Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What financial instruments can brokers trade in Dubai?
Brokers in Dubai can facilitate the trading of commodities (oil, gold), securities (stocks, bonds), currencies (forex), shares (company ownership), and bonds (debt securities).
2. Do brokers need approval to operate in Dubai?
Yes, brokers must obtain approval from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) before operating. Some activities require pre-license approval, while others require post-license approval.
3. What are the key responsibilities of a commodities broker?
Commodities brokers help clients trade goods like oil, agricultural products, and metals. They provide market access and expertise in navigating both local and international commodity exchanges.
4. How does anti-money laundering (AML) compliance affect brokers?
Brokers must comply with AML regulations, ensuring that they follow stringent guidelines to prevent illicit financial activities. Some activities are exempt from AML, while others are high-risk and require strict oversight.
5. What is the difference between local and foreign market brokers?
Local market brokers facilitate trading on UAE exchanges, while foreign market brokers focus on trading securities and commodities listed on international exchanges, offering broader investment opportunities.
Commodities, Securities, Currency, Shares and Bonds Brokers
Dubai sits at the centre of MENA capital markets activity. The Dubai Financial Market1 reported AED 124 billion in total trading value across 2023. According to the Securities and Commodities Authority2, it licenses more than 100 brokerage firms across the country2. Demand for licensed brokers continues to grow as more international investors access UAE markets and more local capital flows into global instruments.
This refers to a type of financial service where individuals or institutions act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in the trading of various financial instruments. These brokers facilitate transactions involving commodities (such as oil, gold, or agricultural products), securities (such as stocks and bonds issued by companies), currencies (foreign exchange markets), shares (ownership stakes in companies), and bonds (debt securities). They provide expertise, market knowledge, and execution services to clients, helping them buy or sell these financial assets in exchange for a commission or fee.
The Dubai Financial Market posted AED 124 billion in trading value for 2023, while the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority licensed more than 100 brokerage firms operating across the nine Meydan Free Zone activity codes covering shares, bonds, commodities, securities, and currency.
Source: Dubai Financial Market: DFM Annual Report and Market Statistics 2023 (2024);UAE Securities and Commodities Authority: Licensed Firms Register (2025)
Brokers under this license can facilitate transactions across five categories of financial instruments:
- Commodities such as oil, gold, or agricultural products
- Securities such as stocks and bonds issued by companies
- Currencies in the foreign exchange markets
- Shares representing ownership stakes in companies
- Bonds and other debt securities
Meydan Free Zone Brokerage Business Activity Codes
The business activities that fall under Commodities, Securities, Currency, Shares and Bonds Brokers are listed below. Use the table to find the activity code that matches your business model, then expand the detailed section underneath to read the full description, third-party approval requirement, and AML status.
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| Code | Activity Name | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| 6611.99 | Securities & Commodities Market | Operators running a securities and commodities marketplace platform |
| 6612.89 | Foreign Shares & Bonds Broker | Brokers placing client capital into international shares and bonds |
| 6612.90 | Local Shares & Bonds Brokers | Brokers serving clients who trade UAE-listed shares and bonds |
| 6612.91 | Bank Brokers | Bank-employed brokers offering investment advisory and execution to bank customers |
| 6612.92 | Brokerage in Commodities Listed in Foreign Markets | Commodities brokers giving clients access to global commodity exchanges |
| 6612.96 | Brokerage in Commodities Listed in Local Markets | Commodities brokers serving local UAE commodity markets |
| 6612.97 | Currencies & Monetary Broker | Forex and currency brokers handling FX and monetary transactions |
| 6612.98 | Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets | Brokers facilitating securities trading on foreign exchanges |
| 6612.99 | Brokerage in Local Securities | Brokers facilitating securities trading on local UAE exchanges |
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In Conclusion
Setting up a Commodities, Securities, Currency, Shares and Bonds Brokerage business in Meydan Free Zone places you at the centre of global financial activity, with access to both local and international markets. With the Fawri license, you can establish your brokerage in under 60 minutes, allowing you to start facilitating trades and building client portfolios without delay.
Meydan Free Zone simplifies every step of your journey. You can plan ahead using our Cost Calculator tool, ensure your brand is ready with our Free Company Name Check Tool, and explore over 2500 Business Activities. For entrepreneurs operating globally, the option for Remote Business Setup makes it easier than ever to launch and manage your brokerage from anywhere.
Whether you’re facilitating securities trading, foreign exchange brokerage, or commodities investments, Meydan Free Zone provides the infrastructure, compliance support, and flexibility you need to operate confidently in a highly regulated industry. Contact Us today to launch your brokerage and position your business at the forefront of Dubai’s financial markets.
Looking to start a Trading business in Dubai? Calculate your business license cost now!
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Citations
1 Dubai Financial Market. DFM Annual Report and Market Statistics 2023. DFM, 2024.
2 UAE Securities and Commodities Authority. Licensed Firms Register. SCA, 2025.
