XM Review for UAE Traders in 2023
Overall Score:
XM
86/100
Here is our professional review of the popular online trading broker, XM, for traders in the UAE. This XM review looks at one of the UAE’s top brokers, comparing them with others in the industry. We look at specific aspects like XM’s platform, regulations and features, and other points which will determine whether this broker is the right choice for you.
Written by:
Sam Reid
Sam Reid
Fact checked by:
Freddie Ricks
Freddie Ricks
Last updated:
Oct 2023
Oct 2023
XM Summary
XM is a widely popular forex and CFD broker that has recently started breaking into the UAE market. Overall, we find that XM is well-regulated and safe, offering traders the complete suite of MetaTrader platforms.
Compared to competitors, XM is unique for its above-average order processing speeds, however its spreads are considered average for the industry. XM also stands out in the area of research and education, offering its UAE clients a wealth of information to assist their trading journey.
Compared to competitors, XM is unique for its above-average order processing speeds, however its spreads are considered average for the industry. XM also stands out in the area of research and education, offering its UAE clients a wealth of information to assist their trading journey.
XM Trading Instruments
XM offers over 1000 markets, including forex and CFDs across stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. While XM covers the main bases in terms of its product offering, these assets may be considered thin compared to other brokers who offer extras, such as ETFs, bonds, options, and others. Here is a detailed list of XM’s instruments available for traders in the UAE.
The highlight of XM’s instrument list is its stocks, offering over 1000 individual CFD shares spanning across 18 different stock markets. So if you’re a UAE trader looking to trade stocks, you should definitely give XM a thought.
- 57 currency pairs including exotic pairs
- 1000+ stocks across 18 different stock markets
- 20+ stock indices
- 8 commodities
- 31 cryptocurrencies
- 2 precious metals
The highlight of XM’s instrument list is its stocks, offering over 1000 individual CFD shares spanning across 18 different stock markets. So if you’re a UAE trader looking to trade stocks, you should definitely give XM a thought.
XM Commissions, Spreads and Fees
When testing XM’s trading and non-trading fees, we found that XM’s pricing is competitive for CFDs, but relatively average if you’re trading forex. As usual, the spreads/commision you will pay with XM ultimately depends on the account type you choose, and the instruments you trade.
XM offers several trading accounts for traders in the UAE: XM Standard, XM Micro, XM Ultra low and Shares Account. The first three accounts offer zero commission, while the Shares account includes a variable commission along with a spread set by the underlying exchange.
Forex
The XM Standard and Micro accounts offer a floating spread from 1 pip on major forex pairs, whereas the Ultra Low account comes in with a floating spread as low as 0.6 pips. For EUR/USD, XM traders will face an average spread of 1.6 pips. Despite being commission-free, this is still very high for the industry.
XM offers several trading accounts for traders in the UAE: XM Standard, XM Micro, XM Ultra low and Shares Account. The first three accounts offer zero commission, while the Shares account includes a variable commission along with a spread set by the underlying exchange.
Forex
The XM Standard and Micro accounts offer a floating spread from 1 pip on major forex pairs, whereas the Ultra Low account comes in with a floating spread as low as 0.6 pips. For EUR/USD, XM traders will face an average spread of 1.6 pips. Despite being commission-free, this is still very high for the industry.
CFDs
Index CFDs are competitively priced, with a minimum spread of 0.7 pips on the S&P 500. Precious metal traders will find spreads from 0.25 and 0.03 on gold and silver, respectively, on Standard and Micro accounts. This falls to 0.12 for gold and 0.02 for silver with the Ultra Low account.
While XM does not offer the most competitive pricing environment, its fee structure does favor traders with lower trading sizes and smaller portfolios.
Non Trading Fees
XM has zero deposit and withdrawal fees. However, traders will face an inactivity fee if their account remains dormant. The inactivity fee includes a one-off fee of $15 if the account is dormant for 12 months, followed by a month charge of $5 if the account remains inactive. For more information on XM’s trading and non-trading fees, find the brokers full pricing breakdown here.
Index CFDs are competitively priced, with a minimum spread of 0.7 pips on the S&P 500. Precious metal traders will find spreads from 0.25 and 0.03 on gold and silver, respectively, on Standard and Micro accounts. This falls to 0.12 for gold and 0.02 for silver with the Ultra Low account.
While XM does not offer the most competitive pricing environment, its fee structure does favor traders with lower trading sizes and smaller portfolios.
Non Trading Fees
XM has zero deposit and withdrawal fees. However, traders will face an inactivity fee if their account remains dormant. The inactivity fee includes a one-off fee of $15 if the account is dormant for 12 months, followed by a month charge of $5 if the account remains inactive. For more information on XM’s trading and non-trading fees, find the brokers full pricing breakdown here.
XM Deposits & Withdrawals
The minimum deposit amount at XM is $5, which is a major advantage for beginner traders looking to trade in lower volumes. There are zero deposit fees as well. UAE traders can deposit in any currency, and XM will automatically convert this into the base currency of your account.
XM offers accounts in 11 different base currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB, JPY, CHF, ZAR, SGD, PLN, HUF, except for the Shares account which is only available in USD. The following methods are also available to deposit and withdraw your funds:
Withdrawals with XM are also fast and simple. You can withdraw with the same method used to deposit with a tiny minimum withdrawal amount of $2, depending on the withdrawal method chosen.
Withdrawal processing times vary from instantly to 1 working day, and withdrawals are free of charge. While bank transfer fees are usually incurred by the trader, XM is one of the few brokers that will absorb this fee for withdrawals above $200.
XM offers accounts in 11 different base currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB, JPY, CHF, ZAR, SGD, PLN, HUF, except for the Shares account which is only available in USD. The following methods are also available to deposit and withdraw your funds:
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro)
- eWallets (Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money)
- Bank Transfer
Withdrawals with XM are also fast and simple. You can withdraw with the same method used to deposit with a tiny minimum withdrawal amount of $2, depending on the withdrawal method chosen.
Withdrawal processing times vary from instantly to 1 working day, and withdrawals are free of charge. While bank transfer fees are usually incurred by the trader, XM is one of the few brokers that will absorb this fee for withdrawals above $200.
XM Trading Platforms
XM sticks to the traditional MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms for its traders in the UAE and globally. Their upgraded MT4 and MT5 suites are versatile and highly customizable. Both platforms are also available across all mediums and devices, including web, desktop and mobile.
While XM’s platform offering is more classic, it’s worth noting that MetaTrader platforms were launched many years ago, so the appearance and feel of these platforms are much older than other brokers with their in-house, customized platforms. However, XM platforms do offer price alerts on the web version, and the platforms are available in over 30 languages.
Traders should also note that XM MT5 offers more features compared to XM MT4.
While XM’s platform offering is more classic, it’s worth noting that MetaTrader platforms were launched many years ago, so the appearance and feel of these platforms are much older than other brokers with their in-house, customized platforms. However, XM platforms do offer price alerts on the web version, and the platforms are available in over 30 languages.
Traders should also note that XM MT5 offers more features compared to XM MT4.
XM MT4
XM’s MT4 platform offers over 100 tradable instruments, including forex, CFDs and futures, full EA functionality for algorithmic trading, 51 indicators, 31 drawing tools, 3 different chart types, and watchlists. MT4 is also available on mobile for people who like to trade on the go.
XM MT5
XM MT5 offers many additional features to analyze the markets. Traders can perform different order types such as ‘Fill or Kill’ and Immediate or Cancel’, along with 70+ tools for fundamental and technical analysis. XM MT5 is available on PC, WebTrader, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
XM’s MT4 platform offers over 100 tradable instruments, including forex, CFDs and futures, full EA functionality for algorithmic trading, 51 indicators, 31 drawing tools, 3 different chart types, and watchlists. MT4 is also available on mobile for people who like to trade on the go.
XM MT5
XM MT5 offers many additional features to analyze the markets. Traders can perform different order types such as ‘Fill or Kill’ and Immediate or Cancel’, along with 70+ tools for fundamental and technical analysis. XM MT5 is available on PC, WebTrader, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
XM Account Types
XM Dubai offers 4 main account types for traders in the UAE. These include the Micro, Standard, XM Ultra Low, and Shares Account. All of the listed accounts come with identical order execution quality, market updates and built-in technical analysis tools, and negative balance protection.
XM Micro Account
The Micro Account is suited towards low volume traders, allowing you to operate in micro lots (1000 currency units) with a minimum volume of 0.01 lots on MT4 and MT5. The minimum deposit for this account is $5.
XM Standard
The Standard Account is best for more experienced traders, offering floating spreads starting from 1 pip on forex. This account features no re-quotes, along with leverage of 1:30 for UAE clients and a minimum deposit amount of $5. However, traders can still trade in smaller lot sizes.
XM Ultra Low
The XM Ultra Low account features spreads from 0.6 pips along with leverage of up to 1:30. The account allows you to trade either micro or standard lots with a minimum trading volume of 0.01 lots and a limit of 50 lots per ticket for the Standard Ultra, and 0.1 lots and 100 entry lots per ticket for the Micro Ultra. The minimum deposit is also the same at $5.
XM Shares
The XM Shares Account comes with a much higher initial deposit amount of $10,000 and is suited to UAE investors looking to physically invest in shares (non CFDs) with no leverage or swap fees. This account is only available in USD, and includes commission fees and no hedging.
Swap-Free / Islamic Accounts
XM also offers the option to convert the Micro, Standard and Ultra Low Accounts into an Islamic swap-free account to accommodate traders looking to trade in line with Islamic principles. This will waive any swap/rollover interest fees for positions held overnight. XM also states on its website that while other forex brokers substitute these fees by widening the spread on Islamic accounts, XM imposes no additional charges.
XM Micro Account
The Micro Account is suited towards low volume traders, allowing you to operate in micro lots (1000 currency units) with a minimum volume of 0.01 lots on MT4 and MT5. The minimum deposit for this account is $5.
XM Standard
The Standard Account is best for more experienced traders, offering floating spreads starting from 1 pip on forex. This account features no re-quotes, along with leverage of 1:30 for UAE clients and a minimum deposit amount of $5. However, traders can still trade in smaller lot sizes.
XM Ultra Low
The XM Ultra Low account features spreads from 0.6 pips along with leverage of up to 1:30. The account allows you to trade either micro or standard lots with a minimum trading volume of 0.01 lots and a limit of 50 lots per ticket for the Standard Ultra, and 0.1 lots and 100 entry lots per ticket for the Micro Ultra. The minimum deposit is also the same at $5.
XM Shares
The XM Shares Account comes with a much higher initial deposit amount of $10,000 and is suited to UAE investors looking to physically invest in shares (non CFDs) with no leverage or swap fees. This account is only available in USD, and includes commission fees and no hedging.
Swap-Free / Islamic Accounts
XM also offers the option to convert the Micro, Standard and Ultra Low Accounts into an Islamic swap-free account to accommodate traders looking to trade in line with Islamic principles. This will waive any swap/rollover interest fees for positions held overnight. XM also states on its website that while other forex brokers substitute these fees by widening the spread on Islamic accounts, XM imposes no additional charges.
Tilda Publishing
XM Micro
XM Standard
XM Ultra Low
XM Shares
Min deposit
Leverage
Min Trade Size
Spread Type
Commission
Account Currencies
Swap Free Account
$5
$5
$5
$10,000
$5
1:30
1:30
1:30
No leverage
1:30
0.1
0.01
0.01
1 share
0.01
Floating from 1 pip
Floating from 1 pip
Floating from 0.6 pip
Depends on exchange
Floating from 1 pip
No
No
No
No
Yes
11
11
6
1 (USD only)
3
XM Research & Education
Many brokers tend to add sub-par research and education just for the sake of it. However this isn’t the case with XM. They offer a comprehensive library of beneficial educational resources and research tools to provide traders with knowledge and make better trading decisions.
Research
On the XM website, clients can access market news, overviews, trading ideas, and XM TV, which is a daily forex market commentary in a TV interview style. Looking at its trading signals, XM provides Trade Ideas to clients from Autochartist. They also provide signals and trading ideas from Trading Central. However, one negative is that these resources are separate from the trading platform itself, compared to other brokers that make these trading signals ready and quickly accessible inside their platforms.
Research
On the XM website, clients can access market news, overviews, trading ideas, and XM TV, which is a daily forex market commentary in a TV interview style. Looking at its trading signals, XM provides Trade Ideas to clients from Autochartist. They also provide signals and trading ideas from Trading Central. However, one negative is that these resources are separate from the trading platform itself, compared to other brokers that make these trading signals ready and quickly accessible inside their platforms.
From the technical indicators that we tested inside the platform, we found a total of 31 charting tools inside the MetaTrader platforms. Some of these were difficult to use due to the outdated design. But overall, XM traders can be confident in the broker's outstanding selection of high-quality research.
Education
XM has an excellent educational suite for traders, providing its UAE and global client base with an extensive range of material. These include, Forex & CFD webinars & seminars, educational videos, platform tutorials, trading workshops, and much more. As a testament to XM’s trader resources, Capital Finance International Magazine awarded XM the global title of ‘Best Market Research and Education 2018’.
Education
XM has an excellent educational suite for traders, providing its UAE and global client base with an extensive range of material. These include, Forex & CFD webinars & seminars, educational videos, platform tutorials, trading workshops, and much more. As a testament to XM’s trader resources, Capital Finance International Magazine awarded XM the global title of ‘Best Market Research and Education 2018’.
XM Regulation
XM is regulated in the United Arab Emirates by the DFSA, ensuring its strict compliance with one of the UAE most stringent regulatory frameworks. This includes keeping its customer funds safe and secure with segregated accounts within Tier 1 banks exclusively. In addition to its DFSA regulation in the UAE, XM is also regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, ASIC in Australia, and CySEC in Cyprus.
XM Customer Support
XM’s customer support is overall rated good. Traders in the UAE can access XM’s support via:
Phone: +501 223-6696
Email: support@xm.com
Livechat
XM also offers personal support managers that are multilingual and very helpful when it comes to setting up your account or fixing any issues that may arise. For instant responses, XM’s live chat feature is the best tool to use.
The only negative to point out is that XM’s customer support is available 24/5, which isn’t as good as other brokers with around the clock support including weekends.
Phone: +501 223-6696
Email: support@xm.com
Livechat
XM also offers personal support managers that are multilingual and very helpful when it comes to setting up your account or fixing any issues that may arise. For instant responses, XM’s live chat feature is the best tool to use.
The only negative to point out is that XM’s customer support is available 24/5, which isn’t as good as other brokers with around the clock support including weekends.
XM FAQs
With a good trading strategy, it is possible to become of the thousands of profitable XM traders. However you should also be aware that trading comes with risk, and there is always the chance that your trades can move against you.
Yes, XM is completely legal in the UAE and is even regulated in the UAE by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
Yes, XM is rated as a highly safe and secure broker as the broker is regulated by several top tier regulators.
XM: The Bottom Line
We recommend XM as a solid choice for CFD traders in the UAE, especially those looking for the best of the best in terms of education and research tools. XM’s highlights include being locally regulated by the DFSA, low minimum deposits of $5, and extremely fast order execution.
However, XM is restricted to MT4 and MT5 only, which may seem like an outdated offering for traders looking for a sleek and modern trading platform. In addition, despite XM’s huge trading volumes, its fees are still above the industry average for forex, and also charges quite high on the subject of inactivity fees.
Overall, a solid, safe and secure broker in Dubai. Feel free to test XM out yourself.
However, XM is restricted to MT4 and MT5 only, which may seem like an outdated offering for traders looking for a sleek and modern trading platform. In addition, despite XM’s huge trading volumes, its fees are still above the industry average for forex, and also charges quite high on the subject of inactivity fees.
Overall, a solid, safe and secure broker in Dubai. Feel free to test XM out yourself.
