Why pick ActivTrades

ActivTrades, established in 2001 and headquartered in London, provides a reliable platform for UAE traders seeking accessibility and advanced functionality. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offering tools like ActivTrader and MetaTrader 4/5, it appeals to both beginners and experienced investors; I’ve traded Forex on it myself and found the spreads tight and platform smooth. Its competitive spreads, such as 0.9 pips on EUR/USD, and broad CFD offerings across over 1,000 instruments make it a strong option, so what do you think is its best feature? Let us know in the comments below!

ActivTrades

Best For CFD & Forex

Recommended ForCopy Traders, Social Traders, UK Traders

Open Account

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Best For CFD & Forex

Recommended ForCopy Traders, Social Traders, UK Traders

• Trader Level Beginner+
• FX Fees Low
• CFD Fees Average
• Account Opening Speed 24 hours

4,4 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform4.6

• Fees3.6

• Mobile App5.0

• Deposit and withdrawal 3.8

• Available assets3.8

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 5.0

• Support4.5

• Overall rating4.4

Visit Interactive Brokers

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Overall Pros & Cons

See how the best brokers in United Arab Emirates compare to ActivTrades

Here’s how ActivTrades stacks up against Interactive Brokers and Saxo Bank, two top brokers in the UAE market.

ActivTrades delivers a competitive fee structure, embedding costs into spreads without commissions on stock CFDs or Forex trading; check out our infographic comparing ActivTrades’ fees with competitors below. Traders should note an inactivity fee after 12 months and potential charges on certain deposit methods.

We compared ActivTrades’ fees with Interactive Brokers and Saxo Bank, chosen for their asset range, client base, and fee structures.

Overall fees at a glance

This table provides a high-level overview of trading and non-trading fees across brokers.

Trading fees

Stock CFDs that won’t break the bank

Spread-based fees around 0.1% with no commission keep costs low for UAE traders.

Forex fees that shine across pairs

ActivTrades offers competitive spreads with no commission across major, minor, and exotic pairs, appealing to diverse Forex traders; for example, EUR/USD at 0.9 pips is cost-effective for high-volume trading.

CFD costs that hold their own

Spreads like 1.5 pips for S&P 500 CFDs align with market norms.

CFD Fees that flex beyond Indices

ActivTrades’ spreads on commodities and crypto CFDs are competitive, especially for gold, a popular asset among UAE traders.

Crypto fees that crypto fans favor

ActivTrades’ spot crypto fees are reasonable for UAE traders interested in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Non-trading fees

Non-trading fees with a catch or two

A $10 monthly inactivity fee kicks in after a year of no activity, which is common but worth noting for long-term account holders; see Deposit and Withdrawal section for deposit/withdrawal fees.

Other fees that don’t sting too much

A 0.3% fee for converting daily profit/loss from non-base currency trades into your account’s base currency (e.g., EUR, GBP, USD, CHF) is light compared to many brokers, alongside moderate margin rates.

Profit/Loss currency conversion fees

This fee applies when trades in non-base currencies (e.g., AUD/JPY) are converted to your account’s currency daily.

Fee transparency and conditions

ActivTrades’ fees are clearly listed on its website, though some conditions like overnight swap rates require deeper exploration; competitors vary in transparency.

ActivTrades offers robust security with regulation from multiple trusted bodies like the FCA in the UK, FSRA in the UAE, SCB in the Bahamas, CSSF in Luxembourg, and CONSOB in Italy, providing negative balance protection and strong investor safeguards. For UK clients, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), a statutory fund of last resort, covers up to £85,000 in case of broker insolvency, while UAE clients benefit from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which provides compensation up to AED 500,000 under its client money protection rules. This extensive regulatory oversight makes ActivTrades a trusted choice among local traders.

Who is ActivTrades regulated by?

The FCA in the UK oversees its primary operations for high standards, FSRA regulates its UAE entity, SCB covers its Bahamas operations, CSSF governs its Luxembourg entity, and CONSOB registers its Italian activities.

Is ActivTrades a safe broker to use?

Yes, its stringent regulation across multiple jurisdictions and audited processes make it highly secure.

Is there investor protection for ActivTrades?

FSCS offers up to £85,000 for UK clients, FSRA provides up to AED 500,000 for UAE clients, and other regions have varying protections, all bolstered by negative balance protection.

Note: The FCA (UK) enforces strict financial regulations and client fund segregation. FSRA (UAE-ADGM) ensures compliance with international standards for financial services. SCB (Bahamas) regulates securities and investments. CSSF (Luxembourg) oversees financial markets in Luxembourg. CONSOB (Italy) registers and monitors financial intermediaries.

ActivTrades background

Founding: Established in 2001 in Switzerland by a group of financial experts, later moving headquarters to London, UK.

