Online Safety with VPN on Public WiFi in Dubai

One thing you don’t need to worry about in Dubai is internet access. Whether you’re at a bus station, in a mall, or chilling in your hotel room, you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. But open Wi-fis in public places aren’t all jolly. A report by The National revealed that “more than 12,000” Wi-Fi networks have been breached since the beginning of 2025.

So, is it unsafe to enjoy the high-speed internet of public WiFi in Dubai? Not necessarily; there’s a way to secure your connection.

Using a VPN on Public WiFi in Dubai

The most viable solution for security and privacy issues on public Wi-Fis is using a VPN connection. When you establish a VPN connection on your device, the traffic gets transferred through what is virtually a tunnel. This adds extra security to your data and makes it invisible to potential attackers. Security isn’t the only upside of using a VPN when connected to a public network.

Bypass Speed Restrictions

Public networks usually apply bandwidth throttling settings that restrict certain types of activities, like streaming, to prevent network congestion and keep the traffic smooth for all connected users. Using a VPN can manipulate this restriction by hiding the nature of your traffic and improving your connection speed.

Gain Access to Geo-blocked Content

Dubai complies with the policies of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which restricts access to certain content that contradicts the culture in the UAE. Luckily, using a VPN isn’t against the TDRA policies.

How Encryption Protects You

Imagine you want to send a private letter with highly sensitive information to someone. Giving this letter to the next person you meet and asking them to deliver it is like using an open Wi-Fi to send an email.

A VPN acts like a cipher so that even if the delivery person tried to read your letter, they wouldn’t understand it.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the current method used in VPN connections to cipher your data. The VPN app on your device encrypts your data with a key, and decrypting the data is only possible if you have the key. These keys have different lengths, which determines their complication level. Most VPNs use 256-bit keys (AES-256) to encrypt your data, which is virtually unbreakable.

Choosing a VPN for the UAE

Using a VPN on public WiFi in Dubai is a necessity for a secure internet connection, particularly if you have sensitive data on your device. Choosing a VPN depends on what you’re using it for.

HidzoVPN: A Must-have for the Mainstream

If you’re a casual user who’s concerned about your privacy, download HidzoVPN to stay safe using the app’s smart protocol that stabilizes your connection based on the network you’re connected to. You can benefit from robust security and fast internet access for just $2.99 (limited offer).

What you get with HidzoVPN Premium includes:

• Unbreakable security with Hidzo’s smart protocol
• Absolute privacy with Hidzo’s no-log policy
• Global servers for unlimited internet access
• Lag-free gaming and streaming experience
• Affordable monthly subscription ($2.99).

VPN for Special Needs

If you’re looking for services other than a secure connection -and of course, are willing to pay extra- you can use other VPN service providers like NordVPN and ProtonVPN. These companies offer other services like cloud storage and email servers, suited for enterprise users. Click to compare 5 safe VPN apps and find the right one for you.

Risks of Dubai Public WiFi

Dubai’s an international business hub and a fantastic vacation destination in the Middle East. This means keen hackers have many potential victims to prey on. Let’s see how you might fall into a hacker’s trap using a public Wi-Fi in Dubai.

Man in the Middle

Man in the middle (MitM) is the most imminent threat when you’re connected to an open WiFi. In this method, attackers stand between you and the network, and since the connection isn’t encrypted, they can intercept the data. Once in, these attackers can redirect the data or install malware on your device.

Evil Twin Attacks

In this method, the attackers create a fake open network with a misleading name like “Dubai Mall Free WiFi” to lure users to connect to it. This gives the attackers direct access to your device and seriously endangers the safety of your data.

These are only two possible risks of connecting to an open WiFi. We’ve covered these threats in detail in Internet Security for Travelers.

Safety Tips for Using Open Wi-Fi in Dubai

You can minimize the possibility of cyberattacks when you’re connected to an open Wi-Fi in Dubai by considering these points.

• ALWAYS use a VPN connection
• Do NOT connect devices that store sensitive data to an open Wi-Fi
• Do NOT log in to your email or bank account
• Do NOT open pop-ups or suspicious links
• Verify the network’s authenticity with venue authorities.