Best Options Trading Platforms in UAE 2024 (UPDATED)

Page Summary

This guide helps users to find online brokers in UAE with the best options trading platforms. Options trading has gained in prominence in UAE as it provides opportunities for hedging and speculative investments with high returns (and possible high loses). With the variety of options brokers (reliable and unreliable) available in UAE, it can be tough to choose the ideal provider for individual investment strategies.

Missing out on research, comparison and reviews of online brokers can have a negative impact traders to select a platform that lack on options, competitive commissions, transparency or trading tools.

This guide evaluates 33 online brokers in UAE that allow trading with options. To help users find the ideal service for their needs, the best options trading platforms in UAE are ranked, reviewed and compared below considering number of tradable optionscommissionsaccessibility (web, desktop, mobile app), trading tools & platforms, research & educationregulation and customer support.

Top 5 Options Trading Platforms in UAE

  1. Interactive Brokers – Best for options overall
  2. AVAtrade – Top trading platform for options
  3. Saxo Bank – Ideal for professionals
  4. TastyTrade (TastyWorks) – Optimal for active traders

Top Options Brokers in UAE Compared

Key features of the best options brokers with the highest rated platforms in UAE are compared in the table below.

Broker Interactive Brokers AVAtrade Saxo Bank Tastytrade
Min. deposit UAE
$0

$100

$2000

$0

Experience level
Intermediate to Pro Intermediate, Advanced and Institutional investors

Beginner to Intermediate

Intermediate to Pro

Beginner to Advanced

Deposits & withdrawals
Bank Wire

Bank Wire, Credit Cards, e-wallets.. Paypal, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Webmoney, Klarna, POLi, Boleto

Bank Wire

Bank Wire

Research and fundamental analysis tools
Trading Signals, Market research, Daily news, Market analysis.. Trading Signals, Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis, Market screeners, Dividends calendar

Educational Resources, Webinars, News Pers. Training & Room, Market In-depth Analysis, Market Research, Trading Signals

Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis.. Market research, Daily news, In-depth Market analysis, Market screeners, Dividends calendar

Videocast. Charting, News, Trading Idea Generator Calculators And Tools, Options Screener, ETF Screener, Stock Screener

Regulation
FCA, SEC, ASIC

BVI, ASIC, JFS, ADGM FSCA, CySEC

FSA, FCA, FINMA

FINRA, SIPC, NFA

Customer Service
Phone, Live-chat, eMail

Phone, Live-chat, eMail

Phone, Live-chat, eMail

Phone, Live-chat, eMail

Open account Open account Open account Open account

Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk.

Stock and Future Option Fees Compared

Stock and Future option fees of nominated platforms are compared in the table below.

Broker

Deposit fees

Inactivity fees
Stock Option Fee
Future Option Fee

Withdrawal fees

Inactivity fees
Stock Option Fee
Future Option Fee
Interactive Brokers Yes Yes No
$0.15 – $2.00 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.15 – $2.00 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.25 – $1.20 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.25 – $1.20 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
Yes Yes No
$0.15 – $2.00 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.15 – $2.00 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.25 – $1.20 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
$0.25 – $1.20 per contract (depends on your tier and market)
AVAtrade No No No
$0
$0
$0
$0
No No No
$0
$0
$0
$0
Saxo Bank No No Yes
$1.25 – $3.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $3.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $6.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $6.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
No No Yes
$1.25 – $3.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $3.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $6.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
$1.25 – $6.00 per contract (depends on your tier)
Tastytrade No No No
$1 per contract
$1 per contract
$2.50 per contract
$2.50 per contract
No No No
$1 per contract
$1 per contract
$2.50 per contract
$2.50 per contract

5 Best Options Broker Reviewed

Online brokers with the highest ranked trading platforms for options in UAE are reviewed below.

1. Interactive Brokers – Best Overall Options Broker

Interactive Brokers

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: $0

Fees: 4.9

Assets available: 4.9

Total Fees:

Open account Read review

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 offers its users a professional options trading platform (Trader Workstation) with many advanced tools for options trading including:

Rollover Options Tool – Allows users to scan current stock positions and calculate the number of covered options required to write to generate extra income. The tool can also be used to roll over expiring options.
OptionTrader – Displays market data for underlying assets, allowing users to create combination orders.
Options Analytics – Shows important options pricing criteria such as implied volatility and visualizes the impacts.
Options Portfolio – Scans market data for options trading opportunities using Greek risk dimensions like Delta, Gamma, Theta, and Vega.
Options Strategy Builder – Use straddles, strangles, butterflies and condors to create multi-legged combination orders.
Options Strategy Lab – Hedges long stock and ETF positions with profitable stock and option combinations.
Probability Lab – Shows the volatility outlook for underlying stocks and ETFs so users can identify profitable options trading strategies.
Volatility Lab – Provides snapshots of past and future stock volatility readings so that users can compare the performances of certain stocks with competitors.

