Page Summary
This guide helps users to find the best trading platforms in the UAE for trading with REITs. REITs (real estate investment trust) are great investments that allow diversification and exposure of individual investors to different real estate market areas without directly owning a property. With the wide range of financial services in UAE offering access to REITs, it can be a daunting task to select the ideal provider for individual trading goals.
Ignoring individual research, comparing and gathering important information about different providers could motivate investors to choose a platform lacking regulation, market research tools, range of markets, or transparency.
This guide assesses 5 online brokers in UAE for users to review and find the ideal platform for their needs. To help them make an informed decision, a list of the best trading platforms in the UAE for investing in REITs is shared below, followed by detailed reviews and comparisons.
Top 5 REITs Trading Platforms in UAE
- TradeStation – Best for Active Investors
- Charles Shwab – Best REITs trading platform for investors
- Interactive Brokers – Best REITs Trading Platform Overall
- Saxo Bank – Best for Professionals
- Sarwa – Best Full-service Platform
The Best REIT Trading Platforms in UAE Reviewed
Online brokers with the top-rated platforms in UAE for investing in REITs are reviewed below.
1. TradeStation – Best Platform for Active Traders
Min Deposit: $0 ($2000 – Margin account; $25000 – Day Trading account; $5000 – Futures account)
Fees: 4.8
Assets available: 5.0
Total Fees:
TradeStation is an American investment company, founded in 1982. The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including 5,000 international stocks, 5 international REIT ETFs and OTCBB penny stocks. TradeStation trading platform is available via web browser, desktop, and mobile app. Trades are executed fast (under 38ms).
REIT trading tools available on TradeStation are listed below.
- Dynamic market-scanning tools
- Advanced order and risk management tools
- Dynamic charting functionality
- Over 100 pre-made indicators – Hot Lists, Top Gainers and Losers, News Feed
- Wide range of analytical tools – RadarScreen, Correlation Matrix, and EasyLanguage.
- Detailed intraday stock market data going back 28 years
- Daily market news and analysis
TradeStation has educational materials for beginner and advanced traders. Those include video series, webinars, and educational articles.
The minimum deposit required at TradeStation is $500 (1,800 AED). Deposits and withdrawals are available as ACH transfers, checks, bank wire transfers, and credit/debit cards.
TradeStation’s customer support is available via email, phone, and live chat.
TradeStation Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading – TradeStation charges 0% commission on REITs, stocks, and ETFs
- Broad range of financial instruments – access to over 5,000 international stocks and ETFs.
- Fast and reliable order execution – Trades are executed within 38 ms
- Great fundamental and analytical tools – access to excellent tools like RadarScreen, Correlation Matrix, and EasyLanguage.
- Extensive backtesting and automated trading possibilities – TradeStation allows the usage of Expert Advisors and has a free paper trading account available that provides users with extensive backtesting opportunities.
- Access to Penny Stocks (OTCBB) – access to OTC-BB-listed penny stocks and pink sheets with TradeStation.
Pros
- Great choice of trading instruments offered
- Great mobile trading platform
- Very professional trading platform
Cons
- Research and education section could be better
2. Charles Schwab – Best REITs trading platform for investors
Charles Schwab is an American financial services company founded in 1971. It offers brokerage, consultancy, and wealth management services, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and owns other well-known brokerage companies like TD Ameritrade and Scottrade.
Charles Schwab is a licensed and regulated entity and part of FDIC, SIPC, and FINRA.
Users can invest in equity, commercial, residential, healthcare, and mortgage-backed REITs.
With Charles Schwab, you can access thousands of stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, index funds, options, bonds, fixed-income products, money market funds, cryptocurrencies, and other financial instruments.
Via its award-winning thinkorswim trading platform, users can buy, sell, and manage their REIT and other investments. Via WebTrader, it is accessible as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
REIT investment options available on Charles Schwab are listed below.
- Buy Shares in a REIT
Via Charles Schwab, it is possible to buy shares in the following REITs:
Equity REITs
Invest in residential real estate properties and generate income from tenant rent payments.
Commercial REITs
Invest in commercial real estate properties like shopping malls, office buildings, and warehouses to generate income from tenant rent payments.
Residential REITs
Diversify your investments by investing in multi-family apartments, student housing, and other shared buildings.
Healthcare REITs
Invest in real estate properties focusing on the healthcare industry, like hospitals, nursing facilities, and medical centers.
Mortgage REITs
Invest in mortgages and generate income from the interest payments.