Mission: Aims to empower traders with cutting-edge technology, tight spreads, and exceptional service across global markets.

Global Presence: Serves over 140,000 traders worldwide, with offices in London, Milan, Sofia, Nassau, and Luxembourg.

Leadership: Alex Pusco has served as CEO since founding, leveraging his extensive experience in financial markets.

Employee Base: Employs over 200 professionals globally.

Services: Offers trading in forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, shares, and bonds via platforms like ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5.

Awards: Recognized with awards such as Best Online Trading Services from ADVFN International Financial Awards and Best Forex Customer Service from ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its trading conditions and support.

Sponsorships: Engaged in sponsorships like the Forex Expo Dubai, reinforcing its commitment to the Middle East market.

Recent Developments: In 2023, expanded its UAE presence with FSRA regulation, enhancing services for Middle Eastern traders.

ActivTrades offers efficient deposit and withdrawal options with no fees for most transactions, including electronic wallets like Neteller and Skrill for UAE traders.

Account base currencies

Only EUR, GBP, USD, and CHF are available.

Fees and options for deposits

Bank transfers are free for all regions, while credit/debit card deposits are free for EEA/UK cards but incur a 1.5% fee for non-EEA/UK cards. Additionally, your card provider may charge foreign transaction fees for deposits in currencies other than your card’s base currency.

Electronic wallet availability

Deposit currency conversion fees

ActivTrades applies a 0.3% fee for converting deposits into base currencies (EUR, GBP, USD, CHF), which is competitive; exact rates may vary by currency pair.

Fees and options for withdrawal

Most methods are free with same-day processing if requested before 12:30 PM UK time; card providers may add fees for non-base currency withdrawals.

ActivTrades provides a quick, online account opening process, typically done in a day.

Account opening information

What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades?

It’s $0 for global clients, but you’ll need to fund it with sufficient capital to cover margin requirements for your trades. For example, trading a standard Forex lot might require around $1,000 in margin, depending on leverage.

Account types

• Standard: suits most traders, offers spreads like 0.9 pips on EUR/USD, no commissions
• Pro: for active traders, tighter spreads, needs higher volume like 100 lots quarterly
• Islamic: swap-free for Sharia compliance, available for Standard or Pro, ideal for UAE traders
• Demo: practice with virtual funds, mirrors live conditions, no risk

How to open an account?

1. Visit activtrades.com and pick your account type
2. Fill in personal details like name and address
3. Submit ID (e.g., Emirates ID for UAE) and proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
4. Wait for approval, usually 1-2 days
5. Fund your account with bank transfer, card, or e-wallets like Neteller
6. Start trading once funded

The mobile app is reliable with a clean interface and strong security.

Mobile app information

Languages

Offers English, Arabic, and several others, switch languages via settings for UAE convenience.

Look and feel / User Interface

Sleek, modern design with smooth navigation, fits all mobile screens, light theme only, no clutter.

Security & login

Two-step login uses password plus a code sent to phone or email, biometric option like fingerprint available.

Search

Fast asset search by name or ticker (e.g., “EURUSD” or “Gold”), may miss rare assets, results clear.

Placing orders

Trade with market, limit, or stop orders in a tap, one-click option for quick trades, set stop-loss easily.

Products

Trade forex pairs like EUR/USD with 0.9 pips spreads, CFDs on stocks (e.g., Apple, Tesla), indices (S&P 500, FTSE 100), commodities (gold, oil), and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum), all accessible in a few taps, includes real-time charts and data for quick decisions.

Alerts and notifications

Set custom price alerts (e.g., “Bitcoin hits $70,000”), get push notifications or SMS, adjust volume or type.

The web platform offers great usability and detailed tools.

Web/desktop platform information

Languages

Supports English, Arabic, and other languages, switch easily via settings for UAE traders.

Look and feel / User Interface

Clean, professional layout with intuitive navigation, responsive design fits all screen sizes, light theme only.

Security & login

Two-step login with password and code sent to your phone or email, biometric option available if device supports.

Search

Quick asset lookup by name or symbol (e.g., type “EURUSD” or “Gold”), results load fast but may miss obscure assets.

Placing orders

Place market, limit, or stop orders directly from charts or order panel, one-click trading for speed, set take-profit and stop-loss easily.

Products

Access forex (50+ pairs like EUR/USD), CFDs on stocks (e.g., Amazon), indices (S&P 500), commodities (gold, silver), and crypto (Bitcoin), all with live prices and analysis tools.

Alerts and notifications

Set price or event alerts (e.g., “EUR/USD hits 1.10”), delivered via browser pop-ups or email, customization includes sound options.

Portfolio and fee report

View portfolio with real-time profit/loss, detailed fee breakdowns (e.g., spreads, swaps), exportable as PDF or CSV for records.

