Messenger, originally known as Facebook Chat, is an instant messaging app developed by Meta Platforms. Currently, Messenger is the second most downloaded app of the decade, with an incredible 1.3 billion monthly users. But instant messaging is not all this app has to offer, as Messenger also has free, cross-app video calls, group chats, custom reactions, file sharing, video messages, and much more. Businesses also utilise this app to make reservations, receive payments, and provide instant customer support. 

Sadly, Facebook Messenger is not available in every country. In Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE, Messenger is completely blocked, forcing citizens and residents to use sub-par government-run alternatives that don’t offer end-to-end encryption and other vital security measures. If this affects you, then you’ve come to the right place, as we have the perfect trick up our sleeves that can help you spoof your location and access Messenger from anywhere, including areas in the UAE. Keep reading to discover how to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai using a VPN in 2022!

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Did you know? You can use a VPN to unblock other apps in Dubai such as WhatsApp, Facetime, and Skype!

How to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai quick guide

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to learn how to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai using a VPN! This will only take you a few minutes!

  1. Choose a VPN

    The best VPN will have a wide range of servers worldwide, super-fast connection speeds, and military-grade encryption. See below to take a look at our top recommended VPNs for unblocking Facebook Messenger in Dubai!

  2. Install app/client

    Once you’re picked a suitable VPN, download the app or client on whichever devices you want to unblock and access Facebook from. After it has been downloaded, open the app/client to see a list of available VPN servers.

  3. Connect to a server

    You simply need to connect to any server that’s located outside of the UAE (and any other country where Facebook Messenger is banned or restricted). When you connect to a VPN server your IP address will be temporarily hidden.

  4. Head to Messenger

    You have now successfully spoofed your location so you can access Facebook messenger to send messages, make calls, and join group chats. Enjoy!

Top tip – If you’re still having trouble accessing Facebook Messenger after following these steps, then try disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server!

Unblock Facebook Messenger with NordVPN* now!

Why do I need a VPN to unblock Facebook Messenger?

Unfortunately, as popular as Facebook Messenger is, it’s not available in certain areas. The UAE is one country in particular that has blocked Messenger along with various other instant messaging and VoIP services. 

Although it is not entirely clear why this is likely due to the government wanting to have access to their citizen’s conversations and private data. Since Messenger fully encrypts all messages, group chats, and calls, it’s no surprise that the UAE wants to restrict access to the app. Sadly, this leaves users in areas such as Dubai stuck with government-run alternatives that have inferior privacy and security. Don’t worry though, as there is a surprisingly simple solution! 

A VPN (virtual private network) can help you spoof your location and trick Messenger into thinking you’re accessing the app from a country where it is not banned. All you need to do is choose a VPN (check out our recommendations below), install the app on your device(s), and connect to a server. 

VPNs have servers dotted in countries all over the world which can be connected to by anyone. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is redirected in an encrypted virtual tunnel through the server, concealing your IP address. So, rather than any app or website you visit identifying your location through your IP address, you’ll instead appear to have the IP address of the server that you’ve connected to. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content and apps that would otherwise be unavailable. 

In regards to Facebook Messenger, you simply need to connect to a server that’s located outside of the UAE. You’ll also want to make sure the country that your chosen VPN server is based in does not have any bans or restrictions on Messenger. For example, you can connect to a server that’s located in the UK and you’ll appear to have a UK-based IP address. This is really all there is to it! All you need is a trusty VPN and before you know it, you can unblock Facebook Messenger and use all of its available features from within Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE! 

What are the best VPNs for unblocking Facebook Messenger in Dubai?

The best VPN for unblocking Messenger in Dubai will have thousands of servers available across different countries around the world. This is important as you’ll want plenty of choices when choosing a server to connect to outside of Dubai and you’ll want to ensure that no servers are overloaded with other users (since this will drastically slow down your connection speeds). Speaking of speed, this is another incredibly important factor when deciding on a VPN, as when you unblock Facebook Messenger, you’ll want to have high-quality and buffer-free video calls.  

