Which Broker is Best for Trading in Saudi?

When traders in Saudi Arabia set out to find the right broker, the first question they ask is often the same: Which broker is best for trading in Saudi Arabia? The answer depends on regulation, safety, costs, trading platforms, and how well a broker supports Saudi residents with services such as Islamic accounts, Arabic-language support, and funding options suited for the region. After examining market data and comparing insights from multiple independent reviews, two brokers consistently stand out as the most reliable and practical choices for Saudi traders: Exness and XTB. Both combine strong regulation with excellent trading conditions and features that meet the specific needs of traders in the Kingdom.

The Rise of Online Trading in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s financial market has grown rapidly over the past decade, reflecting both the country’s economic strength and its integration with global financial flows. With the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) as the largest stock exchange in the Middle East, opportunities for stock trading at home have long been present. However, in recent years, the popularity of forex, commodities, and cryptocurrency trading has also surged.

Part of this trend is demographic. The Kingdom has a young, tech-savvy population, and access to trading platforms via mobile apps makes participation easy. According to the Capital Market Authority (CMA), trading volumes on local markets hit record highs in 2024, supported by new entrants exploring both local and international assets.

Another driver is the appeal of diversifying into gold and oil, two commodities closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s economy. Traders in the Kingdom often seek out the best gold trading brokers as well as platforms offering access to energy markets, given oil’s role in the national and global economy.

Understanding Regulation: CMA and International Oversight

Before choosing an online trading broker in Saudi, regulation must be the first checkpoint. Two authorities matter most:

1. Capital Market Authority (CMA) – the Saudi regulator overseeing financial markets. It has the power to license brokers, penalize misconduct, and protect investors. While many global brokers operate without a CMA license, the safest route is to either choose a CMA-authorized broker or one regulated by top-tier international bodies.

2. Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) – formerly the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, SAMA also plays a role in monitoring financial services.

Global brokers serving Saudi clients often hold licenses from respected regulators such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Exness and XTB both hold multiple top-tier licenses, making them trusted by Saudi traders who want reassurance that their funds are secure.

Criteria for Finding the Best Broker in Saudi Arabia

To answer the question fully, traders should evaluate brokers against several key criteria. These include:

• Regulation and trustworthiness: Only choose brokers with a proven regulatory record.

• Account types and Islamic options: Swap-free accounts are essential for traders who want to ensure their trading complies with Shariah law.

• Trading costs: Low spreads, no hidden fees, and competitive commissions.

• Platforms: Support for popular platforms like MT4, MT5, and TradingView.

• Local funding methods: Ability to deposit and withdraw easily via bank cards, transfers, or digital wallets used in the region.

• Education and support: Resources for beginners, Arabic-language content, and responsive customer service.

When all of these factors are considered, Exness and XTB consistently meet the standard.

Exness: A Popular Choice Among Saudi Traders

Exness is one of the most widely used brokers in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia. The company has earned its reputation by combining low trading costs with flexible account options.

Why Exness works for Saudi traders

• Islamic Accounts: Exness offers swap-free accounts, ensuring compliance for Muslim traders who do not want to pay or receive interest on overnight positions.

• Low Spreads and High Liquidity: Exness is well known for competitive spreads on forex and commodities, including gold. This makes it one of the best gold trading brokers available to Saudi residents.

• Funding Options: Exness supports a range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers, and e-wallets. This ensures Saudi traders can move funds without unnecessary barriers.

• Strong Regulation: Exness is licensed by CySEC, FCA, and FSCA, among others. While it does not currently hold a CMA license, its global regulatory framework provides a strong layer of protection.

• User-Friendly Platforms: MT4 and MT5 are supported, both of which are familiar to traders in Saudi Arabia and come with mobile compatibility for trading on the go.

Suitability for beginners and professionals

Exness offers a range of account types that suit both entry-level traders starting with small deposits and professionals who want tighter spreads and higher leverage. Beginners can use demo accounts to practice, while advanced users can take advantage of algorithmic trading tools.

XTB: Strong in Education and Multi-Asset Access

XTB is another standout for Saudi traders, especially for those seeking a reliable online trading broker in Saudi with a strong reputation for transparency and education.

Why XTB is a top choice

• Comprehensive Asset Coverage: XTB allows trading across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. For Saudi traders interested in diversification, this makes it particularly attractive.

• Gold and Oil Trading: With commodities at the heart of the Saudi economy, XTB’s access to gold and oil markets stands out. It is rightly considered one of the best gold trading brokers in the region.

