How to Buy Stocks in United Arab Emirates for Beginners in 2024

Our stock market experts explain how to buy stocks in United Arab Emirates at a low cost while staying safe with a regulated stock broker.
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Updated: Aug 14, 2024
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Anyone can invest in the stock market, and buying shares in United Arab Emirates is a simple, accessible way to build your wealth over a long period of time.

Our team of stock market experts have pooled their decades’ worth of experience to create this guide. Together, Dan Ashmore, CFA, Head of Research, Prash Raval, Financial Writer, Katya Stead, News Reporter, and Harsh Vardhan, Editor of News have been covering the markets for leading publications and investing their own money for more than 30 years.

Together, they’ve identified the most important things you need to know in order to invest in stocks in United Arab Emirates successfully. Learn the different investment options available to you, how to find a quality, low cost trading platform, and how to place your first order to buy stocks.

This guide is a live document, constantly updated with the latest information on stock prices and the most up-to-date research. We also believe in sharing knowledge, so you can contact our experts directly for the latest investment advice on how to buy stocks.

Without any further ado, let’s learn how to buy stocks in United Arab Emirates.

How to buy stocks in United Arab Emirates (Quick start guide)

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1. Decide how you want to invest in Emirati stocks

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Buying stocks in United Arab Emirates can simply mean picking individual companies you want to invest in, but there are other options available too. You can buy shares in an ETF, sign up to an automated investment platform, buy and sell stock CFDs, or use your bank account to open a brokerage account. Choose which approach suits your budget and your goals best.

2. Sign up to one of the best United Arab Emirates trading platforms

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To invest in stocks from United Arab Emirates, you need to create a brokerage account with one of the . We recommend eToro as the best place to buy stocks online in United Arab Emirates.

Creating a brokerage account typically only takes a few minutes, but you will need to supply some government-issued ID, like a passport or driving licence as part of the process. 

The top brokers use modern technology that can verify your identity based on these documents in minutes, so once you’ve uploaded your details you should be approved and ready to start buying stocks very quickly.

1
Min. Deposit
Best offer
User Score
9.9
Trade/invest in stocks with just $10
Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day
Over 11 payment methods, including PayPal
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, neteller, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Sofort, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Klarna, Trustly, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, Maestro Master, Electron, Bank Transfer: SEPA, iDeal, eToro Money, Przelewy 24, skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, CySEC, FCA

eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466. AFSL 491139. Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD.

3. Place your order to purchase stocks

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Log into your investment account, search for the stock you want to buy, and enter your order details.

Those details include how many stocks you want to buy and the price at which you want to purchase them. Once you’ve done that, confirm the order.

As soon as the order is executed, you can find your shares in your account portfolio, where you can track their price and decide when you want to sell.

Congratulations, you’re now a shareholder!

Where to buy stocks in United Arab Emirates

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These are our top-ranked stock brokers for Emirati investors. They each offer an inexpensive and convenient way to invest in shares in United Arab Emirates, combined with top-tier regulation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

We found 14 online brokers for users based in

Sort by:

1
Min. Deposit
Best offer
User Score
9.9
Trade/invest in stocks with just $10
Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day
Over 11 payment methods, including PayPal
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, neteller, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Sofort, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Klarna, Trustly, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, Maestro Master, Electron, Bank Transfer: SEPA, iDeal, eToro Money, Przelewy 24, skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, CySEC, FCA

eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466. AFSL 491139. Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD.

2
Min. Deposit
Best offer
User Score
9.9
Trade +2000 CFDs on Shares, Options, Commodities & more
Unlimited risk-free Demo Account
0 commissions & attractive spreads with up to 1:5 leverage
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Trustly, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, Bank Transfer: SEPA, Bank Transfer: FPS, skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, FCA, FSA, MAS, CySEC #250/14

Buy or sell stock CFDs with Plus500. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

3
Min. Deposit
Best offer
User Score
9.7
Open an MT5 account to go long or short on 250 of the largest US, Australian, and European stocks
Instruments in 21 time-frames and 80 pre-installed indicators
Multi jurisdiction regulation by ASIC and VFSC
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Debit Card, PayPal, neteller, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Cryptocurrencies, FasaPay, PayRetailers, POLi, Wise, Worldpay, skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, CySEC, FCA

74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

What to consider before buying stocks in United Arab Emirates

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Take some time to decide your ultimate stock investing goal and set yourself a budget before you buy any stocks. Are you investing for retirement, to create a new source of income, or to grow your pot in preparation for a big purchase?

