Which broker is better for United Arab Emirates traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
United Arab Emirates has emerged as a major forex trading hub, particularly in Dubai where many expats and high-net-worth individuals reside. For experienced traders with significant capital, choosing the right broker is critical. This comparison examines EasyMarkets and IC Markets, two popular choices among UAE traders. EasyMarkets holds a 3.4/5 rating and is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, while IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is favored for its low-cost raw spreads and fast execution. Both brokers accept UAE clients and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, and Neteller. However, IC Markets stands out with its DFSA regulation in the DIFC, giving UAE traders direct local oversight. This guide will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and capital requirements.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | IC Markets |
For UAE traders, trading costs are a key consideration, especially when dealing with significant capital. IC Markets offers exceptionally low spreads on its Raw Spread accounts, starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $7 per lot round turn. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. While EasyMarkets provides cost predictability, high-volume UAE traders will find IC Markets far more economical. The spread difference can save hundreds of dollars per 100 lots traded, making IC Markets the clear winner for frequent traders.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:5000 |
| 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 | IC 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+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Experienced UAE traders often demand advanced trading platforms. IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which support algorithmic trading, custom indicators, and fast order execution. EasyMarkets provides MT4 and its proprietary web platform, which is simpler but less feature-rich. For expats and capital-heavy traders who rely on automated strategies or multiple charting tools, IC Markets’ platform suite is superior. Additionally, cTrader’s depth of market and advanced order types appeal to professional traders in the UAE.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC 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 impacts profitability for experienced traders. IC Markets uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with ECN technology, processing orders in as fast as 40ms with no requotes. EasyMarkets operates a dealing desk model, which can lead to requotes and slippage during volatile markets. For UAE traders executing large volumes, IC Markets’ direct market access and deeper liquidity ensure better fills and lower latency, essential for strategies like scalping and high-frequency trading.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for UAE traders, given the presence of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the DIFC. IC Markets is authorized and regulated by the DFSA (license number F004445), offering local dispute resolution and segregated client accounts. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FSA, but does not hold a DFSA license. For UAE traders, IC Markets’ DFSA oversight provides an added layer of security and alignment with local financial laws, especially for those with substantial deposits.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IC 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) | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets support Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, and Neteller for UAE traders. Deposits via cards and e-wallets are instant and free, while bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. IC Markets stands out by offering free withdrawals via all methods, with no internal fees. EasyMarkets charges a small withdrawal fee on bank transfers and Skrill/Neteller. For UAE traders making frequent deposits and withdrawals, IC Markets’ zero-fee policy reduces friction. Minimum deposits are also competitive: IC Markets requires $200 for standard accounts, while EasyMarkets has a $100 minimum, but both are accessible for experienced traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IC 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 |
Many UAE traders prefer Islamic (swap-free) accounts to comply with Sharia law. EasyMarkets and IC Markets both offer Islamic accounts automatically upon request. IC Markets provides permanently swap-free accounts with no time restrictions, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely without interest. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts but may apply a cap on the number of days a position can be held overnight. For long-term position traders in the UAE, IC Markets’ more flexible policy is advantageous.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IC 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 vital for UAE traders operating in a fast-paced market. IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Arabic-speaking team available. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support with live chat and email, but lacks Arabic support. For expats and local traders who prefer support in Arabic or need quick resolutions across time zones, IC Markets has an edge. Both brokers have online help centers, but IC Markets’ around-the-clock availability is more reliable.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IC 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 | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For experienced United Arab Emirates traders with significant capital, IC Markets is the superior choice. Its DFSA regulation, low spreads, fast execution, and free payment methods for Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, and Neteller directly address the needs of local traders. EasyMarkets may appeal to beginners or those who prefer fixed costs, but its higher spreads and dealing desk execution make it less competitive for serious capital. Considering the local regulatory environment and the preference for high-volume trading among UAE expats, IC Markets’ 4.8/5 rating is well justified. We recommend IC Markets for most UAE traders.