• Education: XTB places heavy emphasis on trader education. Its platform offers structured courses, webinars, and a library of guides that benefit beginners.

• User-Friendly Platform: XTB uses its proprietary platform, xStation, which is highly rated for ease of use and advanced features. Mobile support is excellent, helping traders manage their portfolios anywhere.

• Trusted Regulation: XTB is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and KNF (Poland), among others. This gives traders confidence that their funds are safe.

Local relevance

XTB’s reputation in Saudi Arabia has grown in recent years due to its focus on education and low costs. Traders who are new to markets often choose XTB as their starting point, while professionals benefit from its reliable execution and wide product coverage.

Why Exness and XTB Stand Out

When evaluating the Saudi trading landscape, many platforms are available, but the features that matter most to local traders are reliability, regulation, and trading conditions tailored to regional needs. This is where Exness and XTB consistently rise above the rest.

Exness provides very competitive spreads, seamless account funding, and the reassurance of swap-free Islamic accounts, making it an attractive choice for traders who prioritize cost efficiency and compliance with Shariah principles.

XTB has earned a strong reputation for transparency and education. It offers access to a wide range of markets, with its xStation platform simplifying the trading process for beginners while still providing advanced tools for experienced users.

Together, Exness and XTB represent the most suitable brokers for Saudi traders who want safety, accessibility, and practical features designed to support long-term success in the markets.

Key Asset Classes for Saudi Traders

Forex

Forex remains one of the most actively traded markets in Saudi Arabia. Brokers like Exness and XTB provide competitive spreads on major pairs such as EUR/USD and USD/JPY, with leverage aligned to international standards.

Gold

Gold holds both cultural and financial importance in Saudi Arabia. Many traders look for the best gold trading brokers, and both Exness and XTB stand out here. Exness offers ultra-low spreads on gold trading, while XTB provides strong charting tools and educational support for those new to commodity markets.

Oil

Saudi Arabia’s dominance in global oil production makes crude trading particularly relevant. Platforms that allow speculation on oil price movements enable traders to align strategies with the Kingdom’s economic backbone.

Stocks

Access to Tadawul-listed companies is important, but global exposure matters too. XTB gives access to international equities, helping Saudi traders diversify beyond domestic stocks.

Cryptocurrencies

Though not yet mainstream in Saudi Arabia, crypto trading is gaining popularity. Both Exness and XTB provide access to digital assets with strict security and transparent pricing.

Practical Tips for Saudi Traders

• Always check regulation: Use the CMA registry or the broker’s website to verify licensing.

• Use demo accounts before live trading: Both Exness and XTB provide free demo accounts that simulate real trading.

• Risk management: Set stop-losses, avoid over-leveraging, and diversify across asset classes.

• Stay updated: Follow the CMA and SAMA updates, as regulatory policies may evolve.

• Leverage carefully: While some offshore brokers may offer high leverage, most top-tier regulators limit leverage to 1:30 for retail clients. Use only what you can manage responsibly.

FAQs

Which trading platform is best in Saudi Arabia?
For Saudi traders, MT4 and MT5 remain the most popular platforms, supported by both Exness and XTB. However, XTB’s proprietary xStation platform is also highly rated for ease of use and advanced analysis features.

Can I do trading in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Online trading is legal in Saudi Arabia, provided you use regulated brokers. The CMA monitors the market, and traders are free to access both local and international brokers.

What is the most trusted trading broker?
Exness and XTB are both highly trusted due to their regulation by top-tier authorities and their established reputations in the region. They consistently rank among the safest options for Saudi residents.

Is forex trading halal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, forex trading can be halal if conducted under Islamic account conditions. Both Exness and XTB offer swap-free accounts that eliminate overnight interest charges, aligning trading with Shariah principles.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s growing financial market gives traders access to forex, gold, oil, stocks, and even cryptocurrencies. But with opportunity comes the responsibility to choose a broker that is both trustworthy and tailored to local needs. After comparing all available options, the answer to which broker is best for trading in Saudi Arabia is clear: Exness and XTB.

Exness delivers low spreads, strong gold trading conditions, and Islamic accounts. XTB provides robust education, a wide asset range, and a reliable platform for beginners and experienced traders alike. Together, they represent the best combination of trust, value, and accessibility for traders in the Kingdom.

By choosing one of these two brokers, Saudi traders can approach the markets with confidence, knowing their funds are secure, their trades are fairly executed, and their platforms are suited for long-term growth.