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

  • 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.
  • Surfshark: Best buget-freindly VPN for Zoom in the UAE. Super-fast WireGuard protocol. Large server network and fast speeds.
  • ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable option for unblocking Zoom in the UAE, military-grade encryption and friendly customer support make it a game-changer.
  • PrivateVPN: Reliable VPN service with servers optimized for high speeds. Works well to access Zoom in the UAE.
  • VyprVPN: Provides robust encryption. Scrambling technology is considered to be world-class. Plenty of servers. No logs policy.
  • 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.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you, and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

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

  • 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.
  • Download and install the appropriate VPN software for your device. Only use official app stores or websites for this purpose.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 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

                    Jan 2023

unblocks zoomTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number one choice for a VPN to unblock Zoom from the UAE. It has over 5400 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.

Pros:

  • Wide network of more than 5,400 servers in 60+ countries
  • Military-grade 256-bit encryption for great privacy
  • Offers 24/7 live chat
  • Fast speeds well suited to video conferencing
  • No-logs policy
  • Apps for all major platforms

Cons:

  • Isn’t primed for novice users

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks zoomTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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.

  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Fast, reliable speeds

  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Works with Zoom and Netflix US

  • Some servers are slower than others

Read our Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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.

  • Fast enough to play HD video without buffering

  • Optimized for high-speed connections

  • Top-class security and privacy protection features

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Wide network of global servers

  • Slightly more pricey than other services

  • Lack of advanced configuration for power-users

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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.

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.

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming

  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection

  • Servers are optimized for high performance

  • Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • Smaller network of servers than other providers

Read our PrivateVPN review.

5. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

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.

  • Class-leading security and privacy features

  • Keeps no logs

  • Owns and manages its entire network of servers

  • Works with Zoom and most popular streaming sights

  • A little pricey

  • Relatively small server network

Read our review of VyprVPN.

6. PureVPN

Website: www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

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.

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.

  • Per-app split-include configuration for Windows and Android

  • Military-grade security

  • Large server network

  • Connections occasionally took up to a minute during testing

  • Overcoming the stigma of earlier bad press surrounding privacy

Read our PureVPN review.

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. And 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.

While we can’t say this with absolute certainty, it appears as if the bans are here to stay. They’ve been in effect for several years, and there’s been no indication from regulators that they might be considering a relaxation.

While the video conferencing unicorn adds that it’s “exploring all options to restore full VoIP service to this region,” the fact is that its hands are tied. Until the regulators allow full access, there isn’t much the company can do of its own accord.

According to cybercrime laws in the UAE, if individuals use a VPN to conceal their identity while attempting to commit a crime online, then they can attract heavy penalties. However, this doesn’t criminalize the use of a VPN in its own right.

That said, it is technically illegal to use a VPN to get around any restrictions imposed by the government. Thus, it is what you do with your VPN, rather than having a VPN subscription or app on your device, that is potentially prosecutable.

Please note that nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. We strongly recommend that you check local laws and do your own research before using a VPN in the UAE.

The software’s encrypted tunnel means you can use it to securely access public wifi networks – the ones found in coffee shops, airports, and malls. Said networks are typically unsecured and liable to hacking attempts.

Another effective use case is to access your online bank account. This comes into play if you’re traveling or trying to log on from outside the country of registration. Fraud detection algorithms might lock you out, but if you use a VPN to spoof your location, then the bank systems will assume you’re still on home turf.