Interactive Brokers Launches Direct UAE Equity Trading from Dubai Hub

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NASDAQ-listed brokerage connects global investors to Abu Dhabi and Dubai exchanges through DIFC-based operations

Interactive Brokers announced on December 9, 2025, the launch of direct trading access to United Arab Emirates equities, connecting clients worldwide to securities listed on both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). The expansion positions the NASDAQ-listed brokerage as a key conduit for international capital flows into the region's growing equity markets.

The move integrates UAE equities into Interactive Brokers' existing platform of over 160 global exchanges across 37 countries. According to FX News Group and Finance Magnates, both local UAE investors and international clients can now trade local and global markets from a single unified account, eliminating the need for multiple broker relationships.

Platform Access and Multi-Currency Support

Current Interactive Brokers clients gained immediate access to ADX and DFM equities through existing accounts without additional registration requirements. The platform supports trading across 28 currencies, including the UAE dirham, with competitive foreign exchange conversion rates for international investors.

Milan Galik, Chief Executive Officer of Interactive Brokers, stated the expansion reflects both market opportunity and strategic positioning. "As market participants seek to uncover new investment opportunities around the world, adding UAE equities offers both local and international investors access to the economic growth afforded by this dynamic region," Galik explained in the company's December 9 announcement.

DIFC Foundation and Regulatory Framework

The UAE equity launch builds on Interactive Brokers' October 2024 opening of a dedicated office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), establishing the firm's first formal presence in the Middle East and North Africa region. The DIFC branch operates under a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, providing both brokerage and custody services through the firm's FCA-regulated UK headquarters.

James Bradie, Senior Executive Officer at Interactive Brokers DIFC Branch, highlighted the strategic rationale in a 2025 interview published by Hubbis. "The UAE stood out immediately. They have a government actively driving financial innovation, a young, globally connected investor base, and a clear ambition to become the financial hub of the GCC region," Bradie noted.

Broader GCC Market Expansion

The UAE equities launch forms part of a wider regional expansion strategy. In July 2025, Interactive Brokers partnered with HSBC to deliver a unified trading platform for UAE assets, as reported by The Trade News. The firm also previously partnered with Saudi Arabia's SNB Capital to enable international investors to trade directly on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), providing access to Saudi stocks, REITs, and ETFs.

Interactive Brokers was recently voted "Best Investing Account in the UAE" by the 2025 Good Money Guide Awards, reflecting competitive positioning in a market where demand for sophisticated trading infrastructure continues to accelerate.

Client Benefits and Market Implications

The platform consolidates several advantages for different investor segments. UAE-based investors can manage local, GCC, and global equity positions from a single account, while international investors gain direct access to UAE-listed securities without intermediary arrangements. The firm's technology-driven model provides transparent fee structures and competitive currency conversion rates compared to traditional brokerage offerings.

The timing coincides with significant capital inflows into Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi Finance Week in December 2025 attracted commitments from 11 major global financial institutions representing over $9 trillion in assets under management, according to LeapRate. Both DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market have emerged as regional financial hubs, attracting international investors and high-net-worth individuals relocating to the region.

Implementation and Future Trajectory

New clients can establish accounts within minutes to access the full suite of global exchanges, including the newly available UAE markets. The platform supports various account types, including individual accounts, registered investment advisor accounts, family office accounts, and institutional accounts.

The expansion aligns with Interactive Brokers' systematic approach to capturing growth opportunities across emerging and developed markets. Over the past year, the firm has added access to multiple new exchanges including Taiwan's Taipei Exchange and continued expansion of derivatives offerings across ASEAN markets, demonstrating sustained momentum in platform development and geographic reach.