Interested in investing through one of the UAE’s financial markets but don’t know how to get started? In this article, we introduce you to this broker, explain how they operate in the UAE, and what services they offer.
We also walk you through the account opening process, the available investment instruments, and key considerations for first-time investors. A practical guide to investing in the region with confidence.
Starting Your Investment Journey with World
World Securities is a brokerage firm operating in the UAE, offering tailored solutions for equity and fixed-income trading. The firm combines regional access with personalized investment guidance to cater to both individual and institutional clients.
With dedicated support and flexible investment channels, World helps clients navigate the UAE financial markets with greater confidence.
It’s a fitting option for investors seeking a personal touch and clarity in local market execution.
What Are Stockbrokers and How Do They Work in the UAE?
Stockbrokers are licensed financial intermediaries who facilitate the buying and selling of securities such as equities, bonds, ETFs, and derivatives on behalf of clients. They operate through regulated exchanges such as the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), and Nasdaq Dubai.
All brokers in the UAE must be authorised by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and meet strict standards for compliance, transparency, and investor protection. Whether you are a UAE national, resident expat, or foreign institutional investor, brokers offer a reliable and secure gateway to the region’s capital markets. Here’s how they operate:
Trade Execution: Brokers place buy and sell orders for DFM-, ADX-, and Nasdaq Dubai-listed securities. Some also provide access to international markets through global trading platforms.
Licensing and Regulation: Stockbrokers must hold a licence from the SCA and comply with ongoing reporting, solvency, and governance requirements. Their activities are closely supervised to ensure fair market conduct.
Account Opening and KYC: Clients must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, provide Emirates ID or passport, and open an Investor Number (NIN) with the exchange before trading. Brokers assist with this onboarding process.
Research and Advisory Services: Full-service brokers offer market insights, analyst reports, and investment strategies tailored to the client’s objectives — whether income, growth, or Sharia-compliant investments.
Access to IPOs and Sukuk: Brokers provide access to public offerings, including shares of government-linked companies, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and sukuk (Islamic bonds) listed on UAE exchanges.
Settlement and Custody: All trades are settled through the central clearing systems of each exchange. Investors hold securities through their NIN and can monitor their portfolio using exchange-linked portals.
Clients Served: Brokers in the UAE serve individuals, family offices, local companies, institutional funds, and foreign investors. Services may be offered in Arabic, English, or other languages depending on client preference.
Fees and Commissions: Brokerage fees are regulated by the exchange and vary depending on the volume and service type. Discount brokers and digital platforms often offer competitive pricing for self-directed investors.
Tradable Instruments on UAE Stock Exchanges
ADX and DFM offer a variety of Shariah-compliant and conventional investment instruments, supporting both retail and institutional investors from across the GCC and globally. Below is an overview of the key tradable instruments in the UAE capital markets:
Equities (Shares): Publicly listed companies on ADX and DFM trade in ordinary shares, giving investors ownership rights, dividend entitlement, and capital appreciation potential. Sectors include Islamic banking, real estate development, aviation, and petrochemicals. Share trading is available for UAE nationals, GCC citizens, and international investors (subject to foreign ownership limits).
Sukuk and Bonds: Both exchanges list fixed-income instruments such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and Sukuk (Islamic bonds). Sukuk structures comply with Shariah principles and are commonly used to finance infrastructure, energy, and sovereign initiatives across the region.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): The UAE market includes several ETFs listed on ADX and DFM that track local indices, global equities, or commodity prices. These funds offer diversification, transparency, and intraday liquidity, and are traded similarly to ordinary stocks.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs in the UAE provide access to income-generating real estate assets such as malls, hotels, and office buildings. These instruments are listed on both exchanges and are regulated under specific guidelines to ensure transparency and regular income distribution.
Derivatives Market (Futures): Nasdaq Dubai, which operates under DFM’s umbrella, offers equity futures and index futures, including contracts on major UAE-listed companies. These instruments allow investors to hedge positions or gain leveraged exposure to UAE equities.
Rights Issues: When companies raise additional capital, they may offer rights shares to existing shareholders. These rights are listed and tradable on the secondary market for a limited period and are priced below the market rate to encourage participation.
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): The UAE has seen increasing IPO activity, particularly from state-backed firms and family businesses. IPOs are open to UAE and international investors and are often heavily oversubscribed due to strong investor demand and government-backed guarantees.
Shariah-Compliant Securities: Both ADX and DFM offer dedicated Shariah-compliant segments, with stocks and instruments reviewed by Islamic scholars. These listings follow AAOIFI standards and attract investors seeking to align portfolios with Islamic finance principles.
