With the number of DFSA‑authorised firms exceeding 900 in the Dubai International Financial Centre, driven by 135 new licenses in 2024, and the ADGM ecosystem now hosting 275 financial institutions (including 79 new licenses in 2024), selecting the right trading platform for your needs can be overwhelming.
Key factors, such as security, fees, and ease of use, play a significant role in your decision. Selecting a broker isn’t just about convenience, it’s a critical choice that can significantly influence your long-term investment performance and overall experience.
Always keep in mind that security should take priority over low costs. You need a platform you can trust and depend on for the next 10 or even 20 years.
In this article, we review what we believe are the top brokers available in Dubai, the UAE, outlining their advantages, drawbacks, and the types of investors they are best suited for. Our goal is to help you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your financial objectives.
The best brokers in the UAE
- Interactive Brokers: The most complete broker in the UAE. It may be complex for beginners.
- eToro: Best for crypto and social trading.
- Sarwa: Best broker for beginners.
- XTB: Best for commission-free investing in stocks and ETFs.
- Freedom24: Best broker for yield-enhancement strategies and to earn free shares.
- Trading 212: Best for earning interest on uninvested cash. New users get a free share with the promo code “IITW”.
For higher amounts, Interactive Brokers is a solid solution. It is the broker with the highest assets under management and the oldest.
If you are a beginner or want to invest with low commissions, any of the other options are valid.
As of July 29, 2025.
In addition to transaction fees, you may also encounter other costs, such as currency conversion fees.
Review of each broker
Interactive Brokers
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.002% (minimum $2)
- Regulators: DFSA
- Demo account: Yes
- Deposit method: Local AED wire via UAE banks (e.g., ENBD, HSBC) using SWIFT to IBKR UK AED account;
- Withdrawal method: Bank wire transfers only (no card or e-wallet); typically processed in 1–2 business days; first withdrawal per month to UAE bank free
Founded in 1978 and listed on NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR), Interactive Brokers is one of the most renowned and innovative brokers globally. It is considered the "Ferrari" of investment platforms.
Interactive Brokers offers one of the most competitive fee structures on the market, making it an excellent choice for investors in the UAE. For US stocks, commissions start at $0.005 per share, with a minimum of $0.35 per transaction, while for ETFs, costs are 0.05% of the order value (min. $1.25, max. $29).
Interactive Brokers UAE, under the subsidiary “Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (DIFC Branch)”, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), ensuring strong regulatory oversight.
Although the main platform (TWS WorkStation) is advanced and suitable for professional investors, there is also the "Web Portal" version and the "IBKR GlobalTrader" app, which are more suitable for beginners.
Note: Interactive Brokers offers two commission plans: "Tiered" and "Fixed". The commissions mentioned here refer to the "Tiered" plan, which, based on our experience, is the most cost-effective option.
Pros
- Low commissions for U.S. stocks
- Widest range of products and markets
- Demo account available
- Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
- Comprehensive research and educational tools
- Modern app for beginners (IBKR GlobalTrader)
- Pays interest on uninvested cash balances
Cons
- Complicated and time-consuming account opening
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Website navigation can be difficult
eToro
- Minimum deposit: $100
- Currency conversion fee (deposits/withdrawals): 850 pips (8.5%)
- Regulators: FSRA
- Demo account: Yes
- Deposit method: Via AED bank transfer to ADGM-based AED account; credit/debit cards; eToro Money wallet for instant zero-fee AED <> USD transfers.
- Withdrawal method: Withdraw via eToro Money wallet (instant, zero-fee), debit card refunds (within ~4 business days), or bank transfer (wire) taking ~2 business days.
Founded in 2007, eToro is one of the most popular brokers in the UAE. It has over 35 million users who can trade more than 3,000 financial assets, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, Forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies. ETFs are traded commission-free, as a whole, or fractional shares (other fees apply). US, EU and UK stocks have a commission of $1 per trade.
