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How to Watch Disney Plus in the UAE in 2024
Last updated April 6, 2024
Disney+ offers hundreds of hours of content from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, as well as Disney classics, Pixar movies, and NatGeo documentaries. Disney+ is available in the UAE, but a lot of content found in the US is missing (e.g. Lightyear, West Side Story). Disney Plus content libraries will be different in every country - whether due to local regulations or licensing agreements.
Even if you have a Disney+ account, you might not be able to use it while traveling, and if you can, you won't be able to watch the content from your home library. In fact, Disney Plus Middle East (the only version available in the UAE) even has a completely different app and website. That said, you can get around geo-blocks on Disney+ with a VPN and get the unfiltered experience anywhere.
Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to watch Disney Plus in the UAE (the US version). Plus, we'll share why you need a VPN and recommend several providers that work best on the platform. We’ve also listed Disney Plus’ pricing, what you can watch, troubleshooting tips if Disney+ isn't working in the UAE with a VPN, and the difference between the UAE and US versions. Lastly, we answered some FAQs.
How to Watch US Disney Plus in the UAE with a VPN?
To watch Disney Plus in the UAE with a VPN, you’ll need to get a provider that offers US servers and connect to one of them. That will change your location to the US, allowing you to sign up for the American version of the platform (provided you have a valid payment method). More details below:
- Subscribe for a VPN that works on Disney+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Visit Disney Plus and select “View All Plan Options.”
- Toggle the switch to “Disney+” and choose a plan.
- Input your email address and click “Continue” to proceed.
- Add a secure password, then click “Agree & Continue.”
- Add your date of birth and click "Save & Continue."
- Enter your US credit/debit card or PayPal information.
- Click “Agree & Subscribe” to finish up.
- Choose a show or movie, and enjoy Disney+ in the UAE.
To get US Disney+, you'll have to pay with a debit or credit card or PayPal account with a US billing address. If you don't have one, there are some workarounds. You can also use a prepaid virtual credit card, a Google Play gift card, or an Apple gift card. We'll discuss how these work later in this article.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch US Disney+ in the UAE?
You need a VPN to watch US Disney Plus in the UAE because its library lacks many titles present in the US library. Most notably, any shows or movies that have LGBT-related content or themes (such as the recently released Lightyear) are banned in the UAE. Disney+ is available in more than 120 countries, but the most complete content library is only available in its home country: the US.
If you travel to a different country from where you subscribed, you’ll get a message about the difference in libraries: “Looks like you’re traveling! Content and ratings may be different from at home.”
And if you try to access Disney Plus from an unsupported region, you'll encounter the following geo-restriction message: “Sorry, Disney+ is not available in your region.”
You can bypass such restrictions and watch whatever you want by changing your virtual location with a VPN. Such apps let you obtain a US IP address to sign up for the unrestricted Disney+ service. Moreover, VPNs encrypt your data, so the UAE government can’t tell what you're watching. This way, you can freely use Disney Plus outside the US.
Not every VPN works on Disney Plus, though. Streaming services tend to block VPNs to comply with licensing agreements. That's why you'll need to get the best VPN for streaming Disney Plus that won’t log your data, cause annoying slowdowns, or - most importantly - be blocked by Disney entirely.
Our top choice is NordVPN because it has thousands of servers in the US that easily unblock any Disney+ library. It's also super fast and comes with obfuscation to hide your VPN usage, as well as SmartPlay for bypassing geo-blocks.
The Best VPNs to Watch Disney Plus in the UAE in 2024
The VPN you choose must meet several important criteria. First, it should be able to bypass VPN filters and unblock Disney+ reliably, along with any other streaming services. You’ll need a large US and worldwide server network so you can watch your favorite movies and shows, plus other content from around the globe.
Your VPN provider should offer great speeds for streaming and amazing performance anywhere in the world. On top of that, you’ll need a kill switch to protect your identity during disconnects, and obfuscation to mask your VPN activity. The VPN should keep zero user logs and safeguard your data with protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, as well as strong encryption (AES-256).
