How to use FaceTime in the UAE

FaceTime is officially blocked in the UAE. This is, of course, frustrating if you want to keep in touch with friends and family while traveling. Unfortunately, FaceTime is one of many VoIP services banned in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, alongside WhatsApp, Discord, and others.

Fortunately, you can access FaceTime and other VoIP services like Discord with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This routes your internet traffic – including that of FaceTime – through a secure, encrypted tunnel to a VPN server in your preferred location. Your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, and your location will be spoofed, making it appear as if you’re making FaceTime calls from another country entirely.

Best FaceTime VPNs for users in the UAE:

Need to access FaceTime right away? Here’s our brief summary of the best FaceTime VPNs. If you do have any doubts, our more in-depth reviews can be found further below.

1. NordVPN: Best VPN overall for FaceTime. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for FaceTime.
2. Surfshark: Best for users on a budget.
3. IPVanish: One of the best for multiple devices.
4. ExpressVPN: Great if you want to unblock content.
5. PrivateVPN: An excellent VPN for beginners.
6. Private Internet Access: Good choice for power users.
7. Proton VPN: Perfect for users seeking privacy.

How to use FaceTime in the UAE with a VPN

Before we guide you through the best VPNs for using FaceTime in the UAE, we’ll go over the steps for getting set up. Don’t worry – it couldn’t be more straightforward to unblock FaceTime in Dubai, UAE, or any other country.

Here’s how to access FaceTime in the UAE using a VPN:

1. Sign up with a reputable VPN service. We recommend NordVPN, which can unblock FaceTime and has fast speeds for video calling.
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device or devices on which you want to use FaceTime.
3. Log in to the VPN app using your new account credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN server in a country where FaceTime is available.
5. Armed with your new IP address and virtual location, you can now bypass those annoying restrictions on content and access FaceTime.
6. If FaceTime is still blocked, try connecting to another VPN server with a different IP address.

How we selected the best FaceTime VPNs

With no shortage of VPN providers to choose from, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed when shopping for one. Our testing process involves examining each VPN service against a set of key criteria. All of the best VPNs for FaceTime include the following:

• Servers in a variety of countries in which FaceTime is accessible
• Fast, consistent server connections for lag and buffer-free video calling
• Strong encryption and protection against leaks so you can browse privately
• No-logs policy – preferably independently audited – that respects your privacy
• Customer support via live chat and email, ideally available 24 hours a day
• Money-back guarantee of at least 30 days so you can try it out risk-free

Best VPNs for using FaceTime in the UAE

Here’s a closer look at the best VPNs for FaceTime in the UAE:

Jun 2025

NordVPN is the best choice for accessing FaceTime. It also tops our list of the best VPNs to unblock Discord and WhatsApp in the UAE. Quite simply, it’s one of the very best unblocking VPNs on the market, capable of bypassing even the toughest of restrictions. NordVPN has an impressive server network that now exceeds 7,000 servers in 123 countries. We accessed many international versions of Netflix in testing.

As for speed, NordVPN is up there with the very best. You can make video calls and stream content in 4K resolution without buffering or lag. NordVPN comes with a whole host of features including obfuscated servers – particularly handy for sidestepping the UAE’s strict internet censorship. This no-logs provider doesn’t fall short when it comes to security either. 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection are all included.

NordVPN provides excellent apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) as well as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available, although manual setup is needed to use NordVPN with routers.

BEST VPN FOR FACETIME IN UAE:NordVPN is our #1 pick for accessing FaceTime in the UAE. A powerful unblocker, it has a generous server network, impressive speeds, and plenty of extras. Secure encryption and a no-logs policy. To try it risk-free, simply take advantage of its tried-and-tested 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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Surfshark has highly affordable subscription prices if you don’t mind committing long-term, making its global server network all the more impressive. Its 3,000+ servers can be found in 100 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. One of Surfshark’s biggest selling points is its extremely fast speeds, averaging 184 Mbps in our tests. It can securely access FaceTime in the UAE, and it works with more Netflix libraries than most VPNs.

With Surfshark, you can browse, stream, and make video calls in the UAE securely thanks to ChaCha20 encryption. When you’re connected to its servers, Surfshark won’t leak your IP address or internet traffic thanks to DNS and IPv6 leak protection. A kill switch further safeguards your data from being exposed should the VPN connection drop. Surfshark is packed with extras, including an antivirus, and includes 24/7 live chat support.