The platform offers access to over 30 global options markets including the ISE Options Exchange, NASDAQ, AMEX, and CBOE. Users can also limit their risk, increase their execution speed, and benefit from better prices by using over 100 available order types and algos for options trading. This is especially useful for professional and high-frequency traders that use automated trading software.

Their trading fees on options ranging from $0,15 to $0,65 per options contract are among the lowest in the industry. The broker charges additional fees for services such as InteractiveAdvisors (management fees between 0,08% and 1,5% annually),  clearing, and regulatory fees.

Interactive Brokers Key Features
Minimum Deposit None
Available Futures and Options 30+ global options markets and market centers
Trading Fees $0,15 – $0,65 per options contract, depending on pricing plan chosen (IBKR Pro or IBKR Lite)
Trading Platform Web-based platform & mobile app (Trader Workstation)
Account Types Individual investor or trader, family office, small business, family advisor, non-professional advisor, registered investment advisor, hedge or mutual fund, money manager, proprietary trading group, introducing broker
Type of Broker Broker dealer
Regulatory Bodies SEC, CFTC, and FCA
Deposit Methods Bank wire transfer, ACH transfer, check
Maximum Leverage Ratio 2:1

Pros

  • Competitive options trading fees
  • Broad range of tradable markets (30+)
  • Many different order types, algos, and research tools for options trading

Cons

  • Charges fees for some options research tools and additional services provided
  • Trading platform might be overwhelming for beginners
  • Customer service could be better
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.

2. AVAtrade – Best CFD and Forex Options Trading Platform in UAE

AVAtrade logo

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: $100

Fees: 4.9

Assets available: 4.9

Total Fees: 0.9 pip

Open account Read review

71% of retail CFD accounts lose money

AvaOptions (AvaTrade’s proprietary options trading platform) provides users with access to over 1,260 CFD, 40 forex options and streaming liquidity from the largest global banks. The trading platform contains a wide selection of professional risk management tools such as profit/loss charts, confidence intervals, and implied volatility curves. It also allows traders to visualise current and historical volatility and set up custom watch lists.

Users can set entry and closing limits directly on the chart (one-click trading) and use interactive sliders to set entry limits, stops, Take Profit, and Stop Loss orders. That said, AVAtrade is an interesting choice for advanced forex and CFD options traders looking for variety of trading tools and features.

AvaOptions doesn’t charge its users fixed prices for options trading but utilizes a fixed spread-based pricing model instead with spreads starting from 0,9 pips. Professional AvaOptions account holders can receive up to 33% discount on these spreads. Apart from spreads, AvaOptions charges inactivity fees of $50 per quarter after 3 months of inactivity and an annual administration fee of $100.

AvaOptions offers beginner traders a $10,000 demo paper trading account and Muslim traders can open an Islamic swap-free account that charges fixed fees on options instead of swaps and spreads.

AvaTrade Key Features:
  • Fully Customisable Interface – Users can customize modules for charts, payoff diagrams, live risk reports, and streaming spot and options prices so the trading interface looks exactly like they want.
  • Interactive Risk Management – Users can view all risks and simulate ‘’what if’’ scenarios within their account to place profitable multi-leg orders.
  • Money Manager Support – Money managers can execute spot and option trades for multiple accounts from within a single login.
Minimum Deposit $100
Available Futures and Options 1,300
Trading Fees Low, floating spreads
Trading Platform AvaOptions Desktop, AvaOptions app
Account Types Demo account, standard account, spread betting account, Islamic account, professional account
Type of Broker Market Maker
Regulatory Bodies ADGM, FRSA, FCA, CySec, ASIC
Deposit Methods Bank wire transfer, credit / debit card, neteller, Skrill, WebMoney
Maximum Leverage Ratio 30:1 for retail traders and 400:1 for professional traders

Pros

  • Wide range of trading instruments (1,300+)
  • Islamic swap-free accounts available
  • ADGM and FRSA-regulated broker

Cons

  • Only offers CFD and forex options
  • Charges high non-trading fees
  • Trading platform not suited for professional options traders
Open account

71% of retail CFD accounts lose money

3. Saxo Bank – Best Options Trading Platform for Professionals

Saxo

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: $2000

Fees: 4.7

Assets available: 4.9

Total Fees:

Open account Read review

69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

With access to options on stocks, indices, interest rates, and futures across 20 exchanges world wide, Saxo Bank offers one of the best market coverages in the industry.

