How to unblock websites in UAE / Dubai and hide from ISP

Key Takeaways: 

• The UAE is a restrictive country that blocks access to streaming and VoIP apps.
• If you want to bypass internet censorship and unblock websites, you can use a VPN.
• Top VPN providers have tons of security and privacy features. They ensure your real IP won’t leak and ISPs can’t see your traffic.

The United Arab Emirates is very strict when it comes to the internet. You can’t use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Skype, or Gmail. The government even watches your online activities closely. This is all thanks to The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA).

But, there’s a simple way to get around these rules. You can use a VPN. A VPN is a popular tool for avoiding government censorship. It also keeps your online activities private from your ISP.

However, not all VPNs work the same way. Some can’t get past government blocks.

Also, the government might block your VPN too. So, you need a VPN that’s reliable and has good security. This way, you can always access your favorite sites and apps in the UAE.

VPN Features You Need to Have to Access Blocked Sites in UAE

Here are the key features a VPN needs to get past blocked content and apps:

• Strong encryption. The best VPNs use 256-bit AES encryption, which is super secure. This encryption keeps your data safe as it travels through a secure tunnel, protecting you from leaks.
• Kill Switch. This feature kicks you off the internet if your VPN connection drops. This keeps your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online.
• Leak protection. Top VPNs protect against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. But, make sure your VPN has DNS leak protection at the very least, which is the standard.
• Zero Logs. Your VPN shouldn’t keep any records of your online activities. Always choose a VPN with a strict no-logging policy. Many popular VPNs have their no-logs policies audited regularly for transparency.
• Obfuscation. This feature makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic.
• Streaming and VoIP support. Good VPNs can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. They should also work with VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Snapchat.
• Good server network. Having servers close to you means better internet speeds. So, the VPN should have servers worldwide so you can always find one near you.

How to Access Blocked Websites in UAE and Dubai with a VPN

Here’s how to access blocked sites with a VPN:

1. Visit the VPN’s website.
2. Sign up for a subscription and create an account.
3. Download the VPN app for your device.
4. Install the VPN and log into your account.
5. Connect to any VPN server outside the UA.
6. Now, you should have free access to the internet!

Disclaimer: The UAE government limits access to certain websites. If you’re heading to the UAE or Dubai, get a VPN before you go. It’s hard to find a VPN once you’re there.

5 Best VPNs to unblock websites in UAE and Dubai – our detailed list:

Here are the top virtual private networks for unblocking sites in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best privacy-focused VPN for unblocking websites in UAE and Dubai. It offers top-notch security and privacy features. It also consistently bypasses government censorship.

This VPN has strong encryption, full leak protection, and a kill switch. Its no-logs policy has been audited independently. It’s based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country.

NordVPN also has advanced security features. For example, RAM-only servers erase data with each server reset. It also uses perfect forward secrecy, changing encryption keys for each connection. This makes it hard for hackers to spy on your activities.

NordVPN has Threat Protection. It scans downloads for malware and blocks ads and malware sites. It also offers obfuscation, making it easy to use in the UAE.

It has 5,000+ servers in 55+ countries. You can find fast servers nearby. It also unblocks VoIP and streaming apps like Netflix and HBO Max.

NordVPN supports many platforms and devices. It has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux. It allows 6 devices to connect at once and offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is another great VPN for UAE and Dubai. It allows unlimited connections, so you can use it on all your devices.

It uses AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Its no-logs policy has been audited and proven true. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a country with no data retention laws.

Surfshark has obfuscation and NoBorders. NoBorders helps you bypass network restrictions. It gives you a list of servers to connect to for unrestricted access.

For a small extra cost, you can get Surfshark Antivirus. This protects your device from malware.

It has 3200+ servers in 95+ countries. It unblocks apps like Facebook and Netflix. It also works with streaming services like HBO Max and Disney+.

It has a feature called Spoof GPS. This hides your GPS and IP, allowing you to unblock streaming services on Android devices.

It has easy-to-use apps for many platforms. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a beginner-friendly VPN that works well in restrictive countries. It has all its features explained clearly, making it easy to use.

It uses bank-grade encryption and has DNS leak protection. Even though it’s based in Sweden, it has a strict no-logs policy. It also has 2 types of internet kill switch, including an app-based one. This shuts down selected apps if the VPN disconnects.

