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Written By
Jemma Grist
Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
Edited By
James Barra
Edited By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks.James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
Updated
Apr 2, 2024
The best day trading platforms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offer accessible accounts for Emirati traders, plus a wide range of global markets, especially in the EMEA region.
Many leading brokers are also regulated by credible authorities, notably the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Our experts have rigorously evaluated hundreds of brokers against key criteria for day traders, including trading fees, charting platforms and execution quality. Explore our selection of the best platforms for day traders in the UAE.
Top 5 Platforms For Day Trading In The United Arab Emirates
Following our tests, these are the top 5 brokers for day trading in the UAE:
- Alpari - Alpari will suit short-term binary options traders with a low $5 deposit, powerful charting terminals, and a rebate scheme. Forex traders also get very high leverage with tight spreads while the broker's PAMM service will appeal to hands-off investors.
- 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.
- FXTM - FXTM is a good pick for day traders seeking low forex commissions on the MetaTrader 4 platform. That said, the range of other assets is not extensive for those looking to diversify, especially stocks and cryptocurrencies.
- 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.
- XM - XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in United Arab Emirates 2024 Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $5 | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Crypto | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 | Visit |
| | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | Visit |
| | $10 | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks | FXTM App, MT4, MT5 | 1:2000 | Visit |
| | $0 | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | Visit |
| | $5 | Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 | Visit |
| | $200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | Visit |
| | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:500 | Visit |
| | $50 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities | MT4, MT5 | 1:30 | Visit |
| | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto | MT4, MT5 | 1:500 | Visit |
| | $100 | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | 1:200 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | Visit |
| | $50 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral | - | Visit |
| | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:2000 | Visit |
| | €200 | CFDs on Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, US Synthetic Shares & ETFs, Shares Baskets | MT4, MT5 | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | Visit |
| | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:2000 | Visit |
| | $20 | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | MT4 | 1:1000 | Visit |
#1 - Alpari
Visit
Review
Why We Chose Alpari
Alpari is an offshore multi-asset broker that offers traders a wide range of forex trading opportunities as well as stock, index and commodity CFDs. The broker also offers fixed costs with payouts known upfront. Trading takes place on the reliable MT4 and MT5 platforms, plus the brand's mobile app. Alpari offers tight ECN spreads which will serve active day traders.
- Instruments: Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Crypto
- Regulator: FSC, SEBI, JFSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Pros
- Copy trading and PAMM services are also available for day traders
- Alpari supports both the MT4 and MT5 platforms with support for Expert Advisors (EAs)
- Low or no commissions are available and there are tight spreads on ECN accounts
Cons
- There are fairly high charges for strategy manager copy trading tools
- The market analysis and research tools are limited
- The lack of educational resources is disappointing compared to alternatives
Visit Alpari
#2 - AvaTrade
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Review
Why We Chose AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
- Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Pros
- AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
- There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
- Day traders can access stable spreads and zero commissions with no hidden fees
Cons
- 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
- Traders from the US are not accepted
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
Visit AvaTrade
#3 - FXTM
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Review
Why We Chose FXTM
FXTM is a top-rated forex and CFD broker established in 2011 and operating across 4 continents. The company is secure and regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. Offering 1000+ day trading markets and three account types, they cater to all levels of trader.
- Instruments: Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks
- Regulator: CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSC
- Platforms: FXTM App, MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $10
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:2000
Pros
- Beginners can access a strong range of free educational materials and short-term market insights, including a podcast hosted by the brand’s expert team
- The broker delivers an excellent charting environment for day traders, with over 30 technical tools offered in the MT4 platform, plus a range of additional platform indicators for monitoring spreads, orders, pivot levels and more
- Negative Balance Protection is available to clients registering with the EU and UK entities
Cons
- Withdrawal fees apply, including a 30 EUR fee on bank wire withdrawals
- It’s a shame that ETFs and bond products are not available, and the selection of stocks is not extensive compared to competitors like AvaTrade
- There are limited e-wallet payment options compared to alternatives
Visit FXTM
#4 - Pepperstone
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Review
Why We Chose Pepperstone
Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
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
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
- 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.
Visit Pepperstone
#5 - XM
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Review
Why We Chose XM
XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
- Instruments: Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Pros
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
- XM continues to deliver diverse and multilingual educational materials and offers a useful live education schedule for its webinars and insights
- The broker offers premium research including market sentiment, fundamental insights and strategy builders
Cons
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
Visit XM
Choosing A Day Trading Broker In The UAE
Drawing on our comprehensive industry knowledge and hands-on tests of hundreds of brokers, we focus on several key factors to find the best platforms for day traders:
Choose A Trustworthy Day Trading Broker
The best brokers for traders in the UAE will be regulated by a trusted authority, like the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
These regulators enforce strict measures to prevent broker misconduct and help protect you from scams, which have targeted Emirati traders in recent years.
For example, 7,000 victims based in the UAE were defrauded in a Ponzi scheme disguised as a forex trading program. The scam company, Exential Group, operated out of Dubai Media City and scammed victims out of DH 1.1 billion.
This highlights the importance of verifying that a broker is legitimate, along with conducting a background check of their track record and customer reviews.
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You can check whether a broker is authorized in the UAE by entering their details into the FSRA or DFSA public registers.