As part of its marketing strategy in the UAE, eToro promotes its trading app by offering a free stock or cryptocurrency (your choice) worth $50 upon signing up and making a minimum deposit of $200.
In partnership with ADX (Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange), eToro has begun offering access to local UAE-listed securities via its UAE licence, expanding options for domestic market participation.
eToro’s investment platform, accessible through both web and mobile platforms, is a social trading hub. Here, investors can engage in discussions about investments, speculations, and market news with fellow investors. eToro also allows users to replicate trading strategies (CopyTrader™) and invest in ready-made investment portfolios (Smart Portfolios) based on thematic investment strategies.
The demo account is particularly useful for a beginner ($100,000 of virtual money). It provides you with real hands-on experience, as you will be using real money. So, when switching to a real account, you will notice no difference between your training and real-life investing. On the downside, a withdrawal fee of $5 applies, and if you do not log in to your account for over a year, a monthly inactivity fee of $10 will be charged.
In the UAE, it operates through eToro (ME) Limited, which is fully licensed and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
For more details, visit our eToro review.
Pros
- Low stock trading fees, starting from $1 per trade on real stocks
- Access to UAE-listed shares via ADX and global markets in one platform;
- Commission-free ETFs (note: other fees like spreads or conversion may apply)
- Social trading features like CopyTrader™ and Smart Portfolios
- Wide variety of financial products including global stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, commodities, and indices
- Intuitive, user-friendly platform, ideal for beginners and intermediate investors
- Regulated by FSRA in the UAE, with strong compliance standards
- Local presence via eToro (ME) Limited in Abu Dhabi
Cons
- Withdrawal and inactivity fees apply even to UAE users
- Currency conversion fees can be costly for AED deposits (accounts are USD-denominated)
- No access to bonds, futures, or options
- Spreads and overnight fees may be higher than the industry average
Sarwa
- Minimum deposit: $1 (Sarwa Trade)
- Currency conversion fee: None (for USD accounts)
- Regulators: DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)
- Demo account: No
- Deposit methods: AED bank transfers from UAE banks (free) via local bank
- Withdrawal methods: Withdrawals via local bank transfer with zero fees to UAE accounts
Founded in 2017, Sarwa is a UAE-based investment platform ideal for beginners. It focuses on stocks, ETFs, options and automated portfolios but also offers crypto for digital assets.
Sarwa is offering an AED 500 (~$136) bonus by opening an account, using the promo code “RLLAA29D”, and depositing at least AED 500.
Sarwa offers a brokerage service through Sarwa Trade (US stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto) and a robo-advisor service through Sarwa Invest (automated investment in pre-built portfolios). You can also access Sarwa Save to earn interest on uninvested cash (up to 4.4% in USD).
The fees for stocks and ETFs are the greatest, at $1 per trade or 0.25% of the traded amount, while US options are $4 per contract. For automated investment, there is a 0.5% to 0.85% annual fee (a minimum of $7 will be charged every month).
Additionally, it offers zero transfer fees for local UAE accounts, and there is no account opening fee, custody fee, withdrawal fee, account closing fee, or inactivity fee.
Sarwa, formerly known as “Sarwa Digital Wealth (Capital) Limited”, is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (“ADGM”).
Pros
- Access to human financial advisor
- Low fees
- Slick and easy to use app
- Sarwa Invest (Robo-advisor) is a good option for beginners
- Sarwa Save is a good alternative to earn interest on cash
Cons
- Newcomer in the industry: short track record
- Limited asset offering: no bonds or stocks listed outside the USA
- US options are quite expensive ($4 per contract)
XTB
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.50%
- Regulators: DFSA & SCA
- Demo account: No
- Deposit methods: Local AED bank wire transfer (SWIFT) to DIFC/SCA accounts; supports AED deposits via UAE banks.
