Best VPNs to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE and Dubai

Have you ever struggled with connecting to WhatsApp in Dubai or the UAE? Despite being a lifeline for many to stay in touch with loved ones, Dubai and the UAE have restricted free VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services like WhatsApp calling, video calls, and messaging services. While there are government-sanctioned alternatives like C’Me or BOTIM, they don’t promise the privacy you’d expect, especially in a region cautious about encryption.

After extensive research and comprehensive testing, we have found a robust solution to make WhatsApp work in Dubai and the UAE: We cover the best VPNs for Whatsapp calling in this article. VPNs not only unlock access to apps like WhatsApp but also ensure encrypted browsing, shielding your online activities from prying eyes. By connecting to a server outside the UAE, you can gain access to WhatsApp and a myriad of other platforms often restricted in the region.

Read our carefully curated list of top-performing VPNs for seamless WhatsApp calling in the UAE below. And if one grabs your interest, read our detailed review, ensuring you’re informed and ready to connect.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp in Dubai and the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai and the UAE. A speedy, privacy-conscious VPN that boasts a huge server network, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of advanced security features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for UAE.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE. With no connection limit, decent speeds, and a major focus on security, Surfshark makes it easy to use WhatsApp safely in the UAE.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable, with top-notch security and privacy protections.
4. Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield is very fast, with powerful security features and excellent unblocking ability.
5. PrivateVPN: This small but speedy VPN comes with several advanced security features. It keeps no logs whatsoever and easily unblocks WhatsApp abroad.
6. VyprVPN: A completely log-free VPN with high-speed servers all over the world and a strong commitment to your security.
7. PureVPN: Quick, easy-to-use, and highly secure. Works flawlessly in the UAE and other countries with strict digital censorship.
8. ProtonVPN: A no-logs provider boasting plenty of advanced security tools. Delivers impressive performance and offers reliable Emirati servers.

New to VPNs and not quite sure how to get started? Don’t panic: it’s actually quite easy to bypass online censorship. Just follow the steps below to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai and the UAE. Note that not all VPNs work in the UAE so stick to recommendations from this list.

How to unblock WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE

From our real-world experience, here’s how to unblock WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE:

1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs below, if you haven’t already (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the appropriate version of the app for your device. The VPN providers in this guide have apps for most operating systems and mobile devices.
3. Log in and connect to a VPN server. Generally, US servers are a strong choice, although you may find that using servers in nearby countries gets you a lower-latency connection.
4. Open WhatsApp and try making a call. You should now be able to chat as normal. If you’re still having issues, try clearing the app’s data or using a different server. It may also be a good idea to contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

There are dozens of VPNs on the market, but not all of them are able to unblock WhatsApp in the UAE, and some don’t offer the speeds required for uninterrupted calling. Of course, you’ll likely want to do more than just use your VPN for WhatsApp calls. To make sure you get a VPN capable of handling almost any task, we decided only to recommend services meeting all of the criteria below:

• Has a large network of reliable, high-speed servers
• Unblocks WhatsApp and similar services within the UAE
• Doesn’t log any information that could identify you
• Uses cutting-edge security features including effectively uncrackable encryption
• Provides apps for all major operating systems and devices

Best VPNs for WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE – Our in-depth analysis

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

Best VPNs for WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for WhatsApp calls in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for WhatsApp in Dubai. It boasts one of the largest networks around, with over 6,200 servers in 111 countries. It’s also known for its exceptional unblocking ability, allowing users in the UAE to access popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix US, and, of course, WhatsApp. Speeds are faster than those of any other VPN we’ve tested, so calls are unlikely to pose a problem. NordVPN permits up to ten connections at once.

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks to help keep you safe online. It also includes an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and servers specifically designed for use in countries where the internet is heavily censored. NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy, so once connected, you’re effectively untraceable (although you can pay with Bitcoin for another layer of anonymity). Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

NordVPN has apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also works with select home routers via manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP IN UAE:NordVPN is our first pick. It boasts incredible speeds, packs several advanced security features, and easily unblocks WhatsApp from inside the UAE. Comes with a no-logs policy and access to over 6,200 high-speed servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes this a risk-free option.

Read our in-depth review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark currently operates around 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Its speeds are more than fast enough for video calling, and in fact, you should even be able to use international streaming services like Netflix and Sling TV from abroad without any noticeable lag or buffering. One of the best things about Surfshark is that it has no connection limit; simply, one account allows you to secure every device you own.

