How to get a UAE IP address in 2024 with a VPN

Citizens of the UAE or the local expat population residing in the country may need to acquire a local IP address in some specific situations. For example, a UAE IP address is useful when looking to stream content while abroad, from channels like AD Drama, MBC, and Dubai sports. It can also be used to access online banking services from Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Gulf Bank, and Emirates NBD. In this article, we’ll shed light on a couple of methods to get a UAE IP address.

The most efficient way to use these services is to spoof your location via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and routes it via an intermediary server that you choose. If you select a server in the UAE, you’ll automatically be assigned a local IP address. This will remain in place until you disconnect from the server or your internet connection becomes unstable.

Many top-tier VPN companies offer servers in the UAE. Therefore you could be located anywhere in the world and still make it seems as if you’re actually in the UAE. An additional benefit of using a VPN is its encryption factor — it automatically makes the connection almost unhackable which means snoopers are kept safely at bay.

How to get an IP address from the UAE

VPNs are designed with amateur users in mind. They’re easy to set up and don’t require technical know-how. Follow the steps below to start browsing the internet with a UAE IP address.

TIP: HOW TO GET A PAID VPN FOR FREE: Not every user is in the market for a long-term commitment. If you’re traveling abroad and want a VPN for a short time, we have a hack for you. You can take advantage of VyprVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee if you pay with PayPal. This means you can make an initial payment and get refunded within the first thirty days.

VPN services are present all across the internet. But our job in this article is to highlight the ones that will work seamlessly and give you peace of mind. With that being said, our recommendations have been curated based on the following standards:

The best VPNs to get a UAE IP address

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for getting an IP address for the UAE:

1. VyprVPN

Nov 2024

VyprVPN ships with some of the most sophisticated location-evading tech in the world. It has more than 700 servers across the globe and options for an IP address from UAE are available.

The service is able to securely access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services. Customer support representatives can provide individual support if you’re looking to use a specific service.

This provider has recently overhauled its privacy policy and doesn’t store any personally identifiable information anymore (it used to log IP addresses and some other information). It’s a proven performer when it comes to using China-specific services and its proprietary Chameleon™ cloaking technology is considered to be among the best in the industry.

VyprVPN includes a free three-day trial with all packages so you can try it out and cancel if it doesn’t meet your requirements.

Apps for Android and iOS are included as are desktop versions for Windows and MacOS. A single subscription allows for three devices to connect at the same time.

BEST VPN FOR THE UAE:With VyprVPN you can rest easy. The service will keep all snoopers at bay due to its world-class encryption tech. What’s more, you can take advantage of the 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our review of VyprVPN.

2. PureVPN

PureVPN operates a hardy server network of more than 1,750 servers spread across the world including 12 in the UAE (in Dubai).

It’s based in Hong Kong and enjoyed a sterling reputation in the past as a highly-reputable VPN service. This took a hit after some media reports of storing user logs but the company has made an effort to clean up its act. There are new apps and a revised privacy policy in play.

PureVPN works with services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It enables you to stream 1080p video without any noticeable problems or lag. The company encrypts all traffic using 256-bit encryption and throws in additional features like an internet kill switch for good measure. This is one of the few services that has servers inside China.

Apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS are available. One account allows for five devices to connect concurrently and customer support is available around the clock, 365 days a year.

LOW-COST OPTION:PureVPN offers a premium VPN experience at a price that’s affordable and won’t break the bank. It also offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of PureVPN.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish owns all 2,400 of its servers outright, including those in the UAE. As such, it can quickly adapt to updates to the country’s web-filtering systems and never lets your traffic pass through hardware owned by another organization. It’s fast, too, with average speeds of over 300 Mbps. In other words, you’ll be able to stream, video call, and access your usual websites without any noticeable drop in performance. This provider allows you to protect all of your devices simultaneously and offers 24/7 customer support (just make a note of the email address before you leave since the main website may not be accessible in the UAE).

Don’t be fooled by its beginner-friendly apps; there are plenty of powerful security tools built-in. These include uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, automatic tracker-blocking, and leak protection. Users can even scramble their traffic (provided they’re using the OpenVPN protocol) or choose to allow certain sites to pass through the VPN unencrypted. Crucially, IPVanush follows a strict no-logging policy, a fact that has been verified by external auditors. We would, however, like to see support for at least one anonymous payment option since this is fairly common in the industry and yet noticeably absent here.

IPVanish supports Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Further, it can be manually installed on most routers and provides detailed setup guides explaining how to do this.

ANTI-CENSORSHIP:IPVanish works perfectly in the UAE and delivers speeds that many of its rivals could only dream of. Clearly values your privacy and has been audited to prove it. Annual and two-year plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth IPVanish review.

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4. Ivacy

Ivacy is based in Singapore and ships with a host of top-tier features. This includes the ability to securely access Netflix, solid encryption protocols, P2P support, and a decent selection of servers around the world.

At the moment, this provider operates 450 servers in 50 countries, including an option in the UAE. Despite its low-cost service, Ivacy was a consistently solid performer when we put it through the paces during our extensive user testing.

Ivacy’s security parameters are robust: the service uses 256-bit encryption, often referred to as ‘military-grade.’ It leverages 2,048-bit RSA keys for authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s built-in support for DNS leak protection and an internet kill switch.

The company takes privacy very seriously and has a strict ‘no-logs’ policy in place. What’s more, you can pay for the service using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. A single account allows for up to five connections at a single time.

GOOD ALL-ROUNDER:Ivacy is low-cost but delivers all that is expected from a premium VPN provider. It has top-notch encryption and fast speeds, and ships with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth Ivacy review.