Naturally, you’ll want a VPN that works on all your devices (PC, mobile, smart TVs, etc.). You’ll also want multiple simultaneous connections. Make sure the VPN offers reasonable pricing, too. Otherwise, 24/7 live chat and a money-back guarantee are useful if you encounter any problems.
Based on the criteria above, these are the 4 best VPNs for unblocking Disney Plus in the UAE:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch US Disney Plus in the UAE
- Surfshark - Fully Obfuscated VPN for Streaming US Disney+ in the UAE
- ExpressVPN - Get Disney Plus in the UAE with Fast US Servers
- CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN That Unblocks Disney Plus
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch US Disney Plus in the UAE
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Disney+ in the UAE. It can unblock Disney+ in the UAE with ease (and other streamers) thanks to 1,970+ servers in 16 US locations. Overall, you get 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, so your choices of what to access will be endless, and you won't have to worry about overcrowding.
When it comes to streaming, NordVPN benefits from the SmartPlay feature, which changes DNS servers when VPN filters get in the way. The option is available network-wide and is automatically enabled. You can stream HD/4K content without buffering because it delivers blazing-fast speeds and amazing performance - whether you’re in the UAE or traveling abroad.
Many of NordVPN's servers have obfuscation to hide your VPN activity. Aside from that, you get many different kinds of specialized servers (P2P, Onion-over-VPN, double VPN). Plus there’s an advanced kill switch you can customize to disable certain apps if your VPN disconnects.
The provider does not log your activity and has an independent audit proving as much. Otherwise, NordVPN keeps your data secure with the help of protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption), as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256-GCM encryption.
NordVPN is supported on popular systems like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, plus other streaming-ready gadgets. The VPN comes with 10 simultaneous connections for use on Disney+ or for other activities.
With all those features, it's wonderful to see NordVPN is affordable - its 2-year subscription costs as low as $3.09 per month. As always, all plans come with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also contact their 24/7 live chat if you have questions regarding the service.
PROS
- 1,970+ high-speed US servers.
- Works on Disney+ and more.
- Stealth servers in popular regions.
- SmartPlay feature.
- 24/7 live support.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Obfuscation only on some servers.
2. Surfshark - Fully Obfuscated VPN for Streaming US Disney+ in the UAE
If you’re worried about your privacy while you use Disney Plus in the UAE, Surfshark has you covered. It can effortlessly unblock US Disney Plus in Middle East countries, as well as any other streaming platforms. This is possible because it has 600+ servers in 25 US cities as part of its larger worldwide network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
Surfshark delivers lightning-fast speeds and consistent performance across all its servers. You can use it to access any Disney+ library around the world and stream in 4K without buffering annoyances. Its Nexus technology helps with this by boosting speeds and stabilizing connections.
You'll get network-wide obfuscation with Surfshark, as well as a reliable kill switch to prevent IP leaks if the VPN connection drops. It also follows a strict no-logs policy. Moreover, your data will be secured with top-of-the-line protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The latter 2 come paired with AES-256 encryption, while WireGuard uses the ChaCha20 cipher.
Surfshark can be installed on any popular streaming devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It also works with routers, so you can protect devices that don't support direct VPN installation. Even better, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
This provider is very budget-friendly, with its 2-year plan ringing up at $2.29 per month. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, of course. And you'll get access to 24/7 customer support via live chat in case you have questions or need any help getting things working.
PROS
- 600+ servers in the US.
- Unblocks Disney+ easily.
- Obfuscation on all servers.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 chat support.
- 30-day money-back period.
CONS
- iOS app isn't the best.
3. ExpressVPN - Get Disney Plus in the UAE with Fast US Servers
ExpressVPN is another excellent option to unblock Disney Plus in the UAE and remain undetected throughout the process. It also works well for any other streaming services. That’s all thanks to its thousands of servers in 105 countries (including 24 US server locations).
You get to enjoy maximum performance and top speeds on Disney+ no matter where you’re watching from. We’ve enjoyed HD and 4K quality streams on the platform (and others) with zero noticeable buffering.