This service’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch, as well as a built-in ad-blocker and malware scanner. Best of all, there’s a NoBorders feature designed to bypass governmental web filtering in countries like the UAE where the internet is heavily restricted. You can pay in one of three accepted cryptocurrencies if you like, but this is optional as Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable data. Need help? Customer support is on hand 24/7 via live chat.

Surfshark offers Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android apps. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is ideal for unblocking WhatsApp abroad thanks to its high speeds, strong privacy protections, and advanced security features. What’s more, it has no connection limit and even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our comprehensive Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers across 90+ countries, which all but guarantees you a high-speed low-latency connection. This service has excellent unblocking ability, so while you can use it to make WhatsApp calls in the UAE, it also allows you to use streaming platforms like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. What’s more, you can connect up to five devices at once.

This VPN comes with several powerful security and privacy features perfect for accessing WhatsApp and a variety of VoIP services in The UAE. These include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (sometimes called a network lock) that stops all data transfer whenever you lose your connection unexpectedly. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, but if you’re worried about privacy, there’s always the option to pay in Bitcoin. If you have any problems, you can reach customer support over live chat 24/7.

ExpressVPN provides apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It also has custom router firmware, making it easy to protect all of your devices at once.

STRONG SECURITY:ExpressVPN is another good choice for making WhatsApp calls in the UAE. It’s fast, boasts top-notch privacy protection, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, check out the full ExpressVPN review.

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4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield has around 3,200 high-speed servers in 70+ countries, which means you’ll be able to make WhatsApp calls and video calls free from any interruptions. Additionally, this VPN service reliably works with several other popular streaming services in the UAE, including Netflix US and ITV Hub. It permits up to five simultaneous connections, which means you can access whatever you want, whether you’re at home or on the go.

This service uses 128-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (Windows only), and DNS leak protection to keep your activities private at all times. Hotspot Shield doesn’t log any identifiable information beyond the duration of your session. 24/7 live chat is available should you need any help, although this VPN’s apps are fairly simple to use.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.

FAST AND RELIABLE:Hotspot Shield is an excellent, low-cost VPN capable of unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE. It boasts reliable high-speed connections, over 3,000 servers worldwide, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Take a look at our complete Hotspot Shield review.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has fewer servers than some of the VPNs above, but it beats them all when it comes to speed. Further, as this service boasts exceptional unblocking ability, you shouldn’t have any issues whether you’re looking to make WhatsApp calls or simply stream your favorite shows while in the UAE. PrivateVPN lets you secure up to six devices simultaneously.

This VPN uses IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption to ensure you’re protected from snoopers 100 percent of the time. It also includes a traffic scrambling feature that hides the telltale signs of VPN traffic, allowing you to use services and networks that usually block VPN users outright. PrivateVPN does not keep any logs at all, so your privacy is in good hands. If you need help, you can reach customer support over live chat, 24 hours per day.

PrivateVPN provides apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Manual setup is required if you’d like to use it on your internet router or Linux system.

SECURITY-FIRST PROVIDER:PrivateVPN is a very fast provider that takes your security seriously. It keeps no logs, lets you make WhatsApp calls in the UAE, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, read the full PrivateVPN review.

6. VyprVPN

VyprVPN has roughly 700 servers in more than 70 countries, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to unblock a wide range of geo-blocked services. It provides consistently high speeds and lets you use plenty of major platforms in the UAE, including WhatsApp, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. With up to five simultaneous connections allowed, VyprVPN enables you to protect most of your devices with a single account.

This service keeps your traffic secure using a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop only), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a traffic scrambling feature that allows you to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Most importantly, VyprVPN keeps no logs whatsoever, which means it can’t divulge details of your activities even if asked to. Live chat-based support is available 24/7 in case of any issues.

VyprVPN has iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows apps. This service works with Linux systems and supported network routers via manual installation.

STREAM AND CHAT SECURELY:VyprVPN is a completely logless service, making it perfect for anonymous communication. It offers reliable, high-speed connections, cutting-edge security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete VyprVPN review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN has one of the largest networks we’ve seen, with more than 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries (including the UAE). It’s able to access all manner of region-locked services and bypass the world’s strictest online restrictions, so using WhatsApp while traveling won’t be an issue. Better still, it’s extremely fast, with average speeds of nearly 400 Mbps. Customer support staff are available 24 hours per day but there is one caveat: PureVPN’s website may be blocked in certain countries, so you’ll want to install the app and note down the support email address before leaving home.

This provider supports OpenVPN and WireGuard connections, uses uncrackable encryption, and offers a kill switch so that you never accidentally browse unprotected. It also prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, and can block trackers automatically (though only on the Plus and Max plans). PureVPN follows a true no-logs policy and has been audited four times for extra peace of mind. At the timer writing, it doesn’t support any anonymous payment options, though.

PureVPN has its own apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. If you need to secure more than 10 devices simultaneously, you can manually install this VPN on your router.

CHAT SAFELY ABROAD:PureVPN takes the stress out of using WhatsApp in the UAE. It’s fast, secure, and easily sidesteps country-wide censorship with no additional configuration needed.

Check out our full review of PureVPN.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN operates almost 4,000 servers in an astounding 85 countries. Roughly a dozen of these are located in the UAE and with average speeds in excess of 300 Mbps, you’ll be able to video call with friends from back home without any performance issues. In fact, this VPN works with a huge range of region-locked platforms including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, so there really aren’t many limits on what you can do. Just be aware that ProtonVPN’s website may not be accessible in the UAE; that’s why you should install the service before arriving.

User traffic is secured using a blend of uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Further, ProtonVPN includes automatic ad and tracker-blocking on all plans, plus Secure Core servers that were specifically designed to remain free from governmental interference. This service has a strict no-logs policy and has been independently-audited to back up its privacy claims. Experienced users can even set up split tunneling or port forwarding to further customize their security setup.

ProtonVPN offers apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It also provides manual setup instructions for anyone hoping to install this service on their router.

PERFECT FOR VOIP:ProtonVPN has the speed and security needed to use services like WhatsApp and Skype in the UAE. Not only that, but it works with a huge range of streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.

Read our complete ProtonVPN review to learn more.

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Our Methodology: How we find VPNs for WhatsApp calling in Dubai and the UAE

Many VPNs cannot provide the privacy features you need to make WhatsApp calls privately in the UAE. We have reviewed all the VPNs in this guide using a precise VPN testing methodology. Below, we have included a list of things that we looked for when finding VPNs for WhatsApp calling:

• Secure apps: Whether you want to use WhatsApp on an iPhone or an Android phone, it is vital that it has a secure VPN app for that platform. In this guide, we have recommended VPNs with apps for all devices so that you can unblock WhatsApp calling on your specific smartphone.
• A no-logs policy: Anybody using a VPN to bypass the UAE’s rules against VoIP calls will want to know that their VPN is not keeping any records that could later identify their WhatsApp use. For that reason, we have only recommended trustworthy VPNs with a no-usage logs policy. 
• A kill-switch: An internet kill switch is an important VPN feature that cuts your connection should the VPN drop out. This ensures that you never accidentally leak data outside of the VPN tunnel that reveals you used WhatsApp to make free calls.
• Global server network: To access WhatsApp and download it (and other banned VoIP apps, you will need a VPN with servers in countries where WhatsApp is available to make calls. In this guide, we have recommended world-class VPNs that have servers in upwards of 50 countries. 
• Superb accessibility: A VPN is useful for gaining privacy and online freedom. Our recommendations have been tested to check that they work with popular geo-restricted and censored services like Reddit, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
• Outstanding customer care: Whether you are a long-time VPN user or a beginner, it is always good to know that you can contact the VPN’s support to ask questions. Our recommendations have live chat and email support to allow you to get help with setting up or using the VPN at any time of day.
• Fast speeds: Many VPNs are too slow to make video and voice calls on WhatsApp. In this guide, we pinpointed secure services that also provide fast enough connections for gaming, streaming in HD, and unblocking WhatsApp calling without issues. 

How does WhatsApp work?

WhatsApp is a free, multi-platform messaging app that lets you send texts, make voice and video calls, and share media. It is best used over Wi-Fi. It uses your phone number for identification and adds anyone who uses WhatsApp to your contact list. The app uses powerful end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the sender and recipient can read the messages. This encryption is also used in other services such as iCloud and Google Drive backups. WhatsApp uses the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) for user data exchange. The app, which is used worldwide, supports group video calls with up to eight participants, and the call quality depends on your internet connection. However, there’s a loophole in the encryption: recipients can flag messages, copy them on their device, and send them to Meta for review. Just a point to note.

VPNs to unblock WhatsApp calling in UAE FAQs