Page Summary
This guide helps users to find the best stock broker and apps in UAE. With the increasing number of reliable and scam online brokers, it can be hard to compare and choose the optimal platform for individual trading and investing goals.
Users who skip the research can select a platform or app with high fees, complex interface, low range of markets or limited trading features.
This guide assesses 133 stock brokers in UAE for users to compare and find the ideal platform for their needs. To help them make an informed decision, a list of online brokers with the best stock trading platforms in the UAE is shared below, followed by detailed reviews and comparisons.
Best Stock Brokers In UAE
The 5 best stock brokers in UAE are listed below:
- eToro– Best Beginners Stock Broker
- Interactive Brokers– Best Stock Trading Platform
- Tradestation– Best Active Traders Broker
- Saxo Bank– Best Professionals Broker
- Sarwa– Best Full-Service Broker
Top 5 Online Stock Brokers in UAE Compared
Key features of the highest rated stock brokers in UAE are compared in the table below.
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers | TradeStation | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. deposit UAE | $50 | $0 | $0 | $2000 | $0 |
| Nr. of real stocks | 1,250 | 87,000 | 15,000 | 22,000 | 3,000 |
| Nr. of stock CFDs | 2,550 | 7,700 | N/A Stock CFDs are not available | 7,700 | N/A |
| Research and fundamental analysis tools | Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis.. Market research, Daily news,In-depth Market analysis | Trading Signals, Market research, Daily news, Market analysis.. Trading Signals, Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis, Market screeners, Dividends calendar | Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis.. Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis, Market screener | Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis.. Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis, Market screeners, Dividends calendar | Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis.. Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis |
| Fractional stocks | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Penny stocks | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Overall Rating | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.7 |
| Open account | Open account | Open account | Open account | Open account |
Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk.
Stock Trading and Non-Trading Fees Compared
Trading fees of top broker for major stock markets are compared in the table below.
| Broker | US Stocks and ETFs US Stocks and ETFs UK Stocks Japanese stocks German stocks Account fees Deposit fees Inactivity fees Broker assisted fee | UK Stocks US Stocks and ETFs UK Stocks Japanese stocks German stocks Account fees Deposit fees Inactivity fees Broker assisted fee | Japanese stocks US Stocks and ETFs UK Stocks Japanese stocks German stocks Account fees Deposit fees Inactivity fees Broker assisted fee | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | $0 $0 | $0 $0 | From $0 From $0 | From $0 From $0 | No | No | Yes | N/A N/A | $0 $0 | $0 $0 | From $0 From $0 | From $0 From $0 | No | No | Yes | N/A N/A | $0 $0 | $0 $0 | From $0 From $0 | From $0 From $0 | No | No | Yes | N/A N/A |
| TradeStation | $5/trade $0 for US clients $5/trade $0 for US clients | N/A UK stocks are not available N/A UK stocks are not available | N/A Japanese stock are not available N/A Japanese stock are not available | $5 per trade $5 per trade | No | No | Yes | $25.00 $25.00 | $5/trade $0 for US clients $5/trade $0 for US clients | N/A UK stocks are not available N/A UK stocks are not available | N/A Japanese stock are not available N/A Japanese stock are not available | $5 per trade $5 per trade | No | No | Yes | $25.00 $25.00 | $5/trade $0 for US clients $5/trade $0 for US clients | N/A UK stocks are not available N/A UK stocks are not available | N/A Japanese stock are not available N/A Japanese stock are not available | $5 per trade $5 per trade | No | No | Yes | $25.00 $25.00 |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 $0 | 0.05% 0.05% | 0,05% 0,05% | 0,05% 0,05% | No | Yes | No | $30.00 $30.00 | $0 $0 | 0.05% 0.05% | 0,05% 0,05% | 0,05% 0,05% | No | Yes | No | $30.00 $30.00 | $0 $0 | 0.05% 0.05% | 0,05% 0,05% | 0,05% 0,05% | No | Yes | No | $30.00 $30.00 |
| Saxo Bank | $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share | 0.1% 0.1% | 0,15% 0,15% | 0,10% 0,10% | No | No | Yes | $50 $50 | $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share | 0.1% 0.1% | 0,15% 0,15% | 0,10% 0,10% | No | No | Yes | $50 $50 | $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share $0.02/share | 0.1% 0.1% | 0,15% 0,15% | 0,10% 0,10% | No | No | Yes | $50 $50 |
| Sarwa | $0 $0 | N/A UK stocks are not offered N/A UK stocks are not offered | N/A Japanese stocks are not available N/A Japanese stocks are not available | N/A German stocks are not available N/A German stocks are not available | No | No | No | $0 $0 | $0 $0 | N/A UK stocks are not offered N/A UK stocks are not offered | N/A Japanese stocks are not available N/A Japanese stocks are not available | N/A German stocks are not available N/A German stocks are not available | No | No | No | $0 $0 | $0 $0 | N/A UK stocks are not offered N/A UK stocks are not offered | N/A Japanese stocks are not available N/A Japanese stocks are not available | N/A German stocks are not available N/A German stocks are not available | No | No | No | $0 $0 |
Top Online Stock Brokers Reviewed
5 online brokers with the highest rated stock trading platforms in UAE are reviewed below.
