Best VPNs to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE

If you need to unblock WhatsApp voice and video calls in the United Arab Emirates, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best way to do so safely. 

The UAE has one of the more restrictive governments in terms of online censorship. For example, Freedom House reports: 

“A number of well-known commentators have been jailed in recent years for criticizing the authorities, expressing support for dissidents or human rights, or calling for political reform. Leading human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor, who received a 10-year prison term in 2018 for using social media to “publish false information that damages the country’s reputation,” remained imprisoned in 2021.”

For users in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere in the UAE, online restrictions extend to VoIP services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Viber. You’ll only be able to use WhatsApp to send and receive messages, with no support for making voice or video calls.

A VPN is one of the easiest methods to access geo-restricted services in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE. It works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and servers found in various locations worldwide, assigning the user with a new IP address in the process. As well as VoIP apps, you’ll be able to unblock streaming services, news sites, and much more. 

Some VPNs won’t work in the UAE, having been blocked directly by ISPs. As such, we’ve picked out six top services that come with a money-back guarantee, just in case.  

Here’s a quick roundup of each of the best VPNs for VoIP apps in the UAE.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp in the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for WhatsApp in the UAE. High speeds from servers in 60+ countries including the UAE, WireGuard and NordLynx protocols, no-logs policy, website mirrors to bypass blocks, works with VoIP services, offers obfuscation, Meshnet, and more. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Low-cost provider with servers in the UAE and a further 99+ countries, unlimited device connections, obfuscation, unblocks everything from Netflix to WhatsApp, various advanced security features. 
3. ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly provider that unblocks multiple geo-restricted sites and services within the UAE and elsewhere. Unlimited bandwidth, simple apps. 
4. CyberGhost: Large network, UAE locations, works with all VoIP apps, streaming-optimized servers. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee. 
5. Mullvad: Arguably the best option for privacy and anonymity, heaps of advanced features, exceptional speeds, highly versatile. Overqualified if you just want to access WhatsApp in the UAE.  
6. Proton VPN: Swiss service with various advanced privacy features like Tor over VPN, Secure Core servers, and locations in the UAE. 

Summary Table

Various VPNs will have a presence in Dubai. Some will throw up a few virtual server locations in the region to try and entice users who want to use services like WhatsApp, or access more blocked content from nearby countries.

We were able to significantly narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for:

• Servers in a wide variety of locations, including the UAE itself. It must work in the region  
• Fast speeds and reliable performance, ensuring no impact on the quality of your VoIP calls 
• A strict no-logs policy
• Lots of privacy and security features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, leak protection, and 256-bit encryption
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN provider must operate a 100% diskless server network
• The VPN provider must have had its infrastructure, apps, and policies audited by a reputable third party to feature in our top three

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article. 

How to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE

It’s not especially difficult to access VoIP apps in the UAE, as long as you’re able to load up the provider’s website. We’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide for anyone hoping to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE with a VPN: 

1. Sign up with a VPN provider that can be accessed from the UAE. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the relevant VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the app and sign in. 
4. Select a server in a country that allows for WhatsApp calling. 
5. Wait to be connected to the server.
6. Open WhatsApp, and try to make a call. 

If you run into any issues, make sure to clear the app’s data. You can also try selecting a different VPN server. 

Best VPNs to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE: Detailed reviews

Here’s a rundown with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto the list.

NordVPN works with many services in the UAE, including Whatsapp. A dependable provider, Nord works with everything from news sites to social media platforms. 

There’s a total of 5,900+ RAM-only server locations to choose from worldwide, spread across 60+ countries. If you’d like to connect to Dubai itself, there are a number of obfuscated servers that can be used if you switch to OpenVPN, rather than using the proprietary NordLynx protocol. Average speeds of roughly 200 Mbps ensure you can partake in a range of online activities with no slowdown.

The VPN comes with various features that will improve user privacy, and it will access international streaming services, as well as blocked VoIP apps. For example, Dubai servers can be used to unblock UAE TV platforms like OSN, beIN Sports, and Etisalat eLife from abroad. UK servers will work with services like BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITV Hub, and more. 