You can access Surfshark via its beginner-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You can also manually install Surfshark on compatible wifi routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark servers cover 100 countries including the UAE. It’s a reliable unblocker and allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Speed-wise, it ranks among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. It even comes with an antivirus. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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IPVanish has made huge strides in recent years. For starters, it has expanded its server network to 2,400 servers in 140 different locations, including Dubai, and several other server locations in the Middle East. As such, there’s no shortage of servers that can help you bypass the FaceTime block in the UAE. IPVanish has introduced a number of new features including Double Hop servers, which provide two layers of encryption. A secure browser and cloud storage add to the value.

Using the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs, averaging 173 Mbps in our recent speed tests. Crucially, it operates a zero-logs policy and offers 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring online activity isn’t visible to snoopers in the UAE. Further security features include a kill switch and DNS leak protection. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.

IPVanish has apps for all of the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. However, IPVanish lacks browser extensions and manual setup is required to use it with Linux and compatible wifi routers.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a growing server network, faster speeds than most VPNs, and works well with FaceTime in the UAE. It ticks every security box and now offers Double VPN servers for an extra layer of protection. 24/7 support included. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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ExpressVPN has long been one of the most reliable VPNs when it comes to bypassing restrictions on content. The UAE’s FaceTime ban is no exception thanks to the VPN’s obfuscated servers, which disguise VPN traffic, helping it evade detection. Overall, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries – more than most VPNs. It’s no slouch in terms of speed either, featuring a lightweight proprietary protocol called Lightway. ExpressVPN is also one of our top recommended VPNs for Etisalat, one of the biggest ISPs in the UAE.

If you’re a first-time VPN user, you’ll find ExpressVPN’s apps easier to use than most. It helps that this VPN has arguably the best customer support of any VPN available 24/7 via live chat and email. ExpressVPN operates a no-logs policy and routes your traffic through a secure, 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. It passed our DNS and IP leak tests with flying colors. ExpressVPN bundles in some quality extras including its own password manager.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It makes a browser extension for Chrome and, separating itself from other VPNs, ExpressVPN has custom firmware for more straightforward setup with compatible routers.

STRONG UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN makes light work of the FaceTime ban in the UAE. It has a global server network and obfuscation for evading censorship. Speeds are more than fast enough for lag-free video calling and there’s excellent support, 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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PrivateVPN is a smaller, lesser-known VPN provider, but that’s one reason why it seems to fly under the radar, bypassing some of the toughest blocks. You’ll be able to use PrivateVPN to access not just FaceTime, but WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype in the UAE. Though there’s only a little over 200 servers, they can be found in 60+ countries, the UAE included. We found its speeds to be fast enough for bandwidth-heavy activities like video calling and HD streaming.

Notably, PrivateVPN has a Stealth mode for bypassing VPN blocks in countries such as China and the UAE. The lightweight apps make PrivateVPN a beginner-friendly option. Live chat and email support is available, as is free remote help and installation. The security setup consists of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Just as important, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user, ensuring maximum privacy.

With a PrivateVPN subscription, you’ll have access to apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. It supports a selection of VPN-compatible routers, although manual configuration is required.

EASY TO USE:PrivateVPN is highly capable of bypassing blocks on content and services thanks to its Stealth setting. It has respectable speeds, beginner-friendly apps and, in addition to live chat support, offers free remote help. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Private Internet Access is one of the more configurable VPNs on the market, offering a multitude of adjustable settings and intriguing extras to play around with. This makes it particularly well suited to power users who have a specific setup in mind. Servers cover over 90 countries in all including Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Not only does it work with FaceTime and Zoom in the UAE, we’ve successfully accessed the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

The lightweight apps of PIA let you choose your level of encryption or even add an extra layer of protection with its Double VPN (MultiHop) feature. There’s no need to worry about anyone getting wind of your online activities because PIA has a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. Aside from strong encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a built-in kill switch, PIA doesn’t impose a limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect.

You can find PIA apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only need to secure browser traffic, then try the Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. PIA provides manual setup guides for use with compatible routers.

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:Private Internet Access has no shortage of features including Double VPN servers and obfuscation. FaceTime poses little problem, nor do popular streaming platforms. The app interface is customizable. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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Proton VPN is another VPN that has made significant improvements in the past year or two. This is evident in its huge network of more than 13,000 servers in 122 countries – one of the largest VPN server networks around. Speeds are better than ever with Proton VPN reaching an average of 157 Mbps in our recent speed tests. That’s more than fast enough for video calling via FaceTime, which Proton VPN can access from the UAE.