- Withdrawal methods: Withdrawals via bank wire only; processed under DFSA/SCA rules; turnaround ~1–2 business days
Founded in 2002, XTB is one of the leading brokers in the UAE. It allows investing through its xStation 5 platform in stocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
You can invest through xStation 5 and xStation Mobile in different investment products, such as stocks, ETFs, and CFDs on stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. For UAE investors, XTB offers 0% commission on stocks and ETFs for trading volumes up to $100,000/month. Above this amount, a 0.20% commission applies.
Opening an account and transferring money is a quick and hassle-free process. For beginners, it offers a demo account that allows you to trade as if it were real money, helping you experience the investment platform firsthand. Additionally, you gain access to educational tools. For intermediate and advanced investors, you will find plenty of technical and fundamental tools to help you better assess your investment decisions.
On the downside, you will face an inactivity fee of €10/month after one year of non-trading, and if you have not deposited in the last 90 days, it charges high commissions on CFDs of cryptocurrencies but low costs for Forex.
XTB, formerly “XTB MENA Limited”, holds a DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) license (No. F006316), authorizing it to provide investment services, including dealing and arranging deals in investments for retail clients within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) .
In early 2025, XTB also secured a Category 5 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), expanding its operational reach beyond the DIFC to serve retail and institutional clients across all Emirates.
Pros
- 0% transaction fees on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000 in monthly trading volume
- Fractional shares (stocks and ETFs)
- Demo account
- Payment card (eWallet)
- Customizable investment platforms
- Low minimum investment in stocks and ETFs (starting from $15)
- Educational materials
- Interest on uninvested cash
- Automatic investment through investment plans
Cons
- The platform may be unintuitive for beginners
- Limited focus on fundamental analysis
- The company still relies on CFDs, which are riskier derivative instruments - this may be a downside for long-term "buy and hold" investors
- Relatively high currency conversion fee (0.5%)
- Absence of products such as bonds and options
Freedom24
- Minimum deposit: $0
- Currency conversion fee: 0.50%
- Regulators: CySEC, SEC (via Freedom Finance)
- Demo account: No
- Deposit methods: EUR/USD wire transfer from UAE banks (SWIFT); no local AED support
- Withdrawal methods: Withdrawals via international bank wire to client’s named bank account (€7 fee per withdrawal)
Freedom24, part of Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), has emerged as a standout brokerage platform for UAE retail investors by providing access to a diverse range of global financial products, including stocks, bonds, futures, options and a strong focus on ETF investing.
Providing access to more than 3,600 ETFs, Freedom24 offers not only the most popular ETFs from global issuers like Vanguard, iShares, and Invesco, but also a range of investment strategies, including dividend-focused and short-term bond ETFs, as well as niche and high-yield options such as covered call and swap-based ETFs. If a specific ETF isn’t listed, clients can request its addition directly (a unique level of flexibility rarely seen in European brokerage platforms).
The platform’s web and mobile interfaces are intuitive and straightforward, complemented by Freedom24’s award-winning analyst team (“Investideas”) and educational resources (“Freedom Academy”) to support investment decisions.
Furthermore, it offers a signup promotion of up to 20 free stocks (valued up to $800 each).
With no minimum deposit, ETF and stock trades commissions start from $1.2 per order, with no hidden commissions or inactivity fees. Investors can choose from pricing models like “Smart in EUR” for casual traders or “All inclusive in EUR” for those seeking premium service and direct contact with their account manager. On the downside, it charges a € 7 withdrawal fee and does not offer any cryptocurrencies.
Freedom Finance Europe Ltd is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). In the unlikely event that the segregated assets cannot be returned to clients, Freedom24 falls under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which compensates for any losses from non-returned investments up to €20,000.
