7 best stock brokers in the UAE: Fees, features, and top picks (global + local)

_{Disclaimer: Stock investing involves risks, and past performance isn’t indicative of future results. Always ensure you use regulated brokers and understand the fees and risks before trading.}

The UAE stock market is growing fast. According to Statista, in the UAE, the market capitalization in the Stock market is projected to reach USD 1.02 trillion this year.

With increasing foreign investor interest, more IPOs, and better regulatory clarity, both expats and locals are demanding access to global stocks alongside strong UAE-listed equities.

This guide presents the 7 best stock brokers in the UAE, both global and local brokers, comparing exactly what matters: fees, market access, features, and who each broker is best suited for. 

Best stock brokers in the UAE: A quick overview

• Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Best overall stock broker with ultra-low fees and access to a vast number of financial instruments (stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, futures, CFDs, crypto).
• eToro: Best for beginners and social trading, with ADGM regulation and access to UAE stocks via ADX.
• Sarwa: Best UAE-based broker for beginners with low fees and automated investing options.
• XTB: Best for active traders who want 0% commission on global stocks and ETFs.
• Trading 212: Best for commission-free investing in stocks and ETFs with fractional shares and interest for uninvested cash.
• ADCB Securities: Best for UAE residents who want direct access to ADX and DFM with local bank integration.
• Emirates NBD Securities: Best for investors looking for a trusted local bank-backed broker with UAE market access.

_{⚠️ Be aware of brokers operating without a license in the UAE. Check our Broker Warning List.}

Here’s a quick fee and commissions comparison for all the brokers above:

^{As of September 2025}

Quick Note on Key Charges

• Currency Conversion Fee (FX conversion): This is the percentage or fixed fee you pay when trading in a currency different from your account’s base currency. It applies each time you buy or sell stocks listed in foreign currencies.
• Custody Fee: A quarterly or annual charge that some brokers impose for holding your securities in their account. 

Our evaluation criteria to choose the best stock brokers

When shortlisting these stock brokers for UAE investors, we considered three critical factors that impact investment experience and returns.

1. Regulatory status and legal entity

We selected brokers with a UAE license or those that have a local office. A regulated entity ensures compliance with UAE investor protections by offering features like segregated client funds and access to dispute resolution. 

2. Market access (global and local)

The best broker for you depends on where you want to invest. Some platforms excel at providing access to U.S. markets with thousands of stocks and ETFs. Others focus on European or Asian markets. Local brokers give you direct access to Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) - listed securities. 

3. Fees and commissions

Fees and commissions significantly impact your returns over time, so we compared trading costs in detail. This includes stock trading commissions, currency conversion fees, deposit/withdrawal fees, and any platform or custody fees. 

For global brokers, many now advertise $0 commissions on stocks, but be mindful of other charges like currency conversions and custody fees.

With these criteria in mind, let’s compare the top brokers and then dive into detailed reviews of each.

Top global stock brokers in the UAE

1. Interactive Brokers

• Minimum deposit: None for standard accounts
• Stock trading fees: From $0.0035 per share (min $0.35 per order)
• Currency conversion fee: 0.20 bps (min $2)
• Regulators: DFSA
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Bank transfer
• Access to local markets: ADX, DFM, Nasdaq Dubai

Interactive Brokers stands as the gold standard for professional and active traders globally. Operating since 1978 and publicly traded on NASDAQ, the platform serves UAE clients through its DFSA-regulated Dubai branch. 

Also read: Interactive Brokers review

Features

• Trade stocks from over 150 markets across 33 countries; the widest equity coverage among any broker on the list.
• Use the powerful Trader Workstation (TWS) for sophisticated analysis and algorithmic trading, or the simpler IBKR GlobalTrader app for on-the-go investing.  
• Offers some of the lowest margin lending rates globally. The broker also pays interest on idle cash above $10k.

Fees and commissions 

For U.S. stocks, commissions start from $0.0035 per share with a minimum of $0.35 per order. Interactive Broker also changes the FX conversion fee of 0.20 basic points with a $2 minimum applied.

Here’s what fixed and tiered pricing mean:

Fixed Pricing: You pay a flat commission per share or per order that does not change with trading volume. Most exchange and clearing fees are already included, with only regulatory fees added on top.

Tiered Pricing: Your commission per share decreases as your monthly trading volume increases, making it cheaper for active traders. However, third-party fees like exchange, clearing, and pass-through charges are added separately to the base commission.

