By dubailife 
Question: Can you explain the rules regarding VPN usage in the UAE? Are VPNs legal? If so, is there an approved list of VPNs that can be used?
Answer: In the UAE, using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) is not considered illegal as long as they are used within the guidelines set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). On July 31, 2016, the TDRA assured businesses and the public that it is committed to ensuring the safety and continuity of economic activities for companies and institutions based in the UAE. The authority highlighted that there are no restrictions preventing companies, institutions, and banks from using VPN technology to securely access internal networks over the internet. However, individuals may be held accountable for any misuse of VPNs.
Misusing a VPN to commit illegal acts—such as bypassing security measures, hiding or disguising one’s real IP address, or using someone else’s IP address to commit a crime or evade detection—is a serious offense in the UAE. According to Article 10 of Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, individuals caught using VPNs to engage in illegal activities face imprisonment and/or fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2,000,000. This law specifically targets those who use VPNs or other methods to commit crimes or conceal their activities.
In addition, Clause 1.9 of the TDRA’s Regulatory Policy on Internet Access Management (2017) outlines ‘Prohibited Content Categories,’ which are further detailed in Annex 1 of the TDRA Internet Access Regulations. Annex 1 specifies that content allowing users to bypass blocked websites, including proxy servers and VPNs used to access restricted content, is prohibited in the UAE.
Clause 1: Bypassing and accessing blocked content:
This category includes any internet content that enables users to access prohibited content, including VPN services and proxy servers designed to bypass restrictions.
Clause 14: Illegal Communication Services:
This category encompasses internet content that facilitates access to illegal communication services, as regulated by UAE authorities.
While VPNs are not entirely banned in the UAE, they must not be used to access blocked or prohibited content. VPN services that allow users to bypass such restrictions are classified as prohibited. However, there is no specific list of approved VPNs. For further guidance on VPN usage, it is advisable to consult a legal expert in the UAE or contact the TDRA for more details.
Source : Khaleejtimes