1. eToro – Best Beginner Stock Broker
Rating: 4,9/5
BEST FOR: Social Copy Trading
LEVEL: Beginner & Intermediate
FEES: Low ($0 commission)
MARKETS: 2,800 stocks, 2,850 CFD’s
Open account Read review
Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk.
eToro is an investment company, founded in 2007. The broker offers access to a wide range of stock markets including 2,800 real stocks, 2,850 stocks as CFDs (contracts for difference) and a handful of REIT stocks. eToro’s trading platform has an easy to use interface for starters. It is available as a web version (Web Trader) and mobile app.
Stock trading tools available on eToro’s platform are listed below.
- One-click-trading
- Risk management tools (stop losses, take profits and trailing stop losses)
- CopyTrader (social copy trading)
- Smart Portfolios
- Procharts (charting tools)
- Tipranks (research tab)
eToro charges 0% commission on stocks and ETF’s. The broker charges fees in the form ofspreads(they vary based on current stock market conditions),overnight fees($5),currency conversion fees(0.0050 pips on deposits different than USD) andinactivity fees($10/month after 12 months of inactivity).
eToro’s Stock Trading Fees Compared With Other Brokers
| Broker | eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
| Stocks | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.01 | $0.00 |
| Broker Assisted Fee | N/A | $0.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 | $0.00 |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Funding Fees | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Account Minimum | $200.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $2,000.00 | $0.00 |
eToro is licensed by 3 tier one regulators including theFCA, CySEC, and ASIC.
eToro’s customer support is available by email, phone and live chat in English and Arabic.
Key features
- Low stock trading fees (0% commissions on stocks and ETFs)
- Wide range of assets(2800 real stocks and 2800 stock CFDs)
- Variety of stock trading tools
- Accessibility through web and mobile app
- Access to fractional shares
- Low minimum deposit ($50)
- Regulated by top tier financial regulators (FCA, CySEC, and ASIC)
Pros
- Access to over 4000+ tradable symbols
- Easy to use trading interface
- Great mobile trading app and platforms
- Industry leading social/copy trading app
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Algorithmic trading is not available
- Forex and CFD fees above industry average
- Advanced trading features are missing
Open account
Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk.
2. TradeStation – Best for Active Traders
Rating: 4,9/5
BEST FOR: Active trading
LEVEL: Intermediate & expert
FEES: Low ($0 commission)
MARKETS: 5,000 stocks and ETFs
Open account Read review
TradeStation is an online brokerage company, founded in 1982. They offer access to a wide range of assets including 5,000 international stocks, OTCBB penny stocks and 2,000 ETFs. Their trading platform has a variety of stock trading tools such as dynamic market-scanning tools, advanced order management tools, and fully customisable charts. Users have access through a web, desktop and mobile app (Android and iOS). Trade execution on the platforms is fast (under 0.040 seconds).
Research and analysis tools available on TradeStation are listed below.
- Hundreds of indicators( Hot Lists, Top Buys & Sells, News Feed)
- Dozens of analytics tools(RadarScreen, Matrix, EasyLanguage)
- Integrated Benzinga News Feed
- A historical database of daily stock data(going back 50 years)
- Intraday stock data(going back 28 years)
- Daily market news articles
TradeStation has educational resources for beginners and advanced in the form of video series and educational articles.