Charles Schwab offers commission-free REIT investing, but users are subject to a $25 service charge per REIT purchase. Other fees include $0,65 per contract on options, $2,25 per futures contract, and $6,95 per share on Canadian shares.
Charles Schwab doesn’t require a minimum investment or deposit to open a live account, meaning one can start investing in REITs for as little as $1. Available funding methods include electronic fund transfers, wire transfers from other financial institutions, and check deposits by mail or in person at a local Schwab branch.
The Charles Schwab customer support can be reached by email, phone (+1-415-667-7870 for international users), and via the contact form on its website.
Charles Schwab Key Features:
- Low REIT investment fees – 0% commission REITs and stocks, only $25 service charge
- Broad range of assets – access to thousands of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, fixed-income products, cryptocurrencies, futures, options, and other financial instruments.
- Intuitive trading platforms – containing real-time quotes, stock screeners, advanced stock charting, gain/loss analyzer, fundamental research center, and more.
- Accessible on web and mobile devices – including Android and iOS mobile devices, including Apple Watch
- The option to buy fractional shares – through Schwab Stock Slices™.
- No minimum deposit – start investing in REITs from as little as $1 (4 AED)
- Regulated by top-tier financial regulators – including the SEC, FINRA, and SIPC
Pros
- Access to equity, commercial, residential, healthcare, and mortgage REITs
- Personal guidance and support available by expert U.S. financial advisors
- Easy-to-use mobile trading apps and platforms
- One of the most reputable US-based brokers
- Great cryptocurrency trading opportunities
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- High service fees
- Few available deposit methods
- Minimal advanced trading features compared to other brokers
3. Interactive Brokers – Best REIT Trading Platform Overall
Min Deposit: $0
Fees: 4.9
Assets available: 4.9
Total Fees:
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.
Interactive Brokers is a US-based brokerage firm founded in 1978. They offer access to a wide range of markets including 17,500 real stocks, 8,500 stock CFDs and 83 international REITs. Users can earn up to 4,08% yearly interest on their unused cash balances. Interactive Brokers margin rates rank between 5,08% and 6,08%.
Trading platforms available on Interactive Brokers are listed below.
- Trader Workstation (desktop version) – is suitable for experienced traders and institutional investors. It features advanced trading tools like dynamic charting, a full-fledged news widget, option chains, detailed order flow information, and over 100 order types.
- Client Portal (web version) – suitable for casual and beginner traders
- Impact App (mobile version) – stock trading app
REIT investing features include comprehensive watch lists, dynamic charting, and detailed order flow information. Interactive Brokers has a variety of research and analysis tools including Fundamentals Explorer, Zack’s Investment Research, Market Realist and TheStreet.
Interactive Brokers charge low stock trading fees of $0,00 to $0,005 per share.
There are no withdrawal, inactivity or maintenance fees.
The minimum deposit required by Interactive Brokers is $0. Deposits and withdrawals are available through bank wire transfers and credit cards.
Interactive Brokers customer support is available by phone, email, and live chat from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Friday).
Interactive Brokers Key Features:
- Broad Selection of REITs – access to over 17,5000 international shares, 8,000 stock CFDs and 83 international REITs
- Multiple Trading Platforms and Features – including IBKR GlobalTrader, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation, IBKR APIs, IBKR EventTrader, and Impact.
- Wide Variety of Research and Analysis Tools – including IBKR GlobalAnalyst, PortfolioAnalyst, Bonds Marketplace, Mutual Funds Marketplace, and Interactive Advisors.
- Fast Order Execution – of under 40 ms (great for algorithmic trading)
- Competitive Trading Fees – $0 on US-listed stocks via the IBKR Lite account and between $0,0005 and $0,005 per share with the IBKR Pro account.
- Low Margin Loan Rates on Stocks – Starting at Benchmark + 0,5% (5,08% total).
- Access to Fractional Shares – Users have the possibility to trade fractional shares.
Pros
- Best market coverage in the industry (100k+ assets on different instruments)
- Access to 16,500 shares and 8,000 stocks as CFDs
- Professional trading platform suitable for different types of traders
- Intuitive and easy to use mobile trading app
- Industry leading fee structure
- Compatible features for casual and professional traders
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Few deposit and withdrawal options
- Research and education materials missing
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.