Obfuscation is a neat feature that will conceal VPN usage from your ISP. NordVPN also comes with robust encryption, a kill switch, and it has mirrors to help users set up the service if its website is currently blocked. On that note, NordVPN has been targeted by Internet Service Providers like Etisalat and Du in the past. Nord comes with a strict no-logging policy, and it aced our leak tests. 

It offers notable extras including MultiHop, RAM-only servers, and Tor over VPN. NordVPN's Meshnet private tunnel feature is now available without a subscription. You’ll find capable apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firestick devices.

BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP CALLING: NordVPN is capable of unblocking VoIP apps, streaming services, and much more in the UAE. Advanced security, unique features, and comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark allows the user to choose from servers in 100+ countries, including the UAE itself. A provider with a variety of low-cost deals to choose from, it comes with advanced security features including obfuscation, split tunneling, a kill switch, and rotating IPs. 

NoBorders is a unique feature that is designed to bypass governmental web filtering, working well in restrictive regions such as the UAE. Encryption is watertight, the VPN uses diskless infrastructure, and it has been audited by Cure53 and Deloitte. The former approved its infrastructure, while the latter has verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy.  

Streaming is another strong point, whether you’d like to access UAE services (beIN Sports, OSN, StarzPlay), or popular international platforms such as US Netflix. Of course, the same goes for WhatsApp and a variety of blocked VoIP apps in the country. 

Anyone with an account is free to connect to an unlimited number of devices, so you’ll be able to share your details with others. As well as NoBorders, obfuscated servers use a custom protocol called “Camouflage.” You’ll also be able to block ads and malware with CleanWeb. 

Once again, some servers may have been blocked by major UAE ISPs like Etisalat and Du. 

THE BEST LOW-COST OPTION FOR WHATSAPP: Surfshark is a capable budget option for WhatsApp users in the UAE. Unlimited simultaneous connections, servers in 100+ countries, NoBorders, lots of features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has a large network of RAM-only servers found in 105+ countries around the world. Various locations can be used to access WhatsApp and other blocked services in the UAE.

It ticks every box for internet users, offering robust AES encryption, along with built-in obfuscation while using OpenVPN connections. It also comes with its proprietary Lightway protocol, so speeds are fast enough for video calls with no stuttering. The same goes for voice calls, and lots of geo-blocked services. 

Streaming access is second to none, especially if you’d like to watch content via US platforms. The provider comes with a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer, which is perfect for devices that don’t have traditional VPN support. 

Express offers a capable custom router app, as well as supporting every major device you can think of. It comes with a strict no-logs policy, and it aced our leak tests. 

Apps are especially beginner-friendly, and it comes with a robust support system, including 24/7 live chat. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY APPS: ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that is capable of securely accessing various geo-blocked services blocked in the UAE. Lightway protocol, built-in obfuscation, RAM-only servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost has a huge collection of 10,000+ servers spread around key locations worldwide, making it another great choice for accessing WhatsApp in the UAE. It comes with a strict no logs policy, ad blocking, and malware filtering. You’ll find a kill switch for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

A solid option for users aiming to stream content from abroad, CyberGhost also comes with a variety of labeled servers for tasks like torrenting. It will have no trouble unblocking services like WhatsApp, but your ISP will be aware that you’ve connected to a VPN due to a lack of obfuscation. In any case, it has no issues with accessing geo-blocked services, bypassing VoIP blocks, or anything else.

It lacks a few advanced features like port forwarding and MultiHop. You’ll have to look elsewhere if that’s important. CyberGhost offers protection against DNS leaks, and it's ideal for WhatsApp calling in the UAE.

It’s one of the more user-friendly services, highlighted by 24/7 live chat and an extended 45-day guarantee. CyberGhost can be used with up to seven simultaneous devices, and there were no leaks during testing. 

SUPERB WORLDWIDE STREAMING: CyberGhost is perfect for streaming, and will access VoIP apps securely. UAE servers, torrenting support, affordable subscriptions. Backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Mullvad is a service that is primarily focused on improving user privacy, making it perfect if you want to access WhatsApp anonymously while you’re in the UAE. 

Let’s get the drawbacks out of the way first. Mullvad doesn’t have live chat support, which makes it a tough sell for beginners. It can also take a while to get used to the advanced options, especially for new users. Lastly, it’s not great at unblocking popular streaming services from abroad.  

