Sarwa is a UAE-based digital wealth manager regulated by the DFSA in the DIFC. It builds passive ETF portfolios based on each user's risk profile and offers both conventional and Sharia-compliant portfolio options. The minimum to start is published as AED 5.

Sarwa at a glance

Reference data from public sources. Confirm details on the broker's own website.

BrokerSarwa
RegulatorDFSA
Minimum deposit5 USD
Fees0.50 to 0.85 percent AUM
Arabic interfaceYes
Available inUAE
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What stands out

  • +DFSA-regulated, with offices in Dubai
  • +Mobile-first onboarding designed for new investors
  • +Sharia-compliant portfolio option available
  • +Arabic interface
  • +Low published starting minimum
  • +Goal-based account features

Things to know

  • -Management fee is layered on top of the ETF expense ratios - see the Sarwa pricing page
  • -Investments are limited to Sarwa-managed portfolios; no individual stock picking

What to check when comparing Sarwa with other brokers

Headline figures rarely tell the full story for an expat brokerage account. Run through this checklist before opening any account:

  • -Regulator and licence. Look the broker up on the regulator's public register. The Official sources section below links the register where applicable.
  • -Eligibility for residents of United Arab Emirates. Not every broker accepts every nationality or residency status. Confirm with the broker before applying.
  • -Markets and instruments. Check the exchanges you need (US, LSE, Xetra, Tadawul, ADX, DFM) and the product types (stocks, ETFs, bonds, options) are actually supported on your account tier.
  • -Commission, spread, and FX. A low headline commission can be offset by a wide FX spread on non-base currency trades. Read the full schedule of charges.
  • -Funding options. Local bank transfer in your salary currency is usually fastest and cheapest. Card funding can be quicker but may add fees.
  • -Custody, segregation, and protection. Look at where your assets are held, whether they are segregated from the broker's own funds, and what investor-protection scheme (if any) applies.
  • -Tax treatment. Fund domicile and your tax residency affect dividend withholding and reporting. Consult a qualified tax adviser for your situation.

Opening a Sarwa account from United Arab Emirates

  1. Visit the Sarwa website and start the account-opening flow.
  2. Enter your personal details as they appear on your government-issued ID, including your address in United Arab Emirates.
  3. Upload your identity documents. Most brokers request a government-issued ID, a proof of address, and sometimes a recent bank statement. Document requirements vary by broker - follow what Sarwa asks for.
  4. Complete the suitability questionnaire. Regulators require brokers to gather basic information about your financial knowledge and risk tolerance.
  5. Wait for the broker's verification. Timelines vary by broker and by applicant.
  6. Fund the account using a method offered by the broker. Available payment options and currencies vary - check the broker's funding page for current details.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Sarwa available to residents of United Arab Emirates?
Sarwa accepts residents of United Arab Emirates based on its published list of supported countries. Eligibility and document requirements may change - confirm on the broker's own site before applying.
Which regulator oversees Sarwa?
Sarwa is supervised by DFSA. You can look it up on the regulator's public register linked in the Official sources section below.
What is the minimum deposit for Sarwa?
Sarwa's published minimum deposit is 5 USD. Check the broker's website for the current figure as terms can change.

Official sources

Verify Sarwa's regulatory status on the DFSA Public Register.

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