ExpressVPN not working in UAE Know How to Fix it?

ExpressVPN not working in UAE

Are you in the middle of planning an immediate short little trip to Abu Dhabi? Or maybe an important work tour to the United Arab Emirates is right next on your schedule? Then you must be preparing for your trip there with all the needed care and thus also don’t want miss on anything that might spoil your time of stay in there. Being a part of the present digital world, you, thus, must do the homework and prepare beforehand about the country’s laws and practices on internet usage as well along with its culture and environment which everyone generally does. And so, here comes the fact that the UAE shows access to a highly restricted Internet.

The government there regularly and strictly censors a wide range of websites, streaming platforms, social media sites, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype and WhatsApp. So, the only convenient way to bypass that particular limitation is to use an apt VPN. ExpressVPN is indeed a great choice and thus the smart you here have already prepared to take its subscription for a smooth internet usage experience while your stay in the UAE. But what if you see that this pre-planned and well-executed solution of yours is also not working?

The first thing that might pop into your mind when you’re facing the ‘ExpressVPN not working’ error is whether thinking of a VPN was altogether an ineffective idea. But, let us tell you, even if you are going through a similar problem, you were not altogether wrong, and using a VPN is indeed effective to bypass the censorship of the UAE government. So, here we will try to provide you with the solution to the possible ExpressVPN issues that you might encounter in the UAE, because of which you cannot carry on with your usual activities.

Utility of VPN in the UAE

The UAE’s Internet monitoring and blocking routines are quite strict and thus, tough to evade, making it much more difficult for the internet users there to gain free access to all the web contents and services, which they can easily get their hands on in their home country. The UAE government believes in unhindered control over the internet traffic in their land.

Now, here comes the effective utility of a VPN which comes with the much-needed solution to this problem. Through a powerful VPN service and connecting to a server of theirs, you will be thus able to browse the blocked streaming platforms or VoIP services amongst the other restricted web actions there, while being in the UAE itself.

Why ExpressVPN is regarded as one of the bests in the UAE

ExpressVPN is a star in the VPN market worldwide as well as in the UAE. The immense popularity and the trusted reliability come from the premium features it provides to its subscribed users along with iron-clad security assurance. Let’s take a quick look at the superior performance attributes of this VPN giant below.

• Over 3000 servers spread across the globe in 94 countries
• Presence of obfuscated servers
• 5 simultaneous device connectivity
• Several OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Connection speed is very fast and stable in more or less all the servers
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Superior security aspects are provided like AES-256-bit military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, Kill Switch, Split tunneling, IP address & DNS leak protection, and much more
• Free trial period of 7 days
• Assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unlimited data bandwidth
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV along with all the well-used VoIP services
• Supports torrenting
• Many web extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are also supported along with a beneficial Router compatibility
• Accepts cryptocurrency for the payment mode
• The country of source and jurisdiction is the British Virgin Islands

Issues with ExpressVPN in the UAE

ExpressVPN is no doubt one of the high-rated, premium VPN service providers with a huge base of dedicated customers globally. But even the most efficient and well-designed computer software can also break sometimes and give an unexpected yet annoying ‘not working’ error message, which is in this case too. So, even ExpressVPN is thus also reported to not being able to connect or work in the UAE on certain occasions thus giving out frustrations to its users.

The probable main reason why ExpressVPN is not working in Dubai is because of the control of the two state-owned Internet Service Providers or ISPs, Etisalat and Du over the entire internet traffic flown in the UAE. They constantly monitor and thus, actively block VPNs and as ExpressVPN is already a well-known way of getting around the restriction there, Etisalat and Du have been tasked with identifying the particular IP address of the servers of ExpressVPN that are extensively used.

So, the way ExpressVPN is blocked in different cases is all to do with the IP addresses of the servers ExpressVPN provides as the esteemed VPN service provider struggles to keep up with the ever-increasing demand, and sometimes forces its customers to share the IP addresses. Also, usually, a particular household of different smart devices connects to the internet using the same IP address, and thus when hundreds of ExpressVPN subscribers use the same IP address to connect to the internet, the authority might recognize that speculating it is a server provided by the ExpressVPN and ultimately blocks it.