Regardless, Mullvad is ideal for using apps and services anonymously, with strong encryption, obfuscation, and DNS filtering as standard. It asks for no personal information when you sign up, and you don’t even need to give them an email address. 

There are servers in 40+ countries, which used to include a sole rented location in Dubai. That's not the case anymore, as it was one of the last non-diskless servers in Mullvad's network, and the service has since switched to RAM-only options. Torrenting is supported, and it has some of the fastest connection speeds on the market. 

You’ll find capable apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It allows for five simultaneous connections per account, which is the lowest number on this list.  

ANONYMOUS UAE VPN: Mullvad has carved out a niche as a provider primarily focused on privacy. It has some of the fastest connection speeds on the market, and offers heaps of advanced features. Industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is another capable VPN for the UAE, whether you want to make WhatsApp calls or unblock popular streaming services from abroad. Paid users get access to 20+ servers in Dubai, with locations in a further 69+ countries. 

It even comes with a free tier, which can unblock a variety of VoIP services like WhatsApp. Free server locations are found in the United States, Japan, and Australia, and there are no bandwidth limits. 

Plus, users get access to Secure Core servers, as well as P2P support, and Tor over VPN connections. StealthVPN is a custom obfuscation feature available for Android, iOS, and macOS apps. It also has port forwarding, which makes it a superb option if you regularly seed torrents.

Proton’s credentials make it one of the more trustworthy companies on the market, as it was released by the team who designed ProtonMail. The provider has been independently audited, proving that its no-logs policy is up to the task. 

You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It does lack live chat support, and it could be a bit cheaper. A single account can be used for up to 10 simultaneous device connections.  

FREE VPN FOR WHATSAPP: Proton VPN offers a free tier that will keep your data safe. Secure Core servers, obfuscation, unblocks VoIP apps and more, and comes with a simple 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE

Most VPNs will be able to unblock WhatsApp, along with other major VoIP apps, social media, and any other geo-restricted services in the UAE and elsewhere. As such, it can be tough to identify the ‘best’ services for the job.  

Therefore, to help everyone out, we have compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This means we can test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria mean that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, make it onto our list. 

Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp:

• Servers: A selection of servers that can be used to access VoIP services that are currently blocked in the United Arab Emirates. Ideally, these servers can also be used to bypass VPN blocks and geo-restrictions on more content, whether it’s streaming, or torrenting. This includes servers in the UAE, other Arabic countries, and elsewhere. 
• Speeds and performance: High speeds are necessary to ensure no lag whilst making voice or video calls. This is important as some VPNs will cause a slowdown while in use. A speedy VPN will be helpful if you don't have the fastest internet connection. 
• Privacy and security: We’ve looked out for various features that are helpful in the UAE, including obfuscation, a kill switch, and malware filtering. The VPN must have DNS leak protection, secure connections, and a strict no-log policy. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies. If you're unsure, you should be able to find out about any third-party audits online. 
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

WhatsApp UAE VPN: FAQs

Can I just use a free VPN for WhatsApp instead?

It’s tempting to use a free VPN to unblock WhatsApp, but it’s inadvisable for a number of reasons. For example, the majority of free providers aren’t trustworthy, whether it’s due to apps containing malware, lacking the ability to encrypt your data, or being unable to protect against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Services have also been known to sell user data, which defeats the purpose of private browsing. 

Performance also tends to be an issue. Free VPN servers are overloaded due to the number of users connected at any given time. Connection speeds are likely to be slow, and it might not be quick enough for making VoIP calls. If you’re in need of a free VPN, it might be better to check out the offering from Proton. 

Why is Whatsapp calling banned in the UAE?

In the UAE, the internet is regulated by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). It has cited reasons of national security for blocking WhatsApp and other VoIP services. The reality is that the UAE government controls the telecoms industry, which means it has a vested interest in people making regular phone calls. The state-run telecoms results in the TDRA enforcing VoIP blocks at the ISP level, which is why it is impossible to make any free internet calls unless you use a VPN.

