The Forex market is the largest financial market in the world, with daily trading volumes around $7.5 trillion in April 2022, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
When selecting a Forex broker in the UAE, key factors to consider include robust regulation, low costs (tight spreads and minimal commissions), high-quality trading platforms, ease of use, and responsive customer support.
It’s also important for many UAE traders that brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts compliant with Sharia law, and several brokers on our list provide this option.
In this article, we review the best Forex brokers in the UAE for 2025. These platforms are fully regulated by UAE financial authorities, offer competitive trading conditions, and cater to both beginners and advanced traders. We analyze their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision aligned with your financial goals.
The best Forex brokers in Dubai & the UAE
- Interactive Brokers – Best overall (DFSA license F008423).
One of the biggest brokers that lets you trade more than 100 currency pairs. Their trading platform, the Trader Workstation (TWS), offers excellent customization, advanced technical indicators, and fundamental trading tools. - Pepperstone – Best for MT4 & MT5 trading (DFSA license F004356).
Offers tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on 90+ Forex pairs with ultra-fast execution, ideal for professional traders using MetaTrader platforms. - IG – Best for comprehensive market access & educational content (DFSA license F001780).
A globally trusted broker with access to over 80 forex pairs and 17,000+ CFDs, IG stands out for its intuitive web platform and excellent educational resources. - CMC Markets – Best for Forex offering & powerful web platform (DFSA license F002740).
Industry-leading range of 330+ currency pairs with spreads from 0.7 pips, supported by the advanced NextGen trading platform featuring powerful charts and tools. - ADSS – Best local UAE broker (Licensed by SCA).
Locally based in Abu Dhabi, offers 60+ Forex pairs with access to high leverage, no commission on standard accounts, and AED funding for convenient local bank transfers. - CFI (Credit Financier Invest) – Best for regional support and multi-asset access – (DFSA license F003933).
Delivers strong local presence with fast execution, competitive spreads, and top-notch bilingual customer support for UAE traders.
Forex brokers offer platforms for trading global currency pairs (often via CFDs), providing tools such as real-time charts, technical indicators, and economic calendars to enhance the trading experience. Forex trading is highly speculative. Various reports indicate 70-80% of retail investors lose money trading Forex/CFDs. We’ve compiled this list due to the surge in searches for “Best Forex Broker UAE,” but our goal is to provide a balanced overview, highlighting each broker’s strengths and risks, to help readers make informed choices and understand the risks before opening an account.
Comparison table
As of July 24, 2025
Broker reviews and key features
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: No
- Forex Fees: Spreads starting 0.1 pip and tier pricing commission
Founded in 1978 and publicly listed on Nasdaq (IBKR), Interactive Brokers is a global brokerage firm with a long-standing reputation for deep liquidity, institutional-grade tools, and low-cost trading. IBKR operates in the UAE through its Dubai office, which is regulated by the DFSA.
IBKR’s flagship platform, Trader Workstation (TWS), is one of the most powerful platforms in the industry, offering professional-level features: customizable charting, algorithmic trading, real-time market scanners, options strategy tools, and more. For beginners or casual traders, the IBKR GlobalTrader mobile app or Client Portal web interface offers a more intuitive experience.
One of IBKR’s standout features is access to 150+ global markets from a single account, including equities, ETFs, Forex, futures, options, bonds, mutual funds, and even fractional shares. As for Forex trading, they give access to over 100+ currency pairs with competitive spreads starting at 0.1 pip, however, they apply a tier pricing commission.
IBKR supports AED funding via bank transfer and is known for extremely low financing and margin costs with no minimum deposit. However, IBKR does not currently offer Islamic or swap-free accounts, which may be a limitation for Muslim traders in the UAE.
Want to know more? Check our in-depth IBKR review for UAE residents.
