For many expats living in Dubai, staying connected with their families back home is not just a want — it’s a need. Every day, people from India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the Philippines, and dozens of other countries wake up to a reality where simple apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime don’t work as they do elsewhere.
The UAE has strict internet regulations. Voice over IP (VoIP) services — like WhatsApp calls, Skype, Telegram calls, and Zoom audio — are blocked unless licensed. To communicate, people either have to pay for costly local alternatives or use a VPN. But not everyone can afford premium VPNs.
This leads to the big question: Do free VPNs actually work in Dubai?
The Expats Who Inspired This Investigation
We met with several expats — students, blue-collar workers, stay-at-home moms, tech freelancers — all struggling to stay in touch with their loved ones without breaking the bank.
One of them is Alina, a 28-year-old nurse from Kazakhstan. She came to Dubai three years ago in search of better opportunities. She works long shifts and rarely gets days off. Her mother lives alone back in Almaty.
“I just want to hear her voice after a tiring day,” Alina says. “But WhatsApp calls don’t work. I tried so many apps, and most just… don’t connect.”
Her story isn’t unique. Thousands like Alina rely on free or low-cost VPNs in hopes of making that one emotional call.
So we decided to test it ourselves.
The Reality of Free VPNs in Dubai
We tested 12 free VPNs over the course of 2 weeks from Dubai and gathered feedback from actual users. Our goal was simple: Can they unblock WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype calls without crashing, disconnecting, or being blocked themselves?
Here’s what we found.
1. ProtonVPN (Free Version)
Pros:
- No data limit
- Based in Switzerland (privacy-friendly)
- Decent speeds
Cons:
- Only 3 locations (US, Netherlands, Japan)
- No dedicated servers for streaming or VoIP
Results: WhatsApp worked sometimes, but often lagged or dropped mid-call.
User Feedback:
Ramesh, an Indian delivery rider, says:
“ProtonVPN worked for a few days, then stopped. Calls were patchy. Better than nothing, but not reliable.”
2. Windscribe (Free Plan)
Pros:
- 10 GB per month
- Many server options
- Works with some blocked apps
Cons:
- Slower during peak hours
- Some servers blocked in UAE
Results: WhatsApp and Telegram worked intermittently. Skype struggled.
User Feedback:
Maria from the Philippines:
“On some days, Windscribe saved me. I talked to my kids for an hour. Other days, it wouldn’t even connect.”
3. TunnelBear (Free Version)
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Friendly interface
- 500 MB per month
Cons:
- Too little data
- Struggled with WhatsApp calls
Results: Calls failed after 1-2 minutes. Not suitable for daily use.
User Feedback:
Ahmad from Jordan:
“TunnelBear is cute but useless. I finished my data in a single video call.”
4. Hide.me (Free Version)
Pros:
- 10 GB monthly data
- 5 global server locations
- No ads
Cons:
- Slower connection
- VoIP blocked on some servers
Results: WhatsApp worked after a few tries, but call quality was poor.
User Feedback:
Olga from Ukraine:
“It helped me talk to my husband once or twice. But too slow for video.”
5. UrbanVPN (Completely Free)
Pros:
- No data limits
- Wide range of countries
Cons:
- Not privacy-focused
- Often crashes
- Dubious security
Results: Mixed. Sometimes connected, often failed. Not dependable.
User Feedback:
Kabir from Pakistan:
“UrbanVPN is like a lottery. Sometimes jackpot, mostly nothing.”
What Makes Free VPNs Fail in Dubai?
The UAE uses advanced technology to detect and block VPN traffic. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) helps identify encrypted traffic patterns used by VPNs. If a free VPN doesn’t use strong obfuscation, it’s likely to get blocked quickly.
Also, free VPNs:
- Don’t update their servers often
- Have too many users sharing the same IP
- Lack strong encryption or stealth modes
- Get blacklisted by local ISPs
That’s why even when they work briefly, they fail in the long run.
A Peek into Daily Life with VPN
Imagine being a housemaid who works 6 days a week and can’t afford premium plans. Or a college student living on a budget, missing home. For these people, free VPNs are the only hope.
Farid, a 23-year-old student from Uzbekistan, studies in Dubai and shares a room with 5 others. He says:
“Even a $10/month VPN is too much for me right now. I try free ones, get excited when it works, then it stops the next day.”
These stories are why the demand for working VPNs in Dubai is so high — especially free ones. Not for illegal activities. Just for hearing someone say “I miss you” from thousands of miles away.
Are Paid VPNs Worth It?
While free VPNs often disappoint, some paid VPNs still work in Dubai, especially those with stealth features like:
- Obfuscated servers
- Anti-DPI technology
- Dedicated IPs for the UAE
Top VPNs known to work include:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- VyprVPN (with Chameleon protocol)
Yes, they cost money. But many users say they’re worth it.
Alina, the nurse from Kazakhstan, finally bought a discounted plan of Surfshark after months of struggle. She says:
“Now I talk to my mom daily, even video calls. It feels like she’s in the next room.”
Achievements Beyond the Struggle
Despite all challenges, expats in Dubai continue to thrive. They adapt. They build. They contribute to the economy while keeping their hearts rooted in their homeland.
Whether it’s a restaurant chef from Kerala, a saleswoman from Ukraine, or a schoolteacher from Lebanon — their stories echo the same resilience.
They face blocked apps, cultural adjustments, and homesickness — but never give up. That alone is worth celebrating.
Final Verdict: Do Free VPNs Actually Work in Dubai?
Yes, but not reliably.
You might get lucky with a few like ProtonVPN or Windscribe. But they’re not consistent. Most fail under pressure, and almost all get detected sooner or later.
If your job, emotional well-being, or family connection depends on calls, investing in a premium VPN is safer. Many offer 30-day money-back guarantees. You can try and cancel if it doesn’t work.
In a City of Dreams, Connection Still Matters Most
Dubai is a city of towering skyscrapers, innovation, and ambition. But behind the glamour, there are millions living away from loved ones, building better lives for themselves and others.
Sometimes, all they want is to say “I love you” over a clear WhatsApp call.
VPNs — free or paid — are more than just tools. In this city of silence, they’re lifelines. Invisible threads that keep hearts stitched together across borders, cultures, and time zones.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
