Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix or blocked apps in the UAE?

The legality depends entirely on what you do while using the VPN. In the UAE, using a VPN is not an offence in itself, but Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes makes it an offence to use a VPN, proxy or similar tool to commit a crime or to evade its discovery. Using a VPN to access content or services that are blocked or restricted in the UAE, or to bypass lawful controls, can therefore expose you to legal risk, because the underlying act of circumventing those restrictions may itself be unlawful. Ordinary, legitimate uses of a VPN, such as corporate network security, are common and generally accepted. Because the law focuses on purpose, the prudent course is to avoid using a VPN to reach blocked apps, restricted streaming libraries or any prohibited service. If you are unsure whether a particular activity is permitted in the UAE, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to get guidance specific to your circumstances before acting.