Pros

• Offers some of the lowest commissions in the industry
• Pays competitive interest rates on uninvested cash balances
• Has professional-grade research and analysis tools 

Cons

• The flagship Trader Workstation platform can be complex and overwhelming for beginners
• The account opening process is lengthy

2. eToro

• Minimum deposit: $100 (~AED 367)
• Stock trading fees: $2 per trade (AU, HK, Dubai, ADX); $1 elsewhere
• Currency conversion fee: ~8.5% AED to USD
• Other fees: $5 withdrawal, $10 inactivity
• Regulators: ADGM 
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Bank transfer, debit/credit card, e-wallets‍
• Access to local markets: ADX

eToro revolutionized online investing with its social trading features and remains a popular choice among UAE investors. The platform operates locally through eToro (ME) Limited, fully licensed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

Also read: eToro review

Features

• See what top investors are doing and copy their portfolios in real time with CopyTrader. 
• Trade thousands of global stocks in one intuitive app. Smart Portfolios let you invest in ready-made bundles like tech or renewable energy themes.
• Direct access to UAE stocks through the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange partnership gives you the ability to invest in local companies alongside global markets, all within the same account.

Fees and commissions

eToro charges a flat $2 commission per stock trade for the Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi exchanges and $1 for all other exchanges, regardless of order size. 

The major cost consideration is the currency conversion fee of approximately 8.5% when depositing AED and converting to USD. 

Withdrawals incur a flat $5 fee. An inactivity fee of $10 monthly applies after 12 months without logging in.

Pros 

• User-friendly and highly intuitive platform, ideal for beginners
• Unique social trading features for learning from others
• eToro offers a free $100,000 virtual portfolio mode to practice trading

Cons

• The 8.5% fee on AED deposits/withdrawals is a significant drawback
• While $5 per withdrawal isn’t huge, it’s an extra cost that most competitors don’t charge

3. Sarwa

• Minimum deposit: None
• Stock trading fees: $1 or 0.25% (greater) per transaction
• Other fees: Sarwa Invest, $7 per month or 0.4-0.85% annual fee (greater)
• Regulators: ADGM
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Local AED bank transfer
• Access to local markets: ADX, DFM

Sarwa is a homegrown UAE investment platform launched in 2018, primarily known for its robo-advisory service. In recent years, Sarwa expanded to offer Sarwa Trade, a zero-commission stock trading platform for DIY investors.

Features

• Offers an automated investing service. You answer a questionnaire, and Sarwa constructs a globally diversified portfolio of stocks for you according to your risk level.
• The Sarwa Trade platform allows you to buy and sell U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options through a simple mobile app.
• As a UAE company, Sarwa allows you to easily fund your account via local bank transfer in AED.

Fees and commissions

Sarwa Trade charges $1 or 0.25% (whichever is greater) of the traded value per transaction.   If you want to use Sarwa Invest, it charges $7 per month or 0.4% to 0.85% annual fee (whichever is greater).

Pros 

• No inactivity, no custody, and no FX fee
• Sarwa offers one of the lowest fees on stock trading
• Features a slick, modern app that is easy for beginners to use

Cons

• Sarwa Trade currently only offers U.S. stocks
• The Sarwa app lacks some features, like advanced charting and conditional order types

4. XTB

• Minimum deposit: None
• Stock trading fees: 0% up to €100k/month; 0.2% thereafter
• Currency conversion fee: 0.5%
• Other fees: €10 inactivity (after 1 year)
• Regulators: DFSA, SCA
• Access to local markets: No

XTB is a European brokerage founded in 2002. In the UAE, XTB holds both a DFSA license in the DIFC and an SCA license for onshore clients.

Also read: XTB review

Features

• It's one of the most cost-effective platforms, as it has no commissions on trading stocks with a monthly volume of up to €100,000.
• Comes with a proprietary platform, xStation 5, available on web, desktop, and mobile, and known for its ease of use and speed.

Fees and commissions

As mentioned, XTB has 0% commissions on stock trading volumes of up to €100,000. A 0.2% commission applies to trades beyond this ‘generous’ limit. 

It also charges a 0.5% currency conversion fee when making deposits or executing trades in a currency different from the account’s base currency.

Pros 

• Fractional shares are available so that you can buy portions of expensive stocks
• No account opening or minimum deposit needed for stock trading

Cons

• Relatively high currency conversion fee (0.5%)
• A fee of €10 per month is charged if your account has no trading activity for over one year

5. Trading 212

• Minimum deposit: $1
• Stock trading fees: 0% commission on stocks & ETFs
• Currency conversion fee: 0.15%
• Regulators: FCA (UK)
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Card, bank transfer
• Access to local markets: No

Trading 212 is a fintech broker based in the UK/Bulgaria, famous for its zero-commission trading and user-friendly mobile app. 

Also read: Trading 212 review

Features

• Invest in high-priced stocks like Amazon or Google with as little as $1, allowing for easy portfolio diversification on any budget.
• Interest payments on uninvested cash up to 5.1% annually help your money work even when not invested in stocks.
• Trading 212’s app is simple enough for beginners, with an intuitive interface that lets you open a demo account. 

