5 Best Free VPNs for UAE and Dubai: Working in 2025

Finding a free VPN that works reliably in the UAE isn’t easy. Many VPNs get blocked by local ISPs like du and Etisalat, making them useless in the country. Others suffer from slow speeds, limited data, or fail to securely access your favorite sites and communication apps. Privacy is another concern, as some free VPNs log user activity or expose your real IP address.

My team and I tested 60+ free providers to find the best VPNs for the UAE and Dubai. We focused on connection reliability, speed, data limits, and privacy features to ensure you can use your devices without interruptions. While the VPNs on this list performed well, they still come with some limitations, such as smaller server networks or occasional slowdowns.

That’s why I recommend ExpressVPN instead. While not free, it doesn’t have any of the limitations that plague free VPNs. You get fast speeds, strong security, and a large server network for a smooth online experience. Plus, its advanced obfuscation technology prevents detection by ISPs and ensures stable connections. You can try it with no financial risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for the UAE in 2025

Best Free VPNs for the UAE — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Obfuscation to Securely Use the Internet in the UAE

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Tested April 2025

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's advanced obfuscation makes it a solid choice for securely accessing websites and VoIP services in the UAE. This disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet activity, helping to avoid detection by restrictive networks and ISPs. Unlike most free VPNs that struggle under these conditions, ExpressVPN maintains stable connections. Its obfuscation is fully automatic and kicks in whenever the app detects restrictions.

It’s also the fastest UAE VPN we tested. On a restrictive network that blocks most VPNs, this one only had an 11% speed drop when connected to a nearby server. In comparison, many free VPNs lost over 50% of their speed, making them unusable for video calls, streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities. This excellent performance comes from ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, which is designed to deliver fast speeds without compromising security.

We were able to binge-watch tons of Arabic shows with no issues

If privacy is your top concern, ExpressVPN delivers where free options fall short. It has an audited, strict no-logs policy to keep your online activity private. RAM-only servers automatically wipe all data with every reboot. Plus, its British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction keeps it outside the reach of UAE authorities or intelligence-sharing alliances.

The only drawback is that ExpressVPN isn’t free. However, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with no financial risk and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

Useful Features

• Great for streaming. ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming in the UAE. During our tests, it worked seamlessly with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, as well as regional platforms like JioHotstar India and DAZN. None of the free VPNs we tested came close to matching this level of reliability.
• Servers in the UAE. The VPN offers servers in the UAE, which is something you’d rarely find with free VPNs. These servers let you securely access local websites and services without exposing your real IP address. This ensures a private, stable connection for everything from banking sites to regional content platforms.
• Advanced Protection. It offers Threat Manager and an ad blocker to protect your privacy. The ad blocker removes intrusive ads, while Threat Manager prevents apps and websites from communicating with known trackers. Most free VPNs lack these protections, leaving you exposed to online threats. Plus, it helps keep you safe from mistakenly identifying a malicious ad as a safe one if you’re not fluent in written Arabic.

2. Proton VPN — Unlimited Data to Use the Internet in the UAE Without Interruptions

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protonvpn.com

Proton VPN offers unlimited data, so you can browse, stream, and make internet calls without worrying about hitting a cap. During our tests, we streamed videos for hours, held long video calls, and browsed social media without interruptions. Most free VPNs limit your data, cutting you off midway through tasks, but Proton VPN lets you stay connected as long as you need.

It also takes privacy and security more seriously than most free options. Alongside its strict no-logs policy, Proton VPN offers strong security features, including leak protection, a kill switch, and AES 256-bit encryption. This prevents your ISP from seeing which websites you visit or apps you use, as all your traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure tunnel.

We liked the built-in speed test, as it helped us to monitor server performance

Speeds were slower than ExpressVPN’s, but not beyond what we’d expect from a free VPN. Nearby servers dropped our speeds by an average of 25%, which didn’t have a huge impact due to our high baseline. However, more distant servers showed up to a 60% drop, and the higher latency impacted our video call quality.

The free plan provides servers in 6 locations, including the US, Netherlands, and Japan. However, you can't choose a specific server, and the nearest free options to the UAE or the Middle East are Romania and Japan. We always had reliable connections, even though the free servers were usually at over 90% load.