ExpressVPN has automatic obfuscation enabled on all servers, and in case of any disconnects, its kill switch will protect your IP address. For added privacy, the provider has an audited no-logs policy to prove they don’t store any of your data. Good news considering the UAE’s restrictive policies when it comes to online content.
Security-wise, hackers are kept at bay thanks to the VPN’s top-of-the-line Lightway protocol (with WolfSSL encryption). Of course, you can pick between the standard OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols (AES-256-enabled) if you prefer.
ExpressVPN works flawlessly on all major systems, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, various smart TVs, and more. Alternatively, you can use its router app if you want to get US Disney Plus on Playstation, Xbox, and other devices with no VPN support. You can use the VPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously, which is more than enough for watching Disney+ in the UAE.
One downside is that ExpressVPN is a bit pricey, with an annual plan of $6.67 per month. Lastly, users get to enjoy 24/7 live chat and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
PROS
- Easy-to-use apps.
- Easily unblocks Disney+.
- Automatic obfuscation on entire network.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the expensive side.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Streaming-Optimized VPN That Unblocks Disney Plus
CyberGhost ensures you never get bored with streaming. Aside from unblocking Disney+ in the UAE, the VPN works on a whopping 40+ other streaming services worldwide. To that end, you get thousands of servers in 100 countries - with 2,100+ servers in 11 US cities - to explore as much as you want.
This VPN delivers decent speeds and stable performance for streaming, although some remote servers are a tad slower. Regardless, CyberGhost makes up for it with its budget-friendly plans.
CyberGhost doesn’t have any obfuscation, although that wasn’t an issue when we tested it out on all the supported streaming sites. Its apps also include an always-on kill switch so you don’t disable your main defense against IP leaks.
Moreover, CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logs policy, and has undergone an audit recently as well. Protecting your data are all the industry-standard protocols you’re used to by now - such as WireGuard (with the ChaCha20 cipher), or OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec (both with AES-256-GCM encryption).
Needless to say, CyberGhost works on any of your devices, from Windows to Linux, from mobile to smart TVs. Even better, you have 7 simultaneous connections to use as you see fit.
CyberGhost is a great option if you're tight on funds. Its 2-year plan only costs $2.19 per month. We also like the fact that longer subscriptions come with a hefty 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out at your leisure. You can also contact 24/7 live chat for server recommendations, troubleshooting, and so on.
PROS
- 2,100+ US servers.
- Unblocks 40+ streaming sites.
- Budget-friendly VPN.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- No obfuscated servers.
- Slower than alternatives.
How Much is US Disney+ in the UAE?
The US Disney Plus price in the UAE depends on the plan you choose - and you have multiple options. The Basic plan costs just $7.99 (AED 29.35) per month, and the Premium plan subscription price $13.99 (AED 51.38) per month.
The Premium plan is the only plan with an annual payment option. Both plans let you stream in 4K UHD on up to 4 screens. You also get 7 different profiles with personalized content recommendations for Disney+. Meanwhile, Premium lets you download select titles to watch offline.
There are also Disney Bundle packages with Hulu and ESPN Plus that you can choose from. These range from $9.99 (AED 36.69) per month for the Disney Plus Duo Basic subscription to $24.99 (91.78) per month for Disney Plus Trio Premium. None of the plans or bundles offer a Disney Plus free trial, unfortunately.
We’ve listed the prices for all the plans in both US dollars and UAE dirham below:
What Can You Watch on Disney Plus?
You can watch a huge selection of the best shows on Disney Plus, including modern classics like The Mandalorian, or oldies like Even Stevens and Boy Meets World. You also get some of history’s best movies on Disney Plus, such as the record-busting Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, classic Disney and Pixar animations, Rogue One, and more.
Are you a sports fan or want to keep up with American television? Use a VPN to get Disney Plus Bundle and experience everything on Hulu and ESPN+, such as MLB, NBA and NCAA basketball, UFC fights, thousands of hours of TV shows, 95+ live Disney Plus channel options, and so much more.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect on Disney Plus in the UAE:
Disney Plus in the UAE vs Disney Plus in the US: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference between Disney Plus in the UAE versus Disney Plus in the US comes down to content availability. The US version has the largest, most complete content library because that's the home country of the streaming platform. Plus, the Disney Bundle options are not available for the UAE version.
