A VPN is a private network that extends across a public network or the internet, enabling users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their devices were directly connected. Anecdotally, VPNs appear to be widely used in the UAE, both by consumers wanting to access content unavailable locally (eg. e-commerce or media websites focusing on specific foreign markets), and commercial enterprises wanting to directly link international offices for improved security and cost management. 

Many residents of the UAE, and businesses operating in the UAE, were concerned by recent changes to Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Information Technology Crimes (known locally as the “Cyber Crimes Law”). Specifically, Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 amending the Cyber Crimes Law was reported as criminalising the use of VPNs in the UAE. This would have a significant impact on businesses relying on VPNs. However, it appears now that the media largely overstated the effect of these changes.