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10 Best Forex Brokers in United Arab Emirates for 2024

Looking for the top broker in the United Arabic Emirates? Based on our hands-on analysis, we’ve identify 10 best options tailored to various trading needs. Practical tips from our experts are included.

By:
Dan Blystone
Reviewed By:
Aviva Gurevich
Updated: Mar 24, 2024

List of Top UAE Forex Brokers & Trading Platforms

Regulated by the DFSA. Robust trading platform. Support available in Arabic. Islamic account. Great research and educational materials. AED can be used as the base currency for your account.

Customer support in Arabic. Raw spread account. Arabic version of the website. Islamic account. Deposits and withdrawals in AED. Very competitive spreads. MT4/5, WebTrader, IRESS, Proprietary mobile app.

+Insights Analytics Tool. Traders’ Sentiment. User-friendly and intuitive trading platform. 2,500 available CFDs. Trading Academy.

Tight spreads. Robust platforms. Free VPS. ECN accounts. MAM accounts for money managers. Copy trading.

Arabic version of the website. Islamic account. MT4/5. ProTrader powered by TradingView. VPS hosting. Platforms and customer support in Arabic.

71,000 leveraged and non-leveraged assets. Arabic language support. Representative office in Dubai. High trust rating.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Customer support in Arabic. Platforms in Arabic. Islamic account. Arabic version of the website. Beginner-friendly accounts. Excellent educational and research materials.

Flexible account types including ECN and STP. ECN spreads from 0.0 pips. 1000+ tradable instruments. Cutting-edge Pro Trader platform powered by TradingView. Social trading via ZuluTrade and Copy Trader App.

AvaSocial, Duplitrade, ZuluTrade.1,250+ instruments to trade on. Competitive spreads. High trust rating.

Regulated by top-tier FCA and CySEC. Custom MT4 Indicators. VPS hosting. Dedicated account representative.

Forex Trading in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its most populous city, Dubai, have become a global hub for traders. Citizens benefit from not having to pay taxes on earnings from forex trading and can enjoy the country’s modern infrastructure and world-class amenities.

Trust is a significant factor in our reviews, and we pay careful attention to the regulatory status of brokers. The UAE has three regulators: the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – both of which are categorized as Tier-2 – and the Central Bank of the UAE. Traders in the UAE also have the right to trade with brokers regulated abroad.

How Did FX Empire Select the Best Brokers for UAE Residents?

FXEmpire's Methodology

I carefully considered the needs of traders in the UAE and focused on the points that benefit this group the most.

  • We looked for brokers regulated by the DFSA, SCA, or other top-tier regulators.
  • We made sure that a swap-free Islamic account is available.
  • We looked for brokers providing UAE dirham (AED) as a base currency.
  • We searched for brokers that offer an Arabic version of their website.
  • We checked for brokers with customer service in Arabic.
  • We reviewed trust factors beyond regulation, such as transparency and the size and stability of the broker.
  • We targeted brokers with offices situated in the UAE.
  • We compared brokers on the basis of competitive fees and low trading costs.
  • We conducted hands-on testing of each broker’s platform, looking for the most user-friendly and feature-rich on the market.

Our team of experts has identified each broker’s strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. Here’s how we test.

Now let’s go through the selected brokers.

Best Overall

Trading involves risks. Products and services of Swissquote are only intended for those permitted to receive them under local law.
  • Min Deposit
    $1000
  • Tradable Instruments
    506
  • Fees
    Medium

Swissquote is a leading bank in online financial services, including forex and CFD brokerage. The Gland, Switzerland-based company was founded in 1996 and has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since May 2000. I verified that Swissquote is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the top-tier Swiss Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by DFSA
  • Leverage of up to 1:400
  • Islamic account
  • Dirham (AED) available as a base currency
  • Website and platforms available in Arabic
  • Office in Dubai, UAE
  • Customer support in Arabic

When it comes to financial strength and stability, I rate Swissquote among the top CFD brokers globally. It currently employs over 1,000 staff and serves over 400,000 clients. Clients can access over 400 Forex and CFD instruments via the proprietary Advanced Trader platform. After test-driving Advanced Trader for over a week, I concluded that the platform is a winner — both feature-rich and intuitive. Advanced traders seeking low trading costs will find Swissquote an excellent fit. Progressively tighter spreads are available with various Swissquote account types, catering to different trader profiles.