Pros
- Low commissions on stock and ETF trading
- No minimum deposit for general trading
- Demo trading
- Slick, modern, and easy for anyone to use
- No custody fee
Cons
- €7 per withdrawal
- No cryptocurrencies
Trading 212
- Minimum deposit: $10
- Currency conversion fee: 0.15%
- Regulators: FCA
- Demo account: Yes
- Deposit methods: Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard), bank transfers (SWIFT), AED deposit converted to GBP/USD.
- Withdrawal methods: Withdrawals to same funding method: card refund (~2–4 business days) or bank transfer (SWIFT) free of charge.
Founded in 2006 and with over 4.5 million funded accounts, Trading 212 is a fintech based in London that aims to democratize the entire investment process through a simple mobile application by allowing anyone to invest in more than 10,000 stocks and ETFs, plus CFDs on several assets. It offers a free share worth up to €100!
In Trading 212, you will find commission-free stocks and ETFs trading, fractional shares, and an automatic investment system. On the downside, it reveals some limitations regarding the available products, such as the lack of bonds and options.
The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts are both $10. There are no deposit fees if you use a bank transfer (other options include cards and Google/Apple Pay). For withdrawals, there is no fee, regardless of the method used.
Trading 212 offers its services to UAE residents through its subsidiary “Trading 212 UK Limited”, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Besides, the UAE investors are also under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which compensates investors up to £85,000 (or equivalent in AED) if something goes wrong with Trading 212.
To learn more about the platform, check out our Trading 212 review.
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs trading (other fees may apply. See terms and fees)
- AutoInvest & Pies feature
- Fast and easy account opening process
- Demo account
- Top tier regulators
- Free fractional shares worth up to €100
- High interest on uninvested cash (USD, EUR,...)
Cons
- Limited product portfolio (no Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds or Futures)
- No relevant Fundamental tools
- 0.15% of Foreign exchange fees
Criteria used in choosing the brokers
The summary of the broker selection in the list above was based on criteria that, in our view, meet the needs of most investors reading this article.
With that in mind, here are the factors considered:
1. Security and asset protection (including uninvested cash)
When it comes to investing in the UAE, security should be your top priority. The brokers we selected are either regulated in the UAE by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or by reputable international regulators such as CySEC (Cyprus) or FCA (UK).
These regulatory bodies impose strict compliance rules to protect investors and ensure that brokers operate transparently.
Fund protection mechanisms
- Segregated accounts: Your assets and uninvested cash are held in separate accounts from the broker's operational funds. This means that even if the broker faces financial difficulties, your money remains safe.
- Deposit Insurance (Where Applicable): Some brokers regulated in the EU offer protection under investor compensation schemes (e.g., up to €20,000 under the Cyprus Investor Compensation Fund) if you are registered under their European entity.
- UAE regulatory framework: For brokers licensed locally (e.g., by the SCA or DFSA in the Dubai International Financial Centre), strict requirements exist for capital adequacy, internal controls, and client money safeguarding..
Why this matters for UAE investors
While the UAE market is well-regulated, many international brokers serving UAE clients rely on EU or UK regulation to provide additional investor protections. By combining strong local oversight with international safeguards, you reduce the risk of fraud, insolvency issues, or mismanagement of funds.
2. Costs and fees
Costs can significantly impact any investor's returns. We evaluated trading fees (spreads, commissions per trade), inactivity fees, currency exchange fees, and any other associated charges. Priority was given to brokers with competitive costs or even commission-free structures for certain products, such as stocks and ETFs.
3. Variety of available products
The diversity of assets available is essential to cater to different investor profiles. We considered platforms that offer a broad range of products, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and even more specific products like derivatives and cryptocurrencies.
4. Ease of use
User experience is crucial, especially for beginners. We evaluated the platform's usability, from account registration and deposit process to trade execution and advanced features for experienced investors. Simple and intuitive interfaces were considered a positive factor.
5. Quality of customer support
Customer support can make a difference in critical situations. We analyzed availability, speed, and effectiveness in resolving issues, as well as the available communication channels (chat, email, phone).