Useful Features

• Open-source apps. Proton VPN’s apps are fully open-source and have been independently audited, meaning anyone can inspect their code for vulnerabilities. This level of transparency is rare among free UAE VPNs and ensures there are no hidden trackers or security risks.
• Decent option for streaming. The free plan works with Netflix US, Disney+, and Crunchyroll. The speeds are fast enough for HD streaming — you won’t have to worry about buffering. However, it didn’t work with Prime Video or Hulu in our tests.
• Router support. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN supports router installation, letting you protect all your devices at once. This is useful in the UAE if you want to secure multiple devices or use the VPN on platforms that don’t natively support VPN apps.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Connections to Protect All Your Devices in the UAE

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www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN is one of the few free VPNs that lets you connect unlimited devices at the same time. This means you can secure multiple devices while in the UAE without constantly switching connections. We connected 7 devices simultaneously, including 2 smartphones, a laptop, and a tablet. Even with all of them running the VPN, the connection remained stable without noticeable slowdowns.

It also has a larger server network than most free VPNs, with servers in 37 countries on mobile. This means you can choose a location that works best for your browsing needs. There are options in the Middle East as well, so you can always find a speedy nearby connection. However, the desktop app only connects you to the nearest available location.

The desktop app had more security options than mobile, though

This service also offers low-latency connections on nearby servers, making it a solid choice for gaming and VoIP services. During our Avira tests, we recorded a low ping of 22ms on nearby servers, letting us play PUBG Mobile without any lag. Most free options introduce significant delays, but Avira maintained a stable and responsive connection.

The biggest limitation is its 500MB monthly data cap, which isn’t enough for bandwidth-intensive tasks like voice calls, streaming, or torrenting. This data runs out quickly if you’re using the VPN regularly. However, signing up with an email increases the allowance to 1GB per month, which gives you more flexibility.

Useful Features

• Robust security and privacy features. All Avira apps include leak protection and 256-bit encryption to keep your data secure. The auto-connect feature automatically enables the VPN when it detects an untrusted WiFi network. This is especially useful in the UAE when connecting to public WiFi in places like cafes, hotels, or airports.
• Ad-free. Unlike some other options on this list, Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan isn’t supported by ads. This means that no third parties are getting their hands on your data under the guise of marketing, helping to protect your privacy in the UAE.

4. hide.me — Customizable Security Features Strengthen Your UAE Internet Access

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me gives you full control over your VPN settings, letting you optimize your connection for the UAE. It supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, so you can choose between stronger security and faster speeds. You can also switch between IPv4 and IPv6, with IPv6 often reducing latency by streamlining data routing. This can make a real difference for online gaming or VoIP calls, where even a small delay affects performance.

Not all of hide.me's advanced security is available on the free plan, though

The VPN also includes SoftEtherVPN and SSTP protocols, which are designed to secure your connection on restrictive networks. These disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, making it harder to detect. If you’ve had issues with VPNs disconnecting or slowing down on certain networks in the UAE, this can provide more reliability.

Unlike some free VPNs that automatically assign a server, hide.me lets you choose from free servers in 8 locations. This means you’re not stuck with a random connection that may not work for what you need. During our hide.me tests, we were able to securely stream Netflix and Disney+.

The biggest issue is inconsistent speeds, especially during peak hours. We saw speed drops of up to 80%, making streaming, gaming, or even general browsing frustratingly slow. If you need a more stable connection, upgrading to the paid version is the only way to avoid congestion.

Useful Features

• 24/7 customer support. Unlike most free VPNs that restrict live chat to paying users, hide.me offers 24/7 support on its free plan. If you run into connection issues or need help setting up the VPN in the UAE, you can get quick assistance at any time.
• Free browser extensions. hide.me offers Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions at no cost. If you mainly browse on a desktop and just need basic privacy protection while you’re in Dubai, these extensions can be super convenient.

5. Hotspot Shield — Fast and Secure Browsing in the UAE With Proprietary Hydra Protocol

Available on:

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield offers a proprietary Hydra protocol, which improves speed and stability by optimizing data flow and reducing packet loss. This helps maintain a smoother connection, especially on congested networks or when using high-bandwidth applications like VoIP apps. In the UAE, where VPN performance can be inconsistent, this extra optimization makes a noticeable difference.

It's one of the few free VPNs that lets you run a speed test while you're connected

Hydra also has built-in obfuscation, which disguises VPN traffic and makes it harder for ISPs to detect and block the connection. UAE ISPs actively monitor and restrict VPN usage, which often leads to unstable connections or failed logins. Many free VPNs struggle to stay connected under these conditions, but Hotspot Shield proved reliable in our tests on restrictive networks.