ActivTrades offers over 1,000 instruments, including 50+ Forex pairs, CFDs on major indices like S&P 500 and FTSE 100, commodities such as gold and oil, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Assets & Products

ActivTrades offers a wide range of tradable instruments, including forex with over 50 pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/JPY, CFDs on stocks such as Apple and Tesla, indices covering major markets (S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX), commodities like gold, silver, and oil, plus cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. These assets let UAE traders diversify across global and local markets efficiently.

How UAE traders can leverage ADX CFDs

UAE traders can trade ADX CFDs to tap into local markets efficiently. These Contracts for Difference let you speculate on price movements of major UAE stocks and indices like the FTSE ADX General Index without owning them. With leverage (e.g., 1:5), a $200 margin controls a $1,000 position, amplifying gains or losses. This suits quick trades based on local trends, like oil price shifts, with lower costs than buying shares. Go long or short to profit in any market direction, using real-time data for fast decisions.

ActivTrades offers a solid set of learning tools, including webinars on trading strategies, video tutorials for platform use, and daily market updates, with materials in Arabic to help UAE traders. Here’s what’s available:

• Webinars cover trading basics to advanced tactics, available live or recorded, in Arabic too
• Video tutorials guide you through platforms and strategies, short 5-10 minute clips with Arabic subtitles
• Market analysis includes daily updates, weekly reports, and an economic calendar for key events
• Trading guides in PDF format explain risk management and markets, downloadable in Arabic
• Glossary defines terms like “leverage” or “CFD” in English and Arabic, great for beginners

Support is available 24/5 via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic options for UAE traders. Live chat responds in minutes, emails within 24-48 hours, and a Help Center offers quick answers.

Support options available

• Live chat: instant help, Arabic staff available
• Email: support@activtrades.com, detailed replies
• Phone: Middle East line (+971 4 558 8250), Arabic support
• Help Center: FAQs and articles, in Arabic too

Response times and quality of service

• Live chat: replies within 2-5 minutes, fast fixes
• Email: answered in 24-48 hours, thorough help
• Phone: same-day callbacks, personal assistance
• Quality: responsive team, highly rated by users

UAE specific features

ActivTrades tailors its services for UAE traders with swap-free Islamic accounts, FSRA regulation, and local market access via ADX CFDs, plus Arabic support and payments.

• Islamic accounts: swap-free, Sharia-compliant, no extra fees
• Arabic support: 24/5 live chat and phone, platform in Arabic
• FSRA regulation: Abu Dhabi-based, protects up to AED 500,000
• ADX CFDs: trade UAE stocks and indices like FTSE ADX General Index
• Local payments: bank transfers and e-wallets like Neteller, no deposit fees

Author comment

“As an experienced trader, I consider ActivTrades a solid choice for UAE traders who prioritize CFDs, especially since a Sharjah trader I know boosted their portfolio by 10% in six months using its tools. The FCA regulation provides a strong layer of confidence, and the spreads are easy on the budget.”

FAQ

What is ActivTrades?

London-based broker since 2001, focusing on Forex and CFDs.

How do I apply for an Islamic account with ActivTrades?

Pick “Islamic” when signing up, or email support@activtrades.com to switch an existing account, approval takes 1-2 days after confirming Sharia eligibility.

Is ActivTrades halal-certified for UAE traders?

Offers Sharia-compliant swap-free accounts with no interest, widely used by Muslim traders, no formal halal certification but meets key guidelines.

What are the minimum trade sizes on ActivTrades?

Forex starts at 0.01 lots (1,000 units), CFDs vary: 1 share for stocks, 1 contract for indices, 0.01 lots for commodities and crypto.

How does leverage work for UAE traders on ActivTrades?

Up to 1:30 for major Forex pairs, 1:20 for indices, 1:2 for crypto for retail traders, Pro accounts can get 1:400 with high volume.

Can I switch account types after signing up?

Yes, contact support to upgrade to Pro or add Islamic features, free switch takes 1-2 days, Pro needs 100 lots quarterly.

How do I set up price alerts on the ActivTrades platform?

In ActivTrader or MetaTrader, go to “Alerts,” set a price (e.g., EUR/USD at 1.10), pick email, SMS, or push, edit anytime.

What are the tax implications of trading in the UAE?

No personal income tax in UAE, trading profits usually tax-free, check local laws if you’re a tax resident elsewhere.

Does ActivTrades support UAE bank transfers?

Yes, deposit via UAE banks like Emirates NBD with no ActivTrades fees, takes 1-3 days, bank charges may apply.

How long has ActivTrades been in the UAE?

Expanded to UAE in 2023 with FSRA regulation in Abu Dhabi, builds on 20+ years globally.

What unique tools does ActivTrades offer?

SmartOrder for faster trades, SmartLines for trendline orders, Pivot Points Indicator for analysis, all on MetaTrader and ActivTrader.

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