Investor compensation scheme
Brokers with branches in the UAE do not offer an Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS). The UAE operates under a different regulatory philosophy. In other words, the regulators focus on prudential regulation by preventing broker insolvency rather than providing post-failure compensation.
Still, we believe that an ICS would give an extra layer of confidence to the UAE market since it would become a last resource measure to protect its investors.
For more information, please consult our article on Regulatory authorities and investor protection schemes in the UAE.
In the table below, we highlight the regulators that apply to each broker branch in the UAE and the coverage limits (if applicable):
Major stock exchanges in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is home to three key stock exchanges that form the backbone of its capital markets: the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and Nasdaq Dubai.
Each exchange plays a distinct role in the UAE’s dynamic financial landscape, offering diverse instruments for both local and international investors. Most UAE-regulated brokers provide access to at least one, if not all, of these exchanges.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
Established in 2000 and rebranded in 2008, ADX is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and serves as one of the region’s most important trading venues. ADX offers a wide range of financial instruments, including:
- Cash equities (main and growth markets)
- ETFs
- Derivatives
- (Planned) foreign equities
The exchange places a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and transparency, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision.
- Listings: +150 securities
- Key Index: FTSE ADX General Index
Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
Launched in March 2000, the DFM operates as a public joint-stock company, 80% owned by Borse Dubai and 20% by public shareholders. Also regulated by the SCA, it is a popular choice for both retail and institutional investors.
DFM specializes in Sharia-compliant instruments and offers trading in:
- Equities
- Sukuk (Islamic bonds)
- ETFs
- REITs
DFM plays a vital role in attracting IPOs, especially in real estate, tourism, and financial sectors.
- Listings: +65 companies and +130 securities
- Key Index: DFM General Index (DFMGI)
Nasdaq Dubai
Founded in 2005 as the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) and rebranded in 2008, Nasdaq Dubai is the UAE’s gateway to global capital markets. It is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and operates within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The exchange focuses on international listings and cross-border financial products, offering:
- Global equities
- Sukuk
- Conventional bonds
- Equity derivatives
- Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs)
Nasdaq Dubai is fully electronic, designed to attract both institutional and international investors.
- Listings: 7 equities, 2 ETPs, 105 sukuk, +40 conventional bonds
- Key Index: FTSE Nasdaq Dubai UAE 20
Which broker to choose?
With so many options available in the UAE, the "best" broker depends largely on your investment profile, preferred products, and experience level. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but you can narrow down your choice by matching the broker's strengths with your needs.
1. For long-term investors with larger portfolios
If your focus is on low-cost investing, diversification across global markets, and robust research tools, Interactive Brokers is the most complete solution.
Why? It offers the lowest trading fees for U.S. stocks and ETFs, pays interest on uninvested cash, and has one of the most advanced trading platforms available.
2. For beginners and low-cost investors
If you are starting out or prefer simplicity, Sarwa or Trading 212 are excellent options.
- Sarwa is ideal if you want a local platform, automated portfolios (via Sarwa Invest), and a smooth learning curve.
- Trading 212 is perfect if you prefer commission-free stock and ETF trading, fractional shares, and a user-friendly app with a demo account.
3. For social and crypto traders
If you want a community-driven platform with access to cryptocurrencies, eToro stands out.
Why? Its CopyTrader™ feature allows you to replicate the trades of successful investors, while also offering direct access to UAE-listed stocks via ADX.
4. For frequent stock and ETF traders
If you trade regularly and want 0% commission for high-volume trading, XTB is worth considering.
Why? It offers free trading on stocks and ETFs up to $100,000/month, along with an advanced platform (xStation 5) and demo account for practice.
5. For income and ETF-focused investors
If your strategy is to earn passive income or focus on ETFs, Freedom24 is a unique choice.
Why? It offers a wide range of high-yield ETFs, bonds, and promotional free shares, along with research-driven recommendations.
Please do your own research. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
