If you’re wondering which trading app is best in the UAE, or searching for a UAE government-approved trading app, this guide will help you navigate the options, understand what to look for, and ultimately select the best trading app in the UAE for 2025.
Quick summary:
- Interactive Brokers: Best overall in the UAE. IBKR is best for low fees, extensive product range (stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex), and paying interest on uninvested cash balances. On the downside, if you value user-friendliness, there are other alternatives with a more beginner-friendly interface.
- Capital.com*: Best for fee-free AED deposits and commission-free CFD trading (other fees apply) with dubai-based support. Capital.com is a global trading platform offering UAE investors quick, fee-free AED deposits, local customer support (24/7 in English), and access to CFDs on markets like gold, oil, crypto, and stocks.
- eToro: Best for beginners, crypto, and social trading. Offers commission-free ETF trading and low cost stocks trading. User-friendly, great for following and copying other investors’ trades. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
- XTB: Best for CFDs, forex, and commission-free stocks and ETFs. Licensed by Dubai authorities, offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts and a broad product range.
- Freedom24: Best for investing in US stocks, options, and bonds. New users can earn up to 20 free gift stocks.
- Sarwa: Best for beginners and automated investing. A UAE-based platform offering services like Sarwa Save, Sarwa Trade, Sarwa Invest (robo-advisory), and Sarwa Crypto. Low fees, local presence, but a relatively new player with fewer products.
- Amana: Best for 0% commissions. It allows users to trade with 0% commissions on U.S. and international stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies (over 375 digital assets), and MENA region shares. New users can earn a $100 bonus with our amana promo code “IITW”.
*Disclaimer: CFDs trading carries risk. Capital.com is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority.
For high investment amounts, we believe that IBKR (Interactive Brokers) is one of the best choices. It is the oldest broker of all and the one with the highest assets under administration. Furthermore, it has an office in Dubai.
If you’re a beginner or want to invest with low commissions, any of the other choices are worth a shot! Visit the websites and decide for yourself!
How did we select our top 5 trading apps in the UAE?
For both Android and iOS, there’s an endless range of trading apps in Dubai and the UAE.
We judged these apps on several criteria:
- the app functionality and user-friendliness,
- the products you can trade,
- how well-regulated they are,
- the interest offered on uninvested cash balances,
- the fees,
- the minimum deposits, and
- customer service.
We personally reviewed these apps, considering the needs of both newbie and pro traders. You can find our video reviews of each app on this YouTube channel.
Side-by-side comparison
Below is a comparison table for the mentioned platforms:
| Broker | Fees on US stocks | Interest on uninvested cash | Min deposit | Products offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | Tiered plan: Up to $0.0035 per share (min. $0.35; max. 1% of trade value) | EUR: 1.478%; USD: 3.83%; GBP: 3.573% (as of October 2025). Interest applicable above USD 100,000 NAV. No interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash. | €/$/£0 | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, Forex, commodities, bonds, and funds. |
| Capital.com | 0% commission on CFDs (Other fees may apply) | Not applicable | $20 or AED80 | CFDs on indices, ETFs, shares, Forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies |
| eToro | $1 per trade. | Up to 4.05% in USD | $/€50 | Stocks, ETFs, cryptos (in some countries only crypto CFDs) and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, Forex, indices. |
| XTB | €0 up to €100,000 monthly volume (in some countries) | EUR: 2.30%; USD: 3.95%; GBP: 4.25%. These rates apply for the first 90 days. | €/$/£1 | Stocks, ETFs, Forex and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. |
| Freedom24 | From $1.20 per trade | Not applicable | $0 | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Futures and Options |
| Sarwa | $1 or 0.25% of traded value | USD: 4.1% | $5 | US stocks & ETFs, options, crypto, savings account, and automated investing (robo-advisor). |
| amana | $0 | USD: 3.25% | $25 | US stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs |
Pros and cons of each trading app
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Best overall investing app in the UAE
Why We Like It:
- Established global broker (since 1978)
- Extremely low fees and the largest product range (stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, options, futures)
- Pays interest on uninvested cash, even in AED
- Highly reputable and stable
Downsides:
- Complex fee structure and advanced platform not ideal for beginners
- Steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly UAE trading app alternatives
If you’re a long-term investor prioritizing safety, product variety, and low costs, IBKR is hard to beat.
2. Capital.com: Best for fee-free AED deposits and commission-free CFD trading
Why We Like It:
- Quick and fee-free AED deposits/withdrawals*
- Commission-free CFD trading across multiple asset classes (other fees may apply)
- User-friendly platform with AI-driven insights and risk management tools
- Locally regulated by the SCA, with Dubai-based support available 24/7 (English) and 9:00 am-6:00 pm Mon-Fri (Arabic)
- Offers Islamic accounts
Downsides:
- Focused only on CFDs – no access to traditional products like bonds, ETFs (non-CFD), or retirement accounts
- No interest paid on uninvested cash
- Spreads can vary depending on market conditions
If you’re a UAE trader looking for a simple, commission-free way to access CFDs on forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and crypto, while depositing directly in AED without fees, Capital.com is a strong choice.