- AvaTrade is one of the most trusted trading brokers in the UAE, thanks to multiple licenses including with the FSRA and a 15+ year history. This broker has also invested in trader safety, offering a risk management tool which lets you protect losses up to $1 million in a single trade.
Choose A Broker With Low Day Trading Fees
This is particularly important for active day traders looking to keep recurring costs as low as possible.
Our routine tests involve checking spreads during the most liquid times of day, for example, in popular markets like AED currency pairs.
We also compare commission rates against alternatives, for instance, fees on stocks like those listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Transaction costs can also eat into profits for serious day traders, so we assess non-trading fees like inactivity charges and conversion fees if transferring AED into another account currency.
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Brokers with AED accounts can help reduce conversion fees while making managing your trades and funding convenient.
- Multibank is a stand-out choice for traders on a budget with standard and Islamic accounts from $50, plus no deposit fees on a wide range of UAE-accepted payment methods, including MyFatoorah. Seasoned investors can also access spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account.
Choose A Broker With Excellent Market Coverage
A diverse range of assets helps enable day traders to utilize various strategies and spread risk across different markets.
Alongside forex day trading opportunities, investors in the UAE may require a good range of EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) assets. This might include stocks such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and currency pairs involving the AED, like the USD/AED.
One of the most commonly used short-term trading vehicles is contracts for difference (CFDs) which allow you to speculate on rising and falling prices without taking ownership of the underlying asset.
- Interactive Brokers is a fantastic option for day traders in the UAE looking to speculate on regional markets, notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi stocks, plus currency pairs with the AED. IB has also become more accessible in recent years, lowering its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
Choose A Broker With Clear Leverage And Margin Requirements
Leverage allows you to increase the power of your trade with just a small initial outlay, known as margin.
The rates offered to clients depend on the jurisdiction. Most top-tier regulators cap leverage at 1:30 (or 3.33% margin) on major currency pairs like EUR/USD, including the DFSA and the FSRA. This means that with a 1,000 AED outlay, I would gain 30,000 AED (30 x 100) in buying power.
Brokers regulated in other jurisdictions also permit higher leverage rates which require a smaller margin, though I don’t recommend this for beginners – whilst leverage can magnify potential profits, it can also cause severe losses.
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Risk management tools like stop-loss orders can help mitigate risk, automatically closing a trade when a price level is reached.
- Alpari provides tiered leverage and margin rates up front, with up to 1:1000 for professional traders. For example, crude oil CFDs are available with leverage of 1:500 (0.2% margin) for total position volumes up to $100,000.
Choose A Broker With Reliable Charting Platforms
Brokers that offer a range of powerful charting platforms provide an optimal day trading environment while helping users discover short-term opportunities on Dubai and Abu Dhabi stocks, for example.
During our evaluations, we favor software that delivers a selection of versatile tools for short-term strategies, such as technical indicators and time frames.
Some of the most comprehensive and feature-rich terminals remain MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), however, the outdated design are a key drawback in our view.
Thankfully, traders now have more choices with solutions like TradingView and cTrader delivering a more modern charting experience. Bespoke, web-accessible solutions are also often favored by newer investors looking for a simpler kick-start into day trading.
- Pepperstone delivers one of the best platform offerings for day traders of all experience levels, with access to market leaders like MT4 and cTrader, as well as valuable analysis tools like Autochartist that can help you discover trading opportunities.
Choose A Broker With Fast And Reliable Execution
During our routine tests, we assess brokers’ execution speeds, fill rate, and slippage data where possible. We consider execution speeds of <100 milliseconds or less ‘fast’.
This helps us gauge how efficiently firms execute orders, which is especially important when day trading volatile markets, for instance, UAE stocks like International Holding Company (IHC).
- IC Markets consistently tops our leaderboard when it comes to execution speeds, averaging 35 milliseconds on major assets. The firm also uses institutional-grade technology to secure optimum connections between its global trade servers.
Methodology
To find the best day trading platforms in the UAE, we first identified those that accept Emirati traders. We then ranked them using their total score, which weighs 100+ data points and key factors:
- We verified that the broker is licensed by the FSRA, DFSA or another credible authority.
- We checked that the broker offers competitive short-term trading and non-trading fees.
- We prioritized platforms that offer a wide range of global markets, for example, UAE stocks.
- We favored brokers with powerful and user-friendly charting platforms for day traders.
- We ensured that the broker offers clear leverage and margin requirements.
- We checked for fast and reliable execution.
FAQ
What Is The Best Day Trading Platform In The United Arab Emirates?
Use our ranking of the top day trading platforms in the UAE to find the right broker for your needs.
Many leading platforms offer a range of financial markets, particularly in the EMEA region, accessible payment methods, plus licensing from a credible authority, such as the DFSA or FSRA.
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In The UAE?
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) are the main authorities responsible for regulating day trading platforms and online brokers in the UAE.
That said, many international brokers that accept Emirati traders are regulated by other reputable authorities. You can verify that a broker is authorized by entering its credentials in the relevant national register.
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Day Trading In The UAE?
Our tests have found that most brokers in the UAE allow day traders to start with $250 or less, around 900 AED.
That said, some platforms allow you to start with no minimum deposit, making them ideal for newer traders – Pepperstone is the highest-rated in the United Arab Emirates.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- International Holding Company (IHC) - ADX
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) - ADX
- Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
- Dubai Trading Scam - Gulf News
- MyFatoorah Payment Method
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