I also like that it supports torrenting with unlimited data. During our Hotspot Shield tests, we could torrent large copyright-free files without slowdowns, making it one of the better free options for sharing copyright-free files in the UAE. However, we did experience speed drops of up to 68%, which meant downloads took considerably longer than with ExpressVPN.

The biggest issue is that Hotspot Shield is ad-supported, and the ads can be especially intrusive on mobile. However, we didn’t see any ads during our desktop tests. If you want an ad-free experience and stronger privacy protections, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid plan.

Useful Features

• No-logs policy. Hotspot Shield doesn’t store your browsing history or personal data, which is a plus for privacy. However, as a free user, you should be aware that it does log some basic information, such as bandwidth usage and device type. This data is anonymized, but there’s still more logging than I’d like to see from a VPN.
• Multiple server locations. Free users get access to 5 server locations across the US, UK, and Singapore, which is more variety than many free VPNs for UAE offer. We didn’t experience overcrowded servers in our tests.

Quick Comparison Table: Free UAE VPN Features

The table below compares key features of the best free VPNs for the UAE, including data limits, speeds, and whether obfuscation is supported. We've also included details on server locations, simultaneous connections, and signup requirements, among other important factors. This gives you a quick overview of what each VPN offers so you can see how they stack up.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for UAE

Our testing approach focuses on what matters most to VPN users in the UAE — connection reliability, security, and privacy. First, we check whether each VPN can establish and maintain a stable connection on networks where VPN traffic is often restricted. We also run speed tests to measure performance for browsing, video calls, and general internet use. We also test obfuscation features to see if the VPN can work reliably without detection by ISPs.

Security and privacy are equally important, so we evaluate each VPN’s encryption, leak protection, and logging policy to ensure it keeps user data secure. Finally, we assess whether free plans impose data limits, require account signups, or include additional security tools like ad blockers or auto-connect features. For a complete breakdown of our testing process, check out our VPN testing methodology page.

Expert Tip: Why Most Free VPNs Don't Work in the UAE

Most free VPNs fail to work reliably in the UAE because they lack the advanced features needed to maintain stable connections. During our tests, we found that many free services get blocked quickly by du and Etisalat due to their basic encryption and outdated protocols.

While the VPNs on my list have proven reliable, there are many other free options out there that can put your privacy at risk. Let’s look at some key risks:

• Data collection and selling. Many free VPNs generate revenue by collecting and selling user data to third parties. For example, SuperVPN was caught recording user activity and sharing it with advertisers, which is especially concerning in regions with strict internet regulations.
• Poor security features. Free VPNs often lack the essential security measures needed for the UAE. During our tests, we found many free VPNs frequently leak IP addresses and DNS requests, which could expose your online activities to local ISPs.
• Unreliable connections. Many free services struggle to maintain stable connections in the UAE because they can't keep up with ISP blocking measures. Their basic protocols get detected and blocked quickly by du and Etisalat networks.

Free UAE VPNs to Avoid

Here are some of the free VPNs that are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Let’s take a look:

• Hola VPN. Unlike traditional VPNs, Hola operates as a peer-to-peer network, routing other users' traffic through your device. This means your IP address could be used for illicit activities without your knowledge.
• Psiphon. It is designed as an anti-censorship tool rather than to provide robust privacy. Its privacy policy indicates that it may share information with third parties, including sponsors or collaborating organizations.
• TouchVPN. TouchVPN's privacy policy reveals that it collects extensive user data, including browsing activity, device information, and location. Its free plan uses Google to serve personalized ads, which will also collect a lot of data about you. Such practices undermine the primary purpose of using a VPN, which is to protect your privacy.
• VPN Gate. Operated by volunteers, VPN Gate's servers can be run by anyone, allowing unknown individuals to monitor your traffic. Its anti-abuse policy states that it logs users' IP addresses and browsing history, which can be shared with government agencies upon request.

How UAE ISPs Block VPNs

The UAE’s largest ISPs (like du and Etisalat) actively block VPN traffic to enforce internet restrictions. They use deep packet inspection (DPI) to scan internet traffic and detect VPN protocols. When a VPN is identified, the ISP can throttle speeds, block the connection, or prevent access to the VPN’s website. Some ISPs also block known VPN server IPs, making it difficult for VPNs with limited server networks to stay operational.

Another method ISPs use is restricting certain encryption protocols commonly associated with VPNs, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. This makes it harder for VPN traffic to blend in with regular internet use. VPNs with built-in obfuscation — which disguises VPN data as normal web traffic — are more effective at maintaining stable connections. Since most free VPNs lack this feature, many struggle to work in the UAE for extended periods.

