Best CFD brokers

To guide traders, we’ve researched the best CFD brokers in the
UAE and wider GCC.

Best Brokers For Best CFD brokers

Summary

This guide is for CFD traders in the UAE and GCC who are looking for the best CFD broker to trade with. Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading has grown massively in popularity in the UAE and globally, leading to hundreds of online CFD trading brokers now operating in the region. Having such a wide choice of online trading brokers can make it hard to differentiate and choose the right one.

To make things easier, we have researched and analyzed more than 125 CFD brokers available for traders, narrowing it down to 4 of the top CFD brokers, based on our evaluation.

Top Picks

Broker Snapshot

A world-leading broker offering forex along with CFDs on stocks, indices, crypto and commodities at competitive prices.

Recommended for forex/CFD traders looking for easy account opening, free deposits.

A well-known broker offering thousands of CFDs and real stocks. Excellent for advanced tools and education.

Recommended for MT4/MT5 traders looking for low average spreads along with top educational and analysis material.

  • Minimum deposit

    $10

  • Average forex spreads

    1 pip (EURUSD)

  • Demo account

  • Mobile trading

  • Time to open account

    1 day

  • Forex trading options

    Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto

  • Full review

Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves a high risk to the investor's capital. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money with this broker.

Exness Summary

Exness is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for having tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and remarkably transparent trading conditions. Founded in 2008, Exness has earned the trust of millions of traders through its offering of robust platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, and its own proprietary trading platform. Exness is also well-known for having almost-instant withdrawals, 24/7 customer support, and no hidden fees.

What sets Exness apart is its dynamic and unlimited leverage, low minimum deposit, and commission-free trading options, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. They have multiple regulatory licenses—including CySEC and the FSCA, promising a secure and compliant trading environment.

Why trade CFDs with Exness?

We rate Exness as our top pick for forex and CFD trading. While many brokers claim tight spreads and fast execution, Exness consistently delivers all these across a wide range of CFD instruments, platforms and market conditions.

Exness provides access to CFDs on over 100 forex pairs, 80+ global stocks, 6 commodities, 27 crypto pairs and 10 indices. This selection may not be the largest, but with the most popular CFD markets readily available at industry-leading conditions, traders can select the markets that suit them and trade with highly-competitive conditions.

CFD spreads with Exness remain low and stable, even during high-impact news events. As the CFD markets are known for their volatility, this high level of consistency adds a layer of predictability that traders appreciate. Combine this with lightning-fast millisecond execution speeds, it ensures that traders can react quickly to market moves without a delay.

Traders also have access to swap-free CFD trading options, making Exness a viable choice for CFD traders who follow Islamic finance principles. Additionally, we found that funds are accessible without long hold-ups, allowing for smooth, delay-free withdrawals.

Last of all, platform flexibility is a strong plus with Exness. If you prefer traditional platforms, Exness offers the classic MT4 and MT5 suite across all devices. Or if you’re looking for a more modern and feature-heavy platform option, the Exness Web Terminal and Exness Trade app make Contracts for Difference trading smooth and seamless.

CFD trading with Exness: Pros and cons

✅ Ultra-tight, stable spreads. Competitive spreads even during volatile news events.

✅ 1000+ CFD markets. CFD trading available across all the major financial markets.

✅ Swap-free account options. Ideal for traders seeking Sharia-compliant solutions.

✅ Unlimited leverage. CFD traders can access unlimited leverage on certain instruments.

✅ Almost instant withdrawals. Traders can access their profits quickly.

✅ Regulated in multiple jurisdictions. Adds credibility and high level of trader protection.

❌ Limited educational resources. Not as strong as other brokers when it comes to beginner training or in-depth trading guides.

❌ Less markets than most. Exness does not offer as many markets as other brokers.

❌ High cost for social trading. Minimum of $500 to copy-trade, $2,000 to be a strategy provider.

  • Minimum deposit

    $100

  • Average forex spreads

    0.9 pips

  • Demo account

  • Mobile trading

  • Time to open account

    1-2 days

  • Forex trading options

    Forex, crypto, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, vanilla options and ETFs

  • Full review

Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves a high risk to the investor's capital. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money with this broker.

