How to Unblock Zoom from the UAE using a VPN in 2024

Whether you live in the UAE or are visiting, you will need a VPN to use VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, and Zoom. The government blocks VoIP apps to force people to make traditional phone calls. It does this to protect profits for the government-owned telecoms industry, but it can leave people frustrated when they can’t access the services they need.

These days, Zoom conferences and meetings are an essential part of many people’s work days. This leaves many professionals and people who want to use Zoom for personal reasons stranded when they are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Luckily, if you use a VPN, you can regain access to Zoom and other VoIP services and continue with your work and social communication without interruption.

In this article, we’ll talk you through how to use a VPN to unblock Zoom from anywhere, including the UAE, and we recommend the VPNs that are best suited to the job. We’ll talk about each of them in more detail, but if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a quick summary of the top choices.

Best VPNs to unblock Zoom in the UAE

1. NordVPN: Best overall VPN for accessing Zoom in the UAE. A vast global network of optimized servers and uncrackable encryption make it a worthy contender. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best buget-freindly VPN for Zoom in the UAE. Super-fast WireGuard protocol. Large server network and fast speeds.
3. IPVanish: Seamlessly unblocks Zoom, offering high-speed connections, top-notch security, and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for using Zoom in the UAE.
4. ExpressVPN: A fast and reliable option for unblocking Zoom in the UAE, military-grade encryption and friendly customer support make it a game-changer.
5. PrivateVPN: Reliable VPN service with servers optimized for high speeds. Works well to access Zoom in the UAE.
6. VyprVPN: Provides robust encryption. Scrambling technology is considered to be world-class. Plenty of servers. No logs policy.
7. PureVPN: A revamped privacy policy and lots of new features result in a vastly improved service.

How to unblock Zoom in the UAE with a VPN

It’s not hard to unblock Zoom in the UAE or in other locations where it’s currently unavailable, such as Iran, Cuba, Qatar, and Kuwait. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Here’s how to unblock Zoom in the UAE with a VPN:

1. Decide on a suitable provider. Since very few VPNs work in the UAE, it’s important that you choose the right one. Our recommendation is NordVPN. However, Surfshark is an excellent cheap alternative, and ExpressVPN is a fantastic all-rounder.
2. Download and install the appropriate VPN software for your device. Only use official app stores or websites for this purpose.
3. Connect to a server in a country that doesn’t block Zoom. Common locations could be the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, or Germany.
4. Once the connection is established, go ahead and open the Zoom app. You should now be able to make and receive calls without an error message.
5. If you’re still experiencing problems, try clearing your browser history before reconnecting.

Best VPNs for accessing Zoom in the the UAE – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Would you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for unblocking Zoom.

Best VPNs to unblock Zoom

There are hundreds of VPN services to choose from, but not all of them are up to the task of unblocking Zoom in the UAE. Our top six recommendations are based on the following criteria:

• Proven to work in the UAE
• Offers fast speeds for video and VoIP calls
• Has a robust server network
• Deploys top-notch encryption to keep your location hidden at all times
• Doesn’t store any personally identifiable information

Take a look at our list of the best VPNs to unblock Zoom below so you can start making calls as soon as possible:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our number one choice for a VPN to unblock Zoom from the UAE. It has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries. If that’s not a good enough reason to opt for the service, you might want to consider that its servers are optimized for streaming, P2P file-sharing, and online security. You’ll definitely find a suitable connection for lag-free Zoom calls in the UAE.

This VPN provider’s security features are among the best in the business. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption along with perfect forward secrecy and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. Additional measures include an application-specific kill switch, automatic wifi protection, ad-blocking, and anti-malware defense.

NordVPN doesn’t store any personal user details and is known as a ‘no-logs’ provider. One account allows for up to six devices to connect simultaneously. Its customer support is available 24/7, and it offers apps for all the major platforms — Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows.