TradeStation’s minimum deposit to open a live account is $500 (1,800AED). Deposits and withdrawals are available through ACH transfers, wire transfers, checks and online payments (credit/debit cards).
TradeStation’s customer support is available by phone, email and live chat in English and Arabic.
Key features
- $0 commission/stock trades (up to 15,000 shares)
- Vast market coverage (5,000 international stocks and ETFs)
- Fast and reliable order execution
- Great Fundamental Research and Analysis Tools
- Extensive Charting Tools and Features
- Access To Back-Testing and Automated Trading
- Access To Penny Stocks (OTCBB)
Pros
- Fast and reliable trade execution
- Algorithmic trading and stock day trading supported
- Penny stocks available
- Great trading simulator
Cons
- Inactivity and funding fees
3. Interactive Brokers – Best Stock Trading Platform
Rating: 4,9/5
BEST FOR: Trading platform
LEVEL: Intermediate & expert
FEES: Low ($0 commission)
MARKETS: 135 exchanges, 17,500 stocks, 8,500 CFDs
Open account Read review
All trading involves risk. More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.
Interactive Brokers is an American brokerage firm, founded in 1978. They offer access to 135 international exchanges including real stocks (17,500), stocks as CFDs ( 8,500) and fractional shares. Their trading interface is easy to use. It features 100 different order types for beginner and advanced traders. Interactive Brokers users have extensive research and trading platforms have an intuitive design. (Trader Workstation and Client Portal.
Stock trading platforms available on Interactive Brokers are listed below.
- Trader Workstation (desktop version) – is the desktop version suitable for experienced traders and institutional investors. It offers advanced trading tools (dynamic charting, a full-fledged news widget, option chains, detailed order flow information etc) and over 100 different orders types.
- Client Portal(web version)– is suitable for casual traders and beginners
- Impact App(mobile version) – is the stock trading app
All platforms are accessible through a desktop (TWS), web (Client Portal) and mobile version (Impact app). They offer vast customisation options. Trade execution is fast (under 40ms) and reliable.
The wide range of stock trading tools include watch lists, dynamic charting, a full-fledged news widget and detailed order flow information. Furthermore, users can access a vast selection of research and data providers for fundamental analysis including Fundamentals Explorer, Zack’s Investment Research, Market Realist and TheStreet.
Interactive Brokers Platform and Features compared to other brokers
| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Sarwa | Saxo Bank | TradeStation | eToro |
| Desktop Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy to Use | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Market Depth/ Level 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Advanced Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Trading Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Demo account | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TradingView | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social/Copy Trading | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Interactive Brokers stock trading fees are listed below.
- $0.0 fees on the IBKR Lite account
- $0.0005 – $0.005/share on the IBKR Pro account
Interactive Broker does not chargewithdrawal, inactivity or maintenance feeswhich makes them rank among thelowest fees stock brokers in the industry.
The minimum deposit required to open a trading account at Interactive Brokers is $0. Deposit and withdrawal options are limited to bank wire transfers and credit cards in any currency.
Interactive Brokers customer support is available via phone, email and live chat from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday through Friday).
Key features
- Vast Market Coverage (17,500 shares and 8,000 stocks as CFDs)
- Wide range of trading platforms and features
- Wide range of research tools and data for fundamental analysis
- High trade execution speed (under 40ms)
- Competitive stock trading fees ($0 on US listed stocks)
- Low Margin loan rates on stocks (from 1.3%)
- Access to fractional shares
Pros
- Best market coverage in the industry
- Intuitive mobile trading app
- Day trading, scalping, algorithmic and automated trading allowed
- Compatible features for casual and professional traders
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Few deposit and withdrawal options
Rated as: thego to stock trading platformin the UAE
Open account
All trading involves risk. More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.
4. Saxo Bank – Best High Volume Broker
Rating: 4,9/5
BEST FOR: High Volume Trading
LEVEL: Advanced
FEES: Low ($1/share)
MARKETS: 30,000 stocks & 19,000 CFDs
Open account Read review
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Saxo Bank is a Danish investment bank, founded in 1992. They offer access to a wide range of markets (core and emerging) including 30,000 stocks and 19,000 stocks as CFDs. Their trading platforms have an easy to use interface. Access is available through a web, desktop and mobile app.
