Finding the best brokers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an essential decision point for a wide range of investors in 2025. Retail investing has certainly grown steadily over the past couple years and is already on pace to reach new heights in MENA by year’s end. This is hardly surprising given a largely untapped pool of potential traders in the region, coupled with strong interest in instruments such as Forex, CFDs, cryptocurrencies, and stocks.The MENA region provides its own unique nuances and preferences amongst both introductory and established traders. Most investors are seeking brokers that are well regulated with competitive pricing and reliable platforms. Thankfully for traders, many brokers in the region already plenty of services tailored to these individuals, with a specific emphasis on accounts that follow Islamic finance rules.An Overview of the Retail Playing Field in MENAChoosing the top broker for any individual preference can be time consuming but an important endeavor. Likely the first major decision any trader will make, there are several attributes that prospective or existing traders should look for when selecting a broker.Most individuals gravitate towards brokers with solid security, leverage, low fees, good customer support, and user-friendly platforms. However, regulations can also play a key role in MENA, with many traders preferring brokers that are licensed by authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other major financial centers.Brokers in the region have also responded to growing demand by offering comprehensive trading platforms that support Arabic language options. This also include dedicated customer service teams tailored to the needs of local traders and accounts that follow Islamic finance principles.Ultimately, MENA presents traders with a good problem. That is to say, a region with several strong options and plenty of well-known brokers operating in the region to choose from. How to Decide Which Retail Broker to Use in MENAChoosing the right retail or Forex broker in MENA requires the careful consideration of several key factors. For any trader, this should start with regulation. Traders are highly encouraged to verify if a broker is indeed licensed or registered with recognized authorities such as the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) or Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA). Of note, regulated brokers provide better security, reducing the risk of fraud or unfair trading conditions. Individuals should only invest with regulated brokers.Beyond regulation, many traders have different priorities dependent on trading style, goals, or levels of experience. For almost all investors, fees and trading costs are important as well. Spreads and commissions vary extensively from broker to broker, while others also may have hidden charges or different pricing structures entirely.Each broker also offers different levels or types of accounts. It is worth exploring different types to make sure that standard accounts for beginner traders, or advanced ones for veterans, check off the right boxes for each individual. These are differentiated by minimum deposits in an account, availability of trading platforms, leverage on offer, and sometimes types of instruments.In MENA in particular, customer support can be a make-or-break factor. Brokers with Arabic-speaking support teams and local offices can provide better service and problem solving. By reviewing these elements at each broker, any investor, regardless of skill, experience, or goals, can select a broker that meets their respective needs and offers a reliable trading experience.A Look at the Best Retail Brokers in MENA in 20251. CFICFI has been a key player across financial markets, including MENA for over two decades. As a well-established multi-asset broker, CFI operates from major financial hubs such as London, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai and is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, reinforcing its reputation for security and trust.The company is authorized by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Jordan Securities Commission (JSC), Financial Services Commission (FSC), Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Oman, among others. With multiple regulatory licenses, CFI is one of the most regulated and secure brokers in the region, providing a transparent, trusted, and client-focused trading experience.The company is also widely recognized for its brand presence and partnerships, holding strategic sponsorships in football, basketball, and cultural initiatives. CFI has received numerous industry awards, including ‘MENA’s Leading Broker 2024’ and ‘Best User Trading Experience 2024’, reflecting its commitment to innovation and client excellence.CFI sets itself apart by offering zero-pip spreads on certain accounts, no commissions, and no minimum deposit requirements across more than 20 global markets. Traders can access over 15,000 financial instruments, including Forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, bonds, metals, and energies.Clients benefit from an advanced trading infrastructure with access to MetaTrader 5 (MT5), CFI’s Trading App, cTrader, CFI Multi Asset, and TradingView, ensuring a seamless trading experience. Additionally, CFI provides a rich suite of educational resources, including interactive seminars and webinars, insights from the company’s research team, and advanced tools such as TipRanks, Trading Central, and a comprehensive economic calendar, among others—empowering traders at all levels.CFI Features● Regulation: FCA, SCA, CySEC, FSC, JSC, CBA, FRA, CMA, among others.● Leverage: up to 1:500 for professional clients● Minimum spreads: 0.0 pips● Minimum deposit: $0● Trading platforms on offer: MT5, CFI Trading App, cTrader, CFI Multi Asset, TradingView● Access to Islamic account: Yes● Benefits: Strong reputation and market footprint, excellent user experience2. FxProFxPro is another well decorated broker on this list and a mainstay in the MENA region. Having its own fair share of awards and sponsorships, the brokerage is also regulated by the FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and SCB and is a trusted name amongst traders and investors.Taking a closer look at its offering, FxPro has over 2,100 CFDs on offer, covering Forex, indices, shares, metals, futures, and energies. Traders have access to the broker’s no-dealing desk, and an ultra-fast execution pricing model. Most of its orders executed in under 12ms, complete with transparent details on slippage and execution stats provided online.Traders have at their disposal MT4, MT5, cTrader, and FxPro’s Web and Mobile platforms. In particular, the FxPro Edge Webtrader platform enables plenty of indicators, equipped with a customizable layout and other advanced trading features. By extension, the FxPro App functions as a comprehensive solution for managing funds, accounts, and trading.Users can also benefit from FxPro’s suite of educational resources and trading tools. This includes FxPro Calculators, the FxPro Direct App, FxPro VPS, FxPro Market News, and an economic and earnings calendar. Clients also have access to YouTube webinars and technical analysis and trading signals by Trading Central, backed by solid customer service – call-back and Live Chat 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.FxPro