Which Broker is Best for Trading in Saudi Arabia?

In a country where over 67% of the population is under 35 and digitally connected, the rise of online trading in Saudi Arabia is not just a trend, it’s a generational shift. A recent report by Statista projects total transaction value in the digital investment market is projected to reach US$5.29bn in 2025. This raises a crucial question: Which broker is best for trading in Saudi Arabia?

Choosing a trading broker in Saudi Arabia isn’t just about low spreads or a sleek platform. It is about trust, local support, education, and whether the broker aligns with local financial preferences. In this guide, we break down the top three brokers — Exness, XTB, and XM — each offering something unique for traders in the Kingdom.

The Trading Landscape in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a hotspot for trading activity across multiple asset classes. Forex trading, in particular, has become increasingly popular. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) are responsible for regulating financial markets and ensuring traders have access to legitimate platforms.

An appealing advantage for residents is the absence of personal income tax. This means trading profits are not taxed for individual traders, which adds to the attractiveness of financial markets.

Islamic accounts are also widely available across major platforms, making it easier for traders to operate in accordance with their religious principles.

Key Factors That Make a Broker Ideal in Saudi Arabia

Before selecting an online trading broker, Saudi traders should evaluate:

• Whether the broker is regulated by a credible authority

• Availability of Arabic language and local deposit support

• Access to Islamic (swap-free) accounts

• Range of tradable assets: forex, crypto, gold, stocks, indices

• Speed and reliability of withdrawals

• Support and education for beginner traders

• Mobile and desktop trading experience

Let’s explore the three top brokers based on these criteria.

Exness – Best for Speed and Execution

Exness is one of the most widely used brokers in the region, with over 500,000 active clients and a reputation for offering tight spreads and instant withdrawals. Saudi traders appreciate its simplicity, localized features, and flexible account types.

Key features:

• Regulation: SCA, CySEC, FSCA

• Platforms: MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal

• Minimum deposit: From $10

• Islamic accounts: Available

• Leverage: Up to 1:2000

• Arabic support: Yes

Advantages:

• Fast withdrawal processing

• Low-cost trading with tight spreads

• Wide range of funding methods

• User-friendly mobile and desktop platforms

Limitations:

• Some tools like copy trading are limited to specific accounts

• Stock offering is smaller compared to others

Exness is best suited for traders who prioritize speed, flexibility, and competitive pricing.

XTB – Best for Beginners and ETF Access

XTB is a top-tier broker that has won awards for its clean interface, transparent pricing, and rich educational content. Its proprietary platform, xStation, is designed with beginners in mind.

Key features:

• Regulation: FCA, CySEC, KNF

• Platforms: xStation 5 and Mobile

• Minimum deposit: $0

• Islamic accounts: Yes

• Leverage: Up to 1:500

• Arabic support: Yes

Advantages:

• Great for beginners and long-term ETF investors

• Offers real stock and ETF trading with zero commission under certain conditions

• Extensive learning materials and webinars in Arabic

• Quick and smooth onboarding process

Limitations:

• No support for MT4 or MT5

• Some advanced tools not available compared to MetaTrader platforms

For Saudi residents who are just getting started, XTB is a balanced and accessible choice.

XM – Best for Education and Copy Trading

XM is well-known in the MENA region and has earned praise for its exceptional training materials, promotions, and low barrier to entry. Its combination of beginner-friendly tools and deep market access makes it ideal for developing traders.

Key features:

• Regulation: CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, IFSC

• Platforms: MT4, MT5, WebTrader

• Minimum deposit: $5

• Islamic accounts: Yes

• Leverage: Up to 1:888

• Arabic support: Full suite

Advantages:

• Educational videos, workshops, and webinars in Arabic

• Regular trading bonuses and competitions

• Offers copy trading tools

• Strong regional presence with DFSA license

Limitations:

• Limited crypto trading options

• Some regions restricted from promotional offers

XM is a strong contender for Saudi traders who value education and community-driven tools like copy trading.

Comparison Table: Top Brokers in Saudi Arabia

Regulatory Environment: Is It Safe to Trade in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Trading is completely legal for Saudi residents. The CMA and SAMA oversee the protection of retail traders. Though a broker does not need to be CMA-regulated to accept Saudi clients, those with a license (like Exness and Pepperstone) offer a greater level of security.

International brokers with licenses from FCA, CySEC, or ASIC also meet high standards and offer features like negative balance protection and segregation of client funds.

What You Need to Start Trading in Saudi Arabia

To start trading, you will need:

• A verified trading account with a regulated broker

• Proof of identification and residency

• A trading strategy or the willingness to learn one

• Access to a demo account for practice

• A funding method supported by the broker (Visa, Mada, wire transfer, etc.)

Why Educational Tools Matter for Saudi Traders

As more residents in Saudi Arabia explore financial markets, education is proving to be one of the most critical success factors in building long-term trading confidence. With thousands of assets, technical strategies, and economic variables to understand, jumping into trading without the proper foundation can lead to avoidable losses.

Brokers like XM and XTB stand out for offering structured, accessible learning tools in Arabic — including webinars, video tutorials, glossary sections, and platform walkthroughs. These resources are especially important in Saudi Arabia, where financial literacy is growing rapidly among the youth and young professionals.

Educational content also helps traders understand key elements such as leverage, risk management, trading psychology, and how to interpret global economic news. Platforms that combine learning with practical demo account access allow users to build skills without financial risk.

In a region where interest in forex and stock markets is rising, educational tools are not just an extra feature — they are essential. For any trader starting out or looking to sharpen their approach, choosing a broker that invests in client education can make the difference between random speculation and informed decision-making.

FAQs

Which trading platform is best in Saudi Arabia?
For beginner-friendly features and smooth usability, xStation from XTB is an excellent choice. For advanced features and tools, MT5 offered by Exness or XM is ideal.

Can I do trading in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, it is legal to trade online in Saudi Arabia. Residents can access international markets through CMA-regulated or globally recognized brokers.

Which broker is best for trading?
Exness ranks at the top for its flexibility, affordability, and fast withdrawals. XTB is excellent for ETF and stock trading, while XM provides the best support for learning and growth.

Is Plus500 legal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Plus500 is licensed by the DFSA in Dubai and can legally serve Saudi clients. While secure and beginner-friendly, it lacks some of the features available with Exness, XTB, or XM.

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking which broker is best for trading in Saudi Arabia, the answer lies in your goals. Do you want low fees and instant withdrawals? Go with Exness. Are you just getting started and need step-by-step guidance? Choose XTB. Prefer live education and copy trading tools? XM is your platform.

Each of these brokers offers Islamic accounts, Arabic support, and a secure environment. With trading rapidly gaining traction in the Kingdom, now is the right time to get started — just make sure you do so with a trusted, regulated partner.