Saxo Bank availability of assets compared to other brokers
| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Sarwa | Saxo Bank | TradeStation | eToro |
| Stocks | 87000 | 3000 | 22000 | 15000 | 2000 |
| Penny Stocks | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Fractional Stocks | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Trading platforms available at Saxo Bank are listed below.
- SaxoTraderGO(web app)– for average traders
- SaxoTraderPRO(desktop app)– for professional traders
- SaxoTraderGO(mobile app)– for mobile trading available on Android and iOS
All platforms support a variety of research tools includingfundamental datasources(current and historical),trading ideas(in the form of recommendations and analysis),news feeds( including economic calendar) andstock screeners. Users are allowed to implement the following third party integrations:TradingView,Dynamic Trend,Updata,MultiCharts and connectivity viaAPIs(for automated trading). Charting tools are versatile, offered in different versions, drawing tools and indicators.
Saxo Bank chargesstock trading fees of $1/share. The broker charges high inactivity fees of $100/180days. They don’t charge any management or custody fees.
Saxo Bank requires aminimum deposit of $2,000 for UAE clients. Deposits and withdrawals are available through bank transfers and debit/credit cards.
Saxo Bank customer support is available by email, live chat, and phone 24/7.
Key features
- Access to a wide range of markets (30.000 shares and 19,000 stock CFDs)
- Competitive stock trading fees (from $0.001/share for active traders)
- Access to advanced order types ( market, limit and stop orders)
- Wide range of stock trading tools(watch lists, screeners, alerts, risk management tools)
- Extensive stock research tools and data (trade ideas, stock screeners, indicators)
- Fast and reliable trade execution (of under 30ms)
- Great education and research materials (videos, analysis, podcasts, headlines)
Pros
- Industry leading market coverage
- Fully customisable trading features on SaxoTraderGo
- Advanced order type and account protection features
- Intuitive and easy to use mobile trading app
- Day trading, scalping, algorithmic and automated trading allowed
Cons
- $2,000 minimum deposit for UAE users
- Time intense for set up
Open account
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5. Sarwa – Best Full Service Stock Broker
Rating: 4,2/5
BEST FOR: Long Term Investing
LEVEL: Beginner & Intermediate
FEES: Low ($0 commission)
MARKETS: 4,000stocks & ETFs
Open account Read review
Sarwa is an UAE based online brokerage, regulated by the FSRA and ADGM. They offer clients access to a variety of trading services including automated investing, self-directed trading and financial advisory. Sarwa’s platform has an intuitively design for starters. Beginners trading tools include easy buy/sell options, watch lists and simple order types (Market & Limit orders).
Sarwa’s trading platform (Sarwa Trade) allows users to trade on 4,000+ international stocks and ETFs. Users can trade with stocks in bulks or smaller fractions (as fractional shares).
Sarwa charges $0 commissions on stocks. The broker does not charge conversion, withdrawal or inactivity fees. This makes Sarwa a low cost stock broker.
The minimum deposit required at Sarwa is low ($0). Deposits and withdrawals are allowed in AED (no conversion fees apply). Funding options at Sarwa are limited to bank wire transfers.
Key features
- Low stock trading fees ($0 commission)
- Wide range of assets (4,000stocks & fractional shares)
- Easy to use trading interface
- Direct AED Deposits
- Simple buy and sell options
- Regulated by the DFSA and FSRA
- 0$ Minimum Deposit
Pros
- Local offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Great for beginners and long term investors
- Self directed and automated trading allowed
- Access to free financial advisory services
- Deposits in AED allowed (no conversion fees)
Cons
- Limited Research and educational tools
- Penny stocks are not available
- Algorithmic trading is not support
How to Find The Best Broker For Stock Trading in UAE?
Criteria for finding the ideal online stock broker and trading platform are listed below.
Availability of Stock Trading Instruments and Exchanges
Brokers with access to a wide range of stock trading instruments and exchanges should be preferred. They allow deverzification, flexibility and increases chances for profit. Instruments to be considered are real stocks, CFD stocks, fractional shares, penny stocks, REIT stocks and ETFs.
