Brokers with AED accounts allow traders to manage their portfolios with the UAE Dirham as the base currency. They are popular with local investors as well as active forex traders. This guide will cover the benefits of AED accounts, touch on the history of the currency and list the top supporting brokers.
Brokers With AED Accounts
These are the 6 best brokers that offer accounts with AED as the base currency:
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- Demo account
- Regulator: CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, BVIFSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Instruments: Spot, Futures, Swaps, Options, X-Perps
- Regulator: FinCEN, VARA
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $10 (varies by account and payment method)
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, JSC, FSC, VFSC, FSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FCA, DFSA
- Platforms: HYCM Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers in October 2026:
- JustMarkets 3.9/5 JustMarkets is a multi-asset broker with both CySEC-regulated and offshore branches. Offering ultra-low spreads, copy-trading services, 260+ tradeable instruments and MetaTrader support, JustMarkets has a lot to offer both beginner and experienced traders.
- OKX 4.1/5 OKX is a respected cryptocurrency firm, established in 2017, that offers a large suite of products, from trading to NFTs. Traders can access over 400 crypto tokens via OTC trading and derivatives. With an excellent web platform, developer tools and dynamic charts, OKX is a popular choice for technical traders.
- TIOmarkets 3.9/5 TIOmarkets is a global forex and CFD brokerage with both an offshore and UK-regulated branch. The broker has a strong customer focus, with 24/7 telephone and live chat customer service. Traders can access a range of accounts with competitive spreads from 0.4 pips.
- Exness 4.1/5 Established in 2008, Exness has maintained its position as a highly respected broker, standing out with its industry-leading range of 40+ account currencies, growing selection of CFD instruments, and intuitive web platform complete with useful extras like currency convertors and trading calculators.
- Hantec Markets 3.8/5 Hantec Markets was established in Hong Kong in 1990. Initially, the company concentrated solely on the Chinese and Taiwanese markets. In 2008, the broker rebranded and expanded its presence in the UK, Australia, Japan, and various other countries, before enhancing its footprint in Latin America in 2022. Hantec now stands as a multinational brokerage with 18 offices across Europe and Asia.
- HYCM 3.8/5 HYCM is an online broker with authorization from four international bodies including the FCA. The broker offers short-term CFD trading on forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs and Bitcoin, and supports the MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as Trading Central analysis.
Brokers With AED Accounts Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| JustMarkets | $1 | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, futures | MT4, MT5 |
| OKX | 10 USDT | Spot, Futures, Swaps, Options, X-Perps | AlgoTrader, Quantower |
| TIOmarkets | $20 | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies | MT4, MT5 |
| Exness | $10 (varies by account and payment method) | CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Hantec Markets | $10 | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptos | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| HYCM | $20 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs | HYCM Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JustMarkets | - | 4494 | |||
| OKX | 1770 | ||||
| TIOmarkets | - | 733 | - | - | |
| Exness | 33688 | ||||
| Hantec Markets | 5662 | ||||
| HYCM | - | 138 |
JustMarkets
With some of the most affordable pricing in the game and access to the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms, JustMarkets is a good choice for any investor.
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
JustMarkets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, futures
- Regulator
- CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, BVIFSC
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $1
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR, MYR, IDR, AED, NGN, THB, VND, KWD, CNY
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- Multiple accounts to suit different strategies and experience levels
- MetaTrader 4 integration
Cons
- Limited availability with clients not accepted from the US, UK, Japan, Germany and other countries
OKX
OKX is a top pick for crypto traders looking for emerging coins and crypto projects to invest in. Traders can also make use of the broker's copy trading service and automated bots.
