5 Best Stock Brokers in UAE
Robert J. Williams
Sikirty Chatterjee
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a vibrant stock market ecosystem – over 390 securities are listed across Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi’s ADX and Nasdaq Dubai, with a combined market capitalization exceeding AED 3 trillion. This growth, coupled with 0% capital gains tax on individual trading, has attracted both local and international brokers. However, choosing the right broker in the UAE requires careful comparison of fees, regulation, platform features, account requirements and asset coverage. Notably, UAE brokers must be licensed by top regulators (Securities and Commodities Authority for mainland brokers, or the Dubai Financial Services Authority/Abu Dhabi Global Market for DIFC/ADGM entities). As Belong’s guide explains, “Local Brokers (Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB) are regulated by SCA International Brokers (Interactive Brokers, eToro, Saxo, XTB) are regulated by DFSA/ADGM”. Keeping risk in mind is crucial (for context, about 70–80% of retail traders lose money), so robust licensing and strong platform technology are must-haves.
Below we profile our top five brokers for UAE stock trading, evaluating each on fees, regulation, platform & ease of use, account minimums, customer support, and asset access. We also include expert insights from industry leaders to guide your decision.
| Broker | Regulation | Min Deposit | Commission (US stocks) | Commission (UAE stocks) | Markets & Access |
| Interactive Brokers | DFSA (Dubai) + SEC/FINRA | $0 | $1 per US trade | – | 150+ global markets, broad asset range |
| eToro | ADGM/FSRA + FCA/CySEC | $100 | 0% (all stocks) | 0% (via USD conversion) | 3,000+ stocks (global) + 80+ crypto |
| Emirates NBD Sec. | SCA (UAE mainland) | AED 3,000 | – | 0% (promo) | UAE stocks (DFM, ADX, Nasdaq) + 11,000+ global stocks |
| Saxo Bank | DFSA (DIFC) + Tier-1 | $0 | $3 per US trade | – | 70,000+ instruments (global) |
| XTB | DFSA (Dubai) + FCA | $0 | 0% (up to €100K) | – | 5,600+ instruments (stocks, ETFs, FX) |
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
“Opening an office in DIFC underscores our commitment toconnecting investors worldwide to global markets,” said Milan Galik, CEO of Interactive Brokers. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is renowned for deep market access and rock-bottom fees. It is DFSA-licensed in Dubai (and SEC/FINRA-regulated in the US), providing unparalleled global reach: 150+ markets in 33 countries with 1.5 million products (stocks, bonds, futures, options, etc.). U.S. stock commissions start at just $1 per trade (plus tiny exchange/clearing fees), and international stock trades cost only 0.05% of trade value. There are no account maintenance or inactivity fees for most accounts, and the minimum deposit is $0.
- Fees & Costs: Extremely low – e.g., US stocks $1/trade. No hidden spreads or ticket charges.
- Regulation & Safety: Licensed by DIFC’s DFSA (as an IBKR UK branch) and major global regulators (SIPC, FINRA). Funds are held in segregated accounts.
- Trading Platform: IBKR offers the professional Trader Workstation (TWS) platform and mobile app. These feature advanced order types, portfolio rebalancing, real-time streaming quotes and powerful charting tools. (IBKR is often commended for its institutional-grade technology.)
- Account Minimum: $0 initial deposit. (Note: IBKR may require modest funds for certain margin or futures accounts.)
- Customer Support: 24/7 global support via chat/email; extensive online help center. Local telephone support is available in Gulf Business hours.
- Asset Access: Broadest of any UAE-accessible broker – US, European, Asian and Middle East stocks, plus ETFs, bonds, forex and more. Ideal for diversified portfolios.
💬 Expert Insight: As IBKR’s CEO Milan Galik notes, Dubai’s DIFC “is quickly becoming a global financial hubwe are pleased to solidify our presence in the market and serve local investors” – reflecting IBKR’s focus on serving UAE traders with its global platform.
2. Emirates NBD Securities
Emirates NBD Securities is a top choice for UAE residents trading local equities. It is regulated by the UAE’s SCA, directly connected to the DFM, ADX and Nasdaq Dubai exchanges. Notably, Emirates NBD launched zero-commission trading on UAE stocks in early 2025, a game-changer for local investors. It also auto-issues the required National Investor Number (NIN) during account opening, and supports AED-denominated accounts fully integrated with Emirates NBD banking.
- Fees & Costs: 0% commission on UAE stock trades (promo). By contrast, other local brokers charge ~0.25–0.30%. Currency conversion fee may apply for non-AED trades. No account maintenance or withdrawal fees.
- Regulation & Safety: Regulated by the SCA (UAE mainland authority). Emirates NBD has a strong capital base as a major bank.
