WhatsApp is one of the popular messaging apps, with an international user base of more than 1.9 billion people as of 2022.
This app was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion and has dominated the chat application market with its singular purpose, lack of ads, and commitment to privacy.
Unfortunately, the privacy that end-to-end encryption creates means that WhatsApp is banned in multiple countries.
If you are a WhatsApp user who lives in one of these countries or plans on visiting, you can bypass these limitations by connecting to a virtual private network like NordVPN.
Thankfully, with a virtual private network for WhatsApp, anyone can access the popular application even when they are situated in the UAE.
A VPN encrypts all of your device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your selection.
This stops your internet service provider and government authorities from discerning the content or destination of your internet traffic, messages, and calls sent and received on WhatsApp.
[QUICK GUIDE]
How to Unblock WhatsApp Through A VPN?
- Download and install a reliable VPN service like NordVPN.
- Make sure to install the VPN app on the device on which you intend to use WhatsApp on.
- Run the application and choose a server located in a country where WhatsApp is not blocked.
- Click the Connect button.
- Once the connection has been established, open your WhatsApp and use it as usual.
Is Using WhatsApp Safe For You?
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption feature has earned a bit of a reputation for being safe, secure, and private.
Factors To Consider When picking a VPN for Whatsapp Calling in the UAE | Buying Guide
If you want a VPN to unblock WhatsApp calls in the UAE, here are some of the factors to consider before you buy a VPN subscription:
Server Count
You will have to connect to a server outside the UAE to make WhatsApp calls in the country.
Hence, you must ensure that your VPN provider is in various other regions where WhatsApp is not banned.
Generally, the larger the server count a service provider has, the more attractive it should be.
For instance, NordVPN has a server count of 5,400 servers globally whereas ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers to offer.
Unblocking Ability
The VPN service provider you select should have superb unblocking capabilities, and their features should be capable of getting around limitations imposed by the authorities.
Not only should they be able to get around the restrictions on WhatsApp calls, but the service provider should be capable of unblocking other streaming platforms such as Hulu and Netflix.
Security Features
A virtual private network’s primary job is to keep you safe.
This becomes more crucial given the nature of the UAE. You want protection from government surveillance and bad actors lurking on the internet.
Thus, you should satisfy yourself that any service provider you select has amazing security features.
The common VPN apps to look out for including the AES 256-bit encryption model, regarded as the standard.
Others include split tunneling features, a kill switch, dedicated servers, IP addresses, etc.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp Calling
After broad research, TechNinjaPro has shortlisted some of the best VPN services for WhatsApp.
These optimized VPNs offer a seamless calling experience and timely delivery from any part of the world.
So without further ado, here are the best VPNs for WhatsApp calling in UAE in 2022.
1. NordVPN
Overview
NordVPN is an alarming alternative to ExpressVPN, and it provides a money-back guarantee to users. At the moment, its server count stands at about 5500 in more than 55 countries. So switching your IP to appear to be outside the UAE will not be a challenge.
Specifications
- Top-notch Encryption
- No Logs Policy
- DoubleVPN
- Automatic Kill Switch
- DNS Leak Protection
- Onion Over VPN
- CyberSec
Benefits
- 24/7 live customer support
- It offers a kill switch to keep data safe even if your internet connection drops.
- Excellent speed.
- Flawless security credentials
- Safely access a broad range of geo-restricted websites.
Drawbacks
- Take a bit long to connect via desktop applications.
NordVPN is well-regarded for its unblocking capabilities. Hence, NordVPN is a trusted route for unblocking WhatsApp even with the government limitations in the UAE.
You can make calls with excellent speed. Furthermore, NordVPN unblocks other geo-restricted platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and the likes. From the UAE, you can watch shows available in the US, the UK, or elsewhere.
Moreover, your security will not be at stake while your make calls in the country. NordVPN uses an excellent security encryption system.
This stops the government, your ISP, or even hackers from becoming aware of your activities online. NordVPN has a malware blocker, supports Tor over VPN, and provides dedicated IPs and obfuscated server options. All of these ensure that you have unmatched security while you make WhatsApp calls.
NordVPN enables you to connect up to 6 devices to one VPN subscription.