Do you want to be an active investor, actively choosing which stocks to buy, or are you happy to let someone else make the decisions for you?

The answers should influence how you invest. With a long time horizon, you can afford to start with a smaller pot, while investment strategies that aim to generate steady returns in line with the Emirati stock market are more appealing. 

With a shorter time frame, you may need to be more active in picking your own stocks to buy in United Arab Emirates in an attempt to ‘beat’ the market. 

The different ways to invest in stocks in United Arab Emirates

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Buying stocks in United Arab Emirates can mean a few different things. You can, of course, buy shares in a company you like, but nowadays there are lots of investment strategies that are designed specifically for beginners who don’t have the desire or the expertise to pick their own stocks.

Here is a summary of the various options open to you, and what type of investor they’re most suited for.

  • Buy individual stocks. The traditional way to invest in United Arab Emirates. Research a company’s performance and buy shares in it, with the goal of selling your stocks later at a higher price. This approach is best if you have some experience of the stock market already, and/or the time to research lots of companies to find the right investment.
  • Buy shares in an ETF. An ETF (exchange traded funds), much like a mutual fund, is a fund that contains lots of stocks grouped together. You can buy shares in an ETF like you would a single company, but instead of a share in one business, you get a share of lots of businesses. ETFs are ideal for investing in the Emirati stock market as a whole, or for anyone who doesn’t have the time or experience to pick individual stocks.
  • Invest through a robo advisor. A robo-advisor is an automated investment platform that buys and sells stocks for you. Typically, you deposit a lump sum or set up a regular deposit, answer a few questions, and the robo-advisor chooses how to invest that money based on your answers and its unique algorithm. Robo advisors are ideal if you only have a little money or just want to ‘set and forget’ your investing.
  • Buy and sell stock CFDs. CFDs (contracts for difference) are financial products that take their value from an underlying asset. The best cfd brokers in the uae allow you to speculate on stock price changes and are generally designed for rapid buying and selling based on technical analysis of price charts. These are higher risk and require more expertise to trade, but offer the potential for more immediate gains than long-term investing.

Here’s a comparison of the types of assets available with each of our top-rated brokers.

Product eToro assets Plus500 assets Eightcap assets
Stock CFDs 3117 1,800+ 590
ETF CFDs 317 100+
Forex CFDs 49 50+ 56
Crypto CFDs 73 40+ 122
Index CFDs 20 20+ 16 (17 on TradingView)
Commodity CFDs 26 20+ 16
NFTs 100,000
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Eightcap >

Exact figures may vary. NFTs are accessed through Delta, an NFT explorer app which is owned and operated by eToro.

How much money do I need to buy shares in United Arab Emirates?

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The equivalent of $10 is usually enough to meet the minimum deposit requirements with an online trading platform. You can start investing with a small amount, though you might be better off buying shares in an ETF or using a robo advisor as opposed to spending it all on one stock.

If you have a smaller budget, you can build it up by rounding up your spare change into an investment pot (there are investment apps that can do this for you), by setting up regular deposits, or by investing in stocks that you can earn extra income from in the form of dividends.

To start building your own portfolio, you may want the equivalent of about $100 so that you can spread your risk by buying a few different stocks, but there’s no ‘right’ amount that you must have. 

How much does it cost to buy stocks in United Arab Emirates?

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Many share dealing platforms offer commission-free trading, making it possible to buy stock in United Arab Emirates with no fees or commissions. It’s more common to find platforms that charge you through the ‘spread’, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a stock. Here’s a comparison of the types of fees each of the top platforms in United Arab Emirates charge.

