Is a VPN Really Illegal in the UAE? Here’s the Truth

The United Arab Emirates ranks number one worldwide for VPN usage. Research from Cybernews indicates that a significant 65.78% of residents used a VPN between 2020 and mid-2025. This is considerably higher than in Qatar (55.43%) and Singapore (38.23%).

In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 6 million VPN apps were downloaded in the UAE. This suggests the country is well on its way to breaking the record of 9.2 million downloads set in 2024.

VPN Use in the UAE Skyrockets Due to Expats and VoIP Restrictions

These high figures are no coincidence. The UAE has a population of around 11.44 million people, nearly 90% of whom are expatriates. Naturally, they want to stay in touch with family and friends abroad. Due to restrictions on popular VoIP services like WhatsApp calling, Skype, and FaceTime, many turn to VPNs to bypass these blocks and make free calls.

Additionally, the increased need for online privacy and security plays a role, especially since remote working has become more common. Companies routinely use VPNs to secure their networks, and private individuals are also choosing them more frequently.

Is Using a VPN Forbidden in the Emirates? The Rules Explained

Although many people think VPNs are banned in the UAE, that is not entirely accurate. Using a VPN is completely legal. Both individuals and companies are permitted to use them for legitimate purposes, such as secure access to corporate networks or protecting personal data.

What is punishable, however, is using a VPN for illegal activities. This includes, for example, accessing blocked content or committing cybercrime. UAE legislation is clear on this. According to Federal Law No. 34 of 2021, those who misuse VPN technology can face substantial fines. These range from AED 500,000 to AED 2 million (approximately €128,000 to €512,000, or £108,000 to £432,000).

The rules are therefore not black and white: it all depends on the purpose of use. Installing and using a VPN for privacy or work is not a problem. But as soon as you use it to circumvent local laws, you are on thin ice.

It is also notable that other countries in the Gulf region score highly for VPN usage. Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are all in the global top 10. In contrast, no African country appears in the top 50.