How to Unblock WhatsApp in Dubai using a VPN

WhatsApp is a cross-platform instant messaging and VoIP service that’s currently used by over 2 billion people in more than 180 countries. With end-to-end encryption and high-quality voice and video calls, this service has become one of the most secure and widely used apps to keep in contact with friends, family, and other acquaintances. WhatsApp allows you to connect with anyone from around the world for free, so you can video call, voice call, share your location, send media files, and participate in group chats with just a 36, 4G, or WiFi internet connection. 

Unfortunately, WhatsApp is restricted and even banned in certain countries, meaning the service is inaccessible to users. For example, in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE, users can send and receive messages through WhatsApp, but cannot make any video or voice calls. This forces both citizens and travellers to use state-run VoIP services instead which do not offer the same level of encryption and user privacy as WhatsApp. Luckily, there is an easy solution! All you need is a VPN. With a VPN, users in Dubai can spoof their location to access WhatsApp without any restrictions. Keep reading to discover how to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai using a VPN in 2022!

How to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai quick guide

Top tip – If you still can’t unblock WhatsApp after following this guide, then try reconnecting to an alternative server before trying again!

Unblock WhatsApp with NordVPN* now!

Why do I need a VPN to unblock WhatsApp?

Dubai has restrictions on most VoIP services which has forced citizens and visitors to use state-run alternatives that offer minimal privacy. With WhatsApp, users can still send and receive messages but cannot use the app for video or voice calls. If you want to unblock WhatsApp completely to use the services VoIP features to call contacts, then you need to spoof your location with a VPN.

A VPN (virtual private network) establishes a private network through a public connection. When you download a VPN, you have the option to connect to one of the provider’s thousands of remote servers that are based all around the world. After you connect to one of these servers, your traffic is rerouted through the server before reaching its destination.  When this happens, your IP address (which is usually visible to all apps and websites you visit) will now be concealed whilst the servers’ IP address takes its place. If you, for instance, connect to a VPN server that’s located in the US, you’ll appear to have a US IP address as this is the country where the server is located. 

So, to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai, you need to trick the app into thinking you’re accessing it from outside of the UAE. By connecting to a VPN server that’s located in a different country, you’ll appear to be accessing WhatsApp from that location. All you need to do is make sure you connect to a server that’s based in a country where there are no restrictions on the VoIP service. This process is incredibly simple and ensures that absolutely anyone from within Dubai can fully unblock WhatsApp!

What are the best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai?

The best VPN for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai will have a large network of servers based in countries around the world. This can ensure that you have plenty of choices when choosing a server to spoof your location. You also need a VPN that has good connection speeds, so that you can participate in high-quality video and voice calls. 

Additionally, your chosen VPN should have robust security including military-grade encryption and other features such as a kill switch, private DNS, obfuscated servers, and split tunnelling support. We also recommend that you opt for a VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy, so you can maintain complete privacy and anonymity when using WhatsApp. Here are our top recommended best VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai – 

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a highly reputable VPN that provides both outstanding connection speeds and top-notch security. This VPN also has a sleek and easy-to-use interface, so even users that are unfamiliar with VPNs can connect to an available server at ease. With these features, plus many more on offer, NordVPN is undoubtedly our top recommended VPN for unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai.

With a total of 5452 super-fast servers in 60 countries, you can swiftly connect to any nearby one to unblock and access WhatsApp from anywhere. NordVPN also has obfuscated servers that can hide your VPN usage and bypass any VPN-blocking firewalls. With a specialised WireGuard-based protocol, NordLynx, users can enjoy even faster connection speeds without having to sacrifice their online safety. With better connection speeds, you can have lag-free and uninterrupted WhatsApp calls with other users from across the globe.

NordVPN encrypts all users’ data with AES 256-bit encryption, an encryption standard that has been approved by cybersecurity experts and governments around the world This VPN also provides a range of useful security features such as a kill switch, dedicated IP, MFA, double VPN, and private DNS. There’s also a built-in threat protection tool that can block online threats such as malware, trackers, and intrusive ads. Additionally, if you want to route just your WhatsApp traffic through a VPN server, then you can enable NordVPN’s split tunnelling feature that allows you to browse the web and use other apps locally whilst still unblocking WhatsApp. 

This VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited to prove that the provider is honest and trustworthy. NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that remains outside EU and US jurisdictions, meaning that the provider will never be required by law to hand over any user data. Users even have the option to pay in cryptocurrency to remain completely anonymous when using the VPN. 

You can download NordVPN on any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices. Users are allowed up to 6 simultaneous connections and there are absolutely no bandwidth caps, so you can unblock and use WhatsApp in Dubai on all your preferred devices without any limitations. 

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

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a fantastic option for those who want a cost-effective VPN to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai. Despite being an affordable VPN, Surfshark still has an impressive server network, fast connection speeds, and plenty of additional features on offer. 

There are over 3200 available servers in 65 countries and this server network supports the most trusted VPN protocols, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. These servers perform exceptionally well and Surfshark is always adding new Gbps ports to ensure users have the fastest possible connection speeds. Additionally, these servers are 100% RAM-only and run on the more recent software updates. 

All of Surfshark’s servers can support the VPN’s camouflage mode which hides your VPN usage from your ISP. There’s also a no borders mode which helps users in restrictive areas such as Dubai to successfully use the VPN to bypass geoblocking and online censorship. On top of Surfshark’s AES 256-bit encryption, other security features include a kill switch, private DNS with leak protection, and a built-in ad blocker, CleanWeb. With CleanWeb you can block any annoying ads, trackers, and malicious websites so you can browse the web safely. This feature can even boost your browsing speeds and help you save money on mobile data. 

Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, meaning that the provider has been proven to not collect, monitor, or share any private user data such as IP addresses, browsing history, session information, timestamps, and bandwidth usage. 

Speaking of bandwidth, Surfshark has absolutely no bandwidth caps so you can make calls through WhatsApp as much as you want. This VPN also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can unblock WhatsApp and stay safe online using all your devices. Surfshark can be downloaded on any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux device.

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

3. ExpressVPN 

ExpressVPN is a highly secure and dependable VPN that can ensure complete privacy and anonymity when unblocking WhatsApp in Dubai. Although this VPN is slightly pricier than other providers that we’ve mentioned, it makes up for it with an intuitive interface, quality servers, and robust security.  

This VPN has servers based in 94 countries and 160 different locations, so you will have plenty of options when choosing a server outside of the UAE. These servers are ultra-fast, allowing you to have top-quality video and voice calls on WhatsApp. ExpressVPN even has a built-in speed test feature on Windows and Mac that users can use to check that they’re connected to the most optimal and fastest server available. 

With the best-in-class AES 256-bit encryption and a specialised VPN protocol, Lightway, ExpressVPN guarantees unbeatable reliability, speed, and security. This VPN also provides standard security extras including a kill switch, private DNS, and split tunnelling support. Additionally, ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer security which means the provider wipes all data with every reboot, runs RAM-only servers, and uses other measures to ensure absolute privacy and security for all users. 

ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, so you know you can trust this VPN. Users can have up to 5 simultaneous connections and are provided with unlimited bandwidth. The ExpressVPN app is available on any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux device. 

Try out ExpressVPN* to unblock WhatsApp in Dubai for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!