Robinhood is the US investing app that made commission-free trading popular, especially during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns. If you live in the UAE, you may wonder whether you can use it. In this article we explain whether Robinhood is available in the UAE in 2026, what its plans for Dubai are and which alternatives you can use today.
Disclosure: this article contains affiliate links. If you open an account through them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is Robinhood available in the UAE?
No. As of September 2026, UAE residents cannot open a Robinhood account. Robinhood serves customers in the United States, the UK and the European Union, where you need to be a legal resident to sign up.
Is Robinhood coming to Dubai?
Robinhood has taken the first steps. In August 2025 it applied for a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and appointed Mario Camara, a former Equiti and Saxo Bank executive, as Senior Executive Officer for its MENA operation. As of September 2026, Robinhood has not announced a launch for retail investors in the UAE. Reports at the time of the application noted that such a licence would initially focus on professional clients rather than retail investors.
We will update this article when Robinhood opens to UAE investors.
Alternatives to Robinhood in the UAE
We selected these alternatives based on regulation, costs, ease of use and availability to UAE residents:
Sarwa: a UAE-based platform regulated by the FSRA in the ADGM and the DFSA. Sarwa Trade offers fractional US stocks, ETFs and options in a simple app, the closest experience to Robinhood, and Sarwa Invest is a 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).
Interactive Brokers: founded in 1978, with stocks, ETFs, options, futures and bonds on over 170 markets and low currency conversion costs. The IBKR GlobalTrader app is simple enough for beginners.
Amana: a Dubai-based app with commission-free MENA stocks, US stocks 24/5 and over 375 cryptocurrencies. New users can get a USD 100 bonus with our promo code IITW. App accounts are held with AFS Global Limited, licensed in Labuan (LFSA).
Freedom24: an EU broker regulated by CySEC with access to 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 Robinhood in Dubai?
No. Robinhood does not accept UAE residents, including those in Dubai, as of September 2026.
Has Robinhood got a licence in the UAE?
Robinhood applied for a DFSA licence in August 2025. As of September 2026 it has not launched for retail investors in the UAE.
What is the best Robinhood alternative in the UAE?
Sarwa offers the closest experience, with fractional US stocks and options and a UAE licence. eToro is a good choice if you also want crypto and social trading.
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.