You can also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is remarkable if you are visiting UAE for a short period.
2. ExpressVPN
Overview
ExpressVPN is one of the most excellent VPN services for WhatsApp calling and unblocking other websites in the UAE. This VPN provides is highly recommended as many users have attested to its robust features.
Specifications
- Split Tunneling
- Kill Switch
- Unlimited Server Switches
- No Activity Logs
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 24/7 Live Support
- 30-days money-back guarantee
Benefits
- Powerful security and privacy features
- 24/7 live customer support
- User-friendly apps for both desktop and mobile platforms
- Operates more than 3000 servers in around 94 countries
Drawbacks
- A bit expensive
ExpressVPN is one of the top VPNs in the market and provides cutting-edge security at every stage, including 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. The firm keeps no logs of your activity or source IP address.
ExpressVPN also has built-in DNS leak protection, so your actual location is never revealed to your internet service provider, and the firm operates its own private DNS servers.
ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in more than 90 countries and 120 locations. Some of these servers are stationed in the UAE.
However, many of them are available in other regions where WhatsApp is not banned. Hence, to make WhatsApp calls in the UAE, you want to connect to servers in any country where WhatsApp is accessible freely.
You will get enhanced security when using ExpressVPN while in the United Arab Emirates. It uses market-standard AES 256-bit encryption to protect its servers.
To know how reliable this encryption system is, even the US military uses it. Furthermore, this VPN provider supports great protocols and stops DNS leaks.
This VPN service provides you with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the refund process is seamless and with no questions asked.
However, ExpressVPN has stellar features that will have you staying for a little longer.
3. Surfshark VPN
Overview
Surfshark is the cheapest VPN for WhatsApp. It is perfect for streaming and unblocking restricted content and has excellent security features.
Specifications
- Strict no-logs policy
- Kill Switch
- Private DNS & Leak Protection
- Camouflage Mode
- NoBorders Mode
- Encryption
- Browse privately
Benefits
- Multi-hop connections
- Safe and private connection
- Excellent speed
- Strong global server presence
- Smooth streaming of geo-restricted content
- Excellent user experience
Drawbacks
- Weak social media presence
- Erratic P2P behavior
Surfshark is one of the hottest VPN providers that allow users to connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
Surfshark provides super-fast servers in more than 60 countries, making up an international network perfect for streaming and unblocking geo-restricted content.
It offers the security and online privacy you need to use WhatsApp from any country.
Surfshark does not store any logs and uses top-notch encryption. If you need to access streaming websites securely, Surfshark has you covered.
Its split-tunneling technology lets users access content and services both locally and abroad at the same time. You can easily bypass government restrictions and access WhatsApp in complete privacy with obfuscation and kill switch technology.
Surfshark provides unlimited connections, and you would not need to pick and select the devices to connect and which to leave unsecured. It works perfectly with Hulu, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
4. CyberGhost VPN
Overview
CyberGhost is a simple VPN for WhatsApp. It offers easy-to-use apps for iOS, Windows, Android, and Mac. CyberGhost provides its users with excellent features without the premium prices.
Specifications
- Strong Encryption
- High-speed VPN
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Malicious Content Blocking
- Automatic Kill Switch
- DNS & IP Leak protection
- P2P Sharing
- 3700 Global Servers
- Supports up to 7 Devices
Benefits
- Very Fast
- It keeps you safe with 256-bit encryption
- No Logs Policy
- Servers in more than 90 countries
- Dedicated high-speed servers for torrenting
- Works perfectly on all devices
Drawbacks
- Dodgy customer service
CyberGhost is another budget-friendly virtual private network that provides more than 7000 servers in around 90 countries.
It is perfect for unblocking WhatsApp and even streaming sites. CyberGhost has a huge network of servers that is perfect for users looking to unblock restricted content and get the most out of the internet, including accessing VoIP services like WhatsApp.
CyberGhost is perfect for beginners, and browser add-ons make browsing even more protected with an easy-to-use and simple application. This VPN provides the obfuscation technology that makes the service safer for WhatsApp users in countries with mass surveillance.
