Compare brokers in the UAE
Pick up to 3 brokers and see what each one costs in dirhams to buy US and UAE stocks, trade forex and keep your portfolio, next to its licence and products.
How to compare brokers in the UAE
How does this broker comparator work?
Pick up to 3 brokers. The first section shows what each one costs you in dirhams for the amounts you type in: a US stock order, a UAE stock order, one lot of forex and a year of holding your portfolio. Below it you find every fee, the interest on cash, the licence and the products, with links to the official pages we checked.
How are the costs calculated?
For US stocks we add the broker's commission and its fee to convert your dirhams to dollars. For UAE stocks we use the all in cost of one order on ADX or DFM, with exchange, clearing and CMA fees plus 5% VAT, when the broker publishes it. Forex is one standard lot of EUR/USD opened and closed on the broker's cheapest account. The portfolio cost adds up custody, account and platform fees for a year.
What does "UAE licence" mean?
The company that opens your account is licensed in the UAE: by the CMA onshore, the DFSA in the DIFC, the FSRA in ADGM or VARA for crypto in Dubai. Many brokers have a Dubai office but open accounts for UAE residents through a company in the Bahamas, Seychelles or another offshore centre. Check the row "Company that opens your account" before you sign up, and our warning list for firms with no licence at all.
Is my money protected if a broker goes bust?
The UAE has no investor compensation scheme like the UK FSCS or the US SIPC. Your protection depends on where your account is held: shares kept by a US broker are usually covered by SIPC up to $500,000. Licensed brokers must also keep client money apart from their own, one more reason to check the licence.
Real shares or CFDs: what is the difference?
With real shares you own the stock or ETF, receive the dividends and can hold it for years. A CFD is a contract with the broker that follows the price: it is usually leveraged, pays overnight financing and most retail accounts lose money with it. For long term investing, choose a broker with real shares.
Do I pay tax on my investments in the UAE?
The UAE does not tax individuals on capital gains or dividends. US shares are the exception: their dividends lose 30% to US withholding tax, as there is no US tax treaty with the UAE, and holdings above $60,000 can fall under US estate tax. The comparison does not include taxes.
Why do some values say "To be confirmed"?
We check every value on the broker's own website, fee schedule or regulator register. When a page could not be read or did not show the value, we tag it "To be confirmed". Fees change often, so confirm them with the broker before you open an account.
Final note
This comparison is for information only and does not replace financial advice. For our picks, see the best stock brokers in the UAE, the best forex brokers and the best trading apps, or read our broker reviews.