The DFSA regulates the UAE entity (Swissquote MEA Ltd.), and all accounts are insured up to CHF 100,000 via the Swiss deposit insurance scheme. The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) is available as a base currency (the currency in which your account is denominated), along with EUR, CHF, and GBP as alternatives.

The multilingual support team at Swissquote can offer assistance in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. Having made dozens of inquiries in the process of writing my review, I found the customer support reliably solid at this broker. If you are a UAE resident looking for a stable, well-rounded broker, Swissquote might be for you.

Pros
  • Great research materials.
  • Reliable customer support.
  • High trust rating.
  • Depositor protection scheme up to CHF 100,000.
Cons
  • High minimum deposit.

Best Low Spreads

Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are leveraged over-the-counter derivative products and carry a high level of risk to your capital. You should only risk capital that you can afford to lose. In certain circumstances, due to fluctuations in market value you may not get back your initial investment amount. You may not only lose your initial investment but you may incur a liability to pay a further amount to cover losses. This means you can lose more money than you have invested.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    8977
  • Fees
    Low

Sydney, Australia-based FP Markets was founded in 2005 and has entities regulated by top-tier CySEC and ASIC. With over 800 instruments across stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, traders can work with a broad range of markets.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Unregulated
  • Leverage of up to 1:500
  • Islamic account
  • Platform available in Arabic
  • Customer support in Arabic

My hands-on tests showed that traders can expect rock-bottom trading costs with this broker. They offer two principal accounts: the commission-free Standard Account and the Raw Account, which is commission-based but provides tighter spreads. In my experience using the Standard Account, I found the spreads to be highly competitive, with, for example, 0.8 pips in the Dax 40. Clients have a variety of ways to access the markets, including MT4/5, WebTrader, IRESS, and FP Markets’ proprietary mobile app.

Deposits and withdrawals are processed fast, and FP Markets does not apply any charges, even via bank wire. 24/7 customer support is available in Arabic, and clients can access swap-free Islamic accounts.

Pros
  • Extremely low spreads.
  • Has a ‘best execution policy’.
  • No inactivity fee.
  • No handling fees for deposits and withdrawals.
Cons
  • No proprietary platform.

Best Research Tools

CFD Service, 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    2047
  • Fees
    Medium

Plus500 was founded in 2008 and since then has become a giant in the brokerage industry. Today, it boasts a presence in over 50 countries, with 400,000 active clients. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS), it is one of a handful of publicly traded CFD brokers. I verified that Plus500 is a multi-regulated broker, authorized by several top-tier authorities. Broker’s clients can access 2,500 CFD instruments via the state-of-the-art WebTrader platform and mobile app.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by FSA Seychelles
  • Leverage of up to 1:300
  • Islamic Account
  • Dirham (AED) available as a base currency
  • Platform available in Arabic
  • Website available in Arabic
  • Customer support available in Arabic

In my hands-on assessment of Plus500, I found it to be particularly strong in the area of research materials and tools. Clients can stay updated with market news and digest helpful analysis throughout the week. The in-house research team primarily focuses on fundamental themes, delving into topics such as earnings reports and central bank policies.

The research tools built into the WebTrader platform are outstanding. The +Insights feature shows community trends, providing stats on the most traded instruments and the top profit/loss-making positions. This information helps traders identify interesting assets to focus on. Sentiment data is also available, indicating the proportion of traders going long or short on each instrument. In my experience, when the ratio of buyers versus sellers reaches an extreme level, this can be a powerful indicator of potential trend reversal. The information is especially valuable, given the large client base of Plus500.

Pros
  • High trust rating.
  • Advanced tools.
  • Cutting-edge platform.
  • Wide variety of markets.
Cons
  • No phone support.

