Which broker is better for United Arab Emirates traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced traders in the United Arab Emirates, choosing between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets can significantly impact your trading bottom line. Both brokers are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), giving UAE residents peace of mind when depositing funds via Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, or Neteller. However, their offerings differ: EasyMarkets (overall rating 3.4/5) focuses on simplicity with fixed spreads and no slippage, while Hantec Markets (3.6/5) targets cost-conscious traders with raw spreads and advanced execution. With a large expat community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, many traders seek brokers that handle large volumes, offer Islamic accounts, and provide local support. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide which broker matches your trading style in the UAE market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For UAE traders executing high-volume forex trades, trading costs are a critical factor. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which eliminates uncertainty but can be expensive for scalpers. Hantec Markets offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $7 per lot round-turn, making it significantly cheaper for frequent traders. A UAE trader with a monthly volume of 100 lots could save hundreds of dollars per month with Hantec. Additionally, Hantec does not charge deposit fees for Bank Transfer or Credit Card, while EasyMarkets has no hidden fees but wider spreads. If you trade significant capital in AED, Hantec’s lower cost structure is more favorable.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
UAE traders value platforms that are stable, fast, and customizable. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web platform plus MetaTrader 4 and 5, offering a seamless experience with built-in risk management tools like deal cancellation. Hantec Markets also supports MT4 and MT5, but adds advanced charting and automated trading options. For experienced traders managing multiple currency pairs, Hantec’s raw spreads and Expert Advisor compatibility are advantages. EasyMarkets’ platform is more intuitive for those new to forex or preferring fixed spreads. Both brokers offer mobile apps in Arabic and English, catering to the UAE’s bilingual expat community.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality directly affects trading results, especially for scalpers and day traders in the UAE. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and no requotes, guaranteeing execution at the quoted price. This is ideal for traders who prioritize predictability. Hantec Markets operates on an STP/ECN model, offering direct market access with variable spreads and ultra-fast execution averaging 10-50 milliseconds. For experienced traders with significant capital who need second-to-second accuracy, Hantec’s execution speed and depth of liquidity are superior. However, during high volatility, EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stops can be a safer choice for less experienced traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) under the DIFC framework, which ensures strict client fund segregation and compliance with UAE financial laws. This is crucial for traders based in the UAE, as DFSA oversight provides a high level of protection. EasyMarkets also holds licenses from CySEC and ASIC, while Hantec is additionally regulated by the FCA in the UK. For UAE residents, DFSA regulation means you can trade with confidence, knowing your funds are held in segregated accounts and subject to annual audits. Both brokers also adhere to anti-money laundering protocols, making deposits via Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, or Neteller secure.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
UAE traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard), Skrill, and Neteller with both brokers. EasyMarkets accepts USD, EUR, GBP, and AED deposits via Bank Transfer with no fees, and credit card deposits are free but may incur a 2% fee from the issuer. Hantec Markets also supports these methods and processes withdrawals via Skrill/Neteller within 24 hours, while bank transfers take 2-5 business days. A notable difference: EasyMarkets offers a ‘Deal Cancellation’ feature that allows revocation of losing trades within a set period, which can be a safety net for UAE traders. Both brokers require verified KYC documents before withdrawals. For frequent high-value deposits, Hantec’s faster e-wallet processing is advantageous.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Given the UAE’s predominantly Muslim population, Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential. Both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets offer swap-free accounts that comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets provides automatic swap-free status upon request with no holding period restrictions, suitable for long-term traders. Hantec requires a simple application and may limit the duration of swap-free status to 30 days for certain instruments to prevent arbitrage. For Muslim traders in Dubai or Abu Dhabi who hold positions for weeks, EasyMarkets’ more flexible policy is preferable. However, Hantec’s lower spreads can offset any potential benefits of swapping costs if trades are short-term.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is a key differentiator for UAE traders. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, phone support, and email with Arabic and English speaking agents. Their Dubai-based office provides local time zone coverage. Hantec Markets also delivers multilingual support via phone, email, and live chat, but their primary support team is based in the UK, with limited weekend hours. For urgent issues during UAE business hours, EasyMarkets’ local presence gives an edge. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites, but EasyMarkets responds faster to live chat inquiries, which is valuable for expat traders needing quick answers.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For United Arab Emirates traders, both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are solid DFSA-regulated options that accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, and Neteller. However, the better choice depends on your trading style. If you are an experienced trader with significant capital, Hantec Markets (3.6/5) offers lower spreads and faster execution that can substantially reduce costs over time. If you prefer simplicity, fixed costs, and flexible Islamic accounts with a local support team, EasyMarkets (3.4/5) remains a reliable partner. Consider your volume, strategy, and need for guaranteed execution before deciding. Both brokers serve the UAE market well, but Hantec edges ahead for active traders aiming to optimize every pip.