However, CyberGhost does permit OpenVPN over port 443 which should be enough for most users’ requirements. It provides market benchmark protocols, military-grade encryption, a 45-day refund guarantee, and other powerful features.
Why Use a VPN Service for WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has become the core requirement for everyone these days.
No one can find any better communication app other than WhatsApp.
Since it is a free communication app, people use it as their basic communication app in public places.
However, one must use a virtual private network for Wi-Fi, whether it is a shopping plaza, coffee shop, hotel, restaurant, or any public Wi-Fi.
Additionally, some countries have banned WhatsApp due to its free messaging services, and unexpectedly, the UK is debating a ban too.
The United Kingdom authorities need companies to make their applications less secure by handing over the decryption keys to authorities.
This makes WhatsApp unsafe for UK citizens as the company would not want warrants to hand over user meta-data to authorities. On the other hand, if you swear in a message in the UAE, you will pay plenty of around $75 or possible deportation if you are a migrant or traveling to the region.
The UAE Telecom Authority has banned WhatsApp calls even before its release. The authorities ordered the two biggest telecom service providers to block WhatsApp voice calling features.
The ban left users with no other choice but to use the high-priced local telecom plans. You can now overcome the limitations thanks to virtual private networks, an optimized VPN empowers you to make calls to your loved ones from anywhere the service is banned.
People from various countries living in UAE can easily use WhatsApp over a virtual private network and make calls for free without worrying about acquiring wallet-breaking charges and getting penalties.
Another primary reason for using a VPN service for WhatsApp includes the mass surveillance of videos, text, and calls done by government authorities. The only way to avoid this censorship and inspection is to protect your privacy with a VPN.
Can I Use a Free VPN Service with WhatsApp?
As you know, there are many free VPNs available on the market. However, studies have revealed that most free VPN services have various problems that make them unsuitable for gaining internet privacy.
Free VPN services have persistent privacy policies that let them harvest and sell your private data to anybody willing to pay, and those VPN services lie about the level of encryption they offer.
Additionally, free VPN services have been found to suffer from data leaks that let your ISP know what you are doing and they have apps containing adware.
Using free VPN services with WhatsApp is extremely dangerous because it could let your government find out you have been dodging VoIP restriction rules.
That is why it is critical to stick to a paid VPN service with strong privacy and security features.
Additionally, a premium VPN service has a limited free plan. Those free plans are there to advertise what the virtual private network can do, providing potential subscribers a chance to use the virtual private network.
However, they have limitations that make them generally unsuitable for making WhatsApp calls.
Those limitations include:
Some free VPN services limit the amount of data you can download via the VPN.
You would not have access to the complete server list.
Some VPN services implement bandwidth restrictions that can slow your internet connection down.
Is Unblocking WhatsApp Legal?
In some countries, unblocking WhatsApp is banned and could get you into problems with the law.
This is why it is crucial to use a reliable virtual private network with excellent security features and obfuscation.
Using a virtual private network, your information is more protected.
And the VPN will let you unblock and use WhatsApp without your internet service provider finding out.
Some governments have arrested people for sending messages using WhatsApp.
However, those charges are related to people who have sent illegal content such as defamatory content critical of the state and explicit material and religious beliefs of the country.
Unfortunately, this could still happen if you use WhatsApp with a virtual private network because the receiver of a message always has the power to inform the police about what you have sent them.
This is why you always carefully consider who and what you send in messages to get you in problem with the police where you live.
FAQs
Virtual private network providers typically have servers in various locations. If a service is in a blocked location, users need to connect to a server in a different location where the service is available. In this situation, since WhatsApp calls are banned in the UAE, you will have to connect to a VPN server outside the UAE, and this provides you a compatible IP to download and use WhatsApp in the country.
No, Free VPN services have many drawbacks that could destroy your experience. Moreover, you could be putting yourself in danger using the free VPN services.
The answer is not simple. The authorities have an unfriendly attitude towards VPN services in the country, and however, they have not been banned.
Conclusion
Hence, WhatsApp is banned in the UAE, and the authorities restrict the internet and even ban many streaming services and sites.
However, a virtual private network provides you with an escape route.
This list mentioned above provides you with a rundown of the best VPN services for the United Arab Emirates.