Best CFD Brokers and Trading Platforms in the UAE 2026
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the top CFD trading brokers based on our analysis:
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AvaTrade UAE - Best CFD trading platform - A wide selection of financial instruments. Innovative trading platforms. Highly rated educational resources. - 2
XM - Wide range of trading assets. Extensive educational resources. Tight spreads on the Ultra Low account. - 3
FP Markets - Robust regulation, serious fund protection plus segregated accounts in AA banks. Competitive trading conditions: spreads from 0 pip, commission 6 USD/lot; execution ≈ 20 ms on the NY4 server. Rich selection of trading platforms. - 4
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Pepperstone AE - Wide selection of trading platforms. Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions. A large number of trading instruments, including over 600 CFDs on stocks. - 6
FxPro - Various trading platforms. A diverse range of available markets and products. Multiple analytics tools. - 7
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HF Markets - Regulated by reputable financial authorities. Wide selection of trading assets. A variety of educational materials and analytical reviews. - 10
The brokers spotlighted in our 2025 UAE shortlist stand out for their cutting-edge trading platforms, razor-sharp commission structures, and broad CFD catalogues that span everything from global equities to crypto. Together, these strengths position them among the most compelling destinations for traders seeking speed, value and choice in one place.
Comparison of the Best CFD Brokers in the UAE
| Broker | AvaTrade UAE | XM | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2005 | 2009 | 2005 |
| Regulated in Countries | Ireland, British Virgin Islands, Australia, South Africa, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Canada | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Seychelles | Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles |
| Regulators | |||
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Trading Accounts |
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| Spread | from 0.6 points | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Review | AvaTrade UAE Review | XM Review | FP Markets Review |
| Broker Comparison | |||
| Register | RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds | RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds |
Best CFD Trading Platforms in the UAE
1. AvaTrade UAE
AvaTrade UAE is well-suited for traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and user-friendly trading platforms. It can appeal to both beginners looking to start trading and experienced traders who want to expand their knowledge and skills.
Pros and Cons of AvaTrade UAE
Pros
- A wide selection of financial instruments.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
2. XM
XM broker offers a wide range of services, making it an attractive option for various traders. With over 1500 trading instruments, extensive educational resources, and numerous trading platforms, XM is ideally suited for beginners and experienced traders. Novice traders will particularly appreciate the accessible educational materials and low entry threshold, while professionals will find the competitive spreads and diversity of instruments appealing.
Pros and Cons of XM
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive educational resources.
- Tight spreads on the Ultra Low account.
- Many analytical materials.
- Commission-free deposits and withdrawals.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Standard account has a higher spread than the market average.
3. FP Markets
FP Markets successfully combines a strict licensing framework, a fast ECN order book with zero spreads, a rich selection of platforms — ranging from classic MT4/5 to TradingView and Iress DMA — and a developed analytics, education, and 24/7 support infrastructure. This combination makes the broker attractive for active scalpers and algorithmic traders who value speed and moderate commission per lot, as well as for investors preferring copy trading, PAMM/MAM, or DMA stocks via Iress. Beginners will benefit from a low entry of 100 AUD, online courses, and no inactivity fees.
Pros and Cons of FP Markets
Pros
- Robust regulation, serious fund protection plus segregated accounts in AA banks.
- Competitive trading conditions: spreads from 0 pip, commission 6 USD/lot; execution ≈ 20 ms on the NY4 server.
- Rich selection of trading platforms.
- Wide range of instruments.
- Numerous deposit/withdrawal methods.
- Strong analytics and education.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts and fixed spread accounts.
- Some analytical materials and software are accessible only with a deposit or trading volume.
4. IC Markets
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
5. Pepperstone AE
Pepperstone AE is a significant and reliable broker that offers a broad range of trading instruments and attractive trading conditions. With regulation by serious authorities, clients can be confident in the security of their funds.
The broker is suitable for various types of traders. Beginners will find extensive educational materials, including trading guides, webinars, instructional videos, and Forex trading courses. Experienced traders will also appreciate Pepperstone's opportunities, including favorable trading conditions, various trading platforms, and access to complex trading instruments.