Best for Professional Traders

CFDs can be very risky because they use leverage, which might not be suitable for everyone. The use of leverage means that even a small amount of money you deposit initially can lead to big losses due to market movements. CFD trading is particularly risky because the markets they involve are speculative and can change a lot. Trading these products could mean losing money, therefore, you must carefully consider your financial situation and risk tolerance before trading CFDs.
  • Min Deposit
    $50
  • Tradable Instruments
    14189
  • Fees
    Medium

Founded in 2005, MultiBank has an impressive track record as a CFD broker and has grown to have a significant global presence. The Dubai-based broker is regulated across five continents and maintains over 20 offices worldwide. The UAE entity of the broker is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). MultiBank Group offers the popular MetaTrader platform and uses a non-dealing desk ECN model of order execution.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by UAE SCA
  • Leverage of up to 1:500
  • Islamic account
  • Dirham (AED) as a base currency
  • Arabic version of the website
  • Office in Dubai, UAE
  • Customer support in Arabic

MultiBank offers various account types, catering specifically to professional traders. When testing the Standard Account, I experienced competitive spreads of just 1.9 pips in GBP/JPY, and 25 pips in gold. The ECN account, favorable for experienced, high-volume traders, offers spreads from 0 pips.

The advanced MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms support robust charting and flexible order types. Traders can also automate their strategies, and I confirmed that free VPS hosting makes it possible to run trading terminals non-stop 24/7 with stable and reliable conditions.

Multi-Account Managers (MAM) software enables professional traders and asset managers to manage several trading accounts simultaneously. Social trading at MultiBank offers clients the opportunity to copy successful traders from around the world. Experienced traders can become signal providers and earn more on their profitable trades.

MultiBank currently offers a deposit bonus on a Standard or Pro account for MetaTrader platforms. A minimum number of lots must be traded before the bonus money can be withdrawn.

Pros
  • Well-established global broker.
  • Stable, nanosecond execution.
  • Copy trading available.
  • Accounts insured up to $1,000,000.
Cons
  • Limited educational materials.

Best Trading Platform

Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn't take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary. Please read our legal documents and ensure that you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions.
  • Min Deposit
    $50
  • Tradable Instruments
    935
  • Fees
    Low

Founded in 2009, Vantage is an award-winning multi-asset broker headquartered in Sydney, Australia. A significant player in the world of CFD brokerage, Vantage has over 50,000 active clients worldwide, trading forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Entities are regulated by the top-tier ASIC and the offshore CIMA, the company undergoes regular audits, and all client funds are held in a segregated trust account.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by CIMA
  • Leverage of up to 1:500
  • Islamic account
  • Platforms available in Arabic
  • Arabic version of the website
  • Customer support in Arabic

Vantage offers an exciting range of platforms, from the popular MetaTrader to the state-of-the-art ProTrader powered by TradingView. While exploring the Vantage app, I found it intuitive and easy to use even for inexperienced traders. In my opinion, it serves as a great tool for staying connected to the markets while on the move. Whether you’re an advanced trader working with automated strategies or a total beginner to the markets, Vantage has a suitable platform for you.

The Arabic version of the website allows UAE residents to easily reference important information. Vantage swap-free (Islamic) accounts are available for traders who wish to abide by Sharia law. Reliable 24/7 support in Arabic is available via live chat, phone, and email.

Pros
  • Strong selection of available trading platforms.
  • MT4 and MT5 available in Arabic.
  • Website available in Arabic.
  • Excellent customer support.
Cons
  • Must navigate chatbot before reaching live agent.

Best for Tradable Instruments

4.3
The value of your investments can go down as well as up. Losses can exceed deposits on margin products. Complex products, including CFDs and FX, come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs, FX or any of our other products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
  • Min Deposit
    $2000
  • Tradable Instruments
    34571
  • Fees
    Medium

Saxo Bank is a pioneering brokerage firm founded in 1992. The Copenhagen-based financial giant provides access to more than 71,000 leveraged and non-leveraged products, far exceeding the industry average. Regulated by numerous top-tier financial authorities, Saxo Bank earned a high trust rating in my review. I was also dazzled by the award-winning SaxoTraderGO trading platform, which is both user-friendly and feature-rich.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by the UAE Central Bank
  • Leverage of up to 1:30
  • Representative office in Dubai
  • Arabic language support
  • Website available in Arabic

The huge range of tradable markets at Saxo Bank allows its clients to practice long-term investing and speculative trading simultaneously. Leveraged trading is available in CFDs, forex, futures, options, and crypto. Among investment products, clients have access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds.

I found Saxo’s platforms to be professional, exceptionally user-friendly, and highly sophisticated. The broker has two proprietary platforms – SaxoTraderGo and SaxoTraderPro – and it also seamlessly incorporates TradingView and Dynamic Trend. After poking around SaxoTraderGo for several days and testing its many features, I can confidently say that it stacks up among the best platforms in the industry.

