Ahmed Khaled
Updated on: December 14, 2023
Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for Dubai in 2024:
- 🥇ExpressVPN: It has superfast speeds and strong privacy and security features — including full leak protection, an audited no-logs policy, and a built-in malicious site blocker. Also works with 100+ streaming platforms, has user-friendly apps, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dubai isn’t exactly a privacy-friendly place. The government not only heavily censors what you can and cannot access online, but it also monitors online activities.
The best way to protect your privacy in Dubai is to use a VPN. When you’re using a VPN, the ISP provider (which is regulated by the UAE government) cannot see what you’re doing online — all they can see is your VPN traffic. VPNs are legal in Dubai as long as you’re not using them to break the law, like accessing content that is banned by the government.
I spent several days researching and testing VPNs to find the best ones for Dubai. All the VPNs on my list are great options — ExpressVPN is my favorite one for its excellent privacy and security features, lightning-fast speeds, and easy-to-use apps.
Quick summary of the best VPNs for Dubai:
- 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for Dubai in 2024 (with a large server network and super fast speeds).
- 2. 🥈Private Internet Access — Great VPN for torrenting on all servers (with top-notch privacy features).
- 3. 🥉CyberGhost VPN — Good VPN for those new to VPNs (with specialized servers for streaming).
- 4. NordVPN — Secure VPN for safe connections when browsing the web in Dubai + fast speeds.
- 5. Surfshark — Affordable VPN plans with intuitive apps (and unlimited device connections).
- Comparison of the Best VPNs for Dubai in 2024.
The use of VPNs in Dubai is subject to certain limitations. It is important to note that neither I nor anyone at SafetyDetectives.com condones the misuse of VPNs for unlawful activities. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local VPN regulations to avoid unintentionally breaking the law.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Dubai
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Dubai and the UAE. It doesn’t have servers in Dubai, but it has an impressive network in 105 countries (including locations near Dubai like Egypt, Israel, and Sri Lanka), super-fast speeds, excellent security and privacy features, and user-friendly apps.
It comes with industry-leading security features, including:
- TrustedServer technology — RAM-only servers that wipe all data when rebooted, ensuring the VPN has no information to share, even in case of a government request.
- Full leak protection — Protects against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. I ran leak tests on 10+ servers, and never experienced any leaks.
- Perfect forward secrecy — Changes the encryption key for every VPN connection so that even if a bad actor gains access to one key, they won’t be able to spy on any future or past traffic.
- Threat Manager — Blocks trackers and prevents you from connecting to malicious sites.
ExpressVPN has superb streaming support. It works with 100+ streaming services like OSN+ and StarzPlay Arabia. Unfortunately, since it doesn’t have a UAE server, you won’t be able to watch Netflix UAE, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, even though ExpressVPN works with those services. Still, I really appreciate that it also has a smart DNS that allows you to use the VPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like gaming consoles or some smart TVs.
Plus, it has excellent torrenting support. It supports P2P traffic on all servers and works seamlessly with top torrenting clients like uTorrent, qBittorrent, and BitTorrent.
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on this list and our no. 1 pick for the fastest VPN of the year. Connecting to nearby and distant servers barely reduced my speeds. Sites loaded instantly, HD and 4K videos played without delay, and I didn’t experience any buffering or lag. I also tested its download speeds and was able to torrent a 30 GB file in 15 minutes, which is very fast.
What’s more, ExpressVPN has very user-friendly apps — it took me only a couple of seconds to find and connect to any server. ExpressVPN also has some convenient features, like an auto-connect option and the Shortcuts feature, which lets you create 1-click shortcuts for your favorite apps and sites that show up on your screen after you connect to a server.
ExpressVPN’s plans start at $6.67 / month. It’s a bit pricey, but it provides the best value on the market — and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Dubai in 2024. It has lightning-fast speeds, excellent torrenting support, and very good security features — including RAM-only servers, full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and an audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN also blocks ad trackers and malicious sites, and it has user-friendly apps for all devices. All of its plans are backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review here
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Torrenting in Dubai
Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers in Dubai and is great for torrenting. It supports P2P traffic on all servers in 91 countries, including its servers in Dubai. It also works well with top torrent clients like uTorrent, qBittorrent, and BitTorrent. Plus, it includes port forwarding, which lets you connect to more peers to get faster P2P downloads.
PIA is very fast, but it’s slower than ExpressVPN. During my tests, sites loaded instantly, HD and 4K videos loaded without any delay, and I didn’t experience any buffering or lag on nearby servers. But it took me 20 minutes to download a 30 GB file — the same file took 5 minutes less to torrent with ExpressVPN.