BEST VPN FOR ZOOM:NordVPN is our top choice VPN. Super-secure and fast, thanks to its NordLynx protocol, it’ll keep you safe and private on the web. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is an incredible all-rounder that represents superb value for money. We found that the service is excellent in terms of speed thanks to its WireGuard implementation. It has over 3200 servers in 100+ countries, giving you plenty of options to unblock Zoom, censored services, or region-blocked streaming platforms.

Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, along with perfect forward secrecy, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and an internet kill switch. This means you can use Zoom without fear of tracking. Surfshark’s proprietary CleanWeb™ and Whitelister™ functions will guard you against ads and malware. You also get a split tunneling feature useful for torrenting.

This provider doesn’t log any personal details or records of what you do while connected. It will also keep you safe against hackers on public wifi. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and you can connect an unlimited number of devices with one account.

BUDGET FRIENDLY:Surfshark offers a great value opportunity to access Zoom from the UAE. Great speed and security. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is the perfect VPN for accessing Zoom in the UAE, easily overcoming local restrictions. With a powerful network of over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations, including numerous US and European servers, IPVanish allows you to bypass geo-blocks and use Zoom from anywhere.

Security is a priority with IPVanish, which uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to keep your data safe and private. This means you can use Zoom without worrying about hackers, ISPs, or other entities tracking your online activities. IPVanish also maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your browsing history and personal information stays confidential.

IPVanish delivers fast and reliable connection speeds, crucial for smooth, uninterrupted Zoom calls.

Whether you’re attending meetings, hosting webinars, or connecting with friends and family, IPVanish ensures a seamless Zoom experience without lag or buffering.

The VPN offers user-friendly apps for various devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. Setting up IPVanish is straightforward, and with just a few clicks, you’ll be connected to a server that allows unrestricted access to Zoom in the UAE.

A standout feature of IPVanish is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your devices and share your account with family members. This means everyone in your household can use Zoom securely without compromising speed or privacy.

IPVanish excels in customer support, offering 24/7 live chat and email assistance. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff is always ready to help, ensuring your VPN experience with Zoom is exceptional. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free and ensuring excellent value.

WIREGUARD READY:IPVanish is your go-to solution for accessing Zoom in the UAE. With its extensive server network, robust security features, and high-speed connections, IPVanish ensures you can enjoy seamless Zoom calls without any restrictions. Try IPVanish today and stay connected wherever you are.

Read our IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN offers access to over 3,000 servers across the globe with plenty of high-speed connections to Europe, North America, Australia, and Southeast Asia. All these regions allow unfettered access to Zoom, so you will certainly be able to access the service from the UAE. It’s fast enough to stream HD video without any noticeable buffering or lag, plus it works with streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

This VPN uses military-grade encryption protocols such as 256-bit AES protection, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and protection against WebRTC and DNS leaks. It won’t record your IP address at the time of login or any other personally identifiable information. Privacy-conscious users can sign up with a burner email account and pay via Bitcoin for further anonymity.

ExpressVPN’s customer support team is available around the clock and will help you identify the best server to unblock Zoom in case you run into any issues. Its well-designed, minimalist apps can get you online in a matter of a few minutes. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Android, and a select few routers. One account allows for five simultaneous connections.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for unblocking Zoom from anywhere. It ships with fast servers, solid encryption, and a 99% uptime record. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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 5. PrivateVPN

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller server count than most competitors — only about 200 spread around the world, but they are located in over 60 countries and are all optimized for high-quality performance. The service works fine in the UAE, but if you run into any problems with the default protocols, just enable the ‘Stealth VPN’ feature (it can be found under software settings) and click reconnect.

PrivateVPN has quite the reputation for streaming HD video and enabling access to geo-restricted media, so your bandwidth-heavy Zoom calls are definitely catered to. It effortlessly works with services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, an internet kill switch (on the Windows app), and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Customer service can be a little clunky, but it’ll help if you run into any problems.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. One account allows for six devices to connect at the same time.

FAST AND VERSATILE:PrivateVPN keeps you secure and private on the web. It works in the UAE and ships with high-speed servers. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our PrivateVPN review.