Saxo Bank’s users can trade options on stocks, indices, interest rates, and futures across 20 exchanges world wide. The Saxo Bank options trading platform contains advanced trading features such as:

Option Chain – provides users with real-time price quotes
Strategy Builder – enables users to place multi-legged orders and use their own options trading strategies
Roll Option – allows users to extend options
Integrated Risk Data – gives users access to technical data such as Greeks delta, gamma, theta, vega, and rho

Advanced traders can also make use of Saxo Bank’s APIs and connect third-party tools such as expert advisors and automated trading software.

With trading fees for stock and contract options starting at $1 per contract, they are a low cost options broker. By trading on higher volumes traders can move up tiers in the fee structure and pay even lower fees.

Saxo Bank Stock Options Trading Fees
Contract Type Classic Account Tier Platinum Account Tier VIP Account Tier
USD 3,00 2,00 1,25
EUR 3,00 2,00 1,00
GBP 2,50 1,50 1,00
CHF 4,00 3,00 1,00
HKD 30,00 20,00 1,00
AUD 5,00 3,00 1,00
Saxo Bank Contract Options Trading Fees
Contract Type Classic Account Tier Platinum Account Tier VIP Account Tier
AUD 10,00 5,00 2,00
EUR 6,00 3,00 1,00
GBP 5,00 2,50 1,00
USD (Cash Index Options) 6,00 3,00 1,50
USD (Future Options) 6,00 3,00 1,25
CHF 8,00 4,00 1,50
JPY 1,000,00 800,00 700,00
NOK 65,00 35,00 20,00
SEK 75,00 40,00 15,00
CAD (Full-sized contracts) 6,00 3,00 10,00
HKD 30,00 25,00 15,00

Saxo Bank provides market research tools and educational material in the form of guides, videos, podcasts, events, and webinars. The broker also provides asset management services and users can speak with in-house strategists to receive personalised trading and investing advice. Overall, Saxo Bank offers more research tools and educational material than other options trading platforms and brokers.

Saxo Bank Key Features
Minimum Deposit $2,000
Available Futures and Options Saxo Bank provides access to options and futures across 20 worldwide exchanges
Trading Fees From $1,25 per contract
Trading Platform SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO
Account Types Saxo Account, Joint Account, Corporate Account, Professional Account, Portfolio-based Margin Account
Type of Broker ECN Prime broker
Regulatory Bodies Central bank of the UAE, ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FINRA, and multiple other tier 1 and tier 2 licenses
Deposit Methods Bank wire transfer, debit/credit card, stock transfer from other broker
Maximum Leverage Ratio 50:1

Pros

  • Professional trading platform with a lot of advanced tools and order types
  • Great choice of different options to trade (20+ global exchanges)
  • Regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE

Cons

  • Trading platform isn’t beginner-friendly
  • High minimum deposit required to open account
  • No 24/7 live chat available
Open account

69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

4. Tastytrade – Best For Active Options Traders

tastytrade-logo

Rating: 4,1/5

Min Deposit: 0

Fees: 4.2

Assets available: 4.0

Total Fees:

TastyTrade users have access to advanced option trading tools (watch lists, position details, multiple positions), complex order types, and dynamic chart drawing tools. This makes TastyTrade a popular platform among active option traders.

TastyTrade also provides great educational materials, research tools such as in-platform video feed, charting indicators, options screeners and a correlation matrix which shows greeks and implied volatility on stocks and indices.

Apart from offering commission-free stocks and ETFs, they charge an $1/contract fee capped at $10 per leg on options.

TastyTrade Trading Fees
TastyTrade Trading Fees Opening Commission Closing Commission
Options on Stocks and ETFs (capped at $10 per leg) $1,00 per contract $0
Options on Futures $2,50 per contract $0
Options on Micro Futures $1,50 per contract $0
Stocks & ETFs $0 unlimited shares $0
Futures $1,25 per contract $1,25 per contract
Micro Futures $0,85 per contract $0,85 per contract
Smalls Futures $0,25 per contract $0,25 per contract
Smalls Futures Options $0,50 per contract $0
Cryptocurrency 1% of total crypto purchase 1% of total crypto sale

Although TastyTrade doesn’t offer a demo paper trading account, users can create a live trading account without any minimum balance requirements.