Features● Regulation: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB● Leverage: up to 1:30 for Forex Majors● Minimum spreads: variable● Minimum deposit: $100● Trading platforms on offer: MT4, MT5, cTrader, inhouse Web & Mobile platforms· Access to Islamic account: Yes● Additional Benefits: Robust education portal, plenty of platforms on offer3. XTBXTB is another well-rounded broker on this list, catering to MENA clients with an overall solid basket of assets on offer. The brokerage allows investors to trade stocks, ETFs, Forex, indices, and commodities, with 0% commission and no fees for account maintenance or opening.One of the strongest elements of its offering is XTB’s education portal, with a large database of articles, the latest market analysis, and eBooks – all free for users. The broker even offers Investing courses and has gone out of its way to help empower its clients with information. XTB relies on its inhouse trading platform xStation5, which is unique amongst brokers on this list in that it gives traders only a singular option.Still, the platform is highly rated and has a well-designed interface for traders of all skill levels and experience. Overall, XTB is a solid choice for MENA Forex traders, with access to high leverage and the instruments they are looking for and typically desired conditions.XTB Features:• Regulation: FCA, CySEC• Leverage: 1:500• Minimum spreads: 0.0 for Pro account, 0.9 for standard• Minimum deposit: $0• Trading platforms on offer: xStation5• Access to Islamic account: Yes• Benefits: Good education portal with eBooks and investing courses4. PepperstonePepperstone is the next broker on this list with a well-rounded offering, with no shortage of trading platforms on offer for MENA traders. The company has a strong international presence, with offices in London, Cyprus, Düsseldorf, Dubai, Melbourne, and Kenya. For fifteen years, the group has catered to a growing pool of clients through a regulated approach and favorable trading conditions.The brokerage offers multiple options for traders, collectively enabling something for every type of client. MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and Pepperstone’s web and mobile trading platform are all available to clients, providing a versatile user experience. This is important for traders in MENA, many lacking a consensus common platform to use.Pepperstone is also well regulated, with licenses from some of the world’s most reputable authorities. This includes the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFIN, and SCB. For trading Forex or other instruments, Pepperstone represents a good option for both new and existing traders looking for a blend of market diversity and competitive trading conditions.Pepperstone FeaturesRegulation: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFIN, SCBMinimum spreads: 0.0 pips for Forex majorsMinimum deposit: $0Trading platforms on offer: MT4, MT5, Pepperstone Trading Platform, cTrader, TradingViewAccess to Islamic account: YesBenefits: Extensive free education portal, advanced trading platforms5. DerivDeriv is another promising option for investors in MENA, backed by local language support in Arabic and customer service that is 24/7. The brokerage’s offering is quite standard by comparison to others on this list, with access to Forex, indices, stocks, cryptos, commodities, and ETFs.One of the biggest draws of Deriv is its high leverage on offer, with up to 1:1000 for Forex traders or other select instruments. Deriv also offers MENA clients a demo account, enabling new investors to test their platform and strategies before using real money. Of note, this demo account is credited with virtual funds of $10,000 that traders can use to try out Deriv's multiple trading platforms, of which there are several. Users are also granted low spreads and a small minimum deposit, supporting MT5, Deriv X, Deriv cTrader, and SmartTrader.Overall, Deriv is a reliable and safe brokerage with access to plenty of assets and unique features.Deriv FeaturesRegulation: VFSC, MFSA, FSCLeverage: up to 1:1000Minimum spreads: 0.5 pipsMinimum deposit: $5Trading platforms on offer: MT5, Deriv X, Deriv cTrader, SmartTraderAccess to Islamic account: YesBenefits: Arabic language support, high leverageConclusionRegardless of one’s trading experience or preferences, finding the best retail broker in MENA requires careful research. All prospective and active traders should prioritize Regulation, fees, trading platforms, and customer support, each of which play a role in selecting the right option. By extension, individuals should never invest with brokers that are not licensed by trusted authorities or engage in fair trading conditions.Thankfully, many brokers in the region provide services catering specifically to MENA traders, including Islamic accounts and Arabic-language support. With the increasing popularity of online trading, competition amongst brokers has continued to grow in 2025, leading to better services and lower costs for traders. By choosing a reliable broker, traders can invest with confidence, knowing their funds are secure and their trading experience is smooth.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What are some important attributes that all top brokers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have in common?Leading retail and Forex brokers in MENA should be all be regulated by a trusted financial authority. The best ones should cater to a wide range of potential traders and clients. This includes offering competitive fees, providing strong customer support, and having platforms that cater to regional traders, namely via Islamic account options.Are all brokers in MENA regulated?Not every broker is registered or authorized by local authorities, making it essential that investors do their homework and research. However, many brokers in MENA are regulated by the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA). Of these, there are also plenty of options that also hold international licenses from regulators like the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) or the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).Which MENA brokers offer Islamic accounts?Most brokers in MENA provide Islamic accounts to cater to local clients, thereby removing interest fees to comply with Islamic finance principles. However, traders should always confirm with an individual broker if such accounts are available and under what conditions they are offered to avoid any issues.What trading platforms do brokers in MENA offer?MENA is not appreciably different from any other jurisdiction, meaning ubiquitous online trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrade are the most common. Some brokers also offer their own custom-built platforms with mobile and web versions, sometimes as a standalone option or as an alternative to MT4/MT5. Most of these platforms can be tested for free using a demo to familiarize oneself with how the interface before investing real money.What are the main costs when trading with MENA brokers?In MENA, the most common costs typically can include spreads, commissions, withdrawal fees, and possible inactivity charges for trading accounts. However, the best brokers offer low-cost trading with transparent fee structures. This information is always readily available under terms or conditions or on a broker’s website.This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.