Led by the UAE, Gulf countries recorded the highest adoption rate of virtual private networks (VPNs) globally in 2025, according to the latest edition of the Cybernews VPN Adoption Report.
The report found that VPN adoption in the UAE reached 85.5 percent last year, with more than 9.6 million applications downloaded by residents and visitors. Qatar ranked second, recording 1.76 million downloads and an adoption rate of 58.47 percent, while Oman followed with 3.98 million downloads and a 54 percent adoption rate.
The UAE has seen a steady rise in VPN usage over recent years. Downloads increased from 4.87 million in 2021 to 6.54 million in 2022, 7.81 million in 2023, and 9.2 million in 2024, before reaching 9.6 million in 2025. Analysts say this growth reflects both population expansion and shifting digital habits. The country’s population has surpassed 11 million, driven by an influx of foreign workers seeking employment and improved living standards.
The Cybernews report attributes the surge in VPN use across the Gulf to large expatriate communities that rely on such tools to communicate with family and access services abroad. The study examined download data for the 50 most popular VPN apps across 126 countries, comparing figures from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store with population data to calculate adoption rates.
Legal experts note that while VPN use is permitted in the UAE, misuse can carry serious consequences. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on cybercrime, using a VPN to commit or conceal illegal activities is a criminal offence. This includes bypassing restrictions to access blocked websites, calling services, or gaming platforms. Violations can result in imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million.
Globally, VPN usage trends show a mixed picture. Downloads reached a peak of 487 million in 2022 before declining to 404 million in 2023. The figure recovered to 464 million in 2024 but fell again to 412.5 million in 2025. Despite the overall slowdown, Europe remains the only region to show consistent growth in adoption rates, while most other regions have experienced a deceleration.
Other countries ranking among the top 10 for VPN adoption include Singapore, Nauru, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Jordan, and France.
The findings highlight how regional factors such as population composition, regulation, and digital access continue to shape VPN usage patterns, with Gulf countries emerging as global leaders in adoption.
