Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the largest brokers in the world, founded in 1978 and known for its low costs and huge choice of markets. In this Interactive Brokers UAE review for 2026 we look at what it offers UAE residents: fees, markets (including UAE stocks), local AED funding, safety and who it suits.
Disclosure: this article contains affiliate links. If you open an account through them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Interactive Brokers UAE at a glance
| Interactive Brokers | |
|---|---|
| US stocks (Fixed plan) | USD 0.005 per share, min USD 1 |
| US stocks (Tiered plan) | From USD 0.0035 per share, min USD 0.35, plus exchange fees |
| US options | From USD 0.65 per contract |
| Currency conversion | 0.08 to 0.20 basis points, min USD 2 |
| Minimum deposit | USD 0 (USD 2,000 for margin accounts) |
| Inactivity fee | None |
| AED account | Yes, AED is a supported currency |
| UAE stocks | Yes, since December 2025 |
Data checked in September 2026. Exchange, regulatory and clearing fees may apply. See the full pricing.
What is Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978, is headquartered in the US, is listed on the Nasdaq (ticker IBKR) and has been part of the S&P 500 since 2025. It gives you access to over 160 markets worldwide with one account, and supports funding and trading in up to 28 currencies, including AED.
In December 2025, Interactive Brokers added UAE equities to its platform and announced a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
Fees
Interactive Brokers offers two pricing plans for stocks, which you can change later in the account settings:
Fixed: one all-in price per share. US stocks and ETFs cost USD 0.005 per share, with a minimum of USD 1 per order.
Tiered: a lower commission that falls with monthly volume (from USD 0.0035 per share, minimum USD 0.35), with exchange and clearing fees charged separately. It is usually cheaper for small orders and very active traders.
| Product (US) | Tiered | Fixed |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks and ETFs | USD 0.0005 to 0.0035 per share (min USD 0.35) | USD 0.005 per share (min USD 1) |
| Options | USD 0.15 to 0.65 per contract | USD 0.65 per contract |
| Futures | USD 0.25 to 0.85 per contract | USD 0.85 per contract |
| Currencies | 0.08 to 0.20 basis points (min USD 2) | 0.08 to 0.20 basis points (min USD 2) |
| Mutual funds | Lesser of 3% or USD 14.95 | Lesser of 3% or USD 14.95 |
Source: Interactive Brokers, September 2026. Third-party fees may apply.
There is no minimum deposit on cash accounts and no inactivity fee. Older articles may mention both, but IBKR removed them years ago.
Markets and products
With Interactive Brokers you can invest in stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, currencies and CFDs on over 160 markets, now including UAE equities. Margin trading is available from a USD 2,000 deposit. Fractional shares are available on many US and some other stocks. Crypto trading depends on the IBKR entity that holds your account, so check availability in your account.
Interactive Brokers does not offer an Islamic (swap-free) account.
Deposits and AED funding
You can hold AED in your account and convert it to USD and other currencies at IBKR’s low FX rates. UAE residents can fund their account with a local AED bank transfer, using the local bank details shown in IBKR’s deposit screen (through First Abu Dhabi Bank at the time of writing). This is faster and cheaper than an international SWIFT transfer, which typically costs AED 100 to 150 in bank fees and takes a few days.
To deposit, go to Transfer and Pay, then Deposit, create a deposit method, enter the amount and follow the transfer instructions.
Is Interactive Brokers safe?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the SEC and FINRA in the US and the FCA in the UK, and is a member of SIPC. UAE residents usually open their account with Interactive Brokers LLC, the US entity, whose clients are covered by SIPC up to USD 500,000 per client (including up to USD 250,000 in cash) if the broker fails. IBKR is listed on the Nasdaq and publishes audited results, and has operated since 1978.
IBKR now has an office in the DIFC. Check in your account opening documents which IBKR entity holds your account and which regulator supervises it.
Platforms
IBKR GlobalTrader: a simple mobile app for beginners to trade stocks, ETFs and options, including fractions.
IBKR Mobile and Client Portal: the full mobile app and web platform to manage your account, deposits and orders.
Trader Workstation (TWS): the desktop platform for active traders, with advanced order types, OptionTrader and risk tools.
You can test the platforms with a free trial or, once you have an account, with a Paper Trading account.
Pros and cons
✅ Widest choice of markets and products, now including UAE stocks
✅ Low commissions and FX costs, with AED accounts and local AED funding
✅ Listed on the Nasdaq, with an office in the DIFC
❌ Complex platform and fee structure for beginners
❌ No Islamic (swap-free) account
❌ Account opening takes longer than with simpler apps
Who is Interactive Brokers for?
Interactive Brokers suits UAE investors who want access to many markets at low cost, trade options or futures, or invest larger amounts. Beginners who want a very simple app or a robo-advisor may prefer Sarwa or eToro. For a full comparison, read our guide to the best online brokers in the UAE.
FAQs
Is Interactive Brokers available in the UAE?
Yes. UAE residents can open an account, fund it in AED and trade over 160 markets, including UAE equities since December 2025.
Can I deposit AED to Interactive Brokers?
Yes. AED is a supported currency and UAE residents can use a local AED bank transfer.
Does Interactive Brokers have an Islamic account?
No. Interactive Brokers does not offer swap-free accounts.
Disclaimer: this article is for information only and is not investment advice. Your capital is at risk.
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Toni Vitali is a former professional basketball player who found a passion for finance. He is a financial blogger at tonivitali.com and a financial educator.