TastyTrade Key Features
Minimum Deposit None
Available Futures and Options Hundreds of single and multi-leg option contracts, futures on commodities, futures options, Bitcoin futures, and options on treasury bills
Trading Fees From $1 per options contract to open, $0,50 to $0,00 to close, 1% per side on cryptocurrency options, $2,50 on options on futures, and $0,25 per side on smalls futures
Trading Platform TastyTrade desktop, browser, and mobile trading app
Account Types Individual account, Tenants in Common Joint account, Joint With Rights of Survivorship account, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, Beneficiary Traditional IRA, Beneficiary Roth IRA, C Corp, S Corp, LLC, Partnership, Trust, International Basic Cash, International Margin
Type of Broker Broker-dealer
Regulatory Bodies SEC, FINRA, and ASIC
Deposit Methods Bank wire transfer, ACH transfer, check
Maximum Leverage Ratio 2:1

Pros

  • Low, competitive trading fees on options and futures
  • Fully customizable trading platform well-suited for advanced active options traders
  • Great educational materials and outstanding research tools

Cons

  • Limited amount of tradable financial instruments compared to other options trading platforms
  • No demo account available
  • Platform too complicated for beginner traders

How to Find the Right Broker for Options Trading?

Below, our experts listed the most crucial criteria to consider when comparing the best options brokers and trading platforms.

  • Number of options contracts and other tradable financial instruments available at the broker.
  • Options trading and non-trading fees charged by the broker.
  • Options trading platform features.
  • Mobile user friendliness, intuitiveness and available features.
  • The quality of support given by the broker.
  • Amount of educational material and analytical tools offered.
  • Available banking methods (deposits/withdrawals).
  • UAE availability (whether UAE traders and investors can register an account and use the options trading features).

Top Options Brokers Compared

Key features of online brokers with the highest rated platforms are compared in the table below.

BrokerNumber of OptionsOptions Trading FeesTrading Tools & PlatformsThird-party IntegrationsCustomer Support
Interactive BrokersExtensive options offering$0.15 – $0.70 per contract, depending on the monthly volumeTrader Workstation, Client Portal, IBKR MobileExtensive API offeringPhone, chat, and email support
AvaTrade40 forex optionsTrading costs are included in the spreadAvaTradeGo, AvaOptions, MetaTrader 4/5, DupliTradeDupliTrade, ZuluTrade, MQL5Phone, email, and live chat support
Saxo BankProvides access to options in multiple asset classesPricing varies based on volume and asset classSaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPROLimited API access, integrated with stock screener and other toolsPhone, email, and chat support
TastyTradeExtensive options offering$1.00 to open, $0.00 to close, per contractTastyTrade Desktop, TastyTrade Web-based, TastyTrade MobileLimited, mainly integrates with other tastytrade platformsPhone, email support
AssetsInteractive BrokersAvaTradeSaxo BankTastytrade 
Option Markets3602080 – 40
Binary OptionsNoYesNoNo
Trading PlatformInteractive BrokersAvaTradeSaxo BankTastytrade 
Desktop Trading PlatformIBKR Trader Workstation, IBKR DesktopAvaOptionsSaxoTraderProTastytrade 
Web Trading PlatformIBKR Client PortalSaxoTraderGoTastytrade 
Mobile AppIBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, IBKR ImpactAvaOptionsSaxoTraderGoTastytrade 
Automated TradingYesYes, only with platform built-in strategiesYesYes
Copy TradingNoNoNoYes
Demo AccountYesYesYesNo

Please note that specific features and offerings can vary significantly between brokers.

Option Trading Strategies

Option trading strategies are used by options traders to maximize their gains and mitigate risks. Options are financial instruments that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a particular underlying asset at a specific price before or on a predetermined date and time. 