Pros
- Globally regulated and DFSA-approved
- Access to over 150 markets worldwide
- AED funding supported
Cons
- No Islamic account option
- Platform can be complex for beginners
- No commission-free trading (though pricing is still competitive overall)
Pepperstone
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: Yes
- Forex Fees: $0, but spreads starting at 1 pip apply, or 0 pips subject to commission
Pepperstone is a global broker, established in 2010 and currently serving more than 750,000 traders. In the UAE, it operates via Pepperstone Financial Services (DIFC) Ltd., and caters to traders of all levels, especially those who value MetaTrader platforms and algorithmic trading. You can trade over 90 currency pairs with very tight spreads that start from 0.0 pips on its Razor account (with a small commission).
Pepperstone offers five trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView, and its own proprietary Pepperstone trading platform. Each platform is free and available on the web portal, mobile, and desktop. They have two account types: a standard account, suitable for new traders and a Razor account, ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. Pepperstone uses top-tier liquidity providers and low-latency servers, resulting in lightning-fast order execution.
UAE traders can also open accounts denominated in AED, avoiding conversion fees when funding locally. Their fee structure is very competitive: no commission on the standard account (spreads starting at 1.0 pip), or raw spreads of 0.0 with a $7 per lot round-turn commission on Razor. Beyond Forex, Pepperstone offers access to over 1,350+ CFDs, including indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
Their customer support includes an Arabic-language option, and they provide swap-free or Islamic accounts upon request (with a small administration fee after a specified holding period, rather than interest).
Pros
- Very tight spreads (from 0.0 pips on Razor) and low trading costs
- No minimum deposit and easy account opening process
- Supports Islamic accounts
- Offers AED as a base currency account
Cons
- CFD-only broker: you trade derivatives, not underlying assets
- Limited product range outside Forex
- Research and analysis tools are decent but not as extensive as those of some larger brokers
For more insights on Pepperstone, you can watch our full review.
IG
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: No
- Forex Fees: $0, but spreads starting 0.6 pips apply
IG is a UK-based broker established in 1974, often regarded as the world’s leading CFD provider. IG serves UAE clients via its DFSA-regulated entity and is renowned for its comprehensive trading offerings. You can access 80+ currency pairs with competitive spreads, alongside a vast array of other markets such as equities, commodities, indices, crypto, and options.
IG’s proprietary web trading platform is user-friendly and powerful. It features interactive charts, a customizable layout, and an integrated news feed and economic calendar. For those who prefer MetaTrader, IG also supports MT4.
IG stands out for its strong educational resources and market research. If you are a beginner, you’ll appreciate IG Academy’s tutorials and webinars, while experienced traders benefit from daily analyses, trading alerts, and advanced charting tools (ProRealTime charts and Autochartist plug-ins are available).
Funding is flexible, with options like bank transfer and cards. While bank transfers have no minimum requirements, card deposits require $50 initial funding. IG does not charge withdrawal fees, and there’s no inactivity fee until 24 months of no activity.
Pros
- Extensive range of markets: 80+ Forex pairs and thousands of CFDs on stocks, indices, and other instruments.
- Intuitive, fast trading platform, with advanced charting and analysis tools
- Top-notch education and research: IG Academy, daily market insights, trading alerts for clients
Cons
- No Islamic account option
- Inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 years of no trading (though this is a long period)
- The extensive number of products can be overwhelming for new traders
CMC Markets
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: No
- Forex Fees: $0, but spreads starting at 0.6 pips apply, or 0.0 pips subject to commission
CMC Markets is a London-based broker, founded in 1989, known for its tight spreads and powerful proprietary platforms. CMC Markets Middle East Ltd is regulated by the DFSA in Dubai, with a regional office since 2019.
One of CMC’s biggest strengths is the breadth of currency pairs it offers, covering over 330 currency pairs, which is more than any of its competitors. This extensive range, along with 12,000+ other instruments (indices, commodities, shares, treasuries, crypto), positions CMC as one of the best multi-asset brokers.
Spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD can start around 0.6 pips without charging any additional commissions on standard accounts (costs are built into the spreads). High-volume traders can also qualify for an “active trader” rebate program that further reduces costs. Leverage for retail clients in the UAE is capped at 1:30, but professional clients may access higher ratios..
CMC’s flagship Next Generation trading platform is a web-based platform revered for its extensive features: 80+ technical indicators, customizable layouts, price projection tools, and an advanced client sentiment tracker. Additionally, CMC supports MetaTrader 4 for those who prefer the MT4 environment.
However, most clients find the NextGen platform more robust, especially for CFD trading. Customer support is 24/5; however, local UAE-specific support might route through their global team.
Pros
- Huge range of Forex pairs: over 330 pairs
- Very low spreads (often <1 pip on major pairs) with no added commission
- No minimum deposit and easy account setup
Cons
- No swap-free account option
- NextGen platform is a bit overwhelming for beginners
- Primarily a CFD broker, meaning you don’t own underlying assets
ADSS
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: Yes
- Forex Fees: $0, but spreads starting 0.7 pips apply
Established in 2011, ADSS (formerly “ADS Securities”) is one of the few locally headquartered brokers and is authorised by the SCA to offer financial services in the UAE. ADSS is particularly attractive to UAE traders who value a local touch, it has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offers customer support in both English and Arabic, and allows funding in AED with local bank transfers.
The Classic account requires a $100 minimum deposit (relatively higher than other Forex brokers). They offer the MetaTrader 4 platform and their own proprietary web platform. In terms of instruments, ADSS gives you access to 60+ Forex pairs in addition to several global indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies through CFD trading.
The spreads at ADSS are competitive, starting at 0.7 pips under normal market conditions, without charging commissions on standard CFD trades.
ADSS provides Islamic accounts upon request, enabling swap-free trading for clients who wish to adhere to Sharia principles (typically, a flat administration fee is charged on positions held overnight instead of interest). This feature, along with Arabic language support and physical presence, makes ADSS an ideal option for UAE traders seeking a local Forex broker.
Pros
- Local UAE broker with AED account funding
- Competitive spreads starting 0.7 pips with no commissions on trades
- Arabic support and Islamic accounts
Cons
- Limited instruments compared to other global brokers (60+ Forex pairs)
- High minimum deposit of $100
- Premium account tiers require very high balances ($25k+), so the best trading conditions are reserved for large accounts
CFI (Credit Financier Invest)
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: Yes
- Forex Fees: $0, but spreads starting 0.7 pips apply
CFI is a Lebanese brokerage firm with a growing presence in the MENA region. They are regulated by both the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). CFI gives you access to 60+ currency pairs in addition to 3,500+ instruments covering stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
CFI stands out for its client-centric approach, especially in the Gulf region. The company runs regular Arabic and English webinars, supports swap-free Islamic accounts, and has local funding options in AED. Their CFI Academy and market research are well-suited to both beginners and advanced users, and customer support is available during UAE business hours with a local team.
They offer four trading platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and CFI Multi Asset trading platform, CFI has two account types. The standard account offers commission-free Forex trading with spreads starting at 0.6 pips. Another alternative for more active traders is the zero-spread account with a commission model.
CFI run regular Arabic and English webinars, support swap-free Islamic accounts, and have local funding options in AED. Their CFI Academy and market research are well-suited to both beginners and advanced users, and customer support is available during UAE business hours with a local team.
One minor limitation is that most trading is CFD-based, meaning no direct ownership of stocks or ETFs. Additionally, CFI doesn’t currently offer interest on uninvested cash balances.
Pros
- Dual-regulated in UAE (DFSA and SCA) with strong regional presence and Arabic support
- AED deposits and swap-free Islamic accounts tailored to local preferences
- Strong education platform and research tools
Cons
- Limited Forex offering (60+ currency pairs)
- No interest on idle cash or advanced portfolio tools
How to choose a Forex broker in the UAE
Choosing the right Forex broker in the UAE goes beyond just spreads and platforms. Here are some of the key factors to consider when comparing brokers:
- Regulation: Always verify that the broker is regulated by a recognized authority like the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) or the SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) in the UAE.
