Servers
Key Features:
- Free servers in 3 different countries
- Military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy
- Email support and an online knowledge center
- Connect 1 device at a time with the free plan
- A 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans
Proton VPN’s Double VPN servers route your traffic through two servers rather than one, for an additional layer of encryption. This is useful if you want to be sure that your online activities aren’t being intercepted or tracked while you visit the UAE.
The free version of the app shows no ads. For a free service, it’s quite impressive that Proton VPN also doesn’t limit bandwidth and includes essential security features like data leak protection and 256-bit encryption.
With the free service, you can access servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands from the UAE. During tests, these servers unblocked:
| Grindr | WhatsApp VoIP | Skype VoIP |
| Bumble | 4chan | eHarmony |
| Zoom | Tinder | Discord |
The VPN is based in Switzerland, which is a member of the intelligence-sharing 14 Eyes Alliance. However, Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been audited and verified by a Swiss security firm. So you don’t have to worry about the servers recording your online activities in the UAE.
The 2-year + 6 months premium plan costs $4.49 monthly. You can also get Proton VPN’s free trial and use all of its features for up to 7 days. To get this, you need to sign up with your email address.
The paid version of the app has a 30-day refund policy, although you can only claim back the unused part of the 30-day period. You need to log into your account on the website and send a support ticket to do this. When I tried it, I had my money back the same week.
Proton VPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and more.
4. Hotspot Shield — Free Version Requires No Registration for Anonymity in the UAE
Key Features:
- Free plan lets you connect to a server in the US
- Leak protection and 256-bit Catapult Hydra encryption protocol
- Online customer support FAQs available with the free version
- 1 device connection at a time allowed on the free plan
- 45-day refund policy
Hotspot Shield has a free version that you can install in the UAE without registering. Most free VPNs require your credit card details before you can use them, but Hotspot Shield doesn’t do this to protect your privacy.
The free version lets you connect to 1 server in the US, while the premium version has servers in the UAE and other countries. Both versions let you use the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol that’s designed for speed. I found the US servers coupled with Hydra protocol more than fast enough for streaming Mo Vlogs videos on YouTube without lag.
When tested, Hotspot Shield’s free plan worked with platforms like:
| Tinder | WhatsApp VoIP | Skype VoIP |
| Zoom | Discord | eHarmony |
Even with Hotspot Shield’s free version, you can be sure that your traffic will be secured with 256-bit encryption. This will make sure all your online activities in the UAE are hidden from spies and hackers. There’s also data leak protection that prevented my DNS information from leaking when I tested it.
Unfortunately, the free version includes ads and only gives you 500MB of data to use each day. However, you can watch the ads to briefly extend data limits. If you’re in the UAE for a long trip and don’t want interruptions to your browsing, I recommend the full version instead. The 3-year plan is just $2.99 a month and you can use as much data as you want.
The premium version has a 45-day money-back guarantee, and you can also get a Hotspot free trial. I tested the refund policy by contacting its 24/7 live chat support and requesting a refund. My money was returned to my account the next day.
Hotspot Shield is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
Get Hotspot Shield for the UAE
5. hide.me — Bolt Feature Can Help You Access Content Back Home While in the UAE
Key Features:
- Access 8 free servers in 8 countries
- Military-grade encryption, no-logs policy, and based in privacy-friendly Malaysia
- Support tickets and 24/7 live chat support available even for free users
- Free plan lets you connect 1 device at a time
- Claim a refund within 30 days
Hide.me has a built-in feature called Bolt that can improve speeds and streamline access to your home accounts while in the UAE. Bolt routes your traffic through TCP instead of UDP which can lead to better connection speeds on some devices. Enabling Bolt in hide.me’s settings can also help you access VoIP and other services you are using back home.
The premium version of hide.me includes servers in Dubai, and these were fast and didn’t result in lags during tests. The free version lets you use servers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Singapore. During tests, the US and UK servers unblocked:
| Grindr | WhatsApp VoIP |
| Tinder | eHarmony |
Although the free plan “caps” data at 10Gb per month, you can still use hide.me after hitting the data limit. You just won’t be able to select a server and one will be randomly chosen for you.
The premium version is reasonably priced at $2.69 for the 2-year + 2 months plan. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that I tested by emailing support. An agent replied the next day and I had my money back in 7 days.
hide.me is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more.
Easy Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Free VPNs for the UAE
| Bandwidth With Free Plan | Free Server Number | Free Server Countries | Device Limit With the Free Plan | Best Premium Plan | |
| ExpressVPN | Unlimited | 3,000 | 105 | 8 | $6.67 monthly |
| CyberGhost | Unlimited | 11,800 | 100 | 7 | $2.19 monthly |
| Proton VPN | Unlimited | 65 | 3 | 1 | $4.49 monthly |
| Hotspot Shield | Unlimited (with ads) | 1 | 1 | 1 | $2.99 monthly |
| hide.me | Unlimited (after 10GB a month it chooses servers randomly) | 8 | 8 | 1 | $2.69 monthly |
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for the UAE
For all the VPNs I tested, I used these criteria to narrow them down and select the best for the UAE:
- Strong security and privacy features — all the VPNs on this list protect your data in the UAE with military-grade encryption and other features like leak protection and automatic kill switches.
