The UAE is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the Middle East, and Dubai is a true gem within it.
Known for its technological advancements, towering skyscrapers, and luxurious 5-star hotels, Dubai attracts tourists and affluent visitors from all over the world. However, despite its glamorous image, many people in Dubai still seek free VPNs for various reasons. As many are aware, the internet situation in the UAE can be quite restrictive. From heavy censorship to geo-restrictions and ISP surveillance, the online environment in Dubai can be challenging for users who value privacy and unrestricted access.
In fact, Du and Etisalat dominate the entire internet landscape in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, further exacerbating the issues faced by internet users. To make matters worse, the country blocks hundreds of websites and even popular VoIP services like WhatsApp and Skype, which makes it difficult for residents and expats to communicate with friends and family abroad. Fortunately, the best free VPNs for Dubai can help address these challenges, at least to some extent.
While we always recommend premium VPNs for the best security, speed, and access, we understand that some users may prefer free options. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the free VPNs that work in Dubai and explain the pros and cons of each. So, whether you’re a visitor or a resident in Dubai, keep reading to find the best solution for your internet privacy and access needs. It’s not too complicated—just a bit of knowledge, and you’ll be good to go!
Why Free VPNs for Dubai Aren’t Recommended
When it comes to countries with heavy internet censorship, like the UAE, China, Russia, or Turkey, recommending a free VPN is never ideal. While China has stricter and more invasive laws, the UAE, including Dubai, has its own set of challenges for online freedom.
Some free VPNs may work in Dubai, but not all of them. The UAE has implemented VPN blocks, which means that some VPN services may be rendered useless. Another significant issue is that free VPNs lack obfuscation technology, which makes it easier for ISPs like Du and Etisalat to detect and block these services.
On top of that, free VPNs generally fall short in terms of performance and security. They tend to offer limited bandwidth, slower speeds (often capped at 1 Gbps), and a very small server network. Combined with the lack of advanced security features, free VPNs simply don’t match up to the level of service you would get from premium options.
For a clearer comparison, we’ve directly compared free VPNs to paid VPNs—we recommend checking out that article. In short, the best free VPN for Dubai is far from being on par with the top premium alternatives—there’s a noticeable difference in quality. However, if you’re looking to save some money, we still wanted to provide you with some free VPN options that are safe and functional in Dubai.
That said, we’ve found safe and secure free VPN services that still work in Dubai as of 2025. While they may not be perfect, they offer a reasonable balance of privacy and security. As for other features, be prepared to compromise a bit.
Premium VPN Alternatives That You Can Use for Free in Dubai
In this guide, we’ve listed the best 100% free VPNs for Dubai, but before we dive into those, let’s take a moment to explore the premium side. As you’ll quickly discover, free services come with significant limitations, especially when it comes to the features you really want. Are you looking for fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth? Well, don’t expect that with a free VPN.
Many free services intentionally limit crucial features to push users toward their premium offerings. When it comes to reliability and overall performance, premium VPNs are the far superior choice—particularly in a place like Dubai. But the good news is that you don’t have to pay a premium price to experience these benefits.
There’s a way to enjoy premium VPNs for free for up to 30 days depending on the provider. This is a much better, safer, and more reliable solution for residents in Dubai who need access to secure and unrestricted internet. Let’s explore the top premium VPNs that you can use for free for up to 30 days and why they are the better option overall.
Why Use NordVPN?
NordVPN stands out as one of the best budget-friendly VPNs that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Despite its affordable price tag, NordVPN offers 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, including in the UAE (Dubai). If you’re traveling abroad and need a reliable VPN to access local content in the UAE, NordVPN is an excellent choice.
What makes NordVPN even more appealing is its dedicated torrenting servers and “standard” servers that are great for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions. All of its servers can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, along with various foreign TV channels. Plus, NordVPN offers advanced features such as Double VPN and Threat Protection for enhanced privacy and security.
For Dubai residents, NordVPN offers Obfuscated servers, which are crucial for additional privacy. These servers use OpenVPN TCP to mask your VPN connection, ensuring your online activities are kept private. NordVPN’s zero-logging policy is also audited by renowned third-party firms like Deloitte and PwC, providing an extra layer of trust and transparency.
When it comes to security, NordVPN doesn’t fall short. It includes CyberSec, an ad blocker that eliminates annoying ads while speeding up page loading. Additionally, NordVPN utilizes NordLynx technology, which significantly boosts connection speeds. With a kill switch and IP leak protection, NordVPN ensures your connection remains secure at all times.
NordVPN also allows 10 simultaneous connections, which makes it easy to protect all your devices at once—more than what ExpressVPN offers. Its apps are available on all major platforms, including Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux, with dedicated apps for Smart TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV Stick as well.
If you’re looking for a free VPN for Dubai with a 30-day trial and don’t want to break the bank, NordVPN is a solid option. Even if you decide to continue using it long-term, it’s cheaper and offers more value than ExpressVPN, making it a great choice all around.
Why Use ExpressVPN?
Why choose ExpressVPN? What sets it apart from other options? First and foremost, ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and impressive speeds, outperforming most VPNs we’ve tested, except for NordVPN. It works flawlessly in Dubai and offers 3,000+ servers across 160 worldwide locations, making it a solid option for secure and unrestricted internet access.
One of ExpressVPN’s standout features is its remarkable streaming capabilities. It can easily unblock platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hotstar, allowing you to access content from anywhere in the world. Additionally, its uncapped traffic ensures that you can download torrents endlessly, all while maintaining top-notch security and privacy.
ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has been audited by KPMG, PwC, and Cure53, highlighting its commitment to privacy. This is further backed by its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, a region known for strong privacy laws. The service also offers several in-app security features, such as Lightway (its fast and secure protocol), a kill switch, and split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps or sites to route through the VPN.
With TrustedServer technology and Private DNS, ExpressVPN ensures a high level of security and privacy, making it an excellent second choice behind NordVPN. In terms of app support, ExpressVPN works across all major platforms and supports 8 simultaneous connections, which is far more than the one connection offered by free VPNs.
What’s more, ExpressVPN is incredibly user-friendly, making it accessible even for beginners. A single click connects you to a server, and you’re instantly surfing the internet anonymously. iOS and Android users will also appreciate the Threat Manager, which blocks trackers and ads.
ExpressVPN even works seamlessly on Fire TV Stick, and it offers full support for all popular routers. While it may lack Double VPN servers, the rest of its features make up for it. When you compare ExpressVPN or NordVPN to free VPNs like Proton VPN, the differences in speed, security, and features are immediately apparent, making ExpressVPN the clear choice for most users.