Number of different stocks and markets of the top brokers are compared in the table below
| eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa | |
| Stocks | 3112 | 15000 | 87000 | 22000 | 3000 |
| Penny Stocks | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Fractional Stocks | No | No | US and European markets | No | US market |
| Markets | 6 | 5 | 83 | 50 | 2 |
| Short Selling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Stocks | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Stock CFDs | 2000 | N/A | 7100 | 7700 | N/A |
Stock Trading Fees and commissions
Two types of fees need to be considered: trading fees (commissions) and non-trading fees (overnights, conversion fees, deposit and withdrawal fees). Brokers with $0 commissions and low overall fees should be preferred.
Fees and commissions of the top rated brokers are compared in the table below
| eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa | |
| Deposit | 0 | 0 | 1,00% | 0 | 0 |
| Withdrawal | $5,00 | 0 | One free per month | 0 | 0 |
| Inactivity | After 12 months $10/month | $50 per year if less than 5 trades are placed in one year | – | $100 if no trades in 6 months | 0 |
| Account | – | Free if you meeet account minimum activity | – | 0 | 0 |
| Broker assisted | N/A | $25 | $30 | $50 | $0 |
| US Stock | From $0 | $0,00 | From $0 | $0.02/share | From $0 |
| German Stock | From $0 | $5 per trade | 0,05% | 0,10% | N/A |
| UK Stock | From $0 | $5 per trade | 0,05% | 0,10% | N/A |
| Japanese Stock | From $0 | N/A | 0,05% | 0,15% | N/A |
Fundamental and Technical Analysis Tools
They allow traders different perspectives on stocks potential for growth. A wide range of fundamental and technical analysis tools are offered by brokers. Access to historical data, accuracy & reliability of data and personal preferences should be considered for broker selection.
Fundamental and technical analysis tools of the top rated brokers are compared in the table below
| eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa | |
| Trading Signals | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Market reseach tools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Daily news | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-depth Market analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Market screeners | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dividends calendar | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Stock Trading Tools
Brokers have various tools for stock trading. It is important to consider availability of trading features based on trader personal preference.
Stock trading tools of the top rated brokers are compared in the table below.
| Brokers | eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
| Desktop Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TradingView Intergration | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Watchlist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orderbook | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Market Depth/ Level 2 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Charting | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Alerts | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Social/Copy Trading | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Algorithmic Trading | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Strategy Tester | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Scalping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
Brokers with preferred deposit and withdrawal methods should be preferred.
Deposit and withdrawal methods of the top rated brokers are compared in the table below.
| Brokers | eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
| Deposit methods | Bnak transfer, Credit/Debit Card, eWallets | Bank transfer | Bank Transfer | Bank transfer | Bank transfer |
Reputation of top choices compared
Reputable brokers offer a safe, transparent and competitive trading environment. The following criteria help choosing a reputable broker: number of users, number of positive user feedback & reviews, number of tier-one licences and scam free track record.
Number of users of the top rated brokers are compared in the table below
| Broker | eToro | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
| Popularity of the broker (number of users) | 28.5M | 165k | 192k | 82k | 100k |
Selecting the right broker helps users to save on fees (commissions) and increases the overall chances of profit.
Isa NIN Investor Number Required To Trade With Stocks in UAE?
Investors need to apply for aNIN investor numberonly if they want to trade with UAE stocks listed on the DFM, ADX or Nasdaq Dubai stock exchange. More information are available in this guide on how to buy stocks in UAE.
What Are The Biggest Stock Exchanges in UAE?
The biggest stock exchanges in UAE are listed below.
- theDubai Financial Market, or DFM for short,
- theAbu Dhabi Securities Exchange, or ADX for short, and
- theNASDAQ Dubai.
What Are The Different Stock Brokerage Accounts Available in UAE?
There 3 different stock brokerage accounts available in UAE are listed below.
- Local stock brokers:is only available for people living in the UAE (both natives and expats). TheRas Al Khaimah Investment Authority(a UAE government agency) can be used instead.
- A UAE bank brokerage accounts: UAE bank accounts are available to both foreigners and nationals living in the UAE and allow users access to self directed trading and professional managed investing
- Online stock brokers:allows self directed trading, access to international markets and total control of investment through the same dashboard.