The broker's technical support operates at a high level, offering clients quick and efficient responses to any questions.
Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. With a unique combination of educational materials, trading tools, and high-quality customer service, this broker ensures excellent conditions for successful trading.
Pros and Cons of Pepperstone AE
Pros
- Wide selection of trading platforms.
- Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions.
- A large number of trading instruments, including over 600 CFDs on stocks.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in types of trading accounts.
6. FxPro
FxPro provides a comprehensive range of services and tools for traders. With its variety of trading accounts, platforms, and available markets, it is well-suited to meet the needs of different traders. This broker suits traders looking for a wide selection of markets, diverse platforms, and analytical tools. It is also apt for beginner traders, thanks to the educational materials and experienced traders who value flexible trading conditions.
Pros and Cons of FxPro
Pros
- Various trading platforms.
- A diverse range of available markets and products.
- Multiple analytics tools.
- Extensive educational materials.
Cons
- An inactivity fee.
- Absence of cent accounts and services for copying trades.
7. Plus500
Plus500 is ideal for traders seeking a convenient and intuitive platform with a broad spectrum of trading instruments. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a diverse range of CFDs on stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, and ETFs. The built-in Insight+ analytics tool is a significant advantage for those keen on analyzing trends and activities based on real-time data.
Pros and Cons of Plus500
Pros
- Diversity of trading assets.
- Intuitive trading platform.
- 24/7 support.
- Built-in analytics.
Cons
- Limited channels for communication with technical support.
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
8. Exness
Broker Exness is one of the most attractive companies offering brokerage services for clients worldwide in the Forex market.
Partnership with leaders in financial analytics, minimal commissions, numerous positive client reviews, a well-established operational scheme, and a decent selection of real assets and account currencies makes trading with the broker profitable and secure.
Pros and Cons of Exness
Pros
- Wide selection of trading accounts.
- Instant fund withdrawal.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- A variety of analytical tools.
Cons
- Limited selection of educational materials.
- Average selection of markets and products.
- Deposit fees.
9. HF Markets
HF Markets is a reliable and appealing Forex broker, offering a wide selection of trading assets, a variety of account types, and access to the popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. With its regulation and industry experience, the company has earned a reputation as a dependable partner for traders of varying experience levels.
HF Markets is recommended for those seeking a trustworthy and vetted broker with favorable trading conditions and customer support.
Pros and Cons of HF Markets
Pros
- Regulated by reputable financial authorities.
- Wide selection of trading assets.
- A variety of educational materials and analytical reviews.
Cons
- There is no alternative to MetaTrader.
- High swaps and wide spreads.
10. Admirals
The broker Admirals is suitable for a broad spectrum of traders. With its strict regulation, various account types, and a competent set of educational and analytical materials, this broker provides high-quality services for novice and experienced traders.
Beginners seeking detailed educational resources and support will undoubtedly appreciate this broker. Experienced traders will also find it beneficial due to competitive trading commissions, abundant tools for analysis and trading, and the convenience of the depositing and withdrawal process.
Pros and Cons of Admirals
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of payment methods.
- Extensive analytical resources.
- A rich collection of educational materials.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Some users complain about the intrusiveness of the support service.
What is a CFD?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) lets you speculate on the price movement of an asset without owning it. You agree to exchange the difference between the opening and closing price. Gains (or losses) are settled in cash—no delivery trucks full of oil barrels turning up at your door.
How CFDs Differ from Other Instruments
- No ownership – you don’t vote at AGMs or receive dividends (except cash adjustments).
- Leverage – margins can be as low as 1 %. A 1 % move in the market can wipe out a fully-leveraged position.
- Short-selling is native – going long or short is a click, not a separate account type.
- Financing – overnight positions accrue swap (financing) fees, unlike spot cash equities.
Pros & Cons of CFD Trading
Advantages
- Capital efficiency – small margin = larger exposure.
- Multi-asset in one wallet – trade gold, US stocks, Bitcoin and Brent from the same dashboard.
- 24/5 market access – many brokers quote out-of-hours prices.
- Tax efficiency – no stamp duty on UK shares; UAE has no capital-gains tax on individuals.
