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.
- 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 generating returns on uninvested cash. New users can earn up to 20 free 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.
- Trading 212: Best for beginners and low cost investing. Trading 212 is regulated by top-tier regulators like the FCA in the UK, but it is not regulated in the UAE just yet. New users earn a free share worth up to €100.
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 in 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. $0.35; max. 1% of trade value) | EUR: 2.349%; USD: 3.83%; GBP: 4.201% (as of January 2025). Interest applicable above USD 100,000 NAV. No interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash. | €/$/£0 | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, Forex, commodities, bonds, and funds. |
| eToro | $1 per trade. | Up to 4.55% in USD | $/€50 | Stocks, ETFs, cryptos (in some countries only crypto CFDs) and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, Forex, indices. |
| XTB | €0 up to €100,000 monthly volume (in some countries) | EUR: 1.75%; USD: 2.00%; GBP: 4.75%. These rates apply for the first 90 days. | €/$/£1 | Stocks, ETFs, Forex and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. |
| Freedom24 | From $1.20 per trade | USD: Up to 7.21% | $0 | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Futures and Options |
| Sarwa | $1 or 0.25% of traded value | USD: 4.6% | $5 | US stocks & ETFs, options, crypto, savings account, and automated investing (robo-advisor). |
| Trading 212 | €/£0 | EUR: 3.70%; USD: 4.35%; GBP: 4.90% | €/£10 | Stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, and Forex. |
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
- Daily interest on uninvested cash in EUR and USD up to 4.81% and 7.21%, respectively, as of January 2025
- 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 earn interest on their parked cash, and new users can earn up to 20 free stocks!
5. 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, Trading 212 or IBKR might be best.
6. Trading 212: Best for beginners and low-cost investing
Trading 212 is one of the most popular brokers in Europe. It offers low fees, including commission-free stocks and ETFs trading. Plus, the app is very intuitive and user-friendly, making it a great alternative for beginner investors.
Trading 212 also offers high interest in your uninvested cash and a debit card, which you can use.
New users get a free fractional share:
Why We Like It:
- Trading 212 makes investing accessible with free fractional shares, a simple interface, and interest on uninvested cash.
- The app is slick and easy to use.
- It’s a strong pick for those just starting to trade globally from the UAE.
- Offers a free share for new users.
Downsides:
- Limited advanced tools: The platform might lack some advanced charting and analytical tools sought by experienced traders.
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 in 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 question 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.