- Global server network — to access your accounts while visiting Dubai and other places in the UAE, you need servers in your home country. I left any VPN without a large global network off the final list.
- Fast speeds — I made sure the VPNs I included were fast enough for high-bandwidth activities in the UAE.
- Apps for popular devices — while visiting the UAE, you may want to go online with different devices so I chose VPNs that are compatible with popular devices.
- Customer support — the best VPNs on the market include multiple customer support options like 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides.
3 Easy Steps to Get a Free VPN in the UAE
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for the UAE — although it isn’t truly free, it’s the best VPN and you can try it risk-free.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server from the list or let the VPN find the fastest one for you.
- That’s it! Now you can browse the web in the UAE safely and anonymously.
Get ExpressVPN for Dubai and the UAE
FAQs on Using Free VPNs in the UAE
Is using a free VPN legal in the UAE?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in the UAE legally. However, accessing illegal content is prohibited whether or not you use a VPN. Many tourists are unaware that VoIP services on Skype, WhatsApp, and Facetime are banned in the UAE.
The UAE also bans gambling, dating, and fraud/cybercrime-related sites, pornographic and overtly sexual content, torrenting sites, and material considered offensive to Muslims. I recommend always researching a country’s laws on internet activity before visiting and never breaking them.
Which free UAE VPNs have a server in Dubai?
Does Netflix work in the UAE?
Is it safe to use VoIP services like WhatsApp and Signal in the UAE?
It isn’t necessarily safe (or even possible) to use VoIP services in the UAE. However, many locals and visitors get a free VPN to access VoIP services. The government and local ISPs block VoIP services, so the audio and video calling functions of apps like WhatsApp and Signal don’t work in the country.
However, the text messaging functions on apps like WhatsApp and Signal still work and aren’t prohibited. I recommend using these in the UAE instead of trying to circumvent local laws.
Can I safely shop or bank online in the UAE with a VPN?
Yes, a VPN is recommended in the UAE for security when providing personal details online. However, it’s important to choose a reliable free VPN if you’re not ready to pay for one yet. Also, make sure that the online shopping and banking platforms you use are legitimate and secure.
Be mindful of phishing attempts and only provide personal and financial information on trusted websites. When security is a priority, it’s worth paying for an affordable premium VPN like Express or PrivateVPN.
What free VPNs should I avoid in the UAE?
Avoid free VPNs you haven’t verified, as many are dangerous. For example, VPNs like HolaVPN aren’t true VPNs and are actually unsafe proxy services. The best free VPNs for the UAE are safe because of their advanced encryption and security measures.
Other free VPNs like YogaVPN, VPN Guru, Turbo VPN, and Shield VPN are owned by the Chinese government and used to harvest data for intelligence purposes. I’ve listed some of the safest free VPNs that work reasonably well in the UAE, but many are to be avoided.
Can I use a proxy in the UAE instead of a VPN?
You could, but unlike VPNs, proxies don’t offer robust encryption, making them less effective at safeguarding your online privacy and security in the UAE. Some proxies even share your data with marketing companies.
I don’t recommend using Tor for general browsing in the UAE either since the government actively monitors Tor usage. The Tor network can also be slow due to the multiple relays involved, and some websites or services may be inaccessible. A reliable VPN is the best way to stay safe and use all your usual apps and sites in the UAE.
How do I check if my free VPN is working?
Use this IP address lookup tool to check if your free VPN is working. It shows your IP address, location, and if it’s secure. If it displays your local IP address, your VPN isn’t working. Check your IP regularly and change servers if it exposes your data or location to stay protected. If this doesn’t work, try changing your TCP port to 443 and/or trying a different protocol.
Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and PrivateVPN work reliably. They usually have higher budgets to maintain servers and prevent downtime, and they’re unlikely to leak your data while you’re online in the UAE.
Can I download a free VPN when I’m already in the UAE?
Yes, you can download some of the best free VPNs in the UAE. VPNs like Proton VPN and ExpressVPN have download links available via the Tor browser (although you’ll need to subscribe to ExpressVPN first to use its link).
I recommend downloading and installing a VPN before you visit the UAE if possible. This is easier than downloading and navigating the Tor browser, which isn’t that intuitive.
Get a Working Free VPN for the UAE Today!
VoIP services in WhatsApp, Skype, and more are blocked in the UAE as part of the government’s efforts to protect local telecommunications businesses. When you’re on a trip to the UAE, this can make it expensive to keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Additionally, you’ll be blocked from accessing your streaming accounts back home.
The safest way to access your usual services in the UAE without getting hacked or spied on is to use a VPN. Although it’s not free, I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s the best VPN for the UAE. It’s the fastest I’ve tested and works reliably with all global sites. You can try ExpressVPN for the UAE without risk as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