Fee eToro fees Plus500 fees Eightcap fees
Trading fees Yes, on certain assets No Yes
Inactivity fees Yes Yes No
Rollover/overnight fees Yes, on CFDs Yes Yes, on certain assets
Withdrawal fees Yes No Yes, for certain payment methods
Spreads Yes, on certain assets Yes Yes
Conversion fees Yes, for non-USD currencies Yes Yes, currency dependent
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Eightcap >

Now here’s a breakdown of the specific costs of trading stocks in United Arab Emirates.

Asset eToro fees Plus500 fees Eightcap fees
Cryptocurrencies 1% From 2% Up to $3.5 RT
Commodities From 2 pips From 0.04% Up to $3.5 RT
Currencies From 1 pip From 0.8% Up to $3.5 RT
Indices From 0.75 pts From 0.7% Up to $3.5 RT
Stocks 0% commission From 0.08% Up to $3.5 RT
Stock CFDs 0.15%
ETF CFDs 0.15%
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Eightcap >

You can compare the costs of buying stock in United Arab Emirates by looking at the spread. The wider the gap between the two prices, the more the platform is charging you.

Am I protected when buying shares in United Arab Emirates?

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Yes, as Emirati stock brokers must be regulated by a local financial authority in order to sell stocks to you. When you buy and sell Emirati stocks, you’re protected by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) ensures that your broker keeps all money deposited onto the platform safe, and is completely clear about the risks of investing with them.

Many regulators also offer deposit insurance, which insures the money you deposit in the event the broker goes bust, or there are any irregularities.

Here is a comparison of Emirati stock brokers and which regulators have licensed them to operate around the world.

Region eToro regulators Plus500 regulators Eightcap regulators
Africa FSA
Asia
Australasia ASIC ASIC, FMA ASIC
Europe FCA, CySEC FCA, CySEC FCA, CySEC
International
North America FinCEN
South America
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Eightcap >

Can I buy stocks in United Arab Emirates without a broker?

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While it is technically possible to buy stocks without a broker, this approach can be more complicated and less accessible for most individual investors. Purchasing stocks directly from a company through direct stock purchase plans (DSPPs) typically requires direct contact with the company.

These plans allow investors to buy shares without a broker, often at a reduced cost – but the number of companies offering them is usually limited and the purchase process can be lengthy. 

In contrast, online brokers provide a more convenient and efficient way to invest in stocks in United Arab Emirates. These platforms facilitate quick transactions, offer access to a broader range of investment options, and provide user-friendly interfaces, research tools, and educational resources.

Combined, these features make online brokers and investment platforms ideal for beginners. We highly recommend using a regulated online broker in United Arab Emirates to buy stocks.

What are the best stocks to buy in United Arab Emirates?

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The right answer is different for every person and is constantly changing, depending on the stock price and the economic situation in United Arab Emirates. Ultimately, you want to find stocks that will be worth more in the future than the price you pay for them now.

Companies on the stock exchange are often valued based on a set of criteria, such as how much money they make every year, how big the market for their product or service could be, and whether they pay out dividends.

Here are some terms and metrics to be aware of when you’re deciding which stocks to buy.

Market capitalization

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Market capitalization, often referred to as market cap, is the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares. It’s calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the total number of outstanding shares. 

For investors, market cap is crucial as it helps in assessing a company’s size, growth potential, and risk level. Larger companies (with higher market caps) are typically more stable, while smaller companies (with lower market caps) may offer higher growth potential but with increased risk.

Net income/earnings

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Net income, also known as net earnings, is the profit a company earns after deducting all its expenses, taxes, and costs. It’s a key indicator of a company’s financial health and profitability.

Investors pay close attention to net income as it directly impacts the company’s earnings per share (EPS), and is often used to determine a company’s value and performance. Consistent growth in net income is generally seen as a positive sign for future stock performance.