PrivateVPN has a Stealth VPN feature for obfuscation. This makes it a good choice for traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

The VPN has 200+ servers in 60+ countries. Its servers are well distributed, ensuring fast internet speeds.

You can unblock websites like Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Outlook. It also unblocks VoIP services like Facebook Messanger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts.

PrivateVPN has apps for Linux, iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows. These apps are easy to install and take less than 3 minutes. PrivateVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is very convenient.

It has very affordable plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for accessing blocked websites in the UAE. It consistently unblocks streaming and VoIP services, making it perfect for restrictive countries.

The VPN uses military-grade encryption and has full leak protection. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country. It also has an audited no-logs policy that’s been proven true in court.

It has RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy. Plus, it has obfuscation to hide your streaming and VoIP traffic.

ExpressVPN has a lot of security features. For example, it has App Screenshots. This feature is only on Android and stops others from seeing what you do in apps. It blocks in-app screenshots and stops apps from seeing your content.

It also has Threat Manager. This feature blocks trackers and keeps you safe from harmful sites.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries, so it provides fast internet connections. It can also unblock VoIP calls and 100+ streaming apps. You can access sites like Discord, Facebook, Gmail, Outlook, and YouTube.

It works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video too.

It has easy-to-use apps for Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows. It lets you connect 5 devices at once. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back policy, so you can try it without risk.

Why Does the UAE Block Websites and Apps?

The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) controls all internet traffic. They make sure national ISPs follow these rules. These rules are influenced by cultural and economic reasons.

ISPs block sites that go against society’s moral principles. They also block harmful content like:

• Porn
• Gambling
• Dating
• Criticism against the UAE and public order
• Criticism against Islam
• Drugs
• Website that promote bypassing blocked content

The UAE also blocks almost all VoIP apps. This includes FaceTime, Whatsapp, Skype, and Viber.

International calls are a big source of revenue for the UAE. Etisalat and du, the main ISPs, couldn’t compete with free video call apps. To protect their income, the government blocked all VoIP apps.

However, Botim is a free HD video and voice call app that UAE didn’t ban. Users in the UAE have to pay a monthly fee to unblock it. This is a source of revenue for telecommunication companies.

How to Bypass VPN Blocking in the UAE and Dubai

ISPs in the UAE block VPNs often. Even the best VPN services can temporarily stop working. Here’s how you can bypass VPN blocking in the UAE:

• Use a different VPN internet protocol. In any VPN app settings’ tab, you can choose different VPN protocols. Trying different protocols might solve your connection problems.
• Change Port Number. Changing connections by using port 443 might make your VPN connection harder to get detected and blocked by ISPs.
• Don’t use free VPNs: Free VPNs are very unsafe and most likely don’t work in the UAE. They don’t have security and privacy features. Plus, free VPNs collect your personal data and sell it to advertisers. Atlas VPN is the best solutions if you search for a VPN with a free plan. However, keep in mind that the free plan gives you access only to 3 servers.
• Get a VPN before you’re traveling to the UAE. Otherwise,getting access to a VPN when you’re in the UAE might be difficult.

Conclusion

Using a VPN is the safest way to access blocked sites in the UAE and Dubai. Even though UAE’s ISPs block VPNs, some services still work well.

Always pick a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and lots of security features. We suggest NordVPN because it can get past UAE’s internet censorship easily. It has many security features like RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy. It also has obfuscation and Threat Protection. Plus, it has a big server network, so you can use streaming and VoIP apps.

FAQs about Unblocking Sites in UAE with a Virtual Private Network

Here are the most common questions about unblocking sites in the UAE with a VPN:

Is Using a Virtual Private Network Illegal in the UAE?

The UAE blocks sites that help bypass government censorship. Also, using a VPN for illegal activities is not allowed.

What Websites Are Blocked in the UAE?

The UAE bans sites that go against society’s morals. Here are some examples of banned content:

• Porn
• Gambling
• Criticism to the UAE government
• Criticism to Islam
• Dating
• Drugs

Which Apps Are Blocked in the UAE?

The UAE government blocks many popular apps, especially social media and streaming ones. Here are some examples of blocked apps:

• Facebook 
• Instagram 
• Outlook 
• Gmail 
• Skype
• WhatsApp 
• Twitter 
• Messenger
• YouTube
• Netflix 
• Disney+ 
• Twitch