How to unblock Skype in the UAE with a VPN (and which VPNs work)

Skype is a convenient way to keep in touch with family and friends back home. However, in some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Skype and similar services are blocked. In fact, in the UAE, there are only a handful of permitted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and these tend to come with high monthly fees. Luckily, it’s easy to work around this issue by using a VPN.

By connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can mask your IP address, making it appear that your internet traffic originates in a different country. This allows you to download software and visit websites that are ordinarily inaccessible from within Dubai, Qatar, and elsewhere in the UAE. VPNs also encrypt your data, preventing it from being read by third parties like your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

In this post, we’ll explain why the UAE blocks Skype and how you can bypass these restrictions using a VPN. We’ll also recommend the best VPNs for the UAE. Don’t have time to read the full reviews? Here’s a quick summary:

The best VPNs to unblock Skype in the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for unblocking Skype in the UAE. This provider has a great record for unblocking geo-restricted and censored services. Top speeds and strong security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best budget alternative. Impressive security and privacy features. Adept at unblocking. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. IPVanish: Excellent general-purpose VPN that works perfectly in the UAE. Faster than most, with no connection limit, and a strict no-logs policy.
4. ExpressVPN: Large network of servers that spans over 90 countries. Can unblock almost anything. High-end privacy and security.
5. PrivateVPN: A fast, secure, privacy-conscious VPN. Excels at unblocking chat and streaming services. Allows ten simultaneous connections.
6. VyprVPN: This zero-logs service offers steady speeds, impressive security, and the ability to unblock Skype from anywhere, even the UAE

How to unblock Skype in the UAE

It’s actually fairly simple to unblock Skype with a VPN, even from countries like the UAE, Qatar, Libya, and Kuwait, where the service is supposedly inaccessible. Just follow the steps below.

Here’s how to use Skype in UAE:

1. First, use a suitable service. Many VPNs don’t work in the UAE, so choosing the right one is vital. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN software. Several different versions will be available, so make sure you install the right one for your device.
3. Connect to a server in a country that doesn’t block Skype. If you connect to a server in the US, you will gain a US IP address and be able to bypass Skype restrictions.
4. Wait until you’re connected. Now, download Skype. Once it’s installed, you should be able to make and receive calls without any problems.
5. If you have any problems, try clearing your browser’s history before trying again, or contact your VPN provider’s customer support team for more help.

Best VPNs for Skype in the UAE – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for accessing Skype in the UAE.

Best VPNs for unblocking Skype

While there are hundreds of VPN services available, only a handful work reliably and have great call quality inside the UAE. To find the best VPNs for unblocking Skype in the United Arab Emirates, we looked for services that met the criteria below:

• Is capable of bypassing the UAE’s internet restrictions
• Has connection speeds fast enough for high-definition streaming and high-call-quality VoIP
• Offers numerous servers in a wide selection of different locations
• Uses strong encryption and includes other advanced security features
• Does not log any information that could identify you

You can read more about how we choose the VPNs we recommend further on in this article. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for unblocking Skype in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 UNBLOCKS SKYPE IN UAETested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for unblocking Skype in the UAE. It’s among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested and has a huge network, with roughly 5,000 servers in 60+ countries worldwide. Further, there are very few services that this VPN doesn’t work with. Whether you’re looking to make crystal-clear Skype calls or watch a few episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, you’ll be in good hands.

NordVPN offers more security options than many of its rivals. This includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and the ability to connect to Double VPN servers. NordVPN has a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited, so there’s no need to worry about your activities being traced back to you. Need help? Its live chat and email support is available around the clock.

This VPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux systems. It also offers an app for Amazon Fire TV as well as extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. NordVPN can also be installed on supported network routers, although manual configuration is required.

BEST VPN FOR SKYPE IN UAE:NordVPN is our top pick. It has incredible speeds and works well with Skype in UAE. Boasts strong security features and allows up to six devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Thanks to NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

UNBLOCKS SKYPE IN UAETested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that’s ideal for video calls. It regularly performs well in our speed testing and offers access to 3,000+ servers in 100 countries. Needless to say, this makes it a strong choice for anyone hoping to securely access services like Skype, Disney+, or Netflix (over 30 libraries supported). Best of all, Surfshark has no connection limit, so you can protect all of your devices with a single account.

This service doesn’t compromise when it comes to security. It keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (in every version). It also offers MultiHop servers for two or more layers of encryption. This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, although you can sign up using Bitcoin if you’d prefer. Customer support can be reached 24/7 via live chat in the event of any problems.

Surfshark has Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire TV apps as well as Chrome and Firefox extensions. Manual installation is required to work with internet routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark offers very high speeds, excellent security and digital privacy features, and the ability to use Skype anywhere. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

unblocks skype in UAETested Nov 2024

IPVanish has a lot of features that make it a strong choice in the UAE. For instance, it owns its servers outright, meaning your data never passes through hardware owned by another company. Additionally, this is one of the fastest services around and can reliably fly under the radar of VPN-detection systems. As such, you’ll be able to securely talk to people back home, access unbiased information, and access geo-restricted sites during your visit. There’s no need to leave some devices unprotected either, as IPVanish doesn’t have a connection limit.