Ways to fix the issue of ExpressVPN not working in the UAE

ExpressVPN provides 24/7 live chat support to their customers so you can always ask for their help to restore your VPN connection anytime you need. There are a few other ways to troubleshoot the issue of connectivity, which are explained below. You need to follow the steps and the problem might be resolved. Instances of failing to connect to ExpressVPN mainly include-

• ‘Unable to Connect error message
• Being stuck in the ‘Connecting’ state
• Taking an abnormally long time to connect to the chosen server

The probable causes for these issues include-

• The particular VPN server location that you are trying to connect to is under temporary maintenance
• The VPN connection is innately blocked by your antivirus or security application
• Not using the updated version of the ExpressVPN app

So, for these above-mentioned issues, you can go for the preliminary checks at first as given below-

• See whether you have an active internet connection on your device
• Disconnect from the ExpressVPN application on your device
• Go to your web browser and try to access any general website of your choice that doesn’t come under any government-induced restriction

If you can successfully access the particular website, then it is certain that the VPN connection problem is not caused by the internet connection and thus you can now opt for the following troubleshooting steps to try aiming for resolving your connection fault.

• Download the latest version of the ExpressVPN application as per your device and the concerned operating system
• Connect to a different VPN server location from the Recommendedserver location list, preferably a location closer to the UAE for faster speed and more smooth connection
• Generally, the default Automatic protocol works the best, but in case you are unable to connect from it, try changing the VPN protocol from the other available options of Lightway, Open, and IKEv2.
• If you are using a specific antivirus or other online security applications, try to add ExpressVPN as an exception to them in the particular application’s settings. And then restart the ExpressVPN app.

Alternatives of ExpressVPN- A quick look

Now, even after trying all the above-mentioned workaround techniques you still fail to fix the issue at your end of ExpressVPN not being able to work properly in the UAE, you can then always conveniently switch to a different yet efficient VPN service provider, any of the list given below as all of them seem to work perfectly fine and well bypassing the censorship problems in the UAE. Let’s check all the best alternatives of ExpressVPN at a glance here.

VPN name	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	Surfshark VPN	Private Internet Access (PIA)		CyberGhost VPN	Proton VPN
Servers	3000+	5400+	3200+	10000+		9278+	1800+
Simultaneous connections	5	6	Unlimited	10		7	10
No-logs policy	Followed	Followed	Followed	Followed		Followed	Followed
24/7 live customer chat support	Present	Present	Present	Present		Present	Absent
Free trial	7 days	Not available	7 days	Not available		1 day	Free version available
Refund policy	30 days	30 days	30 days	30 days		45 days	30 days
Country of jurisdiction	British Virgin Islands	Panama	British Virgin Islands	USA		Romania	Switzerland
Website	www.expressvpn.com	www.nordvpn.com	www.surfshark.com	www.privateinternetaccess.com		www.cyberghostvpn.com	www.protonvpn.com

 

List of best VPNs in the UAE, other than ExpressVPN

Following is the carefully handpicked list of all the reliable alternative VPN services to ExpressVPN that can be used proficiently in the UAE.

1. NordVPN

As an alternative to ExpressVPN to work in the UAE, NordVPN is indeed one of the bests, if not the best option to go for as this is also one of the most trusted VPN services on a global level. This popular VPN provider offers all the necessary security features along with a lightning-fast speed of connection in over 5400 servers located across the globe. Their subscription prices are also quite within the budget, serving as the cherry on top.

Features:

• More than 5400 servers in a total of 59 countries around the globe
• Up to 6 simultaneous multiple-device connectivity
• Several device OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Connection speed is super fast and stable by the NordLynx technology
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Key security aspects provided are AES-256-bit military-grade encryption, Kill Switch, WireGuard protocol, Split tunneling, DNS leak protection
• Assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unlimited data bandwidth
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, along with all the well-used VoIP services
• Supports torrenting
• Many web extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are also supported along with Router compatibility
• Accepts cryptocurrency for the payment mode
• The country of source and jurisdiction is Panama

Pros:

• A huge number of servers, with options in the UAE too
• Obfuscated servers
• Unblocks geo-restriction efficiently
• Fast connection speed
• Simultaneous connection of 6 devices
• Budget-friendly subscription charges

Cons:

• Apps can be glitchy and slow at times

2. Surfshark

The second alternative to ExpressVPN is Surfshark, rightfully securing its place on this list mainly due to its low pricing yet quite an impressive list of security attributes and efficient performance.