Capital.com is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE and by other regulators such as the SCB, CYSEC, ASIC and FCA.
*There are conversion fees or charges that may apply.
Disclaimer: CFDs trading carries risk. Capital.com is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority.
3. eToro: Best for beginners, crypto, and social trading
Why We Like It:
- User-friendly interface, perfect for beginners
- Low commissions on stocks ($1 commission and $2 commission for Dubai, Australia, and Hong Kong stock exchanges) and commission-free ETFs investing
- Unique social trading feature allows you to follow and copy other traders
- Good for crypto trading enthusiasts
Downsides:
- Does not support AED, so you’ll pay currency conversion fees if depositing AED
- Spreads can be higher on certain products
eToro’s simplicity and social trading features make it an excellent trading app for novices who want a gentle learning curve.
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
4. XTB: Best for Forex, CFDs, and commission-free Stocks & ETFs
Why We Like It:
- Licensed and regulated in the UAE (has offices in Dubai)
- Offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts
- Zero commission on many stocks and ETFs (other fees may apply)
- Wide range of products: CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, forex, and even cryptocurrencies
Downsides:
- Not the simplest platform for long-term buy-and-hold investors
- Does not offer products such as bonds or options
- Has $10 inactivity fee after 1 year with no activity
XTB is a strong candidate for those focused on short-term trading, forex, or looking for a local solution that offers commission-free stock trading. On the downside, it might not be the ideal solution for advanced investors who enjoy trading options and bonds.
5. Freedom24: Best for generating returns on uninvested cash
Why We Like It:
- Low commissions on stock and ETF trading
- No minimum deposit for general trading
- Demo trading
- Slick, modern, and easy for anyone to use
- No custody fee
Downsides:
- €7 per withdrawal
- No cryptocurrencies
Freedom24 is a good choice for people looking to invest in US stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options, and new users can earn up to 20 free stocks!
6. Sarwa: Best for beginners and automated investing
Why We Like It:
- UAE-based platform with services like Sarwa Save, Sarwa Trade, Sarwa Invest (robo-advisory), and Sarwa Crypto
- Low fees, accessible, transparent, and locally regulated
- Perfect for new investors who prefer a hands-off approach (automated investing – robs-advisor)
Downsides:
- Limited product range compared to global competitors (no bonds, options, etc)
- Still relatively new, so less of a track record
If you’re seeking a UAE government approved trading app that’s beginner-friendly and locally rooted, Sarwa might be your best bet.
On the downside, this is a relatively young company, with a short track record. If you’re an advanced investor, IBKR might be best.
7. amana: Best for 0% commissions
Why We Like It
- UAE-based platform offering a trusted and transparent trading experience
- Access to stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and crypto — all from one app
- Commission-free trading on most assets with low spreads and no hidden fees
- Beginner-friendly interface, easy to navigate on both web and mobile
- Offers auto-investing features to help users build portfolios effortlessly over time
Downsides
- Limited advanced tools compared to global platforms like IBKR or Saxo for professional traders
- Still growing its global presence and product range
How to choose the best trading app in the UAE
- Prioritize Safety and Regulation. Safety comes first. Opt for a UAE government approved trading app and platforms regulated by reputable authorities like the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Safety should always trump slightly lower fees because investing is a long-term journey.
- Reputation and Assets Under Management. Consider platforms with a strong global presence, high assets under management, and a track record of reliability. Well-established providers often attract high-net-worth individuals and offer a superior level of service and stability.
- Product Offering. What do you want to invest in? Stocks, ETFs, forex, crypto, options, or gold? Not all brokers offer the same product range.
- Fee Structure and Costs. Fees can quickly eat away at your returns. Look for providers that offer transparent, competitive fees. Some may have commission-free trading on certain securities but higher spreads elsewhere. Compare costs carefully to ensure you’re getting the best value, especially if you frequently convert AED to USD or other currencies.
- User Experience and Customer Support. Beginners may prefer a simple, intuitive interface. More experienced traders might want advanced tools, charting features, and direct market access. Consider the quality of customer support, as you may need assistance setting up your account or troubleshooting technical issues.
- Local Currency Support. The UAE’s currency is the AED. A UAE best trading app should ideally support AED deposits or charge minimal currency conversion fees. Having multi-currency support can significantly reduce costs over time and simplify your trading experience.
Conclusion
There are many trading apps available in the UAE. All have different target audiences and characteristics. Do you value commission-free trades? Do you want to earn interest on your uninvested cash? Do you value reputation and security above all?
We encourage you to explore the apps mentioned in this article and decide for yourself! If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us!
We hope this article has been helpful and that you feel confident in embarking on your next trading journey, whether you’re a newcomer or a returning investor.
Pedro is passionate about finance, marketing, and technology. He is a growth manager at several online projects and a former digital marketer for a fintech company.