4. Saxo Bank – Best for Professionals
Min Deposit: $5000
Fees: 4.7
Assets available: 4.9
Total Fees:
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Saxo Bank is a Danish investment bank founded in 1992. The broker offers access to 30,000 stocks, 19,000 stock CFDs and 50 REITs. Their trading platform has an easy to use interface. It is accessible on desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices.
Trading platforms available at Saxo Bank are listed below.
- SaxoTraderGO (web app) – aimed at average traders
- SaxoTraderPRO (desktop app)– meant for professional traders
- SaxoTraderGO (mobile app) – for mobile trading available on Android and iOS
Platforms support multiple research and analysis tools, including fundamental data sources (current and historical), trade ideas (in the form of recommendations and analysis), news feeds (including an economic calendar), and stock screeners. Users can utilize third-party integrations like TradingView, Dynamic Trend, Updata, and MultiCharts.
Saxo Bank charges low stock trading fees of $1 per share. The broker does not charge management or custody fees.
The minimum deposit required at Saxo Bank is $2,000. Deposits and withdrawals are available through bank wire transfers and credit/debit cards.
Saxo Bank’s customer support is available by email, live chat, and phone in English and Arabic.
Saxo Bank Key Features:
- Access to a Broad Range of REITs – 50 International REITs, 30.000 shares and 19,000 stock CFDs.
- Competitive REIT Trading Fees – from $0.001
- Advanced Order Types – market, limit, OCO, GTC, and stop orders
- Wide Range of Trading Tools – including watch lists, screeners, alerts, and risk management tools.
- Extensive Stock Research and Analysis Tools – like trade ideas, stock screeners, and indicators.
- Fast and ReliableTrade Execution – of under 30ms, which is excellent for algorithmic and high-frequency traders.
- Excellent Education and Research Resources – in the form of videos, analysis, and podcasts.
Pros
- Industry leading market coverage
- Excellent Trading Features with SaxoTraderGo
- Advanced order type and account protection features
- Intuitive and easy to use mobile trading app
- Great education and research materials
- Competitive fee structure for active traders
Cons
- $10,000 minimum deposit for UAE users
- High time investment to set up
- Only for advanced traders
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5. Sarwa – Best Full-service REITs Trading Platform
Sarwa is an online brokerage firm based in the UAE. It is regulated by the FSRA and ADGM. Sarwa offers access to 4,000 international stocks and 2 REIT ETFs. Clients can make use of different trading services, including automated investing, self-directed investing, and financial advice.
Sarwa’s trading platform has an intuitive design for starters. It features beginner friendly trading tools including easy buy/sell options, watch lists, and simple order types (Market and Limit orders).
Sarwa charges $0 commission on REIT ETFs. The broker does not charge transaction or inactivity fees.
The minimum deposit required at Sarwa is $0. Deposits and withdrawals are available through bank wire transfers only. Sarwa allows direct AED deposits and withdrawals
Sarwa’s customer service is available 24/7 by email, live chat and phone. Additionally, users and potential customers can visit the broker’s physical office located in Dubai.
Sarwa Key Features:
- Low Stock Trading Fees – Sarwa offers commission-free stock and ETF trading and charges between 0,50% and 0,85% investment management fees.
- Wide Range of Assets – users have access to over 4,000 US stocks and ETFs, including REITs and fractional shares
- Easy-to-use Trading Interface – Sarwa’s trading interface intuitively designed and beginner-friendly
- Direct AED Deposits – Users can deposit AED directly into their Sarwa account from their bank accounts without paying any transaction fees.
- Simple Buy and Sell Options – With user-friendliness in mind, Sarwa provides easy buy and sell options through market and limit orders.
- Regulated by the DFSA and FSRA – Sarwa is a fully FSRA, DFSA and ADGM-regulated broker with a physical presence in the UAE.
- 0$ Minimum Deposit – Users can start trading or investing in REITs from as little as $1 with Sarwa.
Pros
- Suitable for both beginner and professional traders
- Option to visit their offices in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and receive direct investment advice
- Competitive trading fees
Cons
- Few banking options
How To Find The Ideal Trading Platforms in UAE for Investing in REITs?
Criteria for finding an online broker with the ideal platform for investing in REITs in UAE are listed below
- Amount of available international REITs
- Fees and Commissions For Investing in REITs – trading, non-trading, and transaction fees
- Platform features and tools – fundamental and in-depth market analysis features and REIT research tools.