6. VyprVPN

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

VyprVPN ships with some of the most sophisticated location-evading technology in the VPN industry. It owns all its servers, and its proprietary Chameleon™ scrambling feature will further obfuscate your connection so that even the most determined of snoopers can’t figure out what you’re up to online.

These expansive privacy protocols do exert a toll, however. The end result is that VyprVPN is slightly slower than some of its rivals. But do keep in mind that the UAE is on an active warpath against VPN providers, so the more sophisticated encryption at play, the better it is for the end-user. In fact, the company recommends that you use the Chameleon™ protocol for an uninterrupted experience in the UAE.

VyprVPN operates around 700 servers across North America, Europe, and Asia. It includes a location in Dubai if you’re trying to obtain an IP address from the UAE.

This service can assist in accessing geo-restricted media platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It includes apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. A premium account allows for five devices to connect at the same time.

FIRM ENCRYPTION:VyprVPN’s location-evading features are second to none. Comes with strong security and privacy features and a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.

Read our review of VyprVPN.

7. PureVPN

unblocks zoomTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is on a resurgent path of sorts to recover from some bad press and a potentially misleading privacy policy. Based in Hong Kong, this provider is now far more transparent about its data-logging procedures, clearly explaining that it doesn’t store any user logs.

It offers access to a vast number of servers with over 6,500 spread across 78+ countries, giving it a truly global presence. It throws in unlimited data transfer and secures all traffic by way of 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Additional measures include perfect forward secrecy, malware protection, ad blocking, and URL filtering.

Speeds are fast, and the service enables access to popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Another recent upgrade is access to 24/7 live customer support.

Apps are included for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. One account allows for five devices to connect concurrently.

MANY SERVER OPTIONS:PureVPN works in the UAE and enables high-speed connections to almost anywhere in the globe. Try it with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our PureVPN review.

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Best VPNs for Zoom: testing methodology

At Comparitech, we test VPNs using a precise VPN testing methodology. This allows us to recommend VPNs that are fit for purpose. Many VPNs lack secure encryption or other important privacy features you need to bypass censorship in the UAE.

In this guide, we only recommended VPNs that have been thoroughly tested to ensure they have solid encryption, strong DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy that ensures everything you do online remains private.

We tested each VPN’s servers to ensure they are fast enough for making video calls and streaming. We checked that these VPNs work to access popular services such as Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE.

If you want to know more about how we test and rank our VPNs, check out our dedicated VPN methodology article.

Should I use a free VPN to access Zoom in the UAE?

As we mentioned at the start of this article, it’s incredibly hard to find a fast and efficient VPN that’s proven to work in the UAE.

That’s because local authorities deploy sophisticated filters and detection algorithms to ward off VPN use. No one’s exactly sure why that’s the case, but the fact of the matter is that VPNs with inferior security parameters and ineffective scrambling technology will struggle to operate effectively in Dubai.

That’s why free VPNs don’t make the cut. Most of them aren’t equipped to handle the blocking protocols put in place by authorities in the UAE.

Even in the rare chance that you do find a free VPN that works in the UAE, you’ll be subjected to data caps, bandwidth throttling, and wait times to connect to a server. That’s because such services don’t invest in their network infrastructure the same way that paid VPNs do. You’re almost guaranteed a migraine-inducing experience with frequent interruptions to your Zoom video call.

To make things worse, free VPN apps come with several unwanted add-ons. Frequent advertisements and notifications to upgrade are part of the package. Lots ship with malware, which could lead to data loss and financial extortion. And some are in the business of tracking your online habits in order to sell to advertisers — that goes against the ethos of using a VPN in the first place.

Overall, we don’t think it’s in your best interests to use a free VPN. If you’re in need of a short-term fix, then it’s possible to sign up with one of our recommended providers and cancel within the trial period for a full refund. Otherwise, a few dollars each month is a worthwhile investment for a frustration-free and safe online experience.

Using Zoom with a VPN: FAQs