- Trading Platform: The ENBD X platform (mobile and web) offers real-time market data, charting and news. Phone trading and in-branch support (+971 600 52 3434) are also available.
- Account Minimum: AED 3,000 minimum balance, but no inactivity or admin fees. (For context, no-coupon zero-fee trading was recently introduced.)
- Customer Support: Arabic and English support lines; seamless integration with Emirates NBD banking. Advisers are familiar with local market rules.
- Asset Access: Local UAE stocks and bonds on DFM/ADX are fully covered. In addition, clients can trade international assets: over 11,000 global stocks (US, Europe, Asia), Gulf region equities and even Saudi Tadawul shares.
“Emirates NBD Securities – Best for UAE Stocks: Zero commission on UAE equities, direct exchange access, automatic NIN issuance”.
3. eToro
With a social/social-copytrading approach, eToro suits beginners and hands-on traders seeking simplicity. eToro holds an ADGM licence in Abu Dhabi (FSRA) and UK CySEC/FCA licenses, ensuring strong oversight. It has gained popularity after its 2023 ADGM approval; as eToro CEO Yoni Assia said, Abu Dhabi is “a growing fintech hub we are excited to become part of this flourishing ecosystem”. The platform emphasizes ease-of-use: large icons, built-in newsfeeds and community stats.
- Fees & Costs: $0 commission on U.S. and international stock trades. (Instead, eToro earns from spreads on CFDs.) Currency conversion fees apply (all trades in USD for AED deposits). Withdrawal fee $5.
- Regulation & Safety: Regulated by ADGM/FSRA, plus globally by FCA and CySEC. Funds are segregated; an ADGM license requires strict compliance. ADGM’s Arvind Ramamurthy notes that its “dynamic ecosystem and progressive regulations will enable eToro’s vision”.
- Trading Platform: eToro’s web and mobile app provide TradingView charts, economic calendar and portfolio analytics. Unique social features include a live News Feed of trades, and a “CopyTrader” system to automatically mirror top investors. Educational resources (eToro Academy) are extensive.
- Account Minimum: $100 to open (bank wire requires $500). This is higher than some rivals but includes full access to features.
- Customer Support: Support in English and Arabic. eToro maintains a UAE office on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, with local account managers. Its digital chat support is robust, and an Investment Trends survey found UAE users value “hassle-free withdrawals, personal account managers, and straightforward educational tools”.
- Asset Access: Over 3,000 stocks from 17 global exchanges, plus 80+ cryptocurrencies. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free (for actual stock trades). Note: eToro does not support direct trading of ADX- or DFM-listed shares. However, it does allow access to major international stocks, regional ETFs and CFDs on other assets. Shariah-compliant account types are available for Muslim investors.
💬 Industry Insight: eToro’s Abu Dhabi entry was welcomed by ADGM’s Arvind Ramamurthy: “ADGM’s dynamic ecosystem will enable eToro’s vision,” reinforcing the trust regulators place in licensed platforms.
4. Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank is a full-featured Danish broker (DFSA-regulated in Dubai) known for research and advanced tools. It appeals to investors who want professional-grade analytics.
- Fees & Costs: Saxo has a tiered fee structure – typically $3 minimum per US stock trade (0.10% for European stocks). It charges custody fees on some accounts. (These are higher than IBKR, reflecting its premium services.)
- Regulation & Safety: Regulated in DIFC by DFSA (Dubai) and other top-tier regulators worldwide. Saxo’s global presence and AA credit rating underscore its stability.
- Trading Platform: Offers two main interfaces: SaxoTraderGO (web/mobile) for intuitive use, and SaxoTraderPRO for professional traders. Both feature live market commentary, macro research reports, customizable charts and an extensive product suite. API access allows algorithmic trading.
- Account Minimum: $0 (no minimum deposit). (But inactivity fee of €100/year applies if no activity for 12+ months.)
- Customer Support: 24/5 online support, email and phone in English; local Emirati support not generally provided. Educational webinars and daily news are a strong point.
- Asset Access: 70,000+ instruments across 120+ global markets – including stocks, ETFs, options, futures, fixed income, forex and structured products. This breadth makes Saxo ideal for diversification.
“Saxo Bank – Best for Research & Analysis: 70,000+ instruments advanced order types daily market commentary”.
5. XTB
XTB is a global CFD/FX broker (DFSA-regulated in Dubai, FCA-regulated in UK) that also offers real stock trading. It targets traders who want an intuitive platform with zero commission on stocks (within volume limits).
- Fees & Costs: 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs (up to €100K monthly volume) – essentially commission-free trading on major stocks. There are still FX conversion spreads. Other fees: inactivity fee €10/month after 12 months, no account fee.
- Regulation & Safety: Licensed by DFSA (Dubai) and FCA (UK). Client funds are segregated and negative balance protection applies.