AvaTrade Summary

AvaTrade is a globally-trusted and recognized broker known for its robust and regulated trading environment. AvaTrade has built a comprehensive suite of instruments from forex to commodities and indices to ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. AvaTrade caters to both novice and experienced traders. Their intuitive platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaSocial, Capitalise.ai, the AvaTrade App, and others ensure top-tier trading features along with fast and reliable execution. Combined with extensive educational resources through the AvaAcademy, AvaTrade offers an engaging CFD trading experience that empowers clients to trade confidently and navigate the markets.

Why trade CFDs with AvaTrade?

AvaTrade earns our #2 best CFD broker spot thanks to its balanced offering of reliability, platform variety, and trader-focused tools. Regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including by the FSRA in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, AvaTrade maintains a secure environment for trading over 1000 markets, spanning forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, bonds and options.

Traders can access the CFD markets 24/5, or 24/7 in the case of crypto, using platforms like MetaTrader 4/5, the browser-based WebTrader, the mobile-friendly AvaTradeGO app, and even AvaOptions for vanilla forex options (for more advanced CFD traders). For social traders, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and AvaSocial provide easy access to copy trading and community learning if you’re looking for some CFD trading inspiration.

While spreads average around 0.9 pips on CFDs like EUR/USD, AvaTrade’s commission-free model, risk management features like AvaProtect, and Trading Central signals offer solid value for traders focused on CFDs, especially for those seeking solid education and ease of use. Plus, a free demo account will help new CFD traders build confidence risk-free.

CFD trading with AvaTrade: Pros and cons

✅ Regulated in the UAE. AvaTrade is licensed by Abu Dhabi’s FSRA 

✅Strong global regulation. AvaTrade is regulated by multiple Tier-1 regulators worldwide.

✅ Multiple trading platforms. CFD trading supported on MT4, MT5, AvaTrade WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, and AvaOptions.

✅ Built-in trading signals. Real-time CFD trading insights from Trading Central are available directly in the platforms.

✅ AvaProtect risk tool. Offers time-based loss protection for individual CFD trades.

❌ Limited customizability. WebTrader and AvaTradeGO are simpler compared to MT4/MT5.

❌ Limited AvaAcademy access. Great courses but accessible only for registered clients.

❌ Inactivity fee charged. CFD traders will incur a fee after a period of account inactivity.

  • Minimum deposit

    $250

  • Average forex spreads

    0.8 pips

  • Demo account

  • Mobile trading

  • Time to open account

    2-3 days

  • Forex trading options

    Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, bonds

  • Full review

Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves a high risk to the investor's capital. 61% of retail investor accounts lose money with this broker.

Admirals Summary

Admirals, formerly known as Admiral Markets, is a globally regulated CFD trading broker offering a wide range of leveraged CFD products and physical investments in stocks and ETFs. Regulated in the UAE, UK, Cyprus, Australia, Jordan, South Africa, Seychelles, and Estonia, Admirals is known for its strong regulatory framework and high international presence. With over 20 years in the industry, the broker supports CFD trading across forex, indices, commodities, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and thousands of global stocks and ETFs, providing traders with flexibility and access to over 8,000 instruments in total.

Users can trade on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both supported by Admirals’ enhanced MetaTrader Supreme Edition. Alternatively, Admirals have their own proprietary web and mobile platforms. The broker also emphasizes education and analysis, offering in-depth resources such as webinars, trading tutorials, and premium market insights. We found that Admirals provides multiple account types, competitive spreads, and a balanced mix of tools aimed at both beginner and advanced traders. Multilingual 24/5 customer support and a focus on security and user experience is another reason why we rate Admirals highly. Overall, the broker is a reliable choice for global and regional CFD traders and investors.

Why trade CFDs with Admirals?

Admirals offer a flexible approach to CFD trading. Clients can trade CFDs on approximately 8000 different markets, giving traders the opportunity to go long or short and diversify across a wide range of instruments. It is also worth highlighting Admirals’ strong suite of trading education tools and premium research content, making it easier for CFD traders to make better-informed decisions through Admirals’ valuable expert insights.