Disadvantages
- Leverage cuts both ways – magnified losses can exceed your deposit.
- Financing drag – swaps eat swing-traders alive.
- Counter-party risk – you rely on your broker’s solvency.
- Regulatory caps – retail leverage may be capped (DFSA: 1:30 on majors).
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CFD Broker
Regulation & Security
Look for DFSA-licensed firms (or ADGM FSRA/SCA) offering segregated client funds and negative-balance protection.
Trading Fees & Costs
Compare spreads and commissions. Razor-style raw accounts are great for high-volume scalpers; all-inclusive accounts suit casual traders.
Trading Platforms
Test-drive with a free demo. Speed, reliability and order-type depth trump fancy colour schemes.
Asset Availability
If you trade UAE hares, make sure the broker actually lists DFM/ADX CFDs—not all do.
Customer Service
24/5 multilingual live chat is the bare minimum; local DIFC or ADGM offices are a plus.
Educational Resources
New to leverage? Favour brokers with structured video courses and Arabic-language webinars.
How Was the List of the Best CFD Brokers in the UAE Compiled?
When curating our 2025 shortlist for Emirati traders, we applied a multi-stage evaluation process designed to surface brokers that combine rock-solid credibility with features tailored to the local market. The core pillars were:
- Master Broker Universe. We began with our wider database of globally regulated Forex & CFD brokers and filtered it down to those already demonstrating consistently high standards in execution speed, pricing and transparency.
- Layered Stress-Testing. Each candidate broker faced several rounds of platform and service tests—live and demo—covering uptime, order-fill quality, and customer-support responsiveness. Only firms that excelled at every checkpoint moved forward.
- UAE-Specific Fit. To ensure real-world usability for residents of the Emirates, we checked for Arabic- or English-language local support, AED-friendly funding options (e.g., local bank transfers, UAE-issued cards), swap-free Islamic accounts, and adherence to DFSA, ADGM FSRA or SCA guidelines.
- Depth of CFD Offering. Brokers had to deliver a broad spectrum of instruments—global equities, regional indices, energy futures, precious metals, crypto CFDs—and maintain competitive spreads plus reasonable overnight financing costs.
- Client Fund Protection. We verified that every shortlisted broker keeps client money in segregated accounts and is overseen by at least one top-tier regulator (DFSA, ADGM FSRA, FCA, ASIC, CySEC). Negative-balance protection and transparent compensation-scheme membership were non-negotiable.
By following these stringent criteria, we produced a ranking that balances regulatory strength, cost-efficiency, platform quality, and features that matter most to UAE-based traders—empowering you to step into the CFD arena with confidence.
FAQ
Is CFD trading legal in the UAE?
Yes. CFDs are permitted for residents who trade through a broker licensed by the DFSA (DIFC), ADGM FSRA (Abu Dhabi), or the SCA on the mainland.
What is the minimum deposit required to start trading CFDs?
From $0 (Pepperstone, HFM) to around $100 at most mainstream brokers. Check the table above for specifics.
Can beginners successfully trade CFDs?
Possible—if you start with a demo account, keep leverage modest (≤ 1 : 10), and risk < 1 % of your capital per trade. Education and discipline matter far more than the brand-name on your platform, so carve out time for structured learning first. A solid starting point is our list of UAE Forex brokers.
What are the risks associated with CFD trading?
Leverage amplifies losses; financing fees can erode returns; market gapping can trigger negative balances (though most DFSA brokers offer protection).
How do I choose the right trading platform for CFDs?
Prioritise stability, order types (stop-limits, partial closes), and mobile sync. MT5 is universal; cTrader and TradingView offer slick custom UIs.
Can I trade CFDs on my mobile device?
Absolutely—every broker in our top 10 has iOS/Android apps. Performance can vary; test latency on your network before committing.
What types of assets can I trade with CFDs?
Forex, indices, equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs—over 2,000 symbols at IC Markets, for instance.
How do CFD brokers make money?
Via the spread, commissions on RAW/Pro accounts, overnight financing, and—occasionally—internal dealing-desk hedging.
Are demo accounts available for practicing CFD trading?
Yes. All brokers listed provide free, non-expiring demos with virtual funds.