A growing list of features includes a Stealth protocol for evading censorship and Secure Core servers for extra encryption. Where Proton VPN really shines is its strong stance on privacy. This is demonstrated by a comprehensive no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Unlike most VPNs, there’s even the option to pay anonymously in cash. As for security, there’s robust 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

You’ve plenty of options for how you use Proton VPN. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available for download. Manual setup guides are available for compatible routers.

PRIVACY-FOCUSED:Proton VPN has one of the largest server networks, high-speed connections, and a growing number of extras. Its genuine no-logs policy and the option to pay in cash make it a great choice for privacy seekers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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VPN testing methodology: How we chose the best VPN for FaceTime in the UAE

The fact is that not every VPN is capable of accessing FaceTime in the UAE. Even some that do meet this requirement fall short in other areas, lacking the speed required for video calling or the security so you can use FaceTime privately. To find the best VPN for FaceTime in the UAE, our testing process involved looking at the following:

• Server locations: To use FaceTime in the UAE, you need servers located in countries in which it isn’t banned. Ideally, these will be relatively close to the UAE for the fastest possible speeds. We’ve prioritized those VPNs with global server networks covering dozens of countries across multiple continents.
• Speed: A VPN encrypts your data and this can slow your internet speed somewhat. The extent of the slowdown depends on various factors like the VPN protocol used and the current server load. Our speed tested the fastest VPNs so you won’t have annoying performance issues like lag or poor video quality when video calling on FaceTime.
• Unblocking: Not only do we test VPNs against FaceTime, we want to make sure they can access other blocked services within the country. These include Discord, WhatsApp, and Skype. We test each VPN against popular streaming services that are commonly region-locked or have different content for different countries.
• Security: A VPN that’s lacking strong encryption or that doesn’t protect against DNS leaks puts your security at risk, leaving your data vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. We only recommend VPNs that use robust encryption and that pass our leak tests. It doesn’t hurt if they offer extras either such as an ad blocker or Double VPN servers.
• Privacy: Our study of 100+ VPN logging policies has helped us not only identify the VPNs that protect your privacy, but those that don’t respect it as they should. A quality VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs.
• Ease of use: When assessing a VPN’s speed and security, we get no shortage of hands-on time with its various apps. This helps us better understand just how suitable it is for first-time users and whether it meets the needs of those who are most tech-savvy. The best VPNs provide 24/7 support via live chat and email.
• Value for money: A quality VPN doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some vastly inferior VPNs are actually more expensive than those we’ve recommended. You can get the best possible deal on a VPN for FaceTime with the discount coupons included in this post. Better still, you can try them risk-free thanks to their money-back guarantees.

Curious about the intricacies of our testing process? Our VPN testing methodology explains all of this in even greater detail.

Can I use a free VPN to use FaceTime in the UAE?

Unfortunately, very few free VPNs can bypass the UAE’s internet censorship, and most struggle to securely access FaceTime or other blocked VoIP services. Free VPNs don’t offer many servers or server locations, limiting what you can actually unblock online. Worse still, free VPNs engage in bandwidth throttling so speeds will often be too slow for video calling. You can expect increased lag, poor call quality, and buffering during FaceTime calls as a result.

Another reason we don’t generally recommend free VPNs is that they typically lack the robust encryption required to keep your data safe. Combine this with the risk that they’ll log your browsing data and sell it to third parties, and free VPNs are far from ideal for use in the UAE. What you need is a VPN that will hide your online activities and let you browse and make video calls on FaceTime privately, all without alerting your ISP or the authorities in the process.

The best VPNs all offer generous money-back guarantees so you can try them out for at least 30 days, risk-free. There’s no need to risk using a free VPN service.

Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?

Contrary to popular belief, VPNs aren’t outright illegal in the UAE. It’s just that there are some laws related to VPN usage. As far as authorities in the UAE are concerned, you can use a VPN for remote work, for accessing banking or financial services, or simply for privacy protection. Where you can’t use a VPN in the UAE is to bypass government censorship and access banned services such as FaceTime.

If you use a VPN to access FaceTime in the UAE, you do so at your own risk. According to Article 9 of the UAE Cybercrime Law, the use of a VPN to commit or conceal a crime can result in a fine of up to AED 2 million (USD $544,000 at the time of writing) as well as imprisonment. If you decide to use a VPN in the UAE, it’s a good idea to install your VPN on your devices ahead of traveling to the country as some VPN websites may be blocked and your activity monitored.

Disclaimer: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. If you are unsure about the legality of FaceTime, VPNs, or any other service in the UAE, then you should consult a qualified legal professional.

Unblocking FaceTime in the UAE: FAQs