- Number of tier-one financial regulators – number of regulators brokers are licensed by
- Deposit and Withdrawal methods – available banking methods, including limits and processing speeds
- Customer support availability – customer support channels, response times, and languages spoken
- Islamic account availability – support for Sharia-compliant trading
- UAE acceptance – acceptance of UAE clients
Top 5 Online Broker For Investing In REITs Compared
Key features of online brokers with the highest rated REITs platforms are compared in the table below.
| Broker | Charles Schwab | TradeStation | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Sarwa |
| REIT markets | 4 | 5 | 83 | 50 | 2 |
| Desktop Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Trading Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0,01 | $0 |
| Broker Assisted Fee | $25 | $0 | $30 | $50 | $0 |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Funding Fees | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Account Minimum | $25000 (for non – US clients) | $0 | $0 | $2.000 | $0 |
| Market research tools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
What is a REIT? Definition, How to Invest
A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a publicly traded company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing properties.
Definition and Purpose
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. They allow individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership without actually having to buy, manage, or finance any properties.
REITs are often traded on the stock market, and just like stocks, they announce dividends/returns on a periodic basis. This is a more liquid option for real estate investors as they can enter/exit the market at a fast pace. This is in contrast to regular real estate investments, which can take a lot of time.
What Are The Best Brokers to Invest in UAE REITs?
The best brokers to invest in UAE REITs are listed below.
- Emirates NDB Securities – is the leading banking group in the MENA region
- EFG Hermes UAE – is the leading investment bank for equity capital market, debt, and M&A transactions.
- ADBC Securities – an SCA, ADX, and DFM-listed local securities broker.
- Al Ramz Capital – the most active brokerages and investment companies in the UAE.
- First Abu Dhabi Bank – the largest bank in the UAE, formed between First Gulf Bank and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
All the brokers provide users access to Emirates REIT and ENDB REIT, which are listed on the NASDAQ Dubai Stock Exchange.
How Are REITs Taxed in UAE?
REITs are classified as investment funds and exempt from corporate tax. The tax liability is passed on to the individual investors of every REIT, who are then liable to income tax on their share of income earned by the REIT investment.
Based on the UAE tax laws REITs are not subject to federal tax on corporate profits. REITs are classified as investment funds and exempt from corporate tax.
The tax liability is passed to individual REIT investors. Those are liable to income tax on their share of income earned by the REIT investment.
How To Buy and Sell REITs in UAE?
Buying, selling, and investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) works similarly to trading stocks and other financial instruments.
To invest in REITs the steps listed below need to be followed.
- Opening a Brokerage Account – A brokerage account (online brokerage, UAE local brokerage or Bank account) is required to invest in REITs.
- Account Funding – Account funding is required based on the minimum deposit standards of brokers.
- REITs Research and Analysis – Due diligence and research are important before investing in REITs. Those include checking their performance histories and investment strategies beforehand.
- Order Placement – REITs investment start by placing a buy order via your brokerage account.
- Investment Monitoring – Monitoring REITs performances is important in order to determine good exit points.
Conclusion
The various online brokers in UAE offering different platforms and features make finding the ideal choice for individual needs difficult. Comparing and evaluating the services of different providers requires time and effort.
This guide does the tough work by evaluating top platforms for different types of investors and investment goals. The results of our analysis and comparison of the best REITs trading platforms in UAE are wrapped up in the table below.
| RANK | BROKER | PLATFORM SCORE | BEST FOR | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | TradeStation | 4,9/5 | Active Investors | Official website |
| #2 | Charles Schwab | 4,1/5 | REITs trading platform for investors | Official Website |
| #3 | Interactive Brokers | 4,9/5 | Overall | Official website |
| #4 | Saxo Bank | 4,9/5 | Professionals | Official website |
| #5 | Sarwa | 4,2/5 | Full-service Platform | Official website |
FAQ
What are the most common REITs in UAE?
REITs available in the UAE include residential, office, mortgage, retail, and diversified REITs.
Are REITs legal in UAE?
REITs are regulated the same way as stock investment in UAE and are therefore legal.
How REIT dividends taxed in UAE?
Dividends generated through REIT investments in UAE are subject to 0% income and corporate tax.
What are the most important factors that effect the price of REITs?
REITs are influenced by a variety of factors including real estate volatility, economic factors, and interest rates.
Giles Thomas is the CEO of Business24-7 and has considerable experience in the financial industry as Executive Director and Head of Asia for the Family Office Industry focused business FOE.Global. He is also a veteran internet marketer with 13 years of experience in SEO and digital asset M&A.