This is why ISPs like Du and Etisalat must monitor users and block access to VoIP services. This is also why ISPs must engage in mandatory data retention and storing call logs on behalf of the government. This ensures that internet users are placed under surveillance and that anybody who attempts to access content considered illegal or immoral can be traced,

The government knows that people can use VPNs to get around blocks on VoIP services like WhatsApp, this is why the government blocks not only VoIP but also many VPNs. As a result, it is becoming increasingly hard to find a reliable VPN that works with the two leading ISPs Etisalat and Du.

The good news is that some VPNs provide advanced technologies, such as obfuscation, to help get their users connected. This gives those internet users the opportunity to use apps like WhatsApp to communicate with friends and colleagues when they need to. Plus, the encryption provided by these VPNs makes it safe to use WhatsApp without fear of being found out.

Is it legal to unblock WhatsApp in the UAE?

VPNs reside in a gray area in the UAE. However, it is technically legal to use a VPN for any legal purpose. This means that it is what you do with a VPN rather than having a VPN that is technically against the law. The important thing to remember is that using a VPN to conceal criminal activities is illegal and you could be prosecuted.

It is worth noting that using a VPN to access content that has been purposefully blocked by the government could be considered a crime. For these reasons, we strongly recommend doing your own research. Nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice, and using a VPN is always at your own risk - so please check local laws carefully before using a VPN.

What else can I do with a VPN in the UAE?

Accessing blocked services is the main benefit, but you’ll also be able to avoid ISP tracking. A VPN will provide a layer of anonymity, and many include Stealth servers. It can be used to improve online freedom, and will work well for WhatsApp calling. 

Once again, we’d advise sticking to local laws, especially when it comes to gambling and adult websites. 

What VoIP services have been blocked in the UAE?

A number of VoIP apps and services are unavailable within the UAE. Below, we have included a list of services that may be blocked either now or in the future:

• Facebook Messenger
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• Viber
• Google Hangouts
• Facetime
• Telegram
• Signal
• Discord
• Line
• Nilfon
• Tango

The UAE has been known to block various services that allow people to communicate online for free. This includes online games offering VoIP for multiplayer purposes. WhatsApp can be used to send messages, but it won’t work for voice or video calls.

Which VPNs have been blocked in the UAE?

The UAE is one of a number of regions that has been known to block providers, VPN servers, and VPN websites directly. This makes it tough to sign up with a service, especially if you’re stuck with one of the state-backed ISPs. 

The government has put a lot of effort into blocking various sites and services, and it has targeted a number of popular VPNs in the past. Here are some examples:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Hotspot Shield VPN
• VyprVPN
• IPVanish
• TorGuard
• VPNSecure
• TunnelBear
• Private Internet Access
• Windscribe
• CyberGhost

It’s far from an exhaustive list, and may include UAE ISPs blocking a few servers, or the entire website being inaccessible. 

Mirror sites are a good way to bypass any restrictions, offering carbon copies of a VPN’s website with a different URL. These are often unblocked, and will allow you to sign up with a provider. For example, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have mirror sites that are easy to locate online (you can contact them by email to find out more).  

Can I watch Netflix US with a VPN in the UAE?

Yes. A VPN is a versatile tool that gives you tons of online freedom. By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you can use the internet like a US citizen. This means that you can use VoIP calling apps. It also means that you can watch Netflix US or any other American streaming service.

Below, we have included a list of US streaming platforms you can watch in the UAE with a VPN:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Hulu
• Disney+
• HBO Max
• Apple TV+
• Peacock
• CBS All Access (now Paramount+)
• NBC
• ABC
• CBS
• FOX
• The CW
• USA Network
• FX
• AMC
• ESPN
• Comedy Central
• Bravo
• Lifetime
• Discovery Channel
• National Geographic
• MTV
• VH1
• BET
• TLC
• Food Network
• HGTV
• Cartoon Network
• Nickelodeon

How does a VPN work to make WhatsApp calls?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and makes you appear to be in a different country. By connecting to a country where WhatsApp is allowed, such as the US, the EU, the UK, or any other country where WhatsApp calling is legal, you can regain access to Whatsapp VoIP calls. This is perfect if you want to make free calls.

The benefit of a VPN is that it also provides you with online privacy. A reliable VPN encrypts your connection which means that your UAE ISP (and the local networks you connect to) will not be able to detect that you are using WhatsApp. This privacy gives you the freedom to communicate with colleagues or family and friends from back home, even when you are visiting the UAE.