On the other hand, Disney Plus Middle East has a different website and app that was specifically built for the MENA region. It lacks numerous titles from the US version, especially any LGBTQ+ content, which is banned in the UAE. It comes with content that is tailored to regional viewers, so Arabic subtitles are available for most titles. There is also Arabic dubbing being added to the most popular content.
There is a difference when it comes to signing up for the different versions, too: Disney+ Mena requires a local Middle Eastern phone number for text verification in order to register, where as accounts in other regions only require an email address. Plus, payment methods will require respective local billing addresses.
Disney Plus Not Working in the UAE with a VPN - How to Fix?
If Disney Plus is not working in the UAE with a VPN, there can be a number of potential reasons for this. For example, your Internet connection may not be sufficient, the VPN app may need updating, or the server you're connected to might be crowded. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to try to get things working:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – This should always be your first step because it can fix a lot of problems going on in the background preventing your VPN from working properly.
- Check Your Internet – If your Internet is weak or unstable, it won't allow your VPN to maintain a healthy connection. Plus, streaming services don't like it, either. Try a different Internet source like mobile data to see if things clear up.
- Update Your VPN – Software updates often contain patches to fix conflicts between VPNs and other services or platforms. Make sure yours is always up to date.
- Try a Different Server – The server you're connected to might be overcrowded or experiencing technical difficulties. Switch to a different one and try again.
- Change VPN Protocols – Certain protocols work better for streaming than others. Try a different one and see if it helps (OpenVPN and WireGuard are the best options).
- Clear Your Browser Cache – Your cache and cookies can give away your location, even with your VPN turned on. Clear cookies from your browser and try things again.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device Firewall – Sometimes firewalls can prevent VPNs from working properly. Turn off your device's firewall and see if your VPN will unblock Disney+.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Every once in a while, having multiple VPNs installed at once will cause a conflict. Uninstall any VPNs other than the one you want to use.
- Contact Your VPN's Customer Support – Your VPN's support team might have some helpful tips, so it's always worth asking them.
- Use a Different VPN – If nothing else works, you might just have to try a different VPN because it may not be compatible with Disney Plus.
Can You Use a Free VPN to Watch Disney Plus in the UAE?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch Disney+ in the UAE, but we don't recommend it. The main reason is that free VPNs tend to log your data, which may put you at risk for government spying. This is especially risky since the UAE bans LGBTQ+ and similar content that may be available on US Disney Plus.
Even if you didn’t plan on watching such content, free VPNs and streaming just aren’t a good match. You have to deal with slow speeds, congested servers, or even data caps that won’t last you more than a couple of movies at most. Plus, they usually can't even unblock Disney+ to begin with. That's why you're better off getting a VPN free trial from a premium provider.
We highly suggest using the NordVPN free trial. It's offered on Android for 7 days, or you can test it on other devices for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. Not only does it not log your activity, but you get none of the annoying limitations of a free VPN. After the trial, if you decide to continue protecting your privacy while streaming Disney+, you can choose from one of the best VPN services available.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Plus app in the UAE is severely limited due to the country’s regulatory authorities (and the usual licensing issues). You won't be able to access the US Disney+ library in the UAE. Even if you signed up in the US originally, if you travel outside the US, you'll be restricted to local libraries. Fortunately, you can access US Disney Plus from anywhere with a VPN to get around such limitations.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch US Disney Plus in the UAE. It comes with thousands of blazing-fast servers in the US, plus SmartPlay for bypassing geo-restrictions. Moreover, it has obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage in the UAE. With NordVPN, you can unblock the US version of Disney Plus easily without worrying about the government spying on your watching habits.
That’s all for our tutorial on how to watch US Disney Plus in the UAE. Feel free to leave a comment below if you need more help. Thanks for reading!