How Is Stock Trading Regulated InThe UAE?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah). Stock trading regulation in UAE has two regions: the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)andthe rest of the UAE.
Dubai International Financial Centre(DIFC) is an economic free zone in Dubai, founded in 2002. It is regulated by theDubai Financial Service Authority(DFSA).The DFSA oversees all financial activities in the area, including trading with stocks.
The rest of theUAE is regulated by theSecurities and Commodities Authority (SCA). The SCA is a federal government agency established in 2000. It overseas financial activities on security and commodity markets (exchanges) in UAE including theDubai Financial Market (DFM), theAbu Dhabi Securities Exchange(ADX) and NASDAQ Dubai. The SCA issues licences to stock brokers in UAE that meet their regulatory requirements (minimum capitalisation, risk management, client fund segregation, reporting and disclosure).
The UAE treats stock brokers as financial companies, meaning they are subject to the same safety requirements and standards of regulation. In order for a stock broker to be licensed in the UAE, they need to pass regulatory requirements by one or all of the 4 local financial authorities:
Watch the short video recap below:
Conclusion
The growing number of online stock brokers in UAE offering different platforms and conditions makes finding the ideal choice for individual needs difficult. Comparing and evaluating offers of different providers is essential to avoid scam brokers but requires time and effort.
This guide takes some of the work off users shoulders by evaluating top brokers for different types of traders and investment goals. The results of our analysis of the best stock trading platforms in UAE are wrapped up in the table below.
Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk.
| RANK | BROKER | PLATFORM SCORE | TRADING FEES& COMMISSIONS | Nr. OF STOCK | MIN. DEPOSIT | RECOMMENDED FOR |
| #1 | eToro | 4.9/5 | $50 | 2800 stocks/ 2800 CFDs | 180 AED/ $50 | Beginners |
| #2 | Tradestation | 4.9/5 | $0 | 5,000 stocks/ No CFDs | 7,300 AED/ $2,000 | Day Traders and Scalpers |
| #3 | Interactive Brokers | 4.9/5 | $0.005/share | 16,500 stocks/ 8,000 CFDs | 0 AED | Average to Advanced Traders |
| #4 | Saxo Bank | 4.9/5 | $1.0/share | 30,000 stocks/ 19,000 CFDs | AED 7.300/ $2,000 | Institutional Investors |
| #5 | Sarwa | 4.2/5 | $0 | 4,000+ stocks/ No CFDs | AED 0,00 | Long Term Traders |
Based on the findings from our review and comparison, we consider eToro as the most recommendable stock broker in UAE. It offers a wide range of stocks, 0$ commission, copy trading features and great customer support.
FAQ
Are online stock brokers safe?
Online stock brokers are safe if they are regulated by tier one financial authorities. Online stock brokers in UAE are regulated by the SCA or DFSA.
Are online brokers available at any time?
Yes! Online brokers are available 24/7.
Which Is The Best Performing Stock Trading App in UAE?
The best stock trading app is eToro. It is accessible on Android and iOS. It has an intuitive trading interface with easy buy and sell options.
Do You Need a Broker to Buy Stocks in UAE?
In order to buy stocks in UAE you need a stock broker (local broker or online stock broker). A list of local stock brokers for UAE is available on the DFM website.
Which Is The Biggest Stock Exchanges in UAE?
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) is the biggest stock exchange in UAE.
How Can I Trade Stocks in UAE?
You can trade stock in UAE through an online stock broker, a local UAE stock broker or though a local UAE bank.
What Are The Three Different Types of Stock Brokers?
Stock traders can choose between online stock brokers and regular stock brokers with a stock brokerage license or a bank.
How To Invest in US Stocks From UAE and Dubai?
The most common way to invest in US stock from UAE and Dubai is by using a online stock broker.
Can I Invest in The UAE Stock Market as Tourist or Expats?
Everyone can invest in the UAE stock market with a valid NIN number.
Disclaimer
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Stefan Grasic
Stefan Grasic is the owner of Business24-7 and has considerable experience in the financial and investment niche, but also enjoys writing articles for the general readership. Stefan is an active stock, CFD, crypto and general investment researcher, advising blockchain companies such asBlockbird,GoCrypto,Hive Terminalat their start up level.
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