Pros
  • Professional-grade platform.
  • 194 FX Pairs.
  • Insightful educational webinars.
  • Excellent research materials.
Cons
  • High minimum deposit.

Best for Beginners

4.2
Your capital is at risk.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    710
  • Fees
    Medium

Abu Dhabi, UAE-based ADSS was founded in 2011 and provides brokerage services via two entities: ADS Securities LLC (UAE) and ADS Securities London Limited (UK). Clients can access trading in forex and CFDs on indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies using the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by UAE SCA
  • Leverage of up to 1:500
  • Islamic account
  • Platform available in Arabic
  • Arabic version of the website
  • Office in Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • UAE payment solution (UAEPGS)
  • Customer support in Arabic

Beginners can experiment with the broad range of tradable instruments available at ADSS.I found that the number of indices and stocks available for trading exceeds the industry average. Demo accounts offered by ADSS enable traders to practice trading without risking any real capital. Better still, a content-rich educational section on the website includes a 10-part video course, how-to guides, and live webinars — helping newbies to orient themselves in the markets.

During my assessment, I was particularly impressed by the extensive MetaTrader 4 tutorials, which can help new traders learn its advanced charting, order types, and automated trading features. While these may initially seem overwhelming, they become essential tools once mastered. ADSS also offers customer service in Arabic, a feature that is particularly important for novice traders based in the UAE.

Pros
  • High trust rating.
  • Strong research and educational resources.
  • Competitive spreads.
  • Customer support available in Arabic.
Cons
  • Has a withdrawal fee.

Best Account Offering

Trading Forex and CFDs involves significant risk and can result in the loss of your invested capital. You should not invest more than you can afford to lose and should ensure that you fully understand the risks involved. Trading leveraged products may not be suitable for all investors. Before trading, please take into consideration your level of experience, investment objectives and seek independent financial advice if necessary. Please read our legal documents and ensure that you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions.
  • Min Deposit
    $50
  • Tradable Instruments
    1039
  • Fees
    Medium

Moneta Markets is an award-winning broker offering competitive conditions to traders across the globe. Clients can access CFDs on forex, commodities, indices, shares, EFTs, and bonds. Among platforms, Moneta Markets offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and state-of-the-art ProTrader Powered by TradingView. I confirmed that Moneta Markets South Africa (Pty) Ltd is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa and that Moneta Markets Ltd is listed in the Saint Lucia Registry of International Business Companies.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Registered in Saint Lucia
  • Leverage of up to 1:1000
  • Islamic Account
  • Platform available in Arabic
  • Website available in Arabic

Moneta Markets can accommodate a range of trader profiles with its flexible account types. Beginners and casual traders can take advantage of the STP Direct account type, with spreads from 1.2 pips, the ability to trade in micro-lots, and a minimum deposit of only $50. Advanced traders can opt for the Prime and Ultra ECN account types – which our hands-on tests confirmed as having extremely low spreads across all asset classes. All account types have access to the full range of 1,000+ tradable assets.

All client funds are fully segregated in a trust account held with an AA-Rated Global Bank, and client trading accounts are covered by negative balance protection. If you are looking for a broker that can provide rock-bottom costs, high leverage, and robust platforms, Moneta Markets could be a good fit.

Pros
  • ECN Spreads from 0.0 Pips.
  • Advanced Platforms.
  • Social Trading via ZuluTrade.
  • Research from Trading Central.
Cons
  • Lacks 24/7 support.

Best for Copy and Social Trading

Trading CFDs and FX Options entail risk and could result in the loss of your capital.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    853
  • Fees
    Medium

AvaTrade was founded in 2006, making it an early mover in the forex and CFD industry. The Dublin-based broker has grown tremendously since then and now provides services to 400,000 traders globally. With a broad network of regulatory compliance across several international agencies, such as ASIC and CySEC, it stands as a highly trusted player in the global trading landscape.

Regional Features:

  • Entity for UAE clients: Regulated by Abu Dhabi FRSA
  • Leverage of up to 1:400
  • Islamic account
  • Platform available in Arabic
  • Arabic version of the website
  • Customer support in Arabic

I was particularly impressed by the broad range of copy trading platforms available to AvaTrade clients. The MetaTrader-compatible DupliTrade platform allows traders to automatically copy more experienced traders’ strategies in real time. The popular ZuluTrade platform enables clients to copy top-performing traders from different brokers. Meanwhile, AvaSocial allows clients to copy and learn from successful traders within the AvaTrade community.