PIA has great security and privacy. It uses RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection. Plus, it has an audited no-logs policy that’s also been proven true in court documents. It also publishes transparency reports on the requests for information it receives. On top of that, all of its apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect its code for vulnerabilities. Plus, it has a data breach monitor that will alert you if your personal details have been leaked.
I’m also a fan of PIA MACE, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. In my tests, it blocked all ads on ad-heavy sites and stopped me from visiting shady HTTP sites 100 % of the time — which is why it’s no.1 on our list of the best VPN ad blockers.
PIA has great streaming support. It works with 30+ top streaming services, and customer support reps confirmed it works with platforms in Dubai. It also has a smart DNS tool for using the VPN on devices like gaming consoles.
Another thing I like about PIA is that its apps are highly customizable. You can choose between 256-bit AES encryption (very secure) and 128-bit AES encryption, which is still secure but much faster. You can also configure the app to auto-connect you to a VPN server of your choice. It’s also great how the provider supports unlimited connections, meaning you can use it to torrent on as many devices as you want.
Private Internet Access’s plans start at $2.11 / month, which is really affordable. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access (PIA) is really good for torrenting in Dubai. It allows torrenting on all of its servers (including the ones in Dubai), works with top torrenting clients, provides very good speeds, and allows unlimited connections. It also has great privacy and security features and comes with a top-notch ad blocker. PIA offers several plans, all of which are backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review here
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Great for People New to VPNs
CyberGhost VPN has 10+ servers in Dubai and is great for beginners. I like that all of its settings come with short explanations, and that it’s very easy to navigate its app and connect to any of its servers.
My favorite CyberGhost VPN feature is Smart Rules. It lets you customize the app to automatically connect to a specific server whenever you open certain apps. For example, you can set it up to connect to a local server to secure your data whenever you open your online banking app, which is very convenient.
CyberGhost VPN is great for streaming. It works with top platforms in Dubai (confirmed by customer support) and has great speeds for streaming. Unlike Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN does not allow torrenting on its servers in Dubai — but you can still torrent on 8,500+ dedicated P2P servers in 70+ countries.
CyberGhost VPN also has tons of advanced security features. It runs on RAM-only servers, uses perfect forward secrecy, and offers protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. There’s also Content Blocker, which blocks ads and connections to malicious sites — when I tested the feature, it was very good at protecting me from shady sites but it didn’t get rid of all ads. I also like CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers since they’re located in the VPN’s headquarters, and only select CyberGhost staff have access to them (hackers won’t be able to gain physical access to them).
In terms of speeds, CyberGhost VPN performed very well in my tests. Sites and HD videos loaded instantly and there was no buffering or any lag. 4K videos took 2 seconds to load, but I still didn’t experience any buffering. But I still had faster speeds with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
CyberGhost VPN’s plans start at $2.03 / month. There’s a 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans and a 14-day money-back guarantee for the shortest plan.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN is great for beginners thanks to its user-friendly apps, which provide convenient automation. It has a large server network (including 10+ servers in Dubai) and comes with good speeds, great streaming and P2P support, and strong security features. All of its long-term plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review here
4. NordVPN — Good Dubai VPN with Strong Security
NordVPN has servers in Dubai and high-end security features. It uses RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and full leak protection — in my tests, it never leaked my IP address. It also has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and confirmed multiple times.
I really like NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and shady sites. Plus, I also like how it protects you from malware-infected downloads as well. In my tests, it stopped me from visiting malicious sites 100% of the time and blocked most ads on ad-heavy sites.
The provider has good speeds, but it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost VPN. During my tests, most sites loaded in 1–2 seconds, while HD videos took just 2 seconds to load, and 4K videos took less than 4 seconds to load.
NordVPN is also great for streaming — it works with 10+ popular streaming services, and customer service confirmed it works well for Dubai streaming platforms. It’s also good for torrenting as it allows P2P file traffic on 4,500+ servers in 45+ countries — however, unlike Private Internet Access, its servers in Dubai don’t support torrenting.
I like how easy it is to navigate NordVPN’s apps. All of its apps have a quick-connect button, so that you can automatically connect to the fastest server. Also, I really like the interactive map, which makes it very easy to find and connect to any location within seconds.
