VPN or Virtual Private Network applications are used for a safe browsing experience. They also help in accessing websites that only work in specific regions. As far as you are accessing a VPN app for these things in Dubai, you should not get in trouble. However, the use of VPNs for any illegal activities, such as accessing blocked content, can definitely get you into trouble.
If you do decide to use a VPN app adhering to the TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) guidelines, you can check out the following apps. These apps have proven to work best with the UAE network providers.
Best VPN apps that work Fast in Dubai and UAE
- Symlex VPN: A hidden gem for VPN users in the UAE
- Dubai VPN: Free VPN that gets the job done
- Nord VPN: Most popular VPN app
- Surfshark VPN: Affordable and well-encrypted app
- Private VPN: Unlock region-based Netflix Content
Symlex VPN
On the top of my list, I have to mention something that I use on almost a daily basis. I use the Symlex VPN on my iPhone and my Android device. It connects in a few seconds and works like a charm. Under one subscription, you can log in to the app on up to 5 devices. If I ever have to remove a device from the list, I can do it by sending them a quick WhatsApp message. Their support team is always quick to respond.
The Symlex app is available for all platforms including Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS. Their subscription model is also quite affordable when compared to a lot of other popular VPNs. You can get a 12-month subscription for just $33.99, which is effectively $2.79 (approx AED 10) a month. With Symlex, you can connect to servers ranging from India, Pakistan, Philippines, USA, Netherlands, Germany, United Kindom, and Australia, among many others.
Dubai VPN
If you are looking for the best VPN apps for free, Dubai VPN should be on your radar. It is an app currently available only on Android and is free to use. Being free, the app obviously comes with advertisements. But that is where the disadvantages stop. Most of the functions of the app work as expected. It connects quite swiftly, but your server options are limited.
A premium version of the app is also available and it is relatively affordable. At just $47.88 per year, you can enjoy the premium features of the app for a whole year. These features include faster servers, no-ads experience, and unlimited bandwidth.
Also Read: Botim for Desktop: How to setup & make calls from your PC in UAE
Nord VPN
Nord VPN is one of the most popular virtual private network apps you will ever come across. It is definitely on a bit more expensive side but with their recent offers and deals, you are able to get it for much cheaper. Right now, you can get a 2-year subscription for just about $85 (AED 312), which effectively brings your monthly cost to around AED 13.
Their app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Android TV, and more. You can even download Nord VPN as an extension on your browser to make things easier and smoother. What sets Nord VPN apart is the fact that you can even get their app for your consoles including, Xbox, PlayStation, and even Nintendo Switch.
SurfShark VPN
Founded in 2018, SurfShark VPN is one of the fastest-growing VPN apps globally. In a relatively competitive space, SurfShark has been able to make its mark by offering over 3200 servers to pick from. The company claims that its servers can offer speeds of up to 10Gbit/s speeds in over 100 countries. This makes SurfShark one of the fastest and most reliable VPN apps available in the Middle East.
With the ongoing deals, you can now get access to the SurfShark servers starting at just around $2.29/month. The company is also offering a free 7-day trial so you can try it before you commit to it. Their app is available on multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, AppleTV, gaming consoles and more.
PrivateVPN
Last but not least, Private VPN is one of the most popular VPN apps that is being used in the UAE. The app is specifically preferred to access geo-restricted content on apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. They have their servers located in over 63 countries, which gives you access to the content of all these regions.
PrivateVPN even has a server located in the UAE, which means if you are just looking to have a safe browsing experience, it will give you relatively faster speeds when compared to some of the other VPN apps on this list. At $9.99 a month, the app can seem a bit expensive but it can prove to be worth every penny. But the best part is that as of writing this article, PrivateVPN has a special promotion on their website. They usually offer a 12-month subscription for $72, but now for just $72, you are getting a subscription of 36 months. At 3 years, this brings your per month cost down to just $2 per month.
Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?
Using a VPN in the UAE is not exactly illegal. But there are certain restrictions to it. As long as you adhere to the TDRA guidelines, you will not face any issues.
