Choosing the best trading app in the UAE depends on how often you trade, the markets you prefer, and how comfortable you are with advanced tools. The UAE has a mature regulatory environment, overseen by bodies such as the DFSA, SCA, and ADGM FSRA, which makes it easier for both new and experienced traders to access global markets with confidence. From commission-free apps for first-time investors to premium platforms designed for active traders, the range of options continues to expand in 2026.
In this guide, learn about:
- Key evaluation criteria to identify the best trading app in the UAE
- Best free trading apps (low or no commission) for beginners
- Best paid or premium trading apps for advanced traders
- Comparison table: Free vs paid apps
- Best trading app in the UAE by user type
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Key evaluation criteria to identify the best trading app in the UAE
Before comparing platforms, it helps to understand what actually separates a good trading app from a risky or expensive one in the UAE market.
- Regulation and security: Check for UAE-specific licences such as DFSA, SCA, and ADGM FSRA to ensure investor protection and fund safety.
- Fees and cost structure: Look beyond commissions to understand spreads, currency conversion charges, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and custody costs.
- Trading instruments: Assess whether the app offers stocks, ETFs, Forex, crypto, CFDs, and access to MENA markets versus only global assets.
- Platform features: Evaluate mobile and desktop usability, charting tools, order types, analytics, and availability of demo accounts.
- Account options: Consider Islamic (swap-free) accounts, fractional share investing, and minimum deposit requirements.
- Support and education: Check for Arabic language support, local customer service hours, and in-app learning or educational resources.
Best free trading apps (low or no commission) for beginners
Free or low-cost apps have lowered the entry barrier for new investors in the UAE, especially those starting with small amounts.
Baraka
Baraka offers commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs, operating on a freemium model that includes a limited number of free trades each month. Fractional shares allow beginners to start with as little as USD 50, making them accessible to first-time investors.
The app is built for simplicity, featuring a clean interface and halal investing filters that appeal to Sharia-compliant users. Islamic accounts are supported, which is a strong plus in the UAE market.
However, Baraka is limited to U.S. markets only. There are no CFDs, Forex, or regional stocks, which may feel restrictive for investors as they gain experience.
eToro
eToro remains popular for its zero-commission trading on stocks and ETFs for UAE users, combined with social trading features such as CopyTrader. Beginners can observe and copy experienced traders, and a demo account allows risk-free practice.
That said, users should be aware of fixed withdrawal fees, inactivity charges after long periods, and currency conversion costs. While the platform offers crypto and CFDs, spreads and overnight fees apply to non-stock instruments.
eToro suits beginners who want exposure to multiple asset classes and value community-driven learning.
XTB
XTB offers zero commission on stocks and ETFs up to certain volume limits and provides access to Forex, CFDs, and regional markets. The platform supports Islamic swap-free accounts and includes a demo mode for practice.
Its charting and analytical tools are more advanced than beginner-only apps, which makes XTB suitable for users transitioning from basic investing to active trading. Some withdrawal fees and inactivity charges may apply under specific conditions.
Sarwa
Sarwa is a UAE-based platform focused on long-term, passive investing rather than day trading. It offers commission-free investing in diversified portfolios, with advisory fees typically ranging between 0.5 and 0.8 per cent for managed accounts.
The platform works well for investors who prefer a hands-off approach aligned with broader UAE investment opportunities across asset classes. However, it lacks advanced trading tools and order types, making it less suitable for active traders.
Best paid or premium trading apps for advanced traders
Advanced traders often prioritise execution speed, market depth, and sophisticated tools over simplicity.
Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank caters to high-volume and professional traders with access to more than 70,000 instruments globally. The platform offers professional-grade research, real-time data, and advanced risk management tools.
Costs include commissions on certain instruments and custody fees depending on account type. While Saxo supports Islamic accounts, its complexity and higher minimums make it less suitable for beginners.
IG UAE
IG provides extensive market coverage, including equities, Forex, indices, and derivatives, across web platforms, MT4, and ProRealTime. Many stock trades carry no commission, while CFDs and derivatives are priced via spreads.
The platform is regulated locally, and suits experienced traders who value deep charting and advanced order types. Learning the interface takes time, but the flexibility appeals to active market participants.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers offers one of the broadest product ranges available, covering stocks, options, futures, bonds, and Forex. Fees are among the lowest for large-volume traders, and the platform pays interest on idle cash in certain cases.
The downside is complexity. Fee structures are detailed, and the interface can overwhelm beginners. Islamic account availability is not clearly standardised across regions, so Sharia-conscious traders should confirm specifics before opening an account.
Comparison table: Free vs paid apps
| App | Best for | Costs (Comm and spreads) | Min deposit | Regulation | Market coverage |
| Baraka | Beginners and U.S. stocks | Zero commission on U.S. stocks, flat fee after free trades | ~USD 50 | DFSA | U.S. stocks and ETFs |
| eToro | Beginners and social traders | Zero commission stocks, spreads on CFDs and crypto, withdrawal and inactivity fees | USD 50–100 | ADGM FSRA | Global markets and crypto |
| XTB | Beginner to advanced | Zero commission stocks with conditions, spreads on Forex and CFDs | From USD 0 | DFSA | Global and regional |
| Sarwa | Long-term investors | Advisory fee ~0.5–0.8 percent | USD 100+ | ADGM FSRA | Stocks, ETFs, and limited crypto |
| Saxo Bank | Advanced traders | Commissions and custody fees | Higher tiers | DFSA | Global and derivatives |
| IG | Experienced traders | Spreads and some commissions | Varies | DFSA | Wide instrument mix |
| IBKR | Expert traders | Low but complex fees | Low | ADGM | Extensive global |
Best trading app in the UAE by user type
Different trading goals require different platforms, even within the same regulatory environment.
- If you’re a complete beginner
Baraka and Sarwa offer the safest entry point, with low costs, simple interfaces, and Islamic options. eToro is also well-suited for beginners who want to learn through social trading.
- If you’re an intermediate or growth trader
XTB strikes a balance between low-cost investing and advanced tools, while IG offers deeper analytics and more complex order types for traders ready to level up.
- If you’re an advanced or active trader
Saxo Bank, Interactive Brokers, and IG provide professional-grade tools, wide asset coverage, and advanced analytics. Fees and learning curves are higher, but so is flexibility.
Key takeaways
No single platform fits everyone. The best trading app in the UAE depends on what you trade, how often you trade, and whether you prioritise simplicity or advanced tools. Commission-free trading often applies only to stocks and ETFs, while other fees still matter. Sharia compliance, regulatory requirements, and hidden costs should always be reviewed before funding an account.
FAQs
Islamic accounts remove interest-based overnight swap charges on leveraged positions, aligning trading activity with Sharia principles.
Some platforms are gradually expanding their MENA coverage, reflecting growing interest among Abu Dhabi investors in participating in the Abu Dhabi stock market. However, many apps still focus primarily on the U.S. and global markets.
Zero commission usually applies only to specific instruments. Spreads, currency conversion, and inactivity fees can still impact returns.
eToro, XTB, IG, and several others provide demo accounts so users can practise without risking real money.
Many are regulated by UAE authorities, including the DFSA and ADGM FSRA, as well as global regulators. Always verify licensing before investing.
