WhatsApp, like most free VoIP and messaging services, is blocked in the UAE. This can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family back home unless you’re willing to pay for a government-approved service like C’Me or BOTIM. Even if you go down this route, there’s no guarantee that these apps will keep your activities private. In fact, given the country’s current attitude toward encryption, any degree of real privacy seems unlikely. So, your best option is to use a VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE.
You can bypass the UAE’s internet blocking by connecting to a VPN server in a different country. This will allow you to use services that are usually inaccessible in the UAE, including WhatsApp, dating platforms, and gambling sites. Better still, VPNs encrypt your traffic, ensuring that your employer or Internet Service Provider can’t see what you get up to online.
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 the UAE. Note that not all VPNs work in UAE so stick to recommendations from this list.
Here’s how to unblock WhatsApp calling in UAE:
- First, sign up for one of the VPNs below, if you haven’t already (we particularly recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download and install the appropriate version of the app for your device.
- 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.
- 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.
You’ll find a brief overview of the best VPNs for WhatsApp calling in the UAE below. If any of them catch your eye, you’ll find a more in-depth review further down the page.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp in the UAE:
- ExpressVPN: Our top choice for unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE. Fast and reliable, with top-notch security and privacy protections.
- Hotspot Shield: The best budget VPN for WhatsApp calling in the UAE. Hotspot Shield is very fast, with powerful security features and excellent unblocking ability.
- NordVPN: A versatile, privacy-conscious VPN that boasts a huge server network, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of advanced security features.
- Surfshark: With no connection limit, decent speeds, and a major focus on security, Surfshark makes it easy to use WhatsApp safely in the UAE.
- PrivateVPN: This is one of the fastest VPNs around, and better still, it comes with several advanced security features. It keeps no logs whatsoever and easily unblocks WhatsApp abroad.
- VyprVPN: A completely log-free VPN with high-speed servers all over the world and a strong commitment to your security.
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 to only 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 UAE
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for WhatsApp calls in the UAE:
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 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 features. 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-transferal 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.
Pros:
- Extremely fast download/streaming speeds
- Best in class security and privacy
- Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
- Great capabilities for unblocking geo-locked content
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for power-users
BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP IN UAE:ExpressVPN is our #1 choice for making WhatsApp calls in the UAE. It’s fast, boasts top-notch privacy, protection and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information, check out the full ExpressVPN review.
Hotspot Shield has around 3,200 high-speed servers in 70+ countries, which means you’ll be able to make WhatsApp calls free from any interruptions. Additionally, this VPN reliably unblocks several other popular 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.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable speeds
- Unblocks WhatsApp with ease
- Decent security features
- Plenty of servers to choose from
>BEST BUDGET VPN FOR WHATSAPP: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.
NordVPN boasts one of the largest networks around, with over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries. It’s also known for its exceptional unblocking ability, allowing users in the UAE to access services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix US, and of course, WhatsApp. Speeds are fast enough for flawless HD streaming, so calls are unlikely to pose much of a problem. NordVPN permits up to six 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.
Pros:
- Excellent security and encryption standards
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Easily unblocks a wide range of geo-locked sites
Cons:
- The desktop app can be awkward to use, needs updating
ZERO-LOGS VPN:NordVPN keeps no logs, offers several advanced security features, and easily unblocks WhatsApp from inside the UAE. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a no-logs policy, and access to over 5,000 high-speed servers.
Surfshark currently operates around 1,000 servers in 60 countries. Its speeds are more than fast enough for video calling, and in fact, you should even be able to use services like Netflix and Sling TV 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.
Pros:
- Connect as many devices as you like
- Takes privacy and security very seriously
- Steady, reliable speeds
PROTECT EVERY DEVICE: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.
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 22 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.
Pros:
- Faster than many other providers
- Zero-logs provider
- Privacy and security are top-notch
Cons:
- Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
- Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
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.
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.
Pros:
- Doesn’t log any personally identifying information
- Fast enough for uninterrupted video calling
- Class-leading security and privacy features
Cons:
- Lacking options for advanced configuration
- No cryptocurrency payment method
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.
Can I use a free VPN for WhatsApp calling in UAE?
You might be tempted to try to unblock WhatsApp using a free VPN but we strongly advise against it. To begin with, these services often have more users than their networks can support. This leads to very slow speeds and all but guarantees you’ll experience distortion or drop-outs during your calls (if the VPN can unblock WhatsApp at all). Further, unlike their paid rivals, free VPNs usually don’t have the funds or legal resources to stand up to governmental pressure.
Free services can also pose a major security risk. Research indicates that a large number of “free VPN” apps on the Google Play Store are actually Trojans. Worse still, even if you install a malware-free VPN, it may not use encryption or protect against DNS and IPv6 leaks, meaning you could still be identified and have your information exposed. Additionally, there’s no telling what the VPN provider does with your data; some make a profit by selling user traffic logs to advertisers.
We recommend you use a reputable, security-conscious VPN with a customer-first privacy policy to protect yourself online.
What else can I do with a VPN in the UAE?
With the right VPN, you’ll be able to access almost any website you like in the UAE. However, internet laws vary greatly from one location to another, so it may not be legal to access certain types of content in the UAE. We recommend you avoid accessing gambling and adult websites which are illegal in most Arabic countries. Make sure to consult the local laws before using a VPN to unblock any type of content where you are unsure of the legal position on accessing the site.
Commonly blocked sites include
- VoIP services (WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime)
- Dating sites (Match.com, OkCupid, Tinder)
- Websites devoted to privacy-related topics
Note: In the UAE, VPNs use is something of a grey area. Generally, unless you’re using a VPN to commit a crime, you’re unlikely to get into any trouble. However, to be on the safe side, we strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the relevant legislation (specifically, Federal Law No. 12 of 2016, Article 1) before attempting to use a VPN in the UAE.