Features:

• 3200+ servers in a total of 100 countries around the globe
• Unlimited simultaneous device connectivity is supported
• Several device OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Connection speed is satisfactorily fast
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Key security aspects provided are 256-bit military-grade encryption, Split tunneling, Kill switch, DNS leak protection, IP Rotator, Camouflage mode, Double VPN
• Free trial period of 7 days
• Assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unlimited data bandwidth
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Peacock, and BBC iPlayer, along with all the well-used VoIP services
• Supports torrenting
• Many web extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are also supported along with Amazon Fire Stick and Router compatibility
• The country of source and jurisdiction is The British Virgin Islands

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous device connection supported
• Subscription prices are budget-friendly
• Advanced encryption features
• Free trial and money-back guarantee
• 24/7 active live chat support

Cons:

• Certain Kill Switch issues in extreme pressure situations

3. Private Internet ACCESS

The next one on this list is the VPN service by Private Internet Access or PIA which is mainly well known for its ever-improving service quality along with tight security protocols and an awe-inspiring massive number of global servers.

 

Features:

• More than 10000 servers in a total of 84 countries around the globe
• Upto 10 simultaneous multiple-device connectivity
• Several device OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Connection speed is satisfactory and stable
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Key security aspects provided are AES-256-bit encryption, WireGuard protocol, Split tunneling, Kill Switch, ad-block, DNS leak protection, malware protection
• Assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix along with all the well-used VoIP services
• Supports torrenting
• Many web extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera are also supported along with Router compatibility
• The country of source and jurisdiction is the USA

Pros:

• A surprisingly large number of global servers
• Adjustable settings
• Proficient ad-block and malware protection
• Effective Kill Switch
• 24/7 active live chat support

Cons:

• Based on and comes under the jurisdiction of the USA, which is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance

4. CyberGhost VPN

The next VPN here is mainly famous for its super fast speed, added security, and unlimited bandwidth along with a public Wi-Fi protection shield. The money-back guarantee in this is also quite lucrative with a period of 45 days.

Features:

• More than 9278 servers in a total of 91 countries around the globe
• Up to 7 simultaneous multiple-device connectivity is supported
• Several device OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS
• The connection speed is very fast
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Key security aspects provided are AES-256-bit military-grade encryption, IKEv2 & WireGuard protocols, Kill Switch, DNS leak protection,
• Free trial period of 1 day
• Assurance of a 45-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unlimited data bandwidth
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, along with all the well-used VoIP services
• Supports torrenting
• Web extensions like Chrome and Firefox are also supported along with SmartTV and Router compatibility
• Accepts cryptocurrency for the payment mode
• The country of source and jurisdiction- Romania

Pros:

• Streaming-optimized servers
• WiFi Auto protection
• Unlimited bandwidth along with a very fast speed of connection
• The money-back-guarantee period is of 45 days

Cons:

• Occasional software crash

5. Proton VPN

The last but not least alternative to ExpressVPN is the one that comes with a free version along with the paid plans. Proton VPN offers some excellent security features laced with advanced encryption. And even the free version also performs quite decently without getting hindered by data caps unlike many other free VPNs available in the market.

Features:

• More than 1800 servers in a total of 66 countries around the globe
• Up to 10 simultaneous multiple-device connectivity is supported
• Several device OS platforms are supported like Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux
• The connection speed is satisfactory
• A strict No-logs policy is maintained
• Key security aspects provided are AES-256-bit military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, Forward secrecy, Secure Core VPN, Net Shield, VPN accelerator, Tor over VPN, independently audited open-source apps
• Assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee
• All-day active live chat support
• Unlimited data bandwidth
• Unblocks all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, ESPN, and Syfy along with all the well-used VoIP services
• The country of source and jurisdiction- Switzerland

Pros:

• Decent free version with unlimited data bandwidth
• Secure core VPN technology for added security
• Independently audited open-source apps
• No data cap even in the free version

Cons:

• All-day active live chat support is unavailable

Conclusion

If connecting to your favorite online streaming platform or your everyday partner VoIP service suddenly becomes a hassle, especially when you have set to travel outside your native country, in the UAE particularly, and even your already planned VPN service i.e., ExpressVPN gets down, becoming inaccessible, you definitely might start to feel like a complete mess. To save the day from that point here we are, with all the ExpressVPN fixes and alternatives too, which hopefully would allow you to get around all the possible issues that you might run into while trying to access the internet or internet-related apps by connecting via a VPN.