- Trading Platform: XTB’s proprietary xStation 5 platform (web and mobile) is highly rated for usability. It features one-click trading, 30+ charting indicators, and a polished mobile app. A trading academy and regular webinars are offered for education.
- Account Minimum: $0. ($10 monthly fee if no trade or €100 deposit per month for free data – check latest T&Cs.)
- Customer Support: 24/5 support by chat, email and phone; English only. Good knowledge base and market news on site.
- Asset Access: Over 5,600 instruments including global stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities and indices. Real stocks (not just CFDs) are available in many jurisdictions, often with fractional share trading, making it easy to invest even small amounts.
“XTB – Best User Experience: intuitive xStation5 platform 0% commission on stocks/ETFs (up to €100K)”
Conclusively: Choosing the Best Stock Broker in UAE
Selecting the best stock broker in UAE hinges on understanding one’s trading needs and aligning them with a broker’s strengths. For deep international exposure and institutional-level tools, Interactive Brokers remains unmatched. Emirates NBD Securities offers unbeatable access to local markets with zero commissions and native AED support. Those valuing user experience and copy trading might prefer eToro or XTB, while Saxo Bank delivers elite research and broad global reach.
It is important to note that all five brokers featured are regulated by top-tier authorities and offer solid investor protections. But their value lies in their differences. Active traders may prioritize speed and execution tools, while long-term investors may focus on fee structures and platform simplicity.
As has been discussed earlier in the article, the UAE’s regulatory landscape empowers both local and expat investors with access to global financial markets. The right broker can amplify that access with tailored services, transparency, and performance—making each trade not just a transaction, but a step toward informed financial growth.
FAQs
Q: How do I choose the best stock broker in the UAE?
A: Look for a broker with proper licensing (SCA for local, or DFSA/ADGM for international platforms), competitive fee structure, reliable customer support, and the markets you want. Key factors include commission rates (note many brokers now offer $0 commissions on US stocks, or even 0% on UAE stocks at Emirates NBD), trading platform quality, and minimum deposit requirements. Always verify the regulator (SCA/DFSA/ADGM) and read reviews to ensure trust.
Q: Are there hidden fees in UAE stock trading?
A: Possibly – some brokers advertise “commission-free” trading, but may charge currency conversion, platform or withdrawal fees. For UAE equities, expect SCA fees (~0.5% of trade by law) plus broker commission (often ~0–0.3%). For example, Emirates NBD now charges 0% commission on UAE stocks, whereas others typically charge ~0.25–0.30%. Non-trading fees to watch include currency conversion (0.5–2% per trade), inactivity fees ($50–$100/year) and market data fees. Always read the fee schedule.
Q: Is a UAE National Investor Number (NIN) required?
A: Yes – to trade local stocks on DFM, ADX or Nasdaq Dubai, you need a free NIN. Most major brokers (like Emirates NBD, ADCB, etc.) will generate the NIN for you during account opening. It is one-time and permanent. No extra cost beyond your normal broker fees.
Q: Which broker is best for beginners in the UAE?
A: For ease-of-use and educational resources, eToro and XTB are often recommended. eToro’s social/copy trading and multilingual support (including Arabic) make it beginner-friendly. XTB’s xStation platform is intuitive and offers a helpful trading academy. For local stocks, Emirates NBD Securities is simple (especially for existing bank customers) and now offers zero commissions on UAE stocks. Interactive Brokers and Saxo are more advanced, better for experienced traders with large, diversified portfolios.
Q: How do I open an account with a UAE stock broker?
A: Generally: (1) Gather UAE ID or passport/visa, proof of address and bank info. (2) Apply online on the broker’s website/app. (3) Complete KYC (often via video or branch visit). (4) Your NIN will be handled automatically for local accounts. (5) Fund the account (e.g. bank transfer). Most brokers provide step-by-step guides; for local brokers like Emirates NBD or ADCB, the process is integrated with banking apps, making it quick and easy.
Q: Can I trade international stocks through a UAE broker?
A: Yes. Brokers like Interactive Brokers, Saxo and Emirates NBD give access to major global exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, TSE, etc.). eToro and XTB also cover dozens of international stock markets. You can trade US, European, and some Asian stocks directly. Note that international trades may incur FX conversion costs if your base currency is AED.
Q: Are online UAE brokers safe and regulated?
A: Absolutely – choose brokers licensed by reputable authorities. For instance, ADGM-regulated brokers (like eToro) and DFSA-regulated brokers (like Saxo, XTB, IBKR in DIFC) must meet strict capital and auditing standards. Emirates NBD, ADCB and FAB are SCA-licensed local firms. Always verify the license, as explained in the sections above, to ensure your funds are protected by segregation and oversight.
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