Stocks remain one of the greatest wealth-building asset classes. People like Warren Buffett have built generational wealth from investing in the stock market.
Learning how to buy stocks in the UAE is a good way to build financial independence and wealth as a beginner investor.
However, with many stock trading apps in the market, you might be unsure of the one to choose.
Since not all stock trading apps are built with beginners in mind, you need to filter for the ones that will be easy for you to navigate.
Below are the six best options to choose from.
1.Sarwa
Sarwa is a UAE-based trading platform that provides access to US-listed individual stocks.
Best known for
Sarwa is best known as an all-in-one platform for trading, active investing, passive investing, and saving.
Key advantages
- Fractional trading: You can buy a fraction of a share of any listed stock if you can’t afford or are not interested in purchasing a whole share.
- Free AED deposits and withdrawals: Transfers between your local UAE bank account and your Sarwa brokerage account are free of charge.
- Access to the local UAE market: You can gain exposure to local UAE stocks through an ETF.
- Low commissions: Sarwa charges a low commission of the higher of $1 or 0.25% of the traded value.
- Low account minimum requirement: You can start trading stocks on Sarwa with just $500.
- Educational resources: Sarwa provides a library of educational resources that will teach you how to invest money in the UAE.
Ideal for
Sarwa is ideal for beginner traders who want an intuitive platform where they can trade and invest.
2.eToro
eToro is a global trading platform with a license to operate in the UAE. It provides access to stocks across 20 global markets.
Best known for
eToro is best known for social or copy trading.
Key advantages
- Commission-free stock trading: Stock trading on the eToro platform is commission-free.
- Social trading: Beginners can learn from and copy the trades of expert stock traders.
- Demo trading: Beginners can use demo accounts to perfect their trading strategies.
- Intuitive platform: The eToro platform is perfectly designed for beginners.
Ideal for
eToro is ideal for beginners who want to learn from and copy the trades of more experienced traders.
3.Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global trading platform that is available to US residents. It offers access to stocks from 90+ market centres across the globe.
Best known for
IBKR is best known for its low commission.
Key advantages
- Low commissions: The commission on stock trading ranges from USD 0.0005 to USD 0.0035 per share.
- Fractional trading: You can purchase a fraction of a share of any stock.
- Beginner-friendly app: IBKR has a beginner-friendly platform (GlobalTrader) as well as a complex one for expert and institutional traders.
- No account minimum: You don’t need a minimum trading balance to use the platform.
Ideal for
IBKR is ideal for beginner traders who want to minimise commissions and trade without worrying about the minimum account requirement.
4.Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank is a global trading platform with a license to operate in the UAE. It offers access to stocks across more than 50 global exchanges.
Best known for
Saxo Bank is best known for providing access to global markets.
Key advantages
- Low commission: Saxo Bank charges the higher of $1 and 0.08% of traded value on most exchanges.
- Demo account: Beginners can perfect their trading strategies with a free demo account.
- Beginner-friendly platform: SaxoTraderGo was designed for beginners who can’t use the more advanced SaxoTraderPro.
- Stock lending: Users can earn extra income by lending their stocks to others.
- No minimum account requirement: There are no minimum account requirements. Users can start trading with any amount.
Ideal for
Saxo Bank is ideal for beginners who want to enjoy low commissions on their trades.
5.Emirates NBD Securities
Emirates NBD Securities is the stock brokerage arm of Emirates NBD. It provides access to the UAE and Saudi Arabia stock exchanges.
Best known for
Emirates NBD Securities is best known for offering access to local stock markets.
Key advantages
- Dedicated support: Customer support is available through phone calls, email, and website chatbots.
- Banking integration: Users can integrate their banking accounts with Emirates NBD with their stock brokerage accounts. This makes account funding more seamless.
- Rewards: Users earn THARAA points for each completed trade. They can redeem these points for future trades.
- Educational resources: Emirates NBD Securities provides educational content appropriate for beginner traders.
- Seamless onboarding: The account creation process is simple, especially for those with an existing Emirates NBD account.
Ideal for
Emirates NBD Securities is ideal for stock traders who want to focus on the UAE market.
6.ADCB Securities
ADCB Securities is the stock brokerage arm of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. It offers access to local UAE stocks and US stocks.
Best known for
ADCB Securities is best known for connecting the UAE traders and investors to the local UAE stock market.
Key advantages
- Local and international exposure: It offers both US and UAE stocks.
- Easy-to-use platform: The mobile app is simple and convenient to use.
- Personalised support: There are dedicated relationship managers providing personalised customer support.
- Seamless onboarding: Setting up an account is seamless, especially for those with an ADCB banking account.
Ideal for
ADCB Securities is ideal for traders who want to trade both UAE and US stocks on the same platform.