Below, our experts will list the most commonly used options trading strategies:

  • Covered Call – We speak of a covered call when a trader owns the underlying asset and then sells a call option on the same asset. This options trading strategy aims to earn the premium on the call option, with the only risk taken that the asset may be ‘’called away’’ at the strike price.
  • Protective Put – This options trading strategy is used when a trader buys a put option for an asset they already own in the form of insurance, protecting the downside risk by guaranteeing a sell price when the asset drops in value. 
  • Butterfly Spread – Involves using several options contracts, each with a different strike price, limiting both risks and rewards but also heavily lowering the volatility of the total investment done across all options contracts. 
  • Straddle – We speak of a straddle when an options trader buys both a call and put option at the same strike price and expiry date. This options trading strategy is used when a trader expects a significant price swing but doesn’t know which direction yet. 
  • Strangle – Like a Straddle, but this time with the options having different strike prices. Placing a Strangle is cheaper than a Straddle, but it requires more significant price swings to be profitable.
  • Iron Condor – This more advanced options trading strategy involves buying and selling call and put options at different strike prices but with the same expiration date. The strategy tries to capture profits from the low volatility of the underlying asset(s).
  • Bull Call Spread – This bullish options trading strategy includes buying call options at a specific strike price while selling the same number of call options at a higher strike price. This strategy limits gains and losses, making it a relatively safe strategy.
  • Bear Put Spread – With this bearish options trading strategy, traders buy put options at a particular strike price and sell the same number of put options simultaneously at a lower strike price. This strategy is being used to profit from the price decrease of the underlying asset.

Every options trading strategy mentioned above comes with its risks and rewards. Additionally, they are used based on the trader’s market sentiment and risk appetite. Knowing the risks involved with options trading before applying any particular strategies.

Options Trading for Beginners

Options trading is often more complex compared to trading other asset classes. However, beginners can get the hang of it with the right coaching and education. Below, our experts will explain how to get started with options trading:

Understanding How Options Work

What are options exactly?

  • Options are financial contracts that give you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset (like a stock or commodity) at a predetermined price (the strike price) before or on an exact date and time (expiry time). 

Options Types

  • Call Options: Allow you the right to buy the underlying asset.
  • Put Options: Give you the right to sell the underlying asset.

Basic Concepts of Options Trading

These are the most commonly used terms in options trading:

  • Premium – The additional price traders pay to buy an option.
  • Strike Price – The fixed price at which the underlying asset can be bought or sold.
  • Expiration Date – The exact date and time the option expires.
  • In the Money – We speak of ‘’In the Money’’ when an option has intrinsic value (Call: stock price lower than strike price or Put: stock price greater than strike price.

Why Trade Options?

The most commonly used reasons to trade options are:

  • Leverage Usage – With higher leverage, traders can buy or sell more options with less capital. 
  • Hedging Allowed – Protects against losses in a trader or investor’s portfolio.
  • Price Speculation – Options allow traders to profit from price movements of the underlying asset.

Getting Started With Options Trading

  1. Learn How to Trade Options – Read (e-)books, follow courses, and watch tutorial videos.
  2. Choose a Broker – Select one of our top-suggested options brokers that suits your personal needs and trading style.
  3. Practice with a Demo Options Trading Account – Use a paper trading account to learn how to trade options without risking real money.
  4. Make a deposit and start small – Make a minimal deposit into your options brokerage account and make small trades using appropriate risk management.
  5. Develop an Options Trading Strategy – Try and execute different trading strategies to determine which suits your risk tolerance and investment goals the best.

Basic Options Trading Strategies for Beginners

  • Buy Calls – If you think the underlying asset will rise in price.
  • Buy Puts – If you think the underlying asset will drop in price.
  • Covered Calls – The action of selling call options on an underlying asset that you own.
  • Protective Puts – The action of buying put options on an underlying asset that you own. 

Risk Management In Options Trading

  • Know the Risks – Options that expire can be entirely worthless.
  • Diversify – Don’t risk all your capital on one or several options contracts.
  • Set Limits – Know when to cut your losses and take your profits. 

Important Tips

  • Stay Up-to-date – With the latest market trends and financial news.
  • Patience is a Virtue – Options trading requires traders to be patient and disciplined.
  • Do Your Own Research – Consider consulting with a financial advisor and do your own research and due diligence regarding options trading. 

Features of the Best Options Trading Brokers

Options traders usually look for a more complex trading platform to trade options with than traders and investors looking to buy and sell stocks. While active options traders may want to trade with options brokers with a great selection of calculators (Greek) and screeners, others may want to trade with the cheapest options broker regarding trading and non-trading fees.