William Berg, Reviewer
OKX quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Spot, Futures, Swaps, Options, X-Perps
- Regulator
- FinCEN, VARA
- Platforms
- AlgoTrader, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- 10 USDT
- Minimum Trade
- Variable
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, INR, JPY, SGD, RUB, AED, SAR
Pros
- In 2025, OKX secured a MiFID II license, enabling it to offer regulated derivatives products across Europe, providing peace of mind
- Traders can access historical market data for spot and futures combining OHLC data, aggregate trades and trading history
- There's an impressive range of blockchain products, including DeFi services, NFTs and games, alongside 400+ established and emerging coins
Cons
- The quality of customer support was inconsistent based on testing
- The firm offers limited regulatory oversight, though this is common among crypto exchanges
- In 2025 OKX agreed to pay over $500 million in penalties for violating AML laws in the US
TIOmarkets
TIOmarkets is best suited to experienced traders who can deposit at least $1000 to take advantage of the competitive trading conditions available with the VIP accounts. It also suits hands-off traders with copy trading and PAMM solutions.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
TIOmarkets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies
- Regulator
- FCA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $20
- Minimum Trade
- 0.001 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR, AED
Pros
- Most brokers at TIOmarkets' level either skip PAMM entirely or offer a stripped-down version. Having both copy trading and a proper PAMM structure under the same roof gives skilled traders a genuine route to managing external capital — and gives passive investors access to verified managers — without needing a separate platform or provider.
- Many brokers that straddle regulated and offshore jurisdictions deliberately obscure which entity your account actually falls under. TIOmarkets keeps it clear: UK clients sit under the FCA-authorized arm, international clients go through the offshore entity, and there's no ambiguity about which protections apply to whom.
- Opening a Raw or VIP Black account doesn't mean starting over — it sits alongside your existing accounts under the same login, with funds and history intact. Brokers that treat each account type as a separate registration make scaling up unnecessarily cumbersome. TIOmarkets doesn't.
Cons
- No proprietary platform means being locked into MT4 and MT5, so TIOmarkets has no ability to differentiate the actual trading experience. Top brokers offer TradingView and cTrader alongside MetaTrader, giving traders access to a far more intuitive, visually modern environment without sacrificing execution quality. For anyone who finds MetaTrader's interface dated, there's simply no alternative here.
- Relatively shallow in-house research and analysis cover the basics, but there's no integration with Trading Central, Autochartist, or any other professional-grade third-party analysis provider. Many brokers bundle these tools in at no extra cost, giving their clients a genuine analytical edge that TIOmarkets' current research offering doesn't come close to matching.
- At just over 300 instruments, TIOmarkets' offering looks thin next to brokers like IG or Saxo Bank, which list thousands of tradeable assets. Traders wanting genuine breadth across global equities, sector ETF CFDs, bonds, options, or niche commodity contracts will hit the ceiling quickly.
Exness
After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Exness quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator
- FSCA, CMA-Kenya, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC, FCA (B2B only), CySEC (B2B only)
- Platforms
- Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $10 (varies by account and payment method)
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY
Pros
- Exness Terminal offers a streamlined experience for beginners with dynamic charts while setting up watchlists is a breeze.
- Charting tools have been improved through Indie - traders can write Python scripts and add custom indicators to charts in the Exness Terminal and MT5, as well as testing them against market data.
- Fast and dependable 24/7 multilingual customer support via telephone, email and live chat based on hands-on tests.
Cons
- Exness has expanded its range of CFDs, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
- Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
- Retail trading services are unavailable in certain jurisdictions, such as the US, UK, EU, and more recently India, limiting accessibility compared to top-tier brokers like Interactive Brokers.
Hantec Markets
Hantec Markets is suitable if you want a no-frills MetaTrader broker to trade CFDs on stocks, forex, indices, commodities and cryptos. However, the customer support and educational tools trail the best brokers.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Hantec Markets quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Forex, CFDs, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptos
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, JSC, FSC, VFSC, FSA
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, CHF, PLN, AED
Pros
- Hantec Markets is a trusted broker, with a track record stretching back to 1990 and authorization from ‘green tier’ regulators, notably the ASIC.
- Hantec Markets offers a great range of 8 account base currencies, helping global traders avoid conversion fees while delivering a hassle-free day trading experience.
- Trading Central integration provides an excellent one-stop-shop for technical, fundamental, economic, sentiment and news analysis, helping users discover short-term trading opportunities.
Cons
- There is no proprietary software aimed at newer traders, nor integration with the increasingly popular TradingView and cTrader platforms. Additionally MT5 is not available in certain regions.
- While Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA it's no longer accepting retail clients via this entity - Brits may be onboarded through an offshore entity without FCA protections.
- The educational tools, consisting primarily of long-form articles, need revamping with interactive elements and videos to match the training materials at IG.