AvaTrade provides a great range of trading accounts and platforms to trade on over 1,250 instruments covering forex, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptos, and FX options. Clients can select from various accounts suitable for beginner and advanced traders, including CFD, Islamic, and Options Accounts.

Pros
  • Multiple platforms for social and copy trading.
  • Good range of account types.
  • 1,250+ instruments to trade on.
  • High level of client protection.
Cons
  • Spreads in the Dow 30 CFD are not competitive.

Best MT4

4.3
Online Forex/CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading Online Forex/CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. It is the responsibility of the Client to ascertain whether he/she is permitted to use the services of Exinity Capital East Africa Ltd based on the legal requirements in his/her country of residence.
  • Min Deposit
    $500
  • Tradable Instruments
    593
  • Fees
    Medium

Established in 2011, FXTM is a forex and CFD broker headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. Top-tier authorities, including the UK FCA and CySEC, regulate its various entities. A global CFD broker, FXTM has offices in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America and has served 4 million clients across 180 countries.

Regional Features:

  • Regulated by Mauritius FSC
  • Leverage of up to1:1000
  • Islamic account
  • Platforms available in Arabic
  • Customer support in Arabic

FXTM offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 for desktop, web, and mobile. For trading on the go, clients can also use the proprietary FXTM Trader mobile app. The MetaTrader platform has advanced functionality, including advanced order types and automated trading.

When exploring the tools offered by FXTM, I discovered that a selection of useful custom MT4 indicators is available to clients. Custom indicators, such as their Pivot SR Levels, are downloadable from the FXTM website and can help give traders an edge in their analysis.

MetaTrader is an advanced platform that can take time to master, and FXTM helps address this with dedicated account representatives on hand to answer questions. The broker provides robust educational materials that include detailed MetaTrader platform tutorials.

Pros
  • Full suite of MetaTrader platforms
  • Custom MT4 indicators
  • Strong educational materials
  • Dedicated account representative
Cons
  • Limited range of tradable instruments

How to Choose the Best Forex Broker in the UAE?

Consider the following questions when searching for a suitable broker to work with in the UAE.

Can I trust the broker?

Take into account the regulatory status of the broker. Forex brokers regulated by top-tier financial authorities must undergo audits, meet capital requirements, and provide segregated accounts and negative balance protection. The UAE SCA requires brokers to segregate company and client funds and to provide negative balance protection. The UAE DFSA upholds high ethical standards by not allowing brokers to accept credit cards for funding trading accounts and by ensuring that all marketing and educational materials are not misleading.

A compensation fund is sometimes available in the event of broker insolvency. You can search the regulator’s website to confirm the broker’s status and check for any disciplinary action. The broker’s size and operating history are also worth considering. You can usually find these on the company’s LinkedIn page.

Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.

Which platform features to look out for?

An intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform allows you to delve into the trading world with minimal hitches. The most user-friendly platforms are typically browser-based platforms created by the broker. Look for easy-to-implement features such as watchlists, trading from the chart, search, news, and a customizable interface. I find 1-click trading and the ability to tile your charts for viewing multiple instruments simultaneously particularly useful.

While the MetaTrader 4&5 platforms offer advanced features like backtesting, automated trading, and a wide range of order types, they can be less user-friendly. When using MetaTrader, I appreciate the market depth feature, which displays the depth of liquidity for the instrument. Also, it’s worth checking the availability of a well-designed, broker-specific (proprietary) mobile app.

The popular MetaTrader platform is also available in Arabic, making it easier to navigate for non-English speakers in the UAE. Read more about each trading platform in our detailed guides on the best MT4 and best MT5 forex brokers.

Check out our selection of Best forex trading platforms.

Does the broker offer competitive spreads?

Working with a broker that keeps costs such as spreads to a minimum can make the difference between profit and loss at the end of the trading day. For example, a spread of 1 pip or less in EUR/USD is competitive, making it less expensive to enter and exit positions in the market – a crucial factor for day traders.

