Internet Restrictions in the UAE: VPN the answer?

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member20 July 2012 03:34:38

Hi All,

Quick question: I've heard that the UAE has A LOT of restrictions when it comes to internet browsing.. Is this true? Is there a way around this? I've heard its so strict that you can't even download skype when in the country (yes I know I can download it before I enter the country)..

Has anyone set up a VPN to bypass the security issue?

Any suggestions on how to work around it would be great..

Thanks!

See also

Phones in the United Arab Emirates - Guide
Foodies in UAE - 1 Reply
Internet provider prices - 1 Reply
VPN legal? - 6 Replies
Which internet data plans are affordable for online teaching - 1 Reply
MOE UAE Interview in UAE on visiting visa - 7 Replies
The best mobile phone operator in UAE.. - 3 Replies

james.hamad Serial expat

Member since 11 September 2010

james.hamadSerial expat20 July 2012 09:17:22

311

Hi cwilde!
Yes, you're right!!
All the dating sites and porn sites are blocked by the authorities!

However, some websites like Skype are also blocked here, but if you have an SKYPE ID and the software is already downloaded in your PC, definitely you can use it!

But I have seen that people can still download these software in their smart phones without any restrictions!

Secondly, I'm not an IT expert, however, I know that there is always a solution to everything !

Regards

Sandman6 ViP

Member since 17 May 2009

Rocking in the free world

Sandman6ViP20 July 2012 09:59:04

1863

Yes, buy a VPN subscription before you arrive.

It's not just porn and dating sites which are blocked; there are many innocuous information sites which are also blocked because they contain content which criticises either the UAE, Islam, women's rights etc.

HandsomeMe Active member

Member since 28 May 2012

HandsomeMeActive member22 July 2012 07:18:08

Hey ...it is true, but you can downlod hot spot van or express vpn if u have ipaid or iphone then ur life will be easy

fuqian Member

Member since 21 May 2012

fuqianMember22 July 2012 13:42:21

Big deal...
I survived from China for 24 years.In UAE internet is much more freedom...

mum65 Active member

Member since 05 July 2012

mum65Active member22 July 2012 22:38:44

absolutely rite many sites are like banned in UAE but yes u can have vpn and then u can access any site or anything u want. and as far as skype is concerned then if u have it on ur pc then u can use it.

james.hamad Serial expat

Member since 11 September 2010

james.hamadSerial expat25 July 2012 09:11:34

311

Hey BrettDaren!

Thanks for the information

nezarfreeny Member

Member since 26 July 2012

nezarfreenyMember26 July 2012 04:35:51

I would recommend Private Internet Access the most. They are one of the best VPN providers - You can go to privateinternetaccess.com to signup. I have been using them for over a year. I found out about them from torrentfreak.com/which-vpn-providers-really-take-anonymity-seriously-111007/

I recommend it if you are in UAE, my friend.

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member26 July 2012 18:46:40

I really appreciate all of your help! I'm going to sit down and do a little bit of research to see which one fits what I'm looking for the most.

Again, thanks a lot to everyone!

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member27 July 2012 02:19:08

#10

One quick question: do I need to sign up for a VPN prior to entering the UAE, or is this something I can set up once I arrive?

Thanks again!

Sandman6 ViP

Member since 17 May 2009

Rocking in the free world

Sandman6ViP27 July 2012 04:01:06

#11

1863

cwilde wrote:
One quick question: do I need to sign up for a VPN prior to entering the UAE, or is this something I can set up once I arrive?

Thanks again!

Buy it BEFORE you arrive

james.hamad Serial expat

Member since 11 September 2010

james.hamadSerial expat27 July 2012 09:26:58

#12

311

Sandman6 wrote:
cwilde wrote:
One quick question: do I need to sign up for a VPN prior to entering the UAE, or is this something I can set up once I arrive?

Thanks again!

Buy it BEFORE you arrive

I agree with that !

HandsomeMe Active member

Member since 28 May 2012

HandsomeMeActive member28 July 2012 11:07:43

#13

if u will use iphone u can download ...i did it and it s working fine

james.hamad Serial expat

Member since 11 September 2010

james.hamadSerial expat28 July 2012 11:11:00

#14

311

HandsomeMe wrote:
if u will use iphone u can download ...i did it and it s working fine

Can we access everything using iPhone?!

mum65 Active member

Member since 05 July 2012

mum65Active member08 August 2012 08:54:09

#15

Yes james.hamad u can acess everything once vpn starts working

salam2521 Member

Member since 09 July 2012

salam2521Member10 August 2012 16:15:26

#16

I heard this too...also the fact that you can't send picture messages via sms - weird....

HandsomeMe Active member

Member since 28 May 2012

HandsomeMeActive member12 August 2012 06:26:11

#17

I am using VPN EXPRESS it is amazing ... if u have smartphone like iphone then u wll have the big world betwen ur hands

patricali Member

Member since 24 June 2012

patricaliMember11 March 2013 07:15:46

#18

rachasexy Member

Member since 06 July 2013

rachasexyMember06 July 2013 11:13:10

#19

[Moderated: Please post in english]

INTERLUDE New member

Member since 13 June 2010

INTERLUDENew member06 July 2013 16:21:26

#20

Skype is allowed now in UAE

amit79 Member

Member since 06 June 2013

amit79Member06 July 2013 21:36:04

#21

Not blocked u can access

sumanrockz Member

Member since 09 December 2014

sumanrockzMember09 December 2014 10:13:34

#22

hey i need to knw few things about internet in uae,pls send mail ,i will contact u sumantherevolution@gmail.com
Sandman6 amit79 patricali,please i am new here and need help

barblam1 Active member

Member since 14 July 2013

barblam1Active member09 December 2014 10:48:21

#23

I do not have an I Phone. Is there anything I can use directly with mu computer? I leave to morrow morning, so HELP!!!

caliopee Member

Member since 13 December 2014

caliopeeMember15 December 2014 12:22:03

#24

Using VPN service will enable you to hide your real IP address and get European one to be able to bypass Geo-blocking and break internet restriction to enjoy with free internet access everywhere. bestcheapvpnservice.com/use-uk-vpn-dubai/

Sky2050 New member

Member since 09 June 2015

Sky2050New member09 June 2015 02:46:41

#25

fuqian wrote:
Big deal...
I survived from China for 24 years.In UAE internet is much more freedom...

Asian my friend....Asian..

scarlettwalker Member

Member since 23 November 2015

scarlettwalkerMember23 November 2015 11:38:09

#26

Dubai, UAE is one of the destinations where you may face a few internet restrictions. It is certainly annoying, especially for travelers. The travelers or expats from other countries would definitely like to access the content of their own locations. They may want to access US Netflix or UK BBC iPlayer, but they can’t access it because of their IP. This is where PureVPN comes in, as they offer a secure tool to connect with the outside world.

shanafashyaana Serial expat

Member since 08 August 2015

shanafashyaanaSerial expat24 November 2015 07:21:05

#27

559

If you are using MAC, you can download any of the VPN available in Apple Store. No matter in which country you are.

BigIan279 Member

Member since 09 December 2015

BigIan279Member16 December 2015 10:56:20

#28

HandsomeMe wrote:
I am using VPN EXPRESS it is amazing ... if u have smartphone like iphone then u wll have the big world betwen ur hands

My family uses the lot; Apple, Android and Windows + Smart TV's with internet access to Skype, Netflicks, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, ITV player etc.

Is it best to get a VPN before I arrive or after? I've heard that some VPN providers are blocked in the UAE - is this true?

many thanks
Ian