Partly blocked Updated 17 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock Tor Browser in United Arab Emirates
Tor Browser is partly blocked in United Arab Emirates. The fix that works for most people is a VPN, and ExpressVPN is the one we recommend here.
Short answer
Use ExpressVPN with its protocol set to Automatic, connect to Germany, then open Tor Browser.
We picked ExpressVPN for United Arab Emirates because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation.
Why Tor Browser doesn't work in United Arab Emirates
Tor Browser is partly blocked in United Arab Emirates. The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.
Best VPN for United Arab Emirates is ExpressVPN, 98 out of 100. Second is NordVPN, 92 out of 100. Third is Proton VPN, 89 out of 100. ExpressVPN is the best choice for United Arab Emirates because it had the highest getting through censorship score.
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.
Step by step with ExpressVPN
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Get the VPN before you need it
Sign up for ExpressVPN on a connection that works. If its website won't load in United Arab Emirates, install it from your app store instead.
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Install and sign in
Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use Tor Browser, then sign in.
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Switch on its stealth mode
Open Settings, then Protocol, and keep it on Automatic. ExpressVPN obfuscates every server, and Automatic lets it switch protocols when one gets blocked.
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Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in Germany, the Netherlands or Switzerland. Tor Browser works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
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Open Tor Browser and click Connect
With the VPN on, Tor should connect without bridges. If it stalls, open Settings, then Connection, and choose a built-in bridge such as Snowflake or obfs4.
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Leave the VPN on
Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use Tor Browser. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: Download Tor Browser only from torproject.org. If that site is blocked, the VPN lets you reach it.
Try ExpressVPNIf it still doesn't work
- Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others.
- Try a different server country: Germany, the Netherlands or Switzerland.
- Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection.
Or try another VPN
NordVPN Connects
Open Settings, go to Connection, then VPN protocol, and choose NordWhisper. If your device doesn't offer NordWhisper, choose OpenVPN (TCP) and connect to a server under Specialty servers, then Obfuscated servers.
Try NordVPNProton VPN Connects
Open Settings, then Protocol, and choose Stealth. Also switch on Alternative routing so the app can reach Proton even if its usual servers are blocked.
Try Proton VPNWhat people in United Arab Emirates are reporting
Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in United Arab Emirates this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does Tor Browser work in United Arab Emirates without a VPN?
Partly. Some features of Tor Browser are blocked in United Arab Emirates: The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Tor Browser 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.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock Tor Browser in United Arab Emirates?
Usually not. Most free VPNs have no way to disguise their traffic, so United Arab Emirates's filters spot them quickly, and many free apps sell browsing data. Proton VPN's free plan is a safe free option, but its free servers are limited and busy.
Why does Tor Browser still not work with the VPN on?
Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others. Try a different server country: Germany, the Netherlands or Switzerland.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick