By Sam Reid
The UAE’s appetite for mobile investing has exploded. On a global scale, around 60% of trades are conducted on mobile, with the market expected to reach $100 billion by 2029. From the high-rise offices of DIFC to neighborhood cafés, investors now tap into the markets with a few swipes.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, choosing among the top trading apps in UAE can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested them. Here’s what you need to know.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, choosing among the top trading apps in UAE can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested them. Here’s what you need to know.
Introduction
Trading used to require a broker’s call or a desktop terminal. Now, your smartphone is your trading floor. The right app can save you time, reduce costs, and put powerful analysis tools at your fingertips! In this guide, we rank the ten best mobile platforms available to UAE investors—highlighting features, fees, and ratings—so you can pick the perfect fit.
The Top 10 Trading Apps in the UAE
Below are the ten standouts, ranked by overall value and usability. Out of these, Exness, AVATrade, and XM take the top spots.
1. Exness
Exness leads the pack with rock-bottom spreads (often from 0.0 pips) and lightning-fast trade execution. Its intuitive app offers one-tap order entry and in-depth analytics. Perfect for forex aficionados who demand minimal costs and maximum speed.
1. Exness
- Best for: Ultra-low spreads and fast execution
- Key features: Zero-commission on major forex pairs, Sharia-compliant accounts, and advanced charting via MT4/MT5 integration
- Min. deposit: $1
- App Rating: 4.9/5
Exness leads the pack with rock-bottom spreads (often from 0.0 pips) and lightning-fast trade execution. Its intuitive app offers one-tap order entry and in-depth analytics. Perfect for forex aficionados who demand minimal costs and maximum speed.
2. AVATrade
- Best for: Beginners in forex and CFDs
- Key features: Demo accounts, Sharia-compliant Islamic accounts, MT4/MT5 & proprietary AvaTradeGO app
- Min. deposit: $100
- App Rating: 4.8/5
AVATrade combines an accessible UI with powerful risk-management tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders. Its one-day account opening means you can jump in quickly. It’s our top pick among online forex trading brokers for new traders.
3. XM
- Best for: Commission-free CFD stock investing
- Key features: 600+ stock CFDs, “no re-quotes” policy, MT4/MT5 & WebTrader
- Min. deposit: $5
- App Rating: 4.7/5
XM shines for equity traders who want to speculate on stock movements without commission drag. The ultra-low barrier to entry (just $5) and multilingual support make it a crowd-pleaser.
4. eToro
- Best for: Social and copy trading
- Key features: CopyTrader™, Smart Portfolios, Islamic accounts, $100K virtual wallet
- Min. deposit: $100
- App Rating: 4.6/5
When talking about community insight, eToro is the go-to. Follow top performers and mirror their positions. It’s a brilliant way to learn from seasoned investors while you build confidence.
5. Interactive Brokers
- Best for: Global diversification & pros
- Key features: 150+ markets, multi-currency (including AED), Trader Workstation & Client Portal
- Min. deposit: $0
- App Rating: 4.5/5
IBKR offers unparalleled market access—from New York to Hong Kong—at rock-bottom fees. Its mobile app delivers professional-grade tools in a sleek package.
6. Pepperstone
- Best for: Tight spreads on forex
- Key features: cTrader & MT4/MT5, Sharia accounts, no inactivity fees
- Min. deposit: $0
- App Rating: 4.4/5
Spread hunters rejoice: Pepperstone often tops the list when you need the narrowest spreads. It’s a solid choice for high-frequency FX trading.
7. XTB
- Best for: Beginner-friendly CFD trading & stock investing
- Key features: Zero-commission stocks/ETFs, Islamic accounts, xStation 5 platform
- Min. deposit: $0
- App Rating: 4.3/5
XTB’s educational resources and demo mode make it approachable for new CFD traders. The custom xStation interface is clean and fast.
8. Sarwa
- Best for: Passive ETF investing
- Key features: Robo-advisor portfolios, Sharia-compliant options, financial advisor consultations
- Min. deposit: $0
- App Rating: 4.2/5
If you’d rather set and forget, Sarwa’s robo-advice does the heavy lifting. It’s less about active trading and more about steady, long-term growth.
9. Saxo Bank
- Best for: High-net-worth & multi-asset pros
- Key features: 71,000+ instruments, SaxoTraderGO/PRO, deep research tools
- Min. deposit: $5,000
- App Rating: 4.1/5
- With a $5,000 barrier and advanced PRO platforms, Saxo is geared toward serious investors who demand breadth and depth.
10. Trading 212
- Best for: Commission-free fractional shares
- Key features: 10+ global markets, low FX fees, intuitive UI
- Min. deposit: $1
- App Rating: 4.0/5
Trading 212 makes fractional investing simple. It’s perfect if you want to dip your toes into high-ticket stocks with just a few dirhams.
Features and Fees Comparison
Key Features
Fee Structures
- Mobile usability: All ten apps deliver smooth Android/iOS experiences.
- Demo accounts: Available on AVATrade, XM, eToro, IBKR, XTB, and Pepperstone.
- Islamic accounts: Offered by Exness, AVATrade, eToro, Pepperstone, and XTB.
Fee Structures
- Spreads & commissions: Exness and Pepperstone compete for the lowest FX spreads; XM and Trading 212 waive stock commissions.
- Inactivity fees: Charged by eToro and others after 12 months; Exness and Pepperstone are fee-free.
- Deposit/withdrawal: Most apps support AED bank transfers; minimal conversion costs on IBKR and Saxo.
How to Choose the Right Trading App
1. Define your goal. Are you day-trading forex? Or building a passive ETF portfolio?
2. Check regulation. Always use SCA-, DFSA-, or ADGM-approved platforms.
3. Compare costs. Look at both trading spreads and hidden non-trading fees.
4. Test the UI. A demo account tells you if you’ll enjoy the platform’s workflow.
5. Seek local support. Arabic-language help can be a game-changer for quick issue resolution.
2. Check regulation. Always use SCA-, DFSA-, or ADGM-approved platforms.
3. Compare costs. Look at both trading spreads and hidden non-trading fees.
4. Test the UI. A demo account tells you if you’ll enjoy the platform’s workflow.
5. Seek local support. Arabic-language help can be a game-changer for quick issue resolution.
Conclusion
Choosing among the top trading apps in UAE boils down to fit. If you want rock-solid spreads and strong compliance, Exness leads the pack. AVATrade’s beginner-friendly tools make it a close second, while XM’s commission-free stock CFDs round out the podium. From there, each platform has its niche—social trading, global markets, or robo-advice. Pick your priority, test a demo, and start trading with confidence!
FAQs
What are the top 10 trading apps?
The current top ten include Exness, AVATrade, XM, eToro, Interactive Brokers, Pepperstone, XTB, Sarwa, Saxo Bank, and Trading 212.
Which brokerage is best in the UAE?
For most active traders, Exness offers the best blend of low costs, fast execution, and local regulation.
Which app has lowest fees in trading?
Exness and Pepperstone frequently top the charts for lowest spreads in forex, while XM and Trading 212 waive stock commissions.
What is the best investing app in Dubai?
If passive ETF investing is your goal, Sarwa’s robo-advisor platform delivers simplicity and Sharia-compliance in one intuitive app.
The current top ten include Exness, AVATrade, XM, eToro, Interactive Brokers, Pepperstone, XTB, Sarwa, Saxo Bank, and Trading 212.
Which brokerage is best in the UAE?
For most active traders, Exness offers the best blend of low costs, fast execution, and local regulation.
Which app has lowest fees in trading?
Exness and Pepperstone frequently top the charts for lowest spreads in forex, while XM and Trading 212 waive stock commissions.
What is the best investing app in Dubai?
If passive ETF investing is your goal, Sarwa’s robo-advisor platform delivers simplicity and Sharia-compliance in one intuitive app.
Disclaimer: Remember that forex and CFD trading involves high risk. Always do your own research and never invest what you cannot afford to lose.
