MENA Forex Market Update: Growth Across the Region in 2025

Retail forex trading volumes across the Middle East and North Africa continue to grow strongly in 2025, with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Egypt among the most active markets.

Forex trading across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing robust growth in 2025, driven by increased smartphone penetration, a young and digitally connected population, and growing awareness of forex as an alternative asset class.

UAE Leads Regional Activity

The United Arab Emirates remains the MENA region's most active forex trading hub. The DFSA's regulatory framework in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has attracted major brokers including Pepperstone (DFSA-regulated since 2022), boosting confidence among UAE retail traders. Platform data indicates UAE-based trading volumes grew an estimated 18% in the first half of 2025.

Lebanon: Forex as a Financial Alternative

With Lebanon's banking sector under continued stress, many Lebanese residents have turned to international forex brokers and cryptocurrency exchanges as alternatives to access USD-denominated assets and preserve purchasing power. Brokers offering USD-based accounts with crypto deposit options ÔÇö led by Exness ÔÇö have seen significant growth in Lebanese client registrations.

Saudi Arabia: Islamic Finance Driving Adoption

In Saudi Arabia, Islamic (swap-free) account availability has been a primary driver of retail trading adoption. With over 90% of the population Muslim, Sharia-compliant trading conditions are a prerequisite for most Saudi retail traders. Exness, XM, and Pepperstone have all strengthened their Islamic account offerings to capture this demand.

Egypt: Fastest Growing Market

Egypt is emerging as one of the fastest-growing retail forex markets in the MENA region, driven by a large population of digitally connected young adults and growing interest in financial independence. XM and Exness report Egypt as a top-5 growth market globally.

Top Brokers in the MENA Region 2025

Based on client activity and regional support investment, the most active brokers in the MENA market in 2025 are Exness, XM, Pepperstone, IC Markets, and AvaTrade ÔÇö all of which offer Arabic-language support and MENA-relevant payment methods.

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Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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