XM begins UAE operations after securing SCA regulatory approval

Global trading firm XM has officially begun operations in the United Arab Emirates after receiving regulatory approval from the country’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). The broker now holds a Category 5 license, permitting it to offer its full suite of trading services to clients in Dubai and across the Emirates.

The authorization, finalized in late 2025, marks a strategic expansion for XM as it celebrates 15 years in business. The company has launched a localized website, www.xm.ae, in Arabic and English to serve the market.

“The UAE has established itself as a world-class financial hub, and receiving authorization from the SCA underscores our commitment to long-term growth and trust in the region,” said Menelaos Menelaou, XM’s co-CEO.

 

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XM’s entry intensifies competition in the UAE’s brokerage sector, where global firms are increasingly seeking a foothold to serve high-value regional clients. The move aligns XM with other SCA-regulated international brokers like Exinity and VT Markets, offering investors local access to global markets.

The push into the Middle East is driven by significant retail trading demand. Rival platform Capital.com recently reported that over half of its trading volume originates from the region, with UAE-based clients contributing the majority of its MENA flow.

XM, which serves over 15 million clients worldwide, stated the new license allows it to offer its complete ecosystem of trading products, educational resources, and support services to UAE traders.