The Unseen Struggles of Staying Connected
When Anastasiya first moved from Ukraine to Dubai, she carried two things with her—big dreams and a heavy heart. Like many expats, she came for a better life, a higher income, and a chance to grow. But what she didn’t expect was how much she’d miss the simple things—like hearing her mother’s voice every evening on WhatsApp.
That’s when she discovered the digital wall that separates her from home: WhatsApp calling is banned in the UAE. A basic human need—talking to your family—was suddenly a luxury.
But Anastasiya is not alone. Thousands of Ukrainians living in Dubai and other parts of the UAE are facing the same issue. And for many, the solution lies in a simple but powerful tool—a VPN.
Why VPNs Are More Than Just Tech
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is not just a piece of tech jargon. For Ukrainians in Dubai, it has become a lifeline—a way to bypass internet restrictions and talk freely with family, friends, and loved ones back home.
Using a VPN, expats can access blocked voice-over-IP (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Telegram, all of which are essential for international communication. While video calls remain a dream for many, voice calls alone are a comfort beyond words.
But this is not just a technical solution—it’s a human one. These calls are filled with emotion: a parent reassuring their child, a daughter celebrating her grandmother’s birthday, a friend calling from a hospital bed. Without VPNs, these moments would be lost in silence.
A Community that Refuses to Be Disconnected
Oleh, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Kyiv, moved to Dubai in 2022, during the peak of the war. Like many others, he had to leave behind not just his home but also his aging parents. The war made everything worse—uncertainty, fear, and isolation.
“After the war started, every call became precious,” he says. “I used to call my mom twice a day, just to make sure she was safe. But here in Dubai, that wasn’t possible—until I found out about VPNs.”
Today, Oleh uses a premium VPN service that allows him to speak to his parents, attend remote therapy sessions, and even listen to Ukrainian news channels blocked in the region.
The Cost of Connection
While many opt for free VPNs, most expats in Dubai eventually switch to paid VPN services for better speed, security, and reliability. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are among the most popular.
The average cost? Around $5–$10 a month—a small price for peace of mind.
But for some, especially those struggling with job uncertainty or sending money home, even that amount can feel like a stretch. Many share family plans or search for limited-time offers just to stay connected.
And yet, they do it. Every month. Because that one call can mean everything.
The Emotional Side of Technology
For many Ukrainians in Dubai, VPNs are more than just digital tools—they are emotional anchors.
Karyna, a 26-year-old fitness trainer, says she uses her VPN to check on her younger brother, who still lives near Lviv.
“He’s just 14. I’m raising him from a distance,” she laughs. “I help with his homework, talk about his school, and remind him to eat properly. All on WhatsApp.”
She pauses.
“If I couldn’t call him, I’d go crazy.”
Life in Dubai: Dreams, Deadlines, and Distance
Life in Dubai is fast-paced, competitive, and filled with ambition. Many Ukrainians work in sectors like hospitality, retail, real estate, digital marketing, or freelance creative industries. They’re often juggling long work hours, career goals, and homesickness all at once.
But what keeps them going is the support from loved ones. And in a country where voice and video calls are blocked, that support comes through a VPN-enabled WhatsApp line.
Legal Grey Areas and Smart Usage
Technically, using a VPN in the UAE is legal—but using it to access banned services is not. That’s why most expats are careful. They use reputable VPN services that offer strong encryption, no logs, and reliable customer support.
Most understand the risks but choose to use VPNs responsibly, simply to keep in touch with family—not for illegal activities or harmful content.
“It’s about love, not law-breaking,” says Ihor, an IT professional working in Media City. “I just want to hear my kids laugh. That’s all.”
From Struggle to Strength: Stories That Inspire
Despite challenges, many Ukrainian expats in Dubai are thriving. They’re building businesses, supporting relatives back home, and creating communities in a new country.
Some, like Natalia, have started small WhatsApp support groups for new arrivals—guiding them on everything from jobs to how to use VPNs safely.
Others have launched freelance careers, working remotely for European clients while staying rooted in Dubai’s vibrant ecosystem.
Their struggles have shaped them—but so have their victories.
Tips for Choosing the Right VPN in Dubai
If you’re considering a VPN to stay connected with loved ones in Ukraine, here are a few quick tips:
- Use a premium VPN: Free ones often don’t work reliably in Dubai.
- Check server locations: Choose one with servers in Europe or Ukraine.
- Prioritize speed and encryption: For smooth, private calls.
- Avoid shady services: Stick with trusted names like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
- Use responsibly: Only for personal and emotional connections, not to access illegal or harmful content.
Hope, Connection, and a Future Full of Possibilities
As the world continues to evolve, so does the way people stay connected. For Ukrainians in Dubai, a VPN is more than just a technical workaround—it’s a reminder that no border is strong enough to block love, family, and human connection.
Every call they make is a thread that ties two worlds together—between the golden skyline of Dubai and the soul of Ukraine.
And in that quiet space where voices meet, hope lives on.
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