How to Unblock Messenger Calling in the UAE and Dubai
Top VPNs to Unblock Messenger Calling
Anyone in the United Arab Emirates trying to make a call through Facebook’s Messenger app will find that the service is completely blocked–leaving you stuck with inferior government-sponsored alternatives. However, with a VPN you can unblock Messenger calling quickly and securely–even in Dubai. We have the rundown on why this block exists, how a VPN can get around it, and which VPNs are best to unblock Messenger call in UAE.
Key Points
Our testing showed these to be the best VPNs for unblocking Messenger calling in UAE and Dubai:
- NordVPN – Best option for UAE/Dubai – Best budget option. A good all-rounder that works well to unblock Messenger, streaming services, including Netflix.
- Surfshark – Obfuscation on every server, unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections, modern cryptography to unblock anything in Dubai.
- ExpressVPN – Reliably bypass carrier blocks (Messenger and Whatsapp calling) from anywhere in the world with no restrictions. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost – Works well in Dubai, unblocks Netflix. Easy to use.
- PureVPN – Great budget option, protects you well.
Ways to Unblock Messenger in UAE
Really the only way to unblock Facebook Messenger in geo-blocked locations, like the UAE, is with a VPN. Fortunately, you can use VPNs with any compatible devices, including tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other PCs.
Here’s how to unblock Messenger call in UAE:
- Download the VPN application of your choice
- Install the VPN and set up user credentials (name, password, etc.)
- Connect to a server in a country that allows Facebook Messenger
- Interact with Messenger as you normally would
How to Unblock Messenger in UAE on iOS using a VPN
The easiest way to use a VPN on your iOS device is to do the following:
- Download the VPN app, making sure it is compatible with iOS. You can get this straight from the VPN’s site or from the Apple App Store
- Make an account and fill in user credentials and information
- Log into the app on your phone
- Select the server in a country that allows Facebook Messenger
- Connect and use the Messenger app as you customarily would
You can also configure your iPhone VPN settings manually through the phone’s settings. This is not a free, built-in VPN. You still need server details to connect to manually, which is not typically available for most users. If your workplace, school, or other entity has a VPN you can utilize it as well, however, this is how you would do so:
- Go to Settings
- General
- Choose VPN & device management
- Choose VPN
- Select Add VPN configuration
- Fill in the data fields with the information provided by the VPN holder
How to Unblock Messenger in UAE on Android using a VPN
To easily use a VPN with your Android device:
- Download and install the VPN app you wish to use, either from the VPN service itself or the Google Play Store. Be sure it’s compatible with your device
- Fill in user credentials and sign in
- Select a server in a country where Facebook Messenger isn’t blocked
- Connect and use Messenger as you normally would
Android actually has a built-in VPN client that can be tempting to use, however, the protocols are outdated and vulnerable to security issues. It’s recommended to use a viable VPN service instead, to protect your data and privacy. If you still want to chance it, you’ll need the 3rd-party VPN server information. This would probably be provided by your work, school, or other administrator. Here are the steps:
- Go to Settings
- Network & Internet
- Select VPN
- Select the + sign
- Input the VPN data provided to you
Other Ways to Unblock Facebook Messenger Calling
When using a UAE connection, you can’t access Messenger without a VPN. The app won’t work inside the UAE.
This isn’t Facebook’s fault. According to the company’s President of Messaging Products, David Marcus, they’d love to offer the service in the UAE – but operators are blocking it. The UAE’s Telecom Regulatory Authority determined that licensed operators – government-owned/backed companies like Etisalat – can offer VoIP calls inside the country.
Fortunately, a VPN can help you continue to make Messenger calls by giving you a foreign IP (e.g. a USA IP) while you’re inside the UAE. This is completely legal. A 2016 federal law amendment bans “false IP addresses … for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery”. This means that while the word “crime” may be open to interpretation, using a VPN isn’t illegal.
What makes a good VPN provider?
Here are traits to look for in a good VPN service when you want to learn how to unblock Messenger UAE:
- Fast VPN speeds – Messenger allows voice and video calls. If your VPN connection is slow, you’ll have low-quality videos and lossy audio
- Strong encryption – 256-bit AES encryption or an equivalent standard keeps your information incredibly secure
- Zero logging – You want to use a VPN that doesn’t store your data. This ensures your activity can never be used to identify you later
- Large server networks – Customizing your VPN connection depends on the provider’s proxy servers. More servers means more choices
Comparison of the Best VPNs to Unblock Messenger Calling in the UAE and Dubai
| Names | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PureVPN |
| Avg speed | 191.4Mbps | 191.25Mbps | 181.11Mbps | 137.62Mbps | 115.69Mbps |
| Uptime | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Log Policy | Logs Present | Logs Present | Logs Present | Logs Present | Logs Present |
| Torrenting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | 10 |
Top VPNs for unblocking Messenger in the UAE and Dubai
Below, we list the top VPN providers on the market proven effective in unblocking Messenger calling in UAE:
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Servers optimized for unblocking Netflix
- No bandwidth caps
- Strong encryption
- Retains no metadata of your browsing
- Money-back guarantee policy
Cons
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
NordVPN is an excellent VPN with virtually unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption. It also offers a zero-logging policy for traffic, IP addresses, timestamps, bandwidth and browsing history. On top of these gold-standard features:
- You can use a double VPN to route traffic through two proxy servers to make sure nobody’s hacking into your Messenger calls
- You can use an obfuscated server that hides the fact you’re using a VPN if you want further peace of mind in the UAE
- Large network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 111 countries
- Easy to install across mobile and desktop devices
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Pros
- Unblock 15 international Netflix libraries, including the US and Japan
- Torrent safely on any server
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Favorable BVI jurisdiction guarantees no logs kept
- 24/7 live chat
Cons
- Not as long of an established brand as some VPNs
- Doesn’t have as advanced settings as some options
Surfshark offers some of the most modern privacy provisions on the market, and is more than capable of unblocking messenger calling in the UAE. In fact, getting past government censorship is something of a specialty for this scrappy provider.
