E*TRADE is one of the oldest online brokers in the United States, popular for stocks, ETFs and options. If you live in the UAE, you may wonder whether you can use it. In this article we explain whether E*TRADE is available in the UAE in 2026 and which alternatives you can use instead.
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Is E*TRADE available in the UAE?
No. E*TRADE has been part of Morgan Stanley since October 2020 and is aimed at US residents. You cannot open an E*TRADE account as a resident of the UAE, and E*TRADE has not announced plans to launch in the country.
Alternatives to E*TRADE in the UAE
These brokers are available to UAE residents and cover what E*TRADE is known for, especially US stocks, ETFs and options:
Interactive Brokers: founded in 1978, with stocks, ETFs, options, futures and bonds on over 170 markets and low currency conversion costs. Trader Workstation offers professional tools and the IBKR GlobalTrader app is simple enough for beginners.
Sarwa: a UAE-based platform regulated by the FSRA in the ADGM and the DFSA, with fractional US stocks, ETFs and options in Sarwa Trade and the Sarwa Invest robo-advisor.
eToro: regulated in the UAE by the FSRA in the ADGM. Commission-free ETFs, stocks from USD 1 per trade, crypto and social trading. New users in the UAE can get a stock or crypto position worth USD 50 after a first deposit of USD 200 (terms apply).
Freedom24: an EU broker regulated by CySEC with US stocks, ETFs, bonds and US options, plus commission-free recurring ETF investment plans.
XTB: a broker listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange with a DFSA-regulated UAE subsidiary, focused on forex and CFDs.
For a full comparison, read our guide to the best online brokers in the UAE.
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Freedom24: commission-free investing applies exclusively to specific recurrent investment plans, other fees apply according to the Freedom24 fee schedule.
FAQs
Can I use E*TRADE in Dubai?
No. E*TRADE is aimed at US residents and does not accept residents of the UAE, including those in Dubai.
Who owns E*TRADE?
Morgan Stanley, which completed the acquisition of E*TRADE in October 2020.
What is the best E*TRADE alternative in the UAE?
Interactive Brokers is the best choice for active traders and options. Sarwa is simpler and has a UAE licence.
Sergio is passionate about finance. He has worked as an auditor and consultant in large international accounting firms. Now, he is an investment senior analyst and invests in companies on his own as a retail investor.