HYCM
Traders looking for a multi-asset broker with good platform support, extra analysis features and strong regulation will want to consider HYCM. The competitive raw-spread accounts will also serve scalpers and high-volume traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
HYCM quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs
- Regulator
- FCA, DFSA
- Platforms
- HYCM Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $20
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, AED
Pros
- Rather than a flat leverage cap, HYCM's leverage model reduces automatically as position volume increases — protecting traders from runaway exposure on large positions without requiring manual margin management. Most retail brokers apply a fixed leverage ceiling and leave risk management entirely to the trader. The dynamic model adds a structural risk layer that's particularly relevant for less experienced traders building larger positions incrementally.
- Most retail CFD brokers stop at gold, oil, and silver. HYCM extends into agricultural soft commodities from a standard account with no elevated minimum deposit or professional classification required. For traders wanting genuine commodity diversification beyond metals and energy, that access is structurally rare at this entry level.
- HYCM has operated continuously since 1977 — through Black Wednesday, the 2008 financial crisis, the SNB shock, and multiple FCA overhauls that eliminated or restructured many competitors. Most brokers marketing FCA regulation acquired it recently. HYCM has held it long enough for an entire generation of retail traders to have come and gone. That's a verifiably different category of track record.
Cons
- Brokers like eToro, Pepperstone, and IC Markets have built entire client acquisition channels around social and copy trading. HYCM has none of it. For newer traders who want to allocate capital to experienced strategies while they develop their own, or for experienced traders who want to monetize their track record by managing external capital, HYCM offers no pathway. That's an entire category of retail trader HYCM cannot serve.
- MT4, MT5, and a proprietary mobile app are the same infrastructure HYCM offered half a decade ago. No TradingView integration, no cTrader, no social trading, no copy trading, no PAMM. For a broker with nearly five decades of history and FCA authorization, the absence of any platform development signals that technology investment isn't a priority, which matters increasingly as competitors bundle TradingView natively and build out social trading ecosystems that attract a new generation of retail traders.
- The restriction only surfaces in HYCM's terms and conditions. Traders who fund a Fixed or Classic account, develop a short-term strategy, and start executing fast in-and-out trades can have their profits confiscated and their accounts suspended without prior warning. The Raw account permits tighter execution styles, but the policy boundary between permitted and prohibited trading frequency is never clearly defined in plain language anywhere on hycm.com.
What Is An AED Account?
An AED account means you can deposit, hold and trade in the UAE Dirham. This is known as a base currency and is essentially the money your account is denominated in. All profits, losses, commissions and fees are processed in your account currency.
Some brokers accept a single base currency for all account holders, for example, the US Dollar. However, the best providers and platforms offer accounts in a range of popular currencies, making it easier for local investors to manage their trading activity.
The base currency can be selected during account registration. It is also worth noting that you do not have to deposit in your chosen money. Brokers can convert this at the current exchange rate, subject to any additional fees.
AED Currency Explained
The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai and the other seven Emirates. It replaced several different currencies in 1973, including the Dubai riyal.
The AED is pegged to the USD, making it one of the most stable currencies in the world. This is mainly due to the United Arab Emirates’ reliance on oil exports which are traded in USD. The pegged rate remains at 3.6 AED to 1 USD.
The monetary policy of the Emirates is directed by The Central Bank of The UAE (CBUAE). Its responsibilities include promoting stability and efficiency in the financial system, protecting consumers through effective supervision, as well as supporting economic growth.
The AED Dirham is not a heavily traded currency, ranking outside of the largest 30 worldwide and accounting for just 0.2% of the daily forex market turnover. Still, it is popular with investors interested in more stable currencies and those that speculate on oil markets.
Benefits Of Brokers With AED Accounts
- Accessibility – Brokers that accept AED accounts may provide access to local assets, including equities on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, plus currency pairs with the AED, such as the USD/AED, GBP/AED and EUR/AED. Account holders can also normally speculate on popular global markets.
- Predictable – As the AED is pegged to the USD, there is less risk of wild price swings affecting the value of your investment portfolio.
- Fees – For residents of the United Arab Emirates and international clients trading large volumes of the AED, being able to avoid costly conversion fees can help protect profit margins.
