What's blocked in United Arab Emirates
WhatsApp, FaceTime and Signal voice and video calls are blocked; messaging works normally.
- WhatsApp: Partly blocked
- Voice & video calls: Blocked
- Telegram: Works
- Signal: Partly blocked
- Discord: Works
- Facebook: Works
- Instagram: Works
- X (Twitter): Works
- TikTok: Works
- YouTube: Works
- Google: Works
- Works
- Age-gated
- Partly blocked
- Slowed down
- Blocked
App by app
| App | Status | Since | Notes | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice & video calls | Blocked | WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype and Signal calls. | How to unblock | |
| FaceTime | Blocked | FaceTime calls are blocked with other free calling apps. | How to unblock | |
| Partly blocked | Messaging works; calls blocked. | How to unblock | ||
| Signal | Partly blocked | Calls blocked. | How to unblock | |
| Viber | Partly blocked | Calls blocked; messages work. | How to unblock | |
| imo | Partly blocked | Calls blocked. | How to unblock | |
| Tor Browser | Partly blocked | The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges. | How to unblock |
Not offered in United Arab Emirates
These companies don't sell their service here. That's a business or sanctions decision, not government censorship.
- HBO Max
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
- JioHotstar
- Peacock
- BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India)
Working normally
Social media
Video, TV & music
Games
Privacy & tools
The 3 VPNs that fit United Arab Emirates
Our assessment, plus what visitors in United Arab Emirates are reporting this week.
Picked for streaming and everyday privacy.
NordVPN
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
ExpressVPN
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
CyberGhost
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Surfshark, Private Internet Access and Proton VPN
Surfshark
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
Private Internet Access
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
Proton VPN
ConnectsNot enough votes yet. Tested it here? Tell others below.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money
What's going on
The UAE blocks most free VoIP calling to protect licensed telecom operators. You can text on WhatsApp but not call. Licensed paid apps such as Botim are the legal alternative.
Before you connect: Most visitors use a VPN for calls home. Know that this sits in a legal grey area.
Is a VPN legal in United Arab Emirates?
Legal with restrictions
VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes. Using one to commit a crime or to access blocked services for illegal ends can bring heavy fines.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions people ask
Which apps are blocked in United Arab Emirates?
Yes. Voice & video calls and FaceTime are blocked in United Arab Emirates.
Can I make WhatsApp calls in United Arab Emirates?
Voice and video calls are blocked in United Arab Emirates. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype and Signal calls.
Which streaming and online services are not available in United Arab Emirates?
HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, JioHotstar, Peacock and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) are not offered in United Arab Emirates. That is the companies' decision, often because of licensing or sanctions.
Is it legal to use a VPN in United Arab Emirates?
Legal with restrictions. VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes. Using one to commit a crime or to access blocked services for illegal ends can bring heavy fines.
Which VPN works in United Arab Emirates?
Our picks for United Arab Emirates are NordVPN, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Check the live votes on this page for this week's results.
Report a block
Seeing something different in United Arab Emirates? An editor reviews every report before the page changes.