Earnings per share

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Earnings per share (EPS) is a financial metric indicating how much profit a company makes per share of its stock. It’s calculated by dividing the company’s net income by its total number of outstanding shares. 

EPS is crucial for investors as it offers a clear measure of a company’s profitability and efficiency in generating profits. It’s widely used for comparing the financial performance of different companies, especially within the same industry. Consistent growth in EPS is often seen as a positive sign.

P/E ratio

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The P/E (price to earnings) ratio is a valuation metric that compares a company’s current share price to its per-share earnings. It’s calculated by dividing the market value per share by the earnings per share. 

Investors use this as a way to evaluate whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued in relation to its earnings. A high P/E ratio could indicate that a stock’s price is high compared to earnings and possibly overvalued, while a low P/E ratio might suggest a stock is undervalued.

Dividend yield

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The dividend yield is a financial ratio that shows how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its stock price. It’s calculated as the annual dividends per share divided by the price per share and is usually displayed as a percentage.

For stock investors in United Arab Emirates, particularly those seeking regular income, the dividend yield is a key factor to consider. It provides an idea of the income they can expect from an investment in a stock, independent of market price fluctuations.

Free cash flow

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Free cash flow (FCF) is the cash a company generates after accounting for cash outflows to support operations and maintain its capital assets. It’s a measure of a company’s financial performance and health, indicating the amount of cash it has available for expansion, dividend payments, and debt reduction, among other activities. 

For investors, a positive and growing free cash flow is typically a good sign, suggesting the company has healthy financials and the potential for growth and dividend payouts.

Can I buy international stocks in United Arab Emirates?

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Yes, typically, an online broker offers many more international stocks, and you aren’t limited to local Emirati stocks. Most investors want the option to invest in the biggest brand names, so online trading platforms that are designed to attract casual investors make sure to offer those stocks.

That means you are likely to find lots of stocks from the US market as well as other leading companies around the world, though the exact range on offer depends on the broker you sign up to. Here is a comparison of the best international trading platforms and the stocks they offer. 

BrokerUS stocksUK stocksAsian stocksEuropean stocksRest of world
eToroYesYesYesYesYes
Plus500YesYesYesYesYes
SkillingYesNoYesYesYes
AvaTradeYesNoNoYesNo
PepperstoneYesYesNoYesYes
DegiroYesYesYesYesYes
EightcapYesYesYesYesNo
Interactive BrokersYesYesYesYesYes
PublicYesNoNoNoNo

In addition, there may be a number of different ways to buy or trade international stocks, depending on the broker you choose. You may be able to buy the underlying asset, which is akin to traditional investing where you become a shareholder in the company. 

More common is the ability to buy and sell derivatives, such as CFDs or options, which are financial products that get their value from an underlying asset (in this case, a stock). These are more speculative but give you flexibility by catering to strategies that include using leverage or shorting stocks.

Bottom line

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Buying stocks in United Arab Emirates is accessible and achievable for everyone. You don’t need much money to get started, and there’s a range of options available depending on how much time and existing expertise you can bring to bear.

To start investing in stocks from United Arab Emirates, sign up with an online stock broker that’s regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). From there, it’s simply a case of searching for the companies you want to put your hard-earned money into and placing your first order.

Buy stocks now

FAQs

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How do I start buying stocks in United Arab Emirates?
Can I buy US stocks in United Arab Emirates?
Can I buy fractional shares in United Arab Emirates?
Can I make money from buying shares United Arab Emirates?
Can I buy stocks after hours in United Arab Emirates?
Can I buy stocks with my credit or debit card?
Can I buy stocks in United Arab Emirates as a foreigner? 
How can I buy shares in Facebook?


Sources & references

Our editors fact-check all content to ensure compliance with our strict editorial policy. The information in this article is supported by the following reliable sources.

Risk disclaimer
James Knight
Editor of Education
James is the Editor of Education for Invezz, where he covers topics from across the financial world, from the stock market, to cryptocurrency, to macroeconomic markets.... read more.