The UAE has grown into a hotspot for investors, offering low taxes and tightly regulated markets that give your money real protection. Picking the right trading app gets you started, but many investors take it further by choosing a business setup in Dubai to access bigger financial opportunities.
This guide discusses the 10 best online trading platforms in UAE and how investors can choose the right platform for their needs.
Before you start using any trading platform, it’s important to know the difference between retail investing and professional trading. If you are buying and selling stocks for yourself, the apps below are all you need. But if you want to trade physical goods or provide investment services to others, you need a trade license in Dubai.
These are the most popular online trading platforms in the UAE:
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers is the best platform for trading in the UAE if you already have trading experience. You get regulation from trusted authorities like the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in Dubai, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which adds a solid layer of protection. You can trade in more than 150 markets worldwide while paying some of the lowest fees available. The platform does take time to learn, but you can start with the GlobalTrader app, which keeps things simple if you are newer. You also benefit from institutional-level security and no minimum account balance, so you can start at your own pace.
2. eToro
If you are just starting out, eToro is a solid option. You are protected by regulation from Abu Dhabi Global Market in Abu Dhabi and the FCA, which gives you confidence in the platform. The main reason to choose eToro is its CopyTrader feature, which lets you automatically copy the trades of experienced investors. The platform is fully licensed in the UAE through the ADGM, and the interface is simple and familiar, similar to a social media app. You also benefit from 0% commission when trading real stocks.
3. Sarwa
Sarwa is the best trading platform if you want a simple, set and forget way to invest. You get regulation from the DFSA in Dubai and ADGM, which keeps your money under local oversight. As a UAE-born platform, Sarwa acts as a robo-advisor that builds and manages a portfolio based on your risk profile, so you do not have to make daily decisions. If you want more control, you can also use Sarwa Trade for self-directed stock trading. This platform works well for long-term investors, with a low minimum deposit of just $5 and easy AED funding through local bank transfers.
4. Saxo Bank
Choose Saxo Bank as your trading platform if you value deep research and a premium trading experience. You are covered by regulation from the UAE SCA, the DFSA, and the Danish FSA, which gives the platform a bank-level sense of security. Saxo stands out for its reliable infrastructure and powerful analytical tools, making it a good choice if you want to make informed decisions. While it is more advanced, you can use the SaxoInvestor app to keep things simple. You also get access to multiple asset types, including stocks, bonds, and ETFs, all in one place.
5. XTB
XTB is a solid option as a Dubai online trading platform if strong support and education matter to you. You are regulated by the DFSA in Dubai, and the company has a real local presence in the DIFC. You trade on the xStation 5 platform, which is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. If you are learning, the Trading Academy stands out as one of the better resources for understanding technical analysis. You also get the benefit of no minimum deposit and access to local customer support in both Arabic and English, available 24 hours a day during the trading week.
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6. Baraka
If Sharia-compliant investing is important to you, Baraka is one of the top 10 trading platforms in the country. You are regulated by the DFSA in Dubai, and the app is built in the UAE with a clear focus on regional investors. The standout feature is the Sharia Filter, which helps you quickly identify halal stocks. The platform keeps things simple by focusing on US stocks and ETFs, all within a modern, mobile-first design that is easy to use. You also get educational content that speaks directly to the Middle East market, which makes learning more relevant and practical.
7. IG Markets
As an online trading platform, IG Markets is a good fit if you care about tight risk control and advanced trading tools. You are regulated by the DFSA in Dubai and the FCA, which adds strong global oversight. As one of the oldest and most trusted brokers, IG works well if you want to trade CFDs with competitive spreads. If you are newer, the guaranteed stop feature helps limit losses so you do not lose more than your initial stake on a trade. You also get a strong mobile app and access to a very wide market range, with more than 17,000 available assets.
8. AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a solid choice if local UAE regulation is your top priority. You are covered by the SCA in the UAE, ADGM, and the Central Bank of Ireland, which gives you a high level of oversight. The broker has a strong physical presence in Abu Dhabi and offers tools like AvaProtect, which lets you insure a trade against losses for a small fee. If you are getting started, the focus on MetaTrader 4 and 5 and access to dedicated account managers can make the experience easier.
9. Trading 212
Trading 212 is a great choice if you want to invest small amounts in big-name stocks without extra costs. You are protected by FCA regulation in the UK and CySEC in the EU, and the platform is accessible in the UAE. The app makes it easy to buy fractional shares, so you can own pieces of expensive stocks like Amazon or Tesla. If you are just starting, the AutoInvest feature lets you create “Pies,” which are bundles of stocks that rebalance automatically. You also get zero commissions and a smooth, intuitive mobile experience.
10. Emirates NBD Securities
Emirates NBD Securities is a smart choice if you want to trade local UAE stocks. You are regulated by the SCA, and the platform gives you safe, bank-backed access to companies like DEWA, Emaar, and Etisalat. If you already bank with Emirates NBD, moving money is instant, which makes the process simple. You also get direct access to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
What is the Best Trading Platform in the UAE?
The perfect trading platform in the UAE depends on your level of trading experience and what you value in an investing platform. It’s a good idea to speak to a professional trader or people you know who invest before you make a decision.
Once you gain confidence in trading, you might want to expand your activities into a full business. A general trading license in Dubai gives you the freedom to trade across multiple industries, all under one company. This setup lets you scale your operations and fully leverage the UAE’s extensive import-export infrastructure. When you choose a broker in the UAE, you should make sure it is listed on the DFSA, ADGM, or SCA public registers. This ensures that your money is protected under local law. You should also watch out for brokers that charge high currency conversion fees when you move money from AED to USD. Using a platform that offers local AED funding can help you save money. If you want to trade in a Sharia-compliant way, you can choose brokers like AvaTrade and eToro that offer Swap-Free Islamic accounts.
| Platform | Best for |
| Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | Experienced traders |
| eToro | Copying experienced investors/beginners |
| Sarwa | Set & forget/Robo-advising |
| Saxo Bank | Research and premium service |
| XTB | Customer support and education |
| Baraka | Sharia-compliant investing |
| IG Markets | Advanced risk management |
| AvaTrade | Local UAE regulation/high security |
| Trading 212 | Low-cost fractional shares |
| Emirates NBD Securities | Local DFM & ADX trading |
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