For UAE traders, the platform supports convenient funding methods like bank transfers, Visa/MasterCard payments, and e-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal—with no additional transfer fees. These features, combined with access to thousands of CFD markets, make Admirals a practical and accessible choice for CFD trading in the region.

Stock trading with Admirals: Pros and cons

Diverse trading options. Access to over 8000 CFD instruments.

Global regulation. Licensed in UAE, UK, Cyprus, Australia, Jordan, Seychelles, South Africa, and Estonia.

Educational resources. Comprehensive webinars, tutorials, premium research content.

Flexible funding methods. Supports bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets.

❌ Low leverage. For retail clients, leverage is capped at 1:30.

❌ Inactivity fee. Monthly fee of €10 is charged after 24 months of account inactivity.

❌ Mobile app limitations: The Admirals app, while functional, lacks some advanced features.

  • Minimum deposit

    $5

  • Average forex spreads

    0.6 pips

  • Demo account

  • Mobile trading

  • Time to open account

    1 day

  • Forex trading options

    Forex, stocks, stock indices, thematic indices, commodities, crypto

  • Full review

Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves a high risk to the investor's capital. Around 75% of retail investor accounts lose money with this broker.

XM Summary

XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker. They combine user-friendly platforms, and multilingual support tailored to CFD traders of all experience levels. This has made them a leading name in the industry. Regulated across several jurisdictions, XM has built a reputation for transparency, educational outreach, and extremely solid client protection policies. XM is also regulated locally by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

Traders at XM can access over 1,000 instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, with the flexibility to trade on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or the XM App. With account types targeted for both beginners and advanced traders, XM’s appeal lies in its reliable spreads and very low minimum deposits. Whether you’re starting out with a demo or diving straight into live markets, XM gives you a balanced mix of accessibility, regulation, and trading power—making it a reliable option for serious CFD traders and the #3 option on our list for best CFD brokers.

Why trade CFDs with XM?

XM shines as a solid choice for CFD traders valuing high leverage, a broad selection of pairs, and strong educational support. While it doesn’t lead in pricing, its thoughtful mix of flexibility, platform reliability, and client protection still makes it a broker worth considering—particularly if you’re looking for multilingual learning tools and local UAE support in English and Arabic.

XM offers access to CFDs on around 57 forex pairs, 1000+ stocks, 10+ commodities and 31 cryptocurrencies. All trading is done via CFDs. This is where traders speculate on the price of financial instruments without actually owning the underlying asset physically. For those seeking higher exposure, with XM, you can get high leverage up to 1:1000 available through XM Global Ltd. Though availability may vary depending on your jurisdiction.

Where XM earns extra points is its dedicated focus on trader education. Their in-house team of analysts and over 70 instructors provide in-depth market analysis, webinars, and tutorials—creating a trading environment centered around learning. This commitment to CFD education makes XM appealing to traders who want to improve their understanding of the global markets while trading in real time.

CFD trading with XM: Pros and cons

High leverage available. CFD traders can access leverage up to 1:1000.

Broad selection of CFDs. Around 1,400+ global assets available.

Strong educational resources. In-depth market analysis, webinars, and over 70 instructors focused on CFD learning.

Trading competitions. XM regularly holds CFD trading competitions.

✅ Segregated client funds. All XM entities keep client funds separated.

✅ Regulated in multiple jurisdictions. Licensed by top-tier regulators including the DFSA, FCA, ASIC, IFSC, and CySEC.

❌ Inactivity fee: $15 fee imposed after 1 year of inactivity, then a $5 monthly fee if the account stays inactive.

No proprietary desktop platform. XM does not have a proprietary trading platform for desktop.

No crypto deposits. You can not deposit via cryptocurrency with XM

Your Guide to Find the Best CFD Brokers in the UAE and GCC

Looking for the best Contracts for Difference (CFD) brokers? Check out our in-depth broker reviews and choose the right one today.