Fees and commissions

Trading 212 offers zero commission trading on stocks and ETFs across the U.S., UK, and European markets. They do have a small FX conversion fee of 0.15% on trades in a currency that’s different from your account’s base currency.

Pros

• Offers completely commission-free stock and ETF trading
• The ability to buy tiny fractions of shares and automate investing via pies/pie-sharing is a standout
• Regulated by the UK FCA, the client funds are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS for the UK entity.

Cons

• Doesn’t have a local office or local bank transfer options
• Has a limited product portfolio 

Top local stock brokers in the UAE

6. ADCB Securities

• Minimum deposit: None 
• Stock trading fees: 0.275% (DFM, Nasdaq Dubai); 0.15% (ADX) + AED 10/order
• Regulators: SCA
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Local AED bank transfer
• Access to local markets: ADX, DFM, Nasdaq Dubai

ADCB Securities is the brokerage subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), one of the UAE’s largest banks, and provides brokerage services for the UAE markets.

Features

• Gives you access to local markets that include Emaar, Emirates NBD, Aldar, ADNOC companies, etc., and even Nasdaq Dubai listings like DP World.
• If you have an ADCB bank account, funding your brokerage account is easy.
• Offers margin trading facilities to eligible clients that let ADCB finance part of your stock purchases against your portfolio.

Fees and commissions

Trading commissions at ADCB Securities are in line with UAE market standards. The total cost per trade is about 0.275% of the trade value for DFM and Nasdaq Dubai trades, and about 0.15% for ADX trades. It also has a flat fee of AED 10 per order. 

Pros

• No custody or monthly fee of any kind
• Offers excellent convenience for existing ADCB customers
• Provides a strong local presence with in-person and phone support

Cons

• Paying ~0.25% per trade is expensive compared to global stock trading costs
• ADCB Securities doesn’t offer direct trading in international stocks

7. Emirates NBD Securities

• Minimum deposit: None 
• Stock trading fees: ADX: 0.15% + VAT, DFM: AED 10.50, Nasdaq Dubai: $3.15, Tadawul: 0.136% + VAT
• Regulators: SCA
• Deposit/Withdrawal methods: Local AED bank transfer
• Access to local markets: ADX, DFM, Nasdaq Dubai, Tadawul 

Emirates NBD Securities is the brokerage division of Emirates NBD Bank, the largest bank in Dubai and one of the biggest in the Middle East. It provides trading services for UAE markets (DFM, ADX, Nasdaq Dubai).

Features

• Lets you trade all listed UAE stocks across the exchanges.
• Offers a web-based trading platform and a mobile app.
• Frequently runs promotions, like offering zero commissions on local equity trades made through the ENBD X app, to attract and benefit new investors.  

Fees and commissions

Like ADCB, Emirates NBD also changes different commission rates for different markets.

• ADX: 0.15% + VAT
• DFM: AED 10.50
• NASDAQ Dubai: USD 3.15
• The Saudi Stock Exchange: 0.136% + VAT

The Fees page of Emirates NBD has a commission calculator you can use to calculate the commissions.

Pros 

• If you bank with Emirates NBD, using ENBD Securities is convenient
• Comes with mobile trading functionality
• Frequently runs promotions

Cons

• Steep commissions
• Focuses only on the local market

Three other noteworthy stock brokers that you might want to consider:

• IG: DFSA-regulated global broker offering commission-free trading on U.S. stocks (up to 100 trades/month), but no direct access to UAE markets.
• Swissquote: Trusted Swiss bank broker with access to 60+ exchanges and multi-currency accounts, though it requires a $1,000 minimum deposit and charges higher custody fees.
• Saxo Bank: Danish investment bank with advanced trading platforms and tiered pricing, giving access to 50+ global exchanges but requiring a $5,000 deposit and no AED accounts.

Which stock broker in the UAE is the best for you?

Finding the best stock broker in the UAE depends on your investment style, goals, and preferred markets.

If you’re an experienced trader looking for low commissions and access to numerous exchanges, Interactive Brokers is hard to beat. For beginners who need simplicity and community features, eToro stands out. If you’re hell bent on using a homegrown stock broker to invest in the U.S. market, Sarwa is for you.

If you’re looking primarily to trade in UAE-listed equities with local bank integration, ADCB Securities and Emirates NBD Securities should be your top picks.

No matter which broker you choose, always confirm their regulatory status and take advantage of demo accounts to test platforms before investing real money.

Other relevant articles to read:

• Best crypto exchanges in the UAE
• Best brokers for options trading in the UAE
• How to invest money in the UAE

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