Inactivity and withdrawal fees are other factors to keep an eye on when considering a broker. Traders in the UAE can select from the world’s most competitive brokers in terms of fees. Based on my research, the lowest spreads are offered by FP Markets.

You can also check out our guide for the best forex brokers with lowest spreads for more professional tips and insights.

What is the minimum deposit?

The minimum deposit to trade live can vary from less than $100 (for example, $50 at Multibank) to more considerable sums (for example, $1,000 at Swissquote).

Is AED available as a base currency?

Typically forex accounts are denominated in currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, or JPY. This currency (the base currency) shows your account balance. Some brokers, such as Swissquote and Multibank, offer AED as a base currency, making it a more familiar reference point for residents of the UAE.

What leverage options are available?

DFSA-regulated brokers such as Swissquote can offer leverage of up to 1:30. SCA-regulated brokers such as MultiBank can offer 1:500. If you decide to work with a UK (FCA) or EU (CySEC) based broker, the maximum is 1:30. Most offshore brokers offer 1:500 leverage or even higher in some cases.

Check out our dedicated guides on best CySEC-regulated brokers and best FCA-regulated brokers.

Leverage is one of the most appealing features of CFD trading and can work in your favor when used wisely. Beware of using excessive leverage, even if it is tempting. It’s an enthralling feeling to control a large position in the market. But when markets are moving fast, and you are holding a highly leveraged position, there is a high risk of losing money. Accounts can get wiped out in seconds.

Read about Best high-leverage forex brokers.

Is customer support reliable?

As a forex trader in the UAE, it’s essential to be able to reach out to support in English or your native tongue of Arabic. Check the hours of availability, for example, whether help is on hand 24/7 or only during business hours. Chat support is the most convenient, so look for an easy-to-access chat window built into the broker platform. In the case of a platform outage, it is also helpful to be able to contact support via phone.

How to Avoid Forex and CFD Scams?

A common scam in the forex and CFD industry involves vendors offering a trading strategy that guarantees an outlandishly high return in a short period. These strategies may involve automated trading using bots or a signal service where trades are shared via chat or social media. It’s important to note that nobody can guarantee returns with certainty, and it is more likely that such strategies will result in losses. When assessing strategy or signal providers, you should look for a live track record audited by a third party, but remember that past performance does not guarantee future results.

Traders should also be highly cautious about opening an account with an unregulated offshore broker. Such brokers may offer a straightforward account opening process, bonuses, and high levels of leverage but client funds are not protected. Meanwhile, brokers regulated by top-tier authorities must undergo regular audits and are held accountable for misconduct. Traders can also benefit from features such as segregated accounts for holding their funds, negative balance protection, and a compensation fund in case of broker insolvency.

Our Methodology

In selecting the best forex brokers for UAE residents, we used the results of our advanced proprietary methodology. All of the brokers listed were among the leaders in our tests.

FXEmpire has been reviewing brokers since 2011 and has pioneered the in-depth evaluation of CFD brokers. Our process has taken years to refine and involved hundreds of reviews. We’ve gone to a granular level — with over 250 data points in our analysis of each broker — so you can feel confident in selecting the right platform. To provide the most comprehensive view, we break down the brokers according to nine different categories:

  • Trust
  • Fees
  • Platform and tools
  • Tradable instruments
  • Customer service
  • Deposit and withdrawal
  • Account types
  • Research
  • Education

In our broker reviews, we explain complex areas like regulatory status, so you can easily understand the safety of your funds and the benefits you are guaranteed. All our winning brokers listed above have at least one entity licensed by a top-tier regulator.

Data is gathered through live testing, research, detailed questionnaires, and in-person broker demonstrations. An account is opened with each broker, focusing primarily on the services of one entity and testing using the most standard account type and platform. We conduct live tests of spreads and measure overnight swap fees and account-related costs.

Our side-by-side analysis reveals whether a broker is competitive in relation to the industry. Trading platforms take time to master, but we have already done the legwork for you, and our evaluations highlight their essential features and usability.

FX Empire abides by strict guidelines for editorial integrity. Scoring is based on objective criteria and mostly measurable data, so individual preferences or biases cannot sway our reviews. The review process is independent and follows a strict protocol. In addition, all facts are carefully checked and rechecked, as reviews are continually updated. Learn more about our methodology here.