Choosing the best CFD broker requires careful consideration of regulation, trading conditions, fees, and customer support. A well-regulated and reputable broker will provide a secure trading environment, competitive spreads, and access to global markets. For traders in Dubai and wider region, the top CFD brokers offer:

  • Strong regulatory compliance
  • Low spreads & fast execution
  • Advanced trading platforms
  • Islamic CFD trading options
  • Reliable customer support

If you’re ready to start CFD trading, explore our expert reviews and compare the best CFD trading brokers UAE to find the perfect platform for your needs.

FAQ

Not all CFD brokers in Dubai offer the same trading conditions. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best CFD broker in UAE:

  • Regulation & Security – Look for brokers licensed by authorities such as the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to ensure safety and fund protection.
  • Trading Platforms & Tools – The best CFD brokers in Dubai offer advanced MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), or proprietary trading platforms with fast execution and advanced charting tools.
  • Competitive Spreads & Low Fees – Trading costs impact profitability. The top CFD brokers in UAE offer low spreads, minimal commissions, and transparent fees.
  • Account Types & Leverage – Whether you’re a beginner or professional trader, choose a broker that offers flexible leverage, demo accounts, and different trading options.
  • Islamic CFD Accounts – Many brokers in Dubai offer swap-free Islamic trading accounts that comply with Shariah principles.
  • Fast Deposits & Withdrawals – The best CFD brokers online UAE provide seamless deposit and withdrawal options through local banks, e-wallets, and credit cards.
  • Customer Support – Trading support should be available 24/5 or 24/7, preferably in multiple languages, including Arabic and English.
  • By focusing on these factors, you can confidently select the best CFD trading broker Dubai that matches your trading style and needs.

Yes, CFD trading is fully legal in Dubai and the UAE. However, while it’s legal for individuals to trade CFDs via CFDs, offering CFD trading brokerage services or managing funds on behalf of others without a proper license is illegal. Always ensure you trade with a fully regulated CFD broker in Dubai to protect your funds.

CFD brokers operating in Dubai and the UAE must comply with strict regulations set by financial authorities such as:

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – Regulates brokers operating in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
  • Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) – Regulates brokers serving UAE residents outside the DIFC.
  • ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority – The financial regulator and an international financial center in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Choosing a regulated CFD broker licensed by any of the above ensures your funds are protected, and you are trading in a secure and legally compliant environment.

Getting started with CFD trading in Dubai is straightforward if you follow these key steps:

  • Learn the Basics – CFD trading itself can take time to master, so education is essential. Learn about how different CFD markets work, market analysis, risk management, and trading strategies.
  • Choose a Trusted Broker – Use this page to compare top CFD brokers in Dubai and select a regulated, low-cost, and feature-rich platform.
  • Open an Account – Sign up with your chosen broker and verify your identity by submitting the required KYC documents.
  • Start with a Demo Account – Before trading live, practice with a demo account to test strategies and get comfortable with the platform.
  • Fund Your Account – Deposit funds through bank transfers, credit cards, or e-wallets and select the right trading account type.
  • Develop a Trading Strategy – Set realistic goals, risk management plans, and trade execution rules to maximize your chances of success.
  • Analyze Market Trends & Trade – Stay updated on economic events, news, and technical indicators to make informed trading decisions.
  • Monitor & Improve – CFD trading is a long-term game. Continuously analyze your performance and refine your strategies over time.

Following these steps will help you trade profitably and safely with the best CFD brokers online.

Yes, UAE residents can trade with international CFD brokers, but it’s crucial to make sure the broker you choose is regulated in respected jurisdictions (like the UK’s FCA or Australia’s ASIC). Keep in mind, choosing a locally regulated broker under SCA, DFSA or ADGM’s FSRA provides more protection for local CFD traders and will align better with UAE financial regulations.

No, CFD trading is not taxable in the UAE. While many other countries will require traders to report capital gains or trading income, Dubai and the wider UAE have no personal income tax, making it a tax-efficient location to trade CFDs freely.

Risk Disclaimer:

Trading involves risk to your capital. As a general rule, you should only trade in financial products that you are familiar with and understand the risk associated with them. The risk warning described in each financial product below is not exhaustive, you should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objective, risk tolerance level and consult your independent financial adviser as to the suitability of your situation prior making any investment.