5. VPNArea

VPNArea is a solid performer and has a proven ability to thwart government-level surveillance barriers. Not only that, it boasts robust security too.

At the time of writing, it gives you access to more than 200 servers in 70 countries. There’s one server in the United Arab Emirates so obtaining a local IP address shouldn’t pose a challenge. Some servers are engineered for specific tasks such as double VPN. VPNArea works with Netflix and other streaming sites without any problems and doesn’t exhibit any noticeable lag or buffering.

This provider incorporates strong security parameters which include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Users can opt for P2P sharing which is good news for torrenters. VPNArea maintains a ‘no-logging’ policy which means no personally identifiable information is stored on its servers.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. A single account allows for six devices to connect at the same time, more generous than the industry standard of five.

SOLID PRIVACY:VPNArea is a hardy all-rounder and will perform the task every single time. It also ships with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of VPNArea.

6. HideMyAss!

HideMyAss covers 850 servers in 190 countries. One of its claims to fame is that it has 400 million users and counting. There are two options for servers in the United Arab Emirates. The service is fast and is able to securely access lots of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

HideMyAss uses 256-bit AES encryption along with 4,096-bit RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy. A worrying aspect is that it does log user data by default, including IP addresses, but you’re able to toggle the settings in the app.

You can find apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. A single connection allows for five devices to connect concurrently.

VERSATILE:HideMyAss has been around for a long time in the VPN industry. It works with most streaming services and has good speeds. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of HideMyAss.

Methodology: How We Found the Best UAE VPNs

When it comes to getting a UAE IP address, not all VPNs are created equal. We’ve done the legwork to identify the best VPNs offering UAE servers, focusing on the most important criteria for users. Our methodology is designed to give you a comprehensive view of each VPN’s capabilities so you can make an informed choice.

• Speed and Performance: A top VPN should offer fast and reliable connections, ensuring a smooth browsing or streaming experience.
• Security: Strong encryption and a no-logs policy are essential for keeping your data safe, especially in a region with strict internet regulations.
• Servers: The availability of servers in the UAE or nearby regions is crucial for obtaining a UAE IP address.
• Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support can make or break your VPN experience, especially if you encounter any issues.
• Unblocking Ability: The VPN should be capable of bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing you to access local UAE content from anywhere.

By focusing on these criteria, we’ve been able to sift through the multitude of options out there to bring you the best VPNs for getting a UAE IP address in 2023. You can find out more about our tests in our VPN methodology.

Can I use a free VPN to obtain a UAE IP address?

Obtaining an IP address from the UAE with a free VPN might be an impossible task.

The UAE is very strict when it comes to protecting your IP address and does its best to restrict VPN companies from operating servers within its boundaries. Yes, the internet is full of free VPN services but it’s highly unlikely that any of them will offer an option for a server there.

Having said that, in the unlikely event that you do find a free VPN that offers support for the UAE, we still advise you to refrain from signing up. No doubt such services are tempting because you don’t need any payment authentication. However, the overall experience they offer is highly unreliable and will leave you frustrated.

What’s more, free VPN servers are typically secured with incredibly weak encryption standards and some come saddled with malware. In some cases, unscrupulous free VPN providers have been caught mining user data in order to sell it to third-party advertisers. Others have piggybacked on idle user bandwidth to build botnet armies. If you’re trying to stream content or securely access financial services, then a free VPN is an extremely poor choice.

Overall, it’s in your best interest to stay away from free VPNs. If you don’t want to shell out an initial upfront payment or be locked into a long-term contract, then it’s possible to get a top-tier VPN for free by taking advantage of a money-back guarantee. Beyond that, it’s a better choice to invest a couple of dollars each month for your peace of mind and security of data.

Can I use a VPN to watch UAE television online?

When you download a VPN and select a server in the UAE, all host websites and apps you log in to will automatically assume that you’re physically located in the country.

For example, the local Netflix library should be accessible and channels like AD Drama, MBC, and Dubai Sports will be available. Note that some platforms may require you to subscribe before they allow access to their live streams. Be sure to check individual websites if you have any questions.

What sites are blocked in the UAE?

According to Freedom House, the internet landscape in the UAE is ‘not-free.’ The emirate blocks a number of websites and apps and has detained bloggers for posting content deemed to be inflammatory and anti-state. Several foreigners have been detained for posting after social media messages criticizing the government.

Voice over IP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber continue to be blocked in the country as the telecommunications regulator doesn’t want revenue to be siphoned from the country’s mobile operators. The United Arab Emirates has also been in a long standoff with neighbor Qatar and therefore blocks websites from the country. Additionally, there have been reports of restricted access to news broadcaster Al-Jazeera.

What are the other methods to obtain an IP address from the UAE?

VPN services aren’t the only option of obfuscating your IP address. There’s also the Tor browser, which can do a similar job.

The Tor browser is a product of the Tor project — which was initially developed to thwart mass surveillance programs and network intrusion. The Tor browser is free to download and use, and ships with sophisticated encryption and anonymity standards.

Having said that, the Tor browser wasn’t initially set up to cater to things like online streaming or accessing financial institution platforms. While it’s popular with journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers, Tor can be painfully slow. As such, it isn’t a preferable option if you’re looking to kick back and watch an HD stream of one of your favorite shows.

Another option is to use a free proxy server. However, they operate with data caps, a small selection of locations, and questionable privacy policies (similar to free VPN services).

An additional point to consider is that most streaming providers like Netflix have been blocking proxies for a while. They’re not very sophisticated and it’s unlikely that you will be able to access your favorite shows and movies by using them.