NordVPN has tier-based subscriptions and plans starting at $3.39 / month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is a great option for secure connections in Dubai. It has advanced security features, an independently audited no-logs policy, and great malware protection. It also supports streaming and torrenting, has fast speeds, and is easy to use. All of its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full NordVPN review here
5. Surfshark — Good Dubai VPN with Super Affordable Plans
Surfshark has servers in Dubai and also has some of the cheapest plans out there. So this VPN is a good pick if you’re looking for a good Dubai VPN and are on a tight budget.
The VPN has good streaming and torrenting support. It allows torrenting on all of its servers and it works with popular streaming platforms in Dubai like Netflix UAE (confirmed by customer support).
The provider also has strong security features. It runs on RAM-only servers, uses perfect forward secrecy, and has an audited no-logs policy. It also provides leak protection but only against DNS leaks — the other VPNs on this list all have full leak protection.
It also has IP Rotator, a feature that frequently changes your IP address for better privacy (without disconnecting you from the VPN). Plus, CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers that could store your browsing data.
Surfshark has decent speeds — websites and videos took 2–3 seconds to load and there was minimal buffering on HD and 4K videos.
Also, the provider’s apps are really user-friendly. The interface is intuitive, so it doesn’t take more than 4–5 seconds to find and connect to a server. Plus, all settings and features come with helpful explanations. And I like how Surfshark also supports unlimited connections.
Surfshark’s plans start at $1.99 / month, and they all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Plus, it has user-friendly apps, allows unlimited connections, and provides strong security features. It also maintains decent speeds, supports torrenting on all servers, and is good for streaming. All of its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark VPN review here
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Dubai in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Dubai in 2024
- Look for a VPN with a large server network. I recommend picking VPNs that either have servers in Dubai or in countries near Dubai, like Egypt, Israel, or Sri Lanka. Almost all of my top picks have at least one server in Dubai.
- Look for a VPN with good security features. Every VPN on my list has industry-standard security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the Internet when your connection to the VPN drops, a no-logs policy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks.
- Opt for a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your connections because of the encryption process. But, with a premium VPN, you’ll barely notice the slowdowns. I only recommend VPNs that can maintain fast speeds for all online activities — my no. 1 pick, ExpressVPN, is the fastest VPN on my list.
- Pick a VPN that’s user-friendly. The VPNs on this list provide intuitive apps that make it exceptionally easy to locate and connect to any server.
- Select a VPN with good streaming and P2P support. Every VPN on my list supports streaming and works with popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Also, the VPNs on my list support torrenting, but not every VPN allows P2P traffic on its Dubai servers — Private Internet Access and Surfshark support torrenting on all of their servers.
- Choose a VPN that offers great value. I only recommend VPNs that allow multiple connections, have apps for all major operating systems, and come with a generous money-back guarantee.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Mullvad VPN. This VPN has servers in Dubai and provides strong security and privacy features. However, its speeds are not that great, and it’s also not good for streaming since it’s not compatible with sites like Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
- IPvanish. IPVanish has 2,200+ servers in 52 countries, comes with user-friendly apps, and it provides unlimited connections and good speeds. Although it has servers in Dubai, IPVanish isn’t great for streaming since it doesn’t work with Amazon Prime and Disney+.
- DroidVPN. DroidVPN is free to use, but I don’t recommend getting it because it’s missing essential security features, such as a kill switch and a no-logs policy. Plus, its speeds are very slow, and it doesn’t work with most streaming sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN in Dubai?
Yes, as VPNs are legal in Dubai. They’re only illegal if you use them for illegal purposes, like accessing sites that are banned in Dubai or using VoIP services (the UAE government has banned most of these). That said, I still recommend checking your local laws before using a VPN to make sure it’s 100% safe to do it.
Which VPN is the best for Dubai?
The best VPN for Dubai is ExpressVPN — while it’s missing servers in Dubai, it has servers in nearby countries like Egypt, Israel, and Sri Lanka. Plus, it’s very fast, secure, and easy to use, and it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Can I use a free VPN in Dubai?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs lack industry-standard features and some log your data and personal information. Even good free VPNs come with noticeable limitations — like daily or monthly data caps, limited access to servers, and no streaming support.
Instead, I recommend getting a premium VPN service. My no. 1 pick, ExpressVPN, is fast, has great privacy and security features, and is very easy to use.
Do VPNs slow down your speeds?
All VPNs cause slowdowns due to the encryption-decryption process. That said, top VPNs make the slowdowns very hard to notice — ExpressVPN, for example, provides blazing-fast speeds for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming (which is why it’s the fastest VPN on the market).