Digital surveillance is extremely common in the UAE, but IPVanish users don’t have to worry. Their traffic is encrypted and protected from data leaks, plus there’s a built-in kill switch designed to stop you from browsing unprotected if your connection to the VPN drops. Most importantly, IPVanish refuses to log any details of your activities and so couldn’t share them even if it wanted to. If you’re having connection problems, you can also activate the obfuscation feature (although this is only available with the OpenVPN protocol).

IPVanish has apps for iOS, Windows, MacOS, Android, and Linux. It also provides detailed setup guides for users interested in installing the service directly on their router.

IDEAL FOR NOVICES:IPVanish is versatile, reliable, and easy to use. With exceptional unblocking ability and thousands of secure servers, there’s very little that it can’t do. Choose the annual or two-year plans to qualify for a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in our complete IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

UNBLOCKS SKYPE IN UAETested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN provides access to more than 3,000 servers in 94 different countries. Further, it’s fast enough to stream HD video fluidly, with no noticeable buffering. This means that as well as being able to stream from popular platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN allows you to have lengthy, uninterrupted Skype conversations. You can use this VPN on up to five devices at the same time.

Your internet traffic is kept private using a combination of 256-bit military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC and DNS leaks. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, just the email address you registered with. As such, if you use a throwaway email address and pay with Bitcoin, you can browse anonymously. There’s also 24/7 live chat support.

ExpressVPN offers apps for all the most popular operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS). It also has Amazon Fire TV and Android TV apps, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and custom firmware for routers.

EXCELLENT SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a solid choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. Excellent online privacy and security. Unblocks lots of streaming sites. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. PrivateVPN

UNBLOCKS SKYPE IN UAETested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN might not have the largest server network, with only roughly 200 globally, but they are spread across 60+ countries. Furthermore, it provides higher speeds than many of its competitors. This is important since Skype is a fairly data-intensive program, especially if you make group calls. PrivateVPN is also capable of accessing popular services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and a strict no-logging policy to help keep your personal data safe. Notably, this provider hosts its own servers and acts as its own ISP, which means no other company ever has access to your traffic. PrivateVPN allows you to connect ten devices at once, and its support team is on hand via live chat and email.

PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. Manual installation is required for Linux systems and supported routers.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works well with Skype and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Small server count but fast speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. VyprVPN

Unblocks Skype in UAETested Nov 2024

VyprVPN has over 700 servers in 70+ locations around the world and is a natural choice for bypassing regional blocking. In fact, as well as letting you use Skype from anywhere, this VPN works with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Speeds are more than enough for lag-free video calls, and users can secure up to 10 of their devices at once.

As far as security goes, this is one of the best services around. It offers 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic wifi protection (just in case you find yourself using public hotspots as you travel). Additionally, recent updates have brought WireGuard support, which is faster than OpenVPN over long distances. VyprVPN is a zero-logs provider with 24/7 support via live chat.

VyprVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for use with Linux and supported routers.

SKYPE FROM ANYWHERE:VyprVPN excels at bypassing regional restrictions Better still, it lets you use your favorite services securely, and keeps no logs whatsoever. With decent speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s plenty to like here.

Read the full VyprVPN review.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Skyping in the UAE

It pays to do your research when buying a VPN, and this is even more important if you’re thinking about visiting the UAE. After all, there are lots of services that are too slow for any real day-to-day use and others that can’t beat the country’s VoIP restrictions at all. Here are the key features we looked for when trying to find the best VPNs for Skype:

• Unblocking ability: It goes without saying, but your VPN has to be able to avoid the government’s web filtering. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use Skype or access services from other countries (which can be a real nuisance if you’re visiting the UAE on vacation).
• Speed: You shouldn’t have to put up with stuttering, lag, or dropped calls. That’s why we only recommend VPNs that deliver exceptional speeds in our latest speed testing. We take consistency into account too, so only those that perform reliably make the cut.
• Security and privacy: We require providers to offer 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logging policy at a bare minimum. However, many of the services recommended also include stealth modes, cloaking tools, and custom protocols for even greater privacy.
• Ease of use: Everyone should be able to browse the web securely. The best VPNs must have novice-friendly apps, live chat-based support, and, ideally, simple, toggleable options that clearly explain what they do.
• Pricing: We compare VPNs with similarly-priced competitors to filter out any that charge more than is really justified. Additionally, where possible, we’ll include details about any discounts, trials, or money-back guarantees so that you don’t have to pay a cent more than is necessary.

Looking to find what other tests we perform? We have a detailed post explaining exactly how Comparitech tests VPNs to determine if they are good enough to recommend.

Skype in UAE FAQ