Best REITs Trading Platforms in UAE 2023

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 32 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

  1. eToro – Best REITs trading Platform for Beginners
  2. TradeStation – Best for Active Investors
  3. Interactive Brokers – Best REITs Trading Platform Overall
  4. Saxo Bank – Best for Professionals
  5. 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. eToro – Best REIT Trading Platform for Beginners

eToro logo

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: $200

Fees: 4.8

Assets available: 4.8

Total Fees:

Open account Read review

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. eToro AUS Capital Limited AFSL 491139. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. OTC Derivatives are speculative and leveraged. Not suitable for all investors. See PDS and TMD. Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

eToro is an international investment company, founded in 2007. They have a license by the SEC, FCA, CYSEC, and ASIC. eToro offers access to a variety of assets including 2,800 real stocks, 2,850 stocks as CFDs (contracts for difference), 9 international REITs, forex, commodities, ETFs, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Their trading platform has a beginner-friendly interface. It is accessible as a web version (Web Trader) and mobile app (Android, iOS).

REIT investment options available on eToro are listed below.

  • Buy Shares in a REIT
  • Invest in ETF Reits – USRT, REET iShare Global, VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF
  • Smart Portfolios  – Real Estate Investment Trusts is a portfolio investing in different REITs

eToro charges 0% commission on stocks, ETFs and REITs. They charge spreads  based on current stock market conditions. eToro charges non trading fees in the form of overnight fees ($5), currency conversion fees (0,0050 pips on deposits other than in USD), and inactivity fees ($10/month after 12 months of inactivity).

eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 (180 AED) to open a live account. Deposits and withdrawals are available through PayPal, bank wire transfer, and e-wallets (Neteller and Skrill).

eToro’s customer support is available 24/7 in English and Arabic via email, phone, and live chat.

eToro Key Features:

  • Low Stock Trading Fees – stocks and ETFs with 0% commission.
  • Broad selection of Instruments – access to 2,800 real stocks and 2,850 CFDs on stocks and 9 international REIT ETFs.
  • Wide variety of stock trading tools – including one-click trading, risk management tools, COpyTrader, SmartPortfolios, ProCharts, and TipRanks.
  • Accessible on Web and Mobile – users can trade anytime, anywhere, from both their desktop PC and mobile devices.
  • Fractional Shares Available – eToro allows users to invest in fractional shares, which are parts of entire shares.
  • Low Minimum Deposit – $50 (180 AED).
  • Regulated by Top-Tier Financial Regulators – SEC, FCA, CySEC, and ASIC.

Pros

  • Access to over 4000+ tradable symbols
  • Great overall market coverage
  • Easy to use mobile trading app and platforms
  • Industry leading social/copy trading app
  • Great cryptocurrency trading features
  • Responsive customer support

Cons

  • Algorithmic trading not available
  • Forex and CFD fees above industry average
  • Education and research tools missing
Open account

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. eToro AUS Capital Limited AFSL 491139. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. OTC Derivatives are speculative and leveraged. Not suitable for all investors. See PDS and TMD. Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

2. TradeStation – Best Platform for Active Traders

Tradestation Global logo

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: 0

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

3. Interactive Brokers – Best REIT Trading Platform Overall

Interactive Brokers

Rating: 4,9/5

Min Deposit: 0 ($2000 for margin account)

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 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
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.

4. Saxo Bank – Best 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.

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
Open account

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

5. Sarwa – Best Full-service REITs Trading Platform

Sarwa logo

Rating: 4,2/5

Min Deposit: $5

Fees: 4.5

Assets available: 4.5

Total Fees:

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.

BrokereToroTradeStationInteractive BrokersSaxo BankSarwa
REIT markets2583502
Desktop PlatformNoYesYesYesYes
Demo accountYesYesYesYesNo
Trading Fee$0$0$0$0,01$0
Broker Assisted FeeN/A$0$30$50$0
Inactivity FeeYesYesNoYesNo
Funding FeesYesYesNoNoNo
Account Minimum$200$0$0$2.000$0
Market research toolsYesYesYesYesNo

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.

RANKBROKERPLATFORM SCOREBEST FORWEBSITE
#1eToro 4,9/5BeginnersOfficial website
#2TradeStation4,9/5Active InvestorsOfficial website
#3Interactive Brokers4,9/5OverallOfficial website
#4Saxo Bank4,9/5ProfessionalsOfficial website
#5Sarwa 4,2/5Full-service PlatformOfficial website

Disclaimer

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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 is a portfolio management service, provided by eToro (Europe) Ltd., which is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cryptoasset investing is unregulated in some EU countries and the UK. No consumer protection. Your capital is 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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