- Account Types & Minimum Deposit: Look for brokers that suit your budget. Some offer zero-minimum deposits, while others are geared toward professional traders.
- Islamic Accounts: Many UAE-based traders seek Sharia-compliant (swap-free) accounts. Check if the broker offers this option, and whether it comes with any restrictions or fees.
- Trading Platforms: Popular options include MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, proprietary apps, or browser-based platforms. Select one that aligns with your experience level and trading style.
- Customer Support: Ensure the broker offers local or Arabic-speaking support during and operating during your business hours.
- Deposit/Withdrawal Options: Look for brokers that accept AED funding and offer fee-free or fast withdrawal methods.
Tip: Don’t rely on flashy ads. Always check the broker’s license on the DFSA or SCA website for authenticity.
Forex regulation in the UAE
Regulation is a crucial factor when choosing a broker. It ensures that the company meets strict standards for financial stability, fair conduct, and client fund protection. In the United Arab Emirates, there are multiple regulatory bodies overseeing Forex and CFD trading:
- SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority): The SCA is the UAE’s onshore financial regulator for non-banking financial activities, including overseeing brokers that operate in the mainland UAE. Brokers licensed by the SCA (such as ADSS or CFI) can offer services to residents across the UAE under local law.
- DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority): The DFSA is the independent regulator for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a financial free zone in Dubai. Many international Forex brokers have set up subsidiaries in the DIFC due to its robust regulatory framework. Brokers like Pepperstone, IG, and CMC are regulated by the DFSA. The DFSA’s rules for retail Forex trading are aligned with global best practices.
- ADGM FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market): ADGM is a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi, and its FSRA is the regulatory authority similar to the DFSA.
Finally, it’s worth noting that client fund protection schemes in the UAE free zones differ from those in Europe. For instance, DFSA and ADGM do not currently offer a statutory investor compensation fund (unlike the UK’s FSCS or EU’s €20,000 scheme). Thus, even with regulation, never deposit more than you can afford to lose in trading accounts, and periodically withdraw profits.
Want to know more? Check our article covering investor safety & regulation in the UAE.
What are the Forex market opening hours?
The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Its operating hours are based on the opening and closing times of major global financial centers, allowing trading to occur continuously from Sunday evening to Friday evening. The market is divided into four main sessions, each associated with a major region. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The most active trading hours are during the London/New York overlap (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM UAE time), offering higher liquidity and tighter spreads.
The bottom line
It can be difficult and time-consuming to identify the best Forex brokers in the UAE. It all depends on your investor profile, your goals, and your experience.
Based on our research, Pepperstone is ideal if you want to trade on MT4 or MT5 with very tight spreads and fast execution. IG offers the best overall experience, with a strong platform, lots of markets, and great learning tools. CMC Markets is perfect for Forex traders, with over 300 currency pairs and powerful charting features. IBKR gives you access to 100+ FX pairs and a very advanced platform for professional traders. ADSS is a local UAE broker with AED funding, high leverage, and no commission. CFI combines strong local support with access to many global markets, making it a solid option.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a regulated broker with reasonable commissions and a good user experience. Whenever possible, test with a demo account before risking real capital.
CFD Risk Warning: CFDs are high‑risk products and do not involve ownership of the underlying asset. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are complex instruments that allow you to speculate on the price movements of financial assets, without actually owning them. This means when you trade a CFD on a currency, stock, or commodity, you do not hold the asset itself; you're simply entering into an agreement to exchange the difference in price. A significant majority of retail investors trading CFDs incur losses. Industry data shows that between 60% and 80% of retail clients lose money when trading CFDs.