Other important factors include military-grade encryption along with other security features including a kill switch, obfuscation, private DNS, and malware protection. Also, your chosen VPN should have a no-logs policy because this ensures that you can remain anonymous when using Facebook Messenger and other apps or websites in Dubai. After taking all these factors into careful consideration, here are our top recommended best VPNs for unblocking Facebook in Dubai in 2022 –  

  1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best and most reputable VPNs you can use to unblock Messenger in Dubai. This VPN has everything you could possibly need to access Messenger and make high-quality voice and video calls, including a massive server network, ultra-fast connection speeds, and reliable security features. 

With over 5400 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN ensures that no individual servers will get overloaded and cause slower connection speeds for users. In fact, these top-notch servers provide some ultra-competitive connection speeds, so you can have enjoyable video calls on Messenger without being dragged down by buffering or other annoyances. 

This VPN also uses obfuscated servers that hide all users’ VPN traffic and disguise it as regular traffic. These specialised servers can bypass VPN-blocking firewalls and can prevent your ISP from seeing that you’re using a VPN. NordVPN also encrypts all user traffic with next-generation AES 256-bit encryption and uses the most secure VPN protocols – IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and for even faster connection speeds, NordLynx. 

Other security features provided by NordVPN include dedicated IP, MFA, double VPN, private DNS with leak prevention, and a kill switch. This VPN even has a built-in ad and tracker blocker called Threat Protection which shields users from malware and phishing attempts. Additionally, NordVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy that proves the provider does not collect or share any sensitive user data. 

NordVPN can be downloaded on any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux device. You can use this app on up to 6 devices simultaneously and there are no caps on bandwidth, so you can make as many video and voice calls through Facebook Messenger as you want. 

Try out NordVPN* to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee! 

  1. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is another fantastic VPN for unblocking Messenger in Dubai and is a great option for those who want to prioritise remaining anonymous and secure when online. Of course, this VPN also offers reasonably fast connection speeds and plenty of additional features, so you can still enjoy high-quality video calls whilst staying safe and private.

This VPN has over 1700 servers in 63 countries which is plenty for users in Dubai to spoof their location without dealing with an overloaded server. These servers are protected by full disk encryption and use ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture to help defend against network-based attacks by routing user traffic through multiple servers before leaving the network. 

These Secure Core servers are located in Switzerland which has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world and means that the VPN is outside of EU and US jurisdiction. ProtonVPN also has a strict no-logs policy and the app is 100% open source, so it’s safe to say that this provider is extremely transparent and trustworthy. 

ProtonVPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to secure traffic as well as secure VPN protocols, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. This VPN also provides users with a kill switch, built-in Tor support, and DNS leak protection. For additional security, you can enable ProtonVPN’s built-in ad blocker, NetShield, to steer clear of malware, ads, and website trackers. 

The ProtonVPN app/client is available on any Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux device. Users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, so you can protect all your devices whilst unblocking and using all of Facebook Messenger’s features from Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE. 

Try out ProtonVPN* to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee! 

  1. Surfshark 

Surfshark is another terrific VPN that’s packed with useful features, has a user-friendly interface, and provides lightning-fast connection speeds. Best of all, this VPN is extremely affordable, so if you want to unblock and use Facebook Messenger in Dubai but want to save some money, then Surfshark is perfect for you. 

With over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark has an impressive server network. These RAM-only servers are not only remarkably fast, but are also highly reliable and support trusted VPN protocols, Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. This means that you can stay safe online when spoofing your location to unblock Messenger and any other geoblocked apps or websites. Surfshark also has a no-logs policy which has been independently audited. 

This VPN also doesn’t slack when it comes to security and uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption along with vital features including a kill switch and private DNS with leak protection. Additionally, Surfshark has a NoBorders mode which is automatically enabled if the VPN detects any kind of network restriction and gives users a list of available servers which will perform best under these circumstances. There’s also a camouflage mode that uses obfuscation to hide your VPN usage from your ISP and bypass any content filtering. 

You can download Surfshark now on any Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux device. This provider is very generous and allows unlimited simultaneous connections as well as unlimited bandwidth, meaning that you and your entire household can all protect your devices and unblock Messenger in Dubai at no extra cost. 

Try out Surfshark* to unblock Facebook Messenger in Dubai for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!