- Taxation – There are no personal income tax requirements in the United Arab Emirates meaning that traders do not typically have to pay taxes on profits. With that said, if you are investing from another country via a broker with an AED account, taxes may apply.
- Payment Methods – Brokers with AED accounts may integrate local deposit and withdrawal options. These tend to offer faster processing times, with funds often clearing within one working day. Emirates NBD Securities, for example, provides Nasdaq Dubai trading opportunities for clients using an existing AED bank account.
- Regulation – Brokers offering AED accounts should be regulated within the countries in which they operate. The Central Bank of UAE regulates forex trading platforms and brokers, with the Securities Commodities Authority (SCA) issuing licenses of approval. Registered brokers have to comply with stringent rules restricting fraudulent activities whilst encouraging a stable trading environment.
How To Check A Broker Offers An AED Account
It may not be immediately apparent if a broker offers an AED trading account. We recommend taking a look at the deposit and withdrawal page as firms tend to list accepted currencies by payment method here.
Alternatively, the new account setup page should provide details of base currencies. A drop-down selection is typically integrated if more than one currency is available.
If it is still unclear, reach out to the broker’s customer service team. Live chat is usually the most responsive.
Comparing Brokers With AED Accounts
Once you’ve identified brokers with AED accounts, there are a few considerations to review before signing up:
- Customer Service – The best brokers with AED accounts provide reliable and responsive customer support options. This may include email, live chat or a toll-free telephone number. The best platforms offer 24/7 access.
- Demo Account – Practise accounts are a great way to trial the tools on offer before committing to a live profile. You can put your day trading strategies to the test in a risk-free, simulated environment with access to virtual funds.
- Educational Content – Access to educational features are important for new or inexperienced traders. Video content, keyword glossaries, blog posts and articles can be integrated within a platform or trader interface.
- Fees – It is worth checking that commissions and spreads are competitive vs other brokers with AED accounts. These charges can quickly eat into profits. Look out for other costs such as inactivity fees, rollover rates, plus account maintenance charges.
- Assets – Access to financial markets and instruments varies between brokers. Check the list of assets available to retail clients and whether this includes stocks listed on local exchanges, plus forex pairs with the AED. This could also include US indices, global commodities and major forex pairs.
- Platforms & Tools – Which trading platform does the broker offer? Access to the industry-renowned MetaTrader 4/5 or proprietary terminals can influence your trading experience. Reliable tools, such as technical indicators and customizable charts, can support with more accurate investing and pricing analysis. Mobile apps are also important if you want to manage positions on the go.
- Regulation – Ensure your brokerage is regulated by a relevant financial body. Brokers registered within the United Arab Emirates should comply with the rules of the Securities Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Central Bank of UAE. International brokers with AED accounts may be authorized by other financial bodies. Look out for a top-tier authority including the ASIC or FCA.
Final Word On Brokers With AED Accounts
Brokers with AED accounts help simplify the trading experience for residents of the United Arab Emirates, as well as those actively investing in the currency. The predictability of the currency due to its peg to the USD helps protect against volatile price shifts.
Look for brokers with competitive fees, innovative tools and platforms, plus a trusted regulatory license. See our list of the best AED brokers to start trading today.
FAQs
What Are Brokers With AED Accounts?
Brokers with AED accounts offer live trading solutions with the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) as the base currency. This means all trading activity and account management are executed in this money.
How Can I Find Out If Brokers Offer AED Accounts?
Available base currencies are often listed on the account profile webpage or within the deposit and withdrawal section of a broker’s website. If information is unclear, reach out to the broker’s customer service team.
Can Anyone Open An AED Trading Account?
Most retail investors can open an AED trading account regardless of their country of residency. Remember though, it is your responsibility to comply with local tax requirements.
How Can I Choose The Best Brokers With AED Trading Accounts?
There are many considerations when choosing between brokers. Your personal preferences and requirements may play part in this but other factors to compare include trading platforms, fees, regulatory status, plus access to customer support.
Do Brokers With AED Accounts Have To Be Regulated?
Brokers registered within the United Arab Emirates should comply with the guidance of the Securities Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Central Bank of UAE. International brokers with AED accounts may hold a license with other financial bodies, such as the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).