Benefits of Using a VPN in the UAE

A VPN offers several advantages beyond just encrypting your data:

• Secure access to websites and apps. Some networks, including those at workplaces, hotels, and public institutions, restrict access to various online services. A VPN helps maintain a stable and private connection in the UAE without interruptions.
• Protection on public WiFi. Free WiFi networks in airports, shopping malls, and cafés are often unsecured, making them a target for hackers. A VPN encrypts your connection, protecting your sensitive information from cyber threats.
• Prevention of ISP tracking. ISPs in the UAE monitor user activity and may log browsing habits. A VPN prevents this by encrypting your internet traffic, ensuring your online activities remain private.
• More stable connections on restrictive networks. Some ISPs throttle certain types of traffic, such as VoIP calls or streaming data, making your connection unreliable. A VPN can help bypass ISP throttling and improve your connection.
• Stronger privacy against third-party tracking. Many websites and advertisers collect data on user behavior. A VPN masks your IP address, making it harder for companies to track your online activity across different sites.

FAQs on Using Free VPNs in UAE

Are free VPNs legal in the UAE and Dubai?

Yes, but it’s a bit complicated. Using a VPN in the UAE is legal as long as it’s for legitimate purposes, such as securing your connection on public WiFi or protecting personal data from cyber threats. Many businesses, including banks and corporations, use VPNs daily for security reasons. However, using a VPN to access services or content restricted by UAE law is illegal and can result in heavy fines or legal action.

We strongly advise following local regulations when using a VPN. While VPNs provide privacy and security, it’s important to ensure you’re not violating any laws regarding internet usage in the UAE.

What if my free VPN isn’t working in the UAE?

Many free VPNs struggle to maintain a stable connection in the UAE due to weak security or a lack of obfuscation technology. So, it’s important to choose a free VPN that actually works in the country. If your VPN isn’t working, here are a few things you can try:

• Switch to a different server. Some servers may be blocked while others remain accessible. If your VPN allows manual server selection, try connecting to another location.
• Enable obfuscation (if available). Some VPNs offer obfuscation settings that help disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for ISPs to detect and block the connection.
• Change VPN protocols. If your VPN supports multiple protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or SoftEther, switching to a different one may help establish a more stable connection.
• Update your VPN app. VPN providers regularly update their apps to improve performance and bypass new restrictions. Make sure you're using the latest version.
• Try a different VPN. If none of the above works, your VPN may not be suitable for use in the UAE. Consider switching to a premium VPN known for working in restrictive regions.

Can I use WhatsApp, Discord, and Skype with a free VPN in the UAE?

Using a VPN in the UAE is allowed for legitimate purposes, but using it to access restricted services is illegal and can result in heavy fines. Voice and video calling features on apps like WhatsApp, Discord, and Skype are blocked in the UAE. Only government-approved alternatives like Botim and C’Me are officially permitted for such purposes.

What are the best free VPNs in the UAE for iPhone and Android?

All the VPNs on our list work well on iOS and Android, but the best one depends on what you need. If you want unlimited data, our #2 VPN is a solid option. If you prefer more control over your connection, including the ability to switch protocols and customize security settings, our #4 VPN offers the most flexibility.

For a large server network, the #3 VPN gives you access to more locations than most free options. However, all free VPNs come with restrictions. So if you want a VPN without limits, the #1 paid VPN is your best option. You get fast speeds, a large server network, unlimited data, and advanced security features.

Are there free VPNs that offer servers in the UAE?

None that we could find. Free VPNs with servers in the UAE are extremely rare due to strict regulations and high operational costs. Most VPN providers avoid hosting physical servers in restrictive regions to prevent legal risks. However, the #1 paid VPN on this list offers servers in the UAE, which will provide the best available speeds for browsing, streaming, gaming, and more in Dubai. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.

Is there a free UAE VPN that doesn’t require registration?

Yes, some free VPNs let you connect without signing up. Our #3 VPN doesn’t require registration, so you can start using it immediately without providing an email or personal details. This makes it a good choice if you want to quickly secure your connection without sharing any information.

Get the Best FREE VPN for the UAE

The free VPNs on this list offer solid security, but each has its limitations. Whether you need one for secure browsing, stable VoIP calls, or added privacy on public WiFi, knowing what to look for will help you find the right option.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It’s not free, but unlike 100% free VPNs, it works consistently in the UAE without data caps, slow speeds, or connection issues. It also includes advanced obfuscation, keeping your VPN usage private from ISPs. You can try it with no financial risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is quick and hassle-free.

Can't find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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