Below, our experts will highlight the most sought-after options trading broker features:

  • Commission-free Options Trades – Although one shouldn’t only look at a broker’s pricing, it is essential to know how much in commissions and fees you pay, as these fees decrease your net gain. Luckily, commissions have been lowered across the board recently, and almost all options brokers offer commission-free stock trading nowadays. Additionally, most brokers provide commission-free options trading but may charge options trading fees on a contract basis. 
  • Platform – There is no ‘’best options trading platform’’ in general, as this depends on the user’s personal trading style(s) and investment goals. While some traders look for full-featured options trading platforms, beginners are often overwhelmed by these platforms’ many features and functions. 
  • Resources – Most of the best options brokers and platforms offer a broad range of educational resources, including explainer videos, tutorial guides, and interactive webinars for beginner options traders. Options can be complex instruments, so be sure you know all the potential risks. 

What are the Best Apps for Options Trading?

All the best options brokers mentioned in this guide and most reputable stock brokers have comprehensive trading platforms available so that users can efficiently conduct their trades, including the option to place trades from their mobile devices through the respective mobile options trading apps. There is no such thing as a ‘’best options trading platform’’ for everyone, as needs between traders and investors vary. 

Below, we present a rundown of our top-suggested options brokers and their respective app ratings.

Options trading appGOOGLE PLAY STORE RATING (OUT OF 5 STARS)APPLE IOS RATING (OUT OF 5 STARS)
Interactive Brokers4,84,1
AvaTrade4,04,2
Saxo Bank4,34,7
TastyTrade (formerly Tastyworks)3,64,9

Is Option Trading Halal?

Options trading is considered Halal by some Islamic scholars and Haram by others. Key reasons for this constant debate include:

  • Options are Speculative Assets (Gharar) – As options trading is highly speculative, some consider it prohibited in Islamic finance.
  • Gambling (Mairsir) – Options trading is often compared to gambling, which is considered Haram in Islamic culture.
  • Interest (Riba) – Islamic or Sharia Law prohibits the usage of interest, which some options strategies utilize. Overnight positions, for example, come with swap rates, which are technically interest rates to be paid by the trader to the broker.
  • Ownership Issues – Options are derivatives, meaning that traders do not own any underlying asset but profit from its price movements. This is against Islamic principles that emphasize actual economic activity. 
  • Multiple Scholarly Opinions and Interpretations – Islamic scholars have different views on whether options trading is Halal or Haram, with most stating it is Haram.
  • Alternative Islamic Finance Products – Some brokers and trading platforms have Sharia-compliant investment products that are similar to options but adhere to Islamic principles. Our experts highly advise consulting an Islamic finance scholar or advisor before investing in or trading these financial products.

Conclusion

The wide range of brokers in UAE that offer access to options with different services and conditions makes it hard to find the ideal provider for individual needs. Evaluating and comparing helps avoiding unreliable brokers, but requires time and knowledge.

This guide does the hard work for you by comparing and evaluating the top choices for different types of traders and trading goals. The results of our analysis of online brokers in UAE with the best options trading platforms are wrapped up in the table below.

RANKBROKERGENERALPLATFORM SCOREBEST FORWEBSITE
#1Interactive BrokersTradable markets (30+)4,9/5Best for options overallOfficial website
#2AVAtradeIslamic swap-free accounts available4,9/5Best trading platform for options tradingOfficial website
#3Saxo BankAdvanced tools and order types4,9/5Best for professionalsOfficial website
#4TastyTradeFor advanced active options traders3,2/5Best for active tradersOfficial website

FAQ

Is options trading legal in the UAE?

Yes, trading in financial derivatives such as options is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE and is therefore legal.

Are profits generated with options trading taxed in the UAE?

Profits generated through options trading are not subject to any income or capital growth tax in the UAE.

What is a good starting capital to start options trading?

Options trading includes margin, leverage and risk, therefore it is recommended to starting with a trading balance between $500 to $1,000.

Is options trading recommended for beginners?

Options trading exposes the trader to a high risk of losing money. It is also complex and requires advanced understanding of financial markets and is therefore not recommended for beginners.

Can I trade options with leverage?

Yes, you can trade options with up to 30:1 leverage as a retail trader and up to 500:1 leverage as a professional trader.

What is the best options trading platform in the UAE?

The best options trading platform in the UAE is TradeStation, with Interactive Brokers coming in second, followed by AvaOptions, Saxo Bank, and TastyTrade.

Disclaimer

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Leveraged and speculative product. Not suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Capital is at risk. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decision. Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Crypto assets are unregulated& highly speculative. No consumer protection. Capital at risk.
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.

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