6 Most Successful Traders in the UAE
Forex Traders in the UAE has evolved into one of the region’s strongest financial stories. From early forex pioneers to modern algorithmic traders, many have turned skill into lasting success.
While many might think it’s about luck, the truth is that it’s about strategy, discipline, and a deep understanding of how global markets connect through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
In our article, we’ll cover the following topics:
- How did the UAE become a global hub for forex talent?
- 6 Most Successful Traders in the UAE
- Why strategic thinking outperforms luck in forex
- Final thoughts: What we learned from the UAE’s leading traders
- Common questions about trading success in the UAE
To identify the UAE’s leading traders, data alone wasn’t enough. Market longevity, verified results, and recognisable strategy were all considered. Each trader included in our article has proven their capability through measurable success and a consistent approach.
5 Best Forex Brokers in UAE
Rank | Broker | Review | Regulators | Min Deposit | Official Site |
🥇 |  | Read Review | CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC, FSCA, CMA | $10 | Visit Broker |
🥈 |  | Read Review | ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA | $100 | Visit Broker |
🥉 |  | Read Review | FSCA, FCA, FSA, DFSA, CMA, St. Vincent & the Grenadine | $0 | Visit Broker |
#4 |  | Read Review | FSC, ASIC, CySEC | $5 | Visit Broker |
#5 |  | Read Review | ASIC, CySEC, IFSC, DFSA, FCA | $5 | Visit Broker |
6 Most Successful Traders in the UAE – Key Information
| Name | Current Role (UAE) | Firm | Specialty / Focus | Visibility / Credentials |
| Hussein Sayed | Chief Market Strategist (Gulf & MENA) | Exinity / FXTM | Forex and macro strategy; media analysis | Long-time host of CNBC Arabia’s Bursat Al Alam; respected analyst and commentator. |
| Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury | Market Strategist & Trader; Analyst / Educator | Independent; contributor at FBS | Forex, global macro, central-bank policy | 15+ years in markets; ex-Chief Market Strategist at ADS Securities; recognised regional voice. |
| Habib Akiki | Director of Research & Market Education | Daman Markets (Dubai) | Technical analysis, trader education, risk management | Regular UAE conference speaker and TV guest on leading Arabic financial networks. |
| Wael Makarem | Financial Market Strategists Lead (MENA) | Exness | Forex strategy, media commentary, trader education | Public-facing strategist; known for seminars, webