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Best Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates In 2024

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Written By
Michael MacKenzie
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Written By
Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
» Michael MacKenzie Profile Page
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Fact Checked By
James Barra
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Fact Checked By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
Updated
Jun 24, 2024

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 10 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 10 platforms for forex traders in the UAE:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    IC Markets
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IC Markets
  2. 2
    Vantage
    50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $50
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
    ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Skrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay, Sticpay, Bitwallet, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
    Go To Vantage
  3. 3
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Go To AvaTrade
  4. 4
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  5. 5
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Pepperstone
  6. 6
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
    Go To XM
  7. 7
    Eightcap
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To Eightcap
  8. 8
    PrimeXBT
    $100 Deposit Bonus
    Ratings
    2.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    CFDs, Cryptos, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    Own
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP
    Go To PrimeXBT
  9. 9
    IQ Option
    RISK WARNING: YOUR CAPITAL MIGHT BE AT RISK
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    0.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $10
    0.001 Lots
    1:500
    CFD, Forex, Crypto, Stocks, Digital Options
    Own
    Skrill, Yandex Money, QIWI, Wire Transfer, Alipay, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Credit Card, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, Maestro, Sofort, GlobePay, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR
    Go To IQ Option
  10. 10
    IG
    Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IG

Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs with competitive spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock on industry-leading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Traders can also access beginner-friendly trading tools and comprehensive forex education.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Eightcap - Eightcap offers 50+ currency pairs in line with the industry average but trailing category leaders like CMC Markets with its 300+ currency pairs. However, Eightcap stands out with institutional-level spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like the EUR/USD, alongside low $3.50/side commissions. The broker also offers rich forex data to inform trading decisions, including key fundamentals, bullish/bearish indicators and a calendar that tracks key events in the foreign exchange market.
  8. PrimeXBT - PrimeXBT offers forex trading on over 50 majors, minors and exotics with margin opportunities and zero commissions. The forex platform is fast, reliable and feature-rich based on our latest tests with 3 charts, 10 timeframes, and 91 technical studies - ideal for active trading strategies.
  9. IQ Option - IQ Option offers CFD trading on 24 forex assets, including major pairs and some minors. EU traders can access a maximum of 1:30 leverage in line with local regulations. The broker offers commission-free trades but spreads are on the high side so the brand does not excel in this area.
  10. IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.

Best Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates In 2024 Comparison

Best Forex Trading Platforms In The United Arab Emirates In 2024 Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator
IC Markets logo
75 0.02 4.8 / 5 $200 ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
Vantage logo
55+ 0.0 4 / 5 $50 FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
AvaTrade logo
50+ 0.9 4.3 / 5 $100 ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
FOREX.com logo
80+ 1.2 4.9 / 5 $100 NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
Pepperstone logo
100+ 0.1 4.7 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
XM logo
55+ 0.8 4.7 / 5 $5 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
Eightcap logo
50+ 0.0 3.6 / 5 $100 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PrimeXBT logo
45+ 0.1 3 / 5 $0 -
IQ Option logo
60+ 14 pips 4.5 / 5 $10 -
IG logo
80+ 0.8 4.9 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.23
EURUSD Spread0.02
EURGBP Spread0.27
Total Assets75
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.

Cons

  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

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 Offer50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
GBPUSD Spread0.5
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN

Pros

  • It’s quick and easy to open a live account – taking less than 5 minutes
  • Vantage has bolstered its algorithmic trading tools for advanced traders with AutoFibo EA identifying reversal opportunities
  • The low minimum deposit of $50 and zero funding fees make this broker a great choice for new traders

Cons

  • The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
  • It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
  • Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
Visit Vantage
Vantage Review

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
GBPUSD Spread1.5
EURUSD Spread0.9
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
  • Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more

Cons

  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
  • A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
GBPUSD Spread1.3
EURUSD Spread1.2
EURGBP Spread1.4
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:400
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • 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.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.

Cons

  • 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.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
Visit FOREX.com
FOREX.com Review

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.4
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP Spread0.4
Total Assets100+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Visit Pepperstone
Pepperstone Review

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 Spread0.8
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • 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 growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
  • 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.

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.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
Visit XM
XM Review

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.1
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.1
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.

Cons

  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
  • The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
Visit Eightcap
Eightcap Review

PrimeXBT

"PrimeXBT is perfect for aspiring traders looking for crypto derivatives alongside traditional markets like forex and indices, all tradable on an intuitive, web-based platform. The copy trading solution is also ideal for hands-off traders with 5-star ratings and performance graphs to help you find the right trader."

William Berg, Reviewer

PrimeXBT Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 Deposit Bonus
GBPUSD SpreadVariable
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP SpreadVariable
Total Assets45+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • PrimeXBT has added fresh opportunities with new tokens for exchanging and funding, including 1Inch, Aave, and Injective.
  • Maker and taker fees of at 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively, for crypto futures contracts are highly competitive within the industry.
  • 24/7 customer support, available via live chat, proved excellent during testing, while the extensive help centre is perfect for self-help.

Cons

  • While common in the crypto industry, PrimeXBT lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, seriously elevating the risk for retail traders.
  • Despite improvements, the selection of around 100+ instruments still seriously trails competitors, notably OKX with its 400+ assets.
  • The lack of integration with established platforms like MT4 will be limiting for traders familiar with the world’s most popular forex trading software.
Visit PrimeXBT
PrimeXBT Review

IQ Option

"IQ Option is a good broker for beginners with a slick platform and low minimum investment. New users can also open an account in three easy steps."

William Berg, Reviewer

IQ Option Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread5 pips
EURUSD Spread14 pips
EURGBP Spread15 pips
Total Assets60+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, ZAR

Pros

  • High payouts on binary options
  • User-friendly platform for beginners
  • Access to IQ Option community

Cons

  • No MetaTrader 4 integration
  • €10 inactivity fee after 90 days
Visit IQ Option
IQ Option Review

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.9
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread0.9
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.

Cons

  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
Visit IG
IG Review

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.

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Forex brokers with halal accounts offer swap-free trading conditions in accordance with Islamic laws, catering to Muslim traders.
  • 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 Trader WorkStation platform with USD/AED chart
Interactive Brokers – USD/AED
  • 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.

TradingView USD/AED pair
TradingView – USD/AED
  • 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:DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

  • 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

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.

Article Sources

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