For this best brokers page, we selected the best forex brokers for United Arab Emirates (UAE) Residents. We looked for top-tier regulated brokers and checked if they provide an Islamic account option, accept UAE dirham (AED) as a base currency, offer an Arabic version of their website, provide customer support in Arabic language, have offices in UAE, and offer competitive fees and low trading costs. Since traders have different needs, we then separated the brokers into categories where they stood out as winners.

Meet Our Writers

The team of forex and CFD writers and editors at FX Empire is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists. Our writers have been published on leading financial websites such as Investopedia and Forbes. In addition, they all have extensive trading experience.

Get to Know Our Authors

Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst

Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.

Jitan SolankiBroker Analyst

Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.

Plamen StoyanovBroker Analyst

Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.

Vladimir ZernovBroker Analyst

In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.

Forex trading is legal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The market is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Islamic law (Shariah law) prohibits earning or paying money from interest (earning/paying money from money). However, swap-free forex accounts (Islamic accounts) are commonly available, where interest is not earned or paid.
Islamic scholars have divided opinions on whether forex trading is halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden). Receiving or paying interest is certainly haram.
An Islamic account is one where there is no interest earned or paid on leveraged market positions held overnight. This type of trading account complies with Islamic Sharia law.
he Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is a federal financial regulatory agency in the United Arab Emirates. The DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC, a purpose-built economic free zone in Dubai, UAE.
You can check the public register of the DFSA and also search the website of the SCA under the broker section.
The requirements will vary based on the broker, but typically you will need to provide your name, address, contact information, and proof of identification.
We recommend ADSS for new forex and CFD traders in UAE because of its rich educational content, helpful customer support available in Arabic, and a broad range of tradable instruments.
We rate MultiBank as suitable for advanced traders in the UAE. The broker offers wide range of account types, competitive spreads, and provides features for automated and copy trading strategies.
Vantage markets is our selection for the best forex trading platform in the UAE. The broker provides wide range of platforms for all types of traders: from MetaTrader to ProTrader.
Earnings made from forex trading are tax-free for UAE residents. However, tax laws and regulations may change. Therefore, it's always a good idea to consult with a tax advisor or legal professional who is familiar with UAE tax law to understand your potential tax obligations.
Yes, UAE residents can trade with brokers that SCA does not regulate. Forex brokers are not required to become authorized by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to accept residents of the United Arab Emirates as customers.
Yes, traders in the UAE can trade crypto.
No, you must open a brokerage account to make leveraged forex trades.
Yes, day trading is legal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Negative balance protection guarantees that you can only lose up to your initial balance. If your account balance falls to zero, the broker will close out their positions and absorb the loss.
You can verify if your broker provides negative balance protection by checking if they are regulated by an authority that ensures this protection. Typically, this information can be found on the broker's website or can be acquired by reaching out to their customer support team.
Compensation schemes safeguard clients in the event of a brokerage firm's insolvency. They often come with specific eligibility criteria, including a maximum compensation limit per investor or per claim, and might only cover certain kinds of financial instruments or transactions.
You can check with the regulator authorizing your broker. Compensation schemes are typically established and regulated by government bodies or financial regulatory agencies. To provide their clients with this safeguard, brokers are obligated to register with these schemes.
When a CFD broker states that funds are segregated, this means that customer assets are kept separately (segregated) from the firm's assets. This is implemented to protect clients' funds in the event of the broker's bankruptcy or other financial difficulties.
Some regulators, such as the UK FCA, require brokers to hold client money separate from the firm’s. You can confirm this by checking your broker's website or contacting them directly.
1:30 is the maximum leverage, the same as FCA and CySEC.

About the Author

Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst

Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.

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Why you can trust FX Empire

FXEmpire was founded in 2011, making us one of the first forex broker review sites. You can trust FXEmpire because of our thorough and unbiased review process. With over a decade of experience, we have a team of industry experts who conduct rigorous tests to ensure our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Our reviews are designed to bring clarity and confidence to the process of choosing a broker, and are based on objective criteria and measurable data. Our editorial team is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists, who ensure that our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Additionally, our review system is based on 9 core categories and over 250 distinct variables, which ensures that all aspects of a broker are considered before giving a final rating. So, you can trust FXEmpire to provide you with honest and informative reviews that will help you make an informed decision on which broker will best enable you to reach your financial goals.