Forex trading in Dubai is a popular financial market among citizens, as it is the world’s most liquid market, making trading highly accessible, efficient, and transparent. With leverage, forex traders can control much larger positions, which magnify both potential profits and potential losses. It allows you to trade both ways, giving you the option to buy and sell forex pairs. It will enable you to take advantage of both rising and falling markets.
The forex market is unpredictable and presents opportunities for forex traders to capitalize on its advantages. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) does not require authorization for forex traders to accept customers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The SCA is a financial regulatory authority in the UAE responsible for supervising the country’s markets.
What is Forex Trading?
Foreign exchange trading (forex) is the process of buying one currency and selling another to earn profit from the trade. Forex (FX) is a short form of the words foreign and exchange. The reason for its speciality is that it lacks a central location where trade occurs. Instead, it is conducted electronically over the internet by traders worldwide.
The foreign exchange (forex) market is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traders exchange currencies in major financial centres like Hong Kong, London, Frankfurt, Paris, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Zurich, and Tokyo, which cover almost every time zone. Hence, when trading ends in one city, it starts in another, which means the market is always busy, and prices change constantly.
How to Start Forex Trading in Dubai?
Start your forex trading company in Dubai by following these simple and easy steps,
Market Analysis
Before trading in the foreign exchange (forex) market, it is crucial to analyse the market thoroughly. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages, and consult with expert business consultants for valuable insights.
Understand Your Needs
Evaluate your trading goals and the expected to achieve them. For new traders, it is essential to take slow steps and invest a small amount of capital initially. Trades with experience should work with a reliable broker and a reliable platform and must be aware of policy changes.
Choose a Broker
It is essential to select a registered broker that a government agency has authorized. The government of UAE takes strict action against fraudulent brokers. Ask about the broker’s margin policies, leverage and if they’re a market maker or use an ECN technique. You may also request a demo account to learn more about their platform.
Get Your Forex Trading License
Getting a forex trading license is a necessary step. You can obtain your license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The DFSA has regulations in place to ensure that applicants are capable of running a forex trading company.
Start Trading
After acquiring your license, you can start trading with your forex account. Create a workable plan and work towards achieving your goals. Your success in the forex trading market depends on your hard work and dedication. A forex trading license allows you to trade in your chosen market, whether it is cryptocurrency or high-capital stocks.
Best Platforms for Forex Trading
Fast implementation, timely insights, and detailed charting are vital for success in the forex trading business. These award-winning online trading platforms are among the best, built with the trader’s success in mind. Here are the top forex trading platforms,
CFI Trading App
It lets you trade anytime, anywhere. The CFI trading app allows you to deposit, withdraw, trade, and research all within the UAE trading platform.
MetaTrader 5
MT5 is one of the top choices for traders seeking advanced trading options and comprehensive market analysis. It has a user-friendly interface, enhanced features and multiple timeframes. MetaTrader 5 enables automated trading through expert advisors (EAs), allowing you to trade according to the criteria you have set.
CFI Multi-Asset
It is a sophisticated trading technology featuring premium charting and risk management, which enables you to elevate your trading to an advanced level. The platform features over 50 built-in indicators, multiple timeframes, and powerful TradingView charts. It allows you to trade commission-free, with zero spreads and ultra-fast execution speeds.
TradingView
TradingView’s advanced interface and vibrant community allow you to chart, trade and chat directly on the trading platform. It features over 15,000 products, zero deposit and withdrawal fees, 100+ built-in indicators, and 50+ drawing tools.
IG
IG is also one of the top forex brokers for 2025, offering comprehensive market analysis and advanced charting tools. It provides access to CFD trading and spread betting, which allows traders to bet on the direction of bonds, equities and currencies without owning the underlying asset.
There are many other best brokers in Dubai, some of which are,
- Interactive Brokers
- Saxo
- Forex.com
- XTB
- AvaTrade
- Plus500
Comparison of Forex Brokers in the UAE
The following table compares authorized forex and CFD brokers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
| Company | Authorized by DFSA | Accepts AE Residents | Average Spread EUR/USD – Standard | Minimum Deposit |
| IG | ✅ | ✅ | 0.98 | 250.00 |
| Interactive Brokers | ✅ | ✅ | 0.59 | $0 |
| Saxo | ✅ | ✅ | 1.1 | $0 |
| Forex.com | ✅ | ✅ | 1.4 | $100 |
| Xtb | ✅ | ✅ | 1.00 | $0 |
| AVATrade | ✅ | ✅ | 0.93 | $100 |
| Plus500 | ✅ | ✅ | 1.5 | $100 |
| Pepperstone | ✅ | ✅ | 1.00 | $0 |
| XM | ✅ | ✅ | 1.6 | $5 |
| Tickmill | ✅ | ✅ | 0.51 | $100 |
Why Forex Trading?
Here are the reasons to choose forex trading and how it can benefit you,
- Forex is the world’s most liquid trading market, making it highly transparent, efficient, and accessible.
- With leverage and authority, forex traders can control significantly larger positions, revealing potential profits and losses in the future.
- It has the option to buy and sell forex pairs, which allows the traders to take advantage of both rising and falling markets
- Users enjoy the flexibility of forex trading, as it operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, and across different time zones.
- Forex trading is known for its volatility and offers numerous opportunities for traders to capitalize on.
- It is a dynamic market; therefore, it can be an ideal option for short-term traders seeking short-term opportunities.
Is Forex Trading in Dubai Legal?
Yes, it is legal to do forex trading in the United Arab Emirates. However, to run your business legally, you must obtain a trade license. You can set up your business in either the Dubai International Financial Centre or the mainland area of Dubai. Both have their regulations and advantages for investors, and you can earn a good profit from running your business in either location.
Summary
Ultimately, forex trading in Dubai is a lucrative option for traders, as the industry benefits from government support and regulation. Tax-free zones, such as the DIFC, offer numerous opportunities. The foreign currency market remains active due to the large number of foreigners residing in the country. You must obtain your license from the DFSA or ADGM to operate your forex business legally.
Are you ready to launch your forex trading business in Dubai? Contact Al Riyady for more information. Let our expert team handle the entire procedure, allowing you to focus entirely on your business. We can also assist you with UAE Golden Visa, Corporate Tax, PRO Services in Dubai, and more.