For one, there are no specialty servers. Most providers limit censorship-busting methods like obfuscation to a few network nodes, but Surfshark has blanket coverage for each of its 3200+ servers located across 100 countries worldwide. Other features:
- Connect to your device via the unbreakable 256-AES-GCM cipher and OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard protocols
- Surfshark auto-detects network restrictions and reconfigures to beat them. Their NoBorders method can even pierce the Great Firewall of China
- Strict no-logging policy
- RAM-only servers
3. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Amazon Prime
- Superfast servers (minimal speed loss)
- AES-256 encryption
- Strict no-logging policy
- Customer Service (24/7 Chat)
Cons
- Month-to-month plan has high cost
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use in Dubai. For starters, it’s incredibly fast, so you can enjoy high-quality video, low-latency connections on voice and video calls. The service features over 3,000+ proxy servers spread around 105 countries, and ensures your connection stays fast no matter who you’re talking to. Bandwidth is unlimited, so you can stay on calls for as long as you want each month with no restrictions. Other strengths:
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 5 encryption protocols – UDP, TCP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP and SSTP – give you plenty of security options
- Easy installation on any device
- Zero-logging policy on traffic, DNS requests, and IP addresses
- DNS leak protection and automatic kill switch features
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Pros
- P2P allowed on any server except in US and Russia
- Zero logs
- Reliable 24/7 live chat support
- 45 day money back guarantee
Cons
- Buggy apps
- Limited features
CyberGhost is a powerful VPN that’s easy for anyone to install, no matter their experience level. You can even get it on your router to protect your whole Wi-Fi connection! In addition, there are 6 intuitive configuration profiles like “surf anonymously” and “unblock basic websites”. Getting set up with CyberGhost takes just minutes, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to use Messenger without much effort. Additional features include:
- Toggles for blocking malicious websites, blocking ads, improving speed, etc.
- Connect up to 7 devices at once
- Servers in 100 countries and counting
- Unlimited bandwidth
- DNS and IP Leak protection
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PureVPN
Pros
- Servers all over the world for maximal options
- Good user interface that’s easy to use
- Lots of add-ons at fair prices
- Impressive privacy policies
Cons
- Not as fast as some services
- Pricing can be a bit complex depending on your add-ons
PureVPN is perfect if you want a VPN that does more than unblock Messenger inside the UAE. It has an entire suite of features like app blocking, malware blocking, anti-virus protection, and more. Toggling these extras is easy. Just install the app, start using the internet, and use the intuitive interface to activate any features you need. Other things to love:
- PureVPN’s servers come with 256-bit encryption
- Zero-logging policy on virtually all traffic types
- 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries
- Multi login for 10 devices
- Split tunneling
- ISO 27001 certified
Read our full PureVPN review.
What you should and shouldn’t use VPNs for
Firstly, you shouldn’t do anything that can be constituted as a crime in the UAE while using a VPN. As safe as the services are, you don’t want to put yourself in that kind of danger. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t use a VPN for while in the UAE:
You shouldn’t use a VPN for:
- High-end gaming. Generally, a VPN increases latency and slows down your internet speed. This difference is negligible when making Messenger calls, but if you’re playing bandwidth-hungry AAA game titles, it may impact your gameplay.
- Complete anonymity. A VPN’s encryption and anonymous IP addresses go a long way towards erecting barriers between you and third-party snoopers, but they can’t completely guarantee privacy. Make use of an anonymous e-mail address, as well as safer browsing practices in addition to your VPN.
You should use a VPN for:
- Streaming music and videos. Many streaming services don’t work inside the UAE. Others, like Netflix, are restricted to countries like the US. With a VPN, you can enjoy geoblocked streaming media.
- Extra security. In addition to helping you use Messenger in Dubai and the UAE, VPNs make your experience that much more secure.
A Word of Warning Against Free VPNs
As you do your research, you’ll likely run into many free VPNs. Even though they don’t charge you directly, “free” VPNs still need to make money somehow. Some do this by bombarding you with ads, while others sell your personal data to third parties. You’re much better off paying for a reputable service.
Final Verdict: Using Messenger in UAE is Possible with a VPN
Now you know everything you need to know to use Messenger in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. With the VPNs on this list, you’ll be able to safely enjoy high-quality video connections, streaming services, and websites not usually available in the UAE.
FAQ
Why is Messenger not working in the UAE today?
Wondering why Messenger is not working in UAE today? Without a VPN, Facebook Messenger and similar apps will be blocked in the UAE and you’ll be unable to access it.
What is a free VPN for Messenger to use in UAE?
We don’t recommend using free VPNs, due to their security and privacy issues, so there is no great choice for a free VPN for Messenger in UAE. However, many reputable VPNs have free trials or money back guarantees if you want to sample their services.
Why are WhatsApp and Messenger banned in Dubai?
Dubai wants to control communication services and keep a tight rein on its security. This also means more profits for their local telecommunication providers, as the ban limits competition.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
Know about the latest video calling apps used in Dubai. Read this latest blog where you will configure about the latest applications that are currently used for contacting