Where is the Best Place to Buy Stocks?

Buying stocks has become easier than ever, especially in the United Arab Emirates, where residents and expats alike are actively building wealth through global and local markets. Whether you’re aiming to invest in global tech giants or regional dividend payers, the key is choosing the right stockbroker and understanding the platforms available to UAE residents.

With options ranging from international giants to UAE-regulated brokers, this guide will walk you through how to buy stocks, which brokers to consider, and how to get started with as little as AED 370 ($100).

Why Invest in Stocks from the UAE?

Stock investing gives you ownership in companies, allowing your money to grow with the economy. Unlike real estate or gold, stocks are highly liquid, accessible, and can be bought in small amounts. In the UAE, with high internet penetration and increasing fintech adoption, more people are turning to online platforms to manage their investments.

The UAE also provides access to both local and international stock markets, giving residents a broader set of options compared to many other countries. Whether you’re targeting US-based ETFs or companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), all of it can be done with a smartphone and a few documents.

Choosing a Stock to Buy

Before choosing a platform, you need to decide what to buy. Stocks generally fall into two main categories:

• Value stocks: These are typically lower-priced in relation to their earnings and may offer dividends. They tend to grow more slowly but offer more stability.

• Growth stocks: These represent companies expected to grow faster than average. They’re more volatile but can offer higher long-term returns.

How to Research Stocks

Some tools and resources to help your selection:

• Stock screeners: Platforms like Finviz or even the built-in screeners in brokers like XTB or Interactive Brokers can help.

• Financial reports and investor presentations: Found on company websites or through your broker’s research tools.

• ETF and index tracking: If you prefer a diversified approach, ETFs can expose you to a full sector or index like the S&P 500 or the MSCI UAE Index.

Diversifying between a few value and growth stocks—or ETFs containing both—can give your portfolio balance.

How to Buy Shares (Internationally and Locally)

Step 1: Choose a Broker

Here are some top brokers available in the UAE, both local and global:

Broker	US Stock Commission	Minimum Deposit	Regulation
XTB (Recommended all-rounder)	$0 (on real stocks in select markets)	$0	FCA (UK), KNF (Poland)
Interactive Brokers	$0.0035 per share (min $0.35)	$0	SEC, FCA, MAS, SFC, etc.
eToro	$0 (real stocks)	$100	FCA, CySEC, ASIC
Saxo Bank	From 0.08% (min $1)	$5,000	FCA, FINMA, DFSA
Sarwa	0.25% (min $1)	$500	DFSA
Trading 212	$0	$1	FCA, BaFin
Swissquote	$10	$1,000	FINMA, DFSA
Baraka	$0	$0	DFSA (UAE)

Why XTB Is the Best All-Rounder

XTB stands out for UAE residents looking for a balance between cost, usability, and features. It offers:

• Zero commissions on selected global stocks and ETFs

• Access to real shares, not CFDs

• Strong regulation and local funding methods

• Arabic support and an easy-to-use interface

• Tools like stock screeners and technical analysis

Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account

Opening an account typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on the broker. You’ll need:

• Passport or Emirates ID

• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

• Bank account for funding

Most brokers allow AED transfers, but international brokers like IBKR may require USD, incurring currency conversion fees. Platforms like Sarwa, Baraka, or Swissquote offer AED support with local banks.

For larger investments, using a Wio or Wise account for currency conversion and funding can reduce fees significantly.

Step 3: Place a Buy Order

Once your account is funded:

• Search for the stock (e.g. Apple – AAPL)

• Choose how much to invest (amount or number of shares)

• Select the order type (market or limit)

• Confirm the trade

Brokers like XTB, eToro, and Baraka allow fractional investing, letting you buy part of a stock—even if you don’t have $500 to buy a full share of Amazon.

ETFs: A Smarter Way to Diversify

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) group multiple stocks into one product. They’re ideal if:

• You’re not sure which stock to pick

• You want broader exposure (e.g. tech sector, S&P 500)

• You want to reduce risk through diversification

Popular ETFs among UAE investors include:

• SPDR S&P 500 (SPY): Tracks the top 500 US companies. Expense ratio: 0.0945%

• iShares MSCI UAE ETF (UAE): Exposure to 37 UAE firms. Expense ratio: 0.59%

• Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT): Global exposure in one product

Many brokers like XTB, IBKR, and Saxo offer access to these ETFs directly through their platforms.

Buying Shares on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM)

If you’re interested in local stocks:

1. Open an account with a DFM-authorized broker (e.g. FAB Securities, ADIB Securities, Emirates NBD Securities)

2. Fund your account in AED

3. Choose from over 120 UAE-listed companies

Benefits:

• No currency exchange fees (everything is in AED)

• Exposure to local firms like Emirates NBD, Emaar, and DEWA

Limitations:

• Fewer stocks

• Many companies are tied to UAE’s real estate and banking sectors, reducing diversification

For Non-Residents: Accessing UAE Equities

Foreign investors can still invest in the UAE via:

• ETFs like MSCI UAE (UAE) or EMFM, which offer regional exposure

• Opening an account with an international broker that lists UAE stocks or ETFs

• Going through a local exchange member, although this may require currency conversion and added KYC steps

Where Is the Best Site to Buy Stocks?

For UAE residents, the best platform depends on your goals:

• Best all-rounder: XTB

• Best for large international portfolios: Interactive Brokers

• Best for social and beginner-friendly trading: eToro

• Best for investing with a bank relationship: Saxo Bank or Swissquote

• Best for local UAE stocks: DFM via Emirates NBD Securities or FAB Securities

• Best for Islamic investing: Sarwa and Wahed Invest (both offer halal portfolios)

FAQs

Where is the best site to buy stocks?

XTB is a strong all-rounder with zero commission on many global stocks, fast onboarding, and a simple platform. For more advanced tools, Interactive Brokers is unmatched. If you’re a beginner, Baraka or eToro might be more intuitive.

What is the 7% rule in stocks?

The 7% rule refers to a risk management principle where investors set a maximum acceptable loss at 7%. If a stock falls 7% from their purchase price, they exit the position to limit losses. This is often used in technical trading strategies to manage downside.

Which stock broker is best in the UAE?

• For global investing: Interactive Brokers or XTB

• For UAE-listed stocks: Emirates NBD Securities or FAB Securities

• For ETF investors: Saxo Bank and IBKR

• For social trading: eToro

• For halal investing: Sarwa and Wahed Invest

Is investing $100 in stocks worth it?

Absolutely. Many brokers allow fractional shares, so your $100 can be diversified into multiple companies or even ETFs. Platforms like eToro, XTB, and Trading 212 make it easy to begin with small amounts and grow over time.

Final Thoughts

Stock investing from the UAE offers both local and global opportunities. With the right broker and a sound strategy, you can start investing today—even with as little as AED 370.

While platforms like Interactive Brokers offer professional-level tools, XTB shines as a complete choice for investors of all experience levels. It combines low fees, excellent support, and access to real stocks and ETFs.

Before you commit, compare a few brokers, consider your investing goals, and always stay informed. The right platform can make all the difference between stress and success.