The UAE tops the Gulf in VPN usage, but users should know the risks. Learn how to stay safe online, avoid cybercrime, and steer clear of fines that can reach up to Dh2 million.
According to the latest Cybernews VPN Adoption Report, the UAE and Gulf countries recorded the world’s highest VPN adoption rates in 2025. In the UAE alone, 85.5% of residents and visitors used VPNs, with over 9.6 million apps downloaded last year.
Trailing the UAE, Qatar recorded 1.76 million VPN app downloads in 2025, with an adoption rate of 58.47%, while Oman came third, seeing 3.98 million downloads and a 54% adoption rate.
The UAE has seen a steady rise in VPN app downloads, climbing from 4.87 million in 2021 to 6.54 million in 2022, 7.81 million in 2023, 9.20 million in 2024, and reaching 9.6 million in 2025.
According to the Cybernews VPN Adoption Report, the surge in VPN use across the UAE and other Gulf countries is largely driven by sizable expatriate communities relying on VPNs to stay connected internationally. The UAE’s population has also grown steadily since 2021, surpassing 11 million last year, as many foreign nationals moved to the country seeking better opportunities and quality of life.
The report analysed download data from the 50 most popular VPN apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store across 126 countries, adjusting for population to calculate adoption rates.
Is VPN legal in the UAE?
Legal experts confirm that VPN use in the UAE is permitted, but misuse carries serious consequences. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrimes, using a VPN for illegal purposes — such as committing a crime or bypassing government-blocked websites, calling apps, or gaming platforms — is a criminal offence. Violators may face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million.
Global VPN downloads
Beyond the UAE, top-ranking countries include Qatar, Oman, Singapore, Nauru, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the Netherlands, Jordan, and France.
Worldwide VPN downloads peaked at 487 million in 2022, then declined to 404 million in 2023, partially rebounded to 464 million in 2024, and fell again to 412.5 million in 2025. Europe remains the only region showing consistent growth in 2025, while adoption rates in most other regions have slowed.
