Best Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates In 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant forex trading hub, experiencing a 9% rise in the number of FX/CFD traders in 2023, alongside 18,500 retail investors placing their first trades. This expansion means the UAE’s chief federal regulator, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), now oversees a growing number of forex trading platforms.
Explore our selection of the best forex brokers in the UAE to find the platforms that excel for their range of currency pairs, charting tools, trading fees, and convenient account funding, including e-wallets like Alipay which is rising in popularity among Emirati residents.
Top 6 Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates
Our hands-on tests and exhaustive analysis of hundreds of brokers show these to be the top 6 platforms for forex traders in the UAE:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- XM - XM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account.
- IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
- Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'.
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
Best Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates In 2025 Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 55+ | 0.8 | / 5 | $5 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| IC Markets | 75 | 0.02 | / 5 | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Vantage | 55+ | 0.0 | / 5 | $50 | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
| AvaTrade | 50+ | 0.9 | / 5 | $100 | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| FOREX.com | 80+ | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
| Pepperstone | 100+ | 0.1 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
Cons
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.02 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.27 |
| Total Assets | 75 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
Vantage
"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Vantage Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- The broker has recently made efforts to expand its suite of CFDs providing further trading opportunities
- It’s quick and easy to open a live account – taking less than 5 minutes
- Vantage maintains its high trust score thanks to its strong reputation and top-tier regulation from the FCA and ASIC
Cons
- Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
- A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
- It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Cons
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:400 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.4 |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
- Pepperstone has greatly improved the deposit and withdrawal experience in recent years, adding Apple Pay and Google Pay in 2025, as well as PIX and SPEI for clients in Brazil and Mexico in 2024.
Cons
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
How We Rate Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates
Trust
Our recommended forex brokers have earned our trust through a balance of their regulatory credentials, our direct experiences on their platforms, and their reputation among our experts, who have over 25 years of industry experience.
This helps protect traders from predatory forex fraudsters that the Emirati law firm Raya al Ameri warns “continue to pose a threat to investors” by luring them in with “aggressive marketing techniques”.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), a prominent regulator in the region, has also issued helpful advice on avoiding forex trading scams, including verifying the broker’s regulatory details on the agency’s website and ensuring emails match the company’s official website.
- AvaTrade is highly trusted with a long history spanning 15+ years – it fosters a transparent forex trading environment with robust safety measures (including SSL encryption to protect data and AvaTrade Protect to insure against losses), plus a long row of licenses, including from the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
Account Funding
Support for accessible, affordable payment methods is key, so we looked for platforms that make it easy to deposit using UAE dirhams (AED). Many forex platforms even offer AED accounts, ensuring a smooth trading experience while minimizing conversion fees.
Statista has also noted the rise in digital payments in the UAE, which they forecast to be fully cashless by 2030, so we highly rate brokers that support popular online payment methods in the region like Alipay and Klarna.
- Markets.com caters to forex traders in the UAE with an AED account, swap-free trading conditions, convenient payment options, plus an affordable starting deposit of 100 USD, around 370 AED.
Currency Pairs
Our analysis shows that the majority of online forex platforms do not offer trading on the AED (د.إ), despite it playing a vital role in facilitating economic development in the Middle East, especially in key industries like tourism, financial services, and oil.
That said, the top forex trading platforms offer at least 50 currency pairs, providing opportunities to speculate on the currencies of major countries.
Some brokers also excel with upwards of 80 currency pairs, notably many exotics with high volatility that can offer profit potential for skilled traders.
- Interactive Brokers stands out for forex traders in the UAE because it offers trading on 100+ FX pairs spanning 24 currencies, notably the AED, featuring pairs like the USD/AED with deep liquidity and quotes from the world’s 17 biggest forex dealers.
Platforms & Tools
We prioritize brokers that support high-quality trading platforms that deliver an optimal environment for forex traders, sporting intuitive interfaces and useful tools for analyzing foreign exchange markets, such as heatmaps and market sentiment.
After years of testing and reviewing forex brokers in the UAE, we’ve found the established MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 to be most popular among seasoned traders, which offer customizable interfaces with one-click trading, powerful charting tools with multiple timeframes and support for algorithmic trading.
However nowadays, more modern third-party options like TradingView as well as bespoke in-house platforms have made inroads thanks to slick and eye-catching designs that we’ve found appeal to newer forex traders while still delivering sophisticated tools.
- IC Markets remains our top contender for forex trading tools with support for four excellent platforms – MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. It also shines by providing useful extras like VPS hosting for algo traders and Autochartist for technical analysis and market scanning.
Pricing
Choosing a broker with excellent pricing is an important step towards profiting from the forex markets because trading fees can quickly pile up when you’re day trading in the UAE.
For short-term traders, the most significant expense often comes from the spread – the difference between the bid and ask price – so we evaluate a broker’s pricing by rating the spreads of the most popular currency pairs like the EUR/USD, EUR/GBP and GBP/USD.
Commission charges can also factor in, especially if you opt for a raw-spread account, though many top forex platforms offer commission-free trading with affordable spreads on currency pairs.
We also evaluate non-trading fees such as deposit and withdrawal charges, conversion costs when transferring in AED, plus additional fees for tools and data.
- Vantage maintains its place as one of the best-value forex brokers in the Emirates thanks to its ultra-tight spreads from 0 pips and low commissions of $1.50 in its Pro ECN account, alongside the chance to reduce fees through the Vantage Rewards program.
Methodology
To identify the top forex brokers for the United Arab Emirates, we shortlisted platforms accepting Emirate traders and evaluated them based on their comprehensive rating. This rating includes:
- Licensing by trusted regulatory bodies, if not by the SCA, DFSA and FRSA
- Support for convenient payment methods and swap-free accounts for Muslim traders
- Examination of the broker’s market offerings for currency pairs preferred by Emirate investors
- Support for advanced trading platforms and apps suitable for intraday forex trading
- Analysis of pricing on popular currency pairs in relation to service quality
FAQ
Is Forex Trading Legal In The UAE?
Forex trading is legal in the UAE and also on the rise, with an increasing number of retail investors speculating on currencies online.
Forex day traders in the UAE also have the advantage that capital gains aren’t taxed, so traders can keep 100% of any profits.
Who Regulates Forex Trading In The UAE?
The UAE is a federal state that includes several different Emirates with their own authorities. The federal regulators that oversee the financial markets, such as forex trading, include the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Central Bank of the UAE, while Dubai has its own Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Abu Dhabi has the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Trading Forex In The UAE?
Our years of testing forex brokers accepting traders from the UAE show that platforms are becoming increasingly accessible, with minimum deposits typically ranging from 0 to 250 USD, around 0 to 920 AED.
Having said that, some forex trading platforms excel with no minimum investment, notably Pepperstone, making it an excellent option for budget traders.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
- Central Bank of the UAE
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
- Abu Dhabi Global Markets
- Statista Report on Digital Payments in the UAE
- Investment Trends Report on Retail FX/CFD Trader Population in the UAE
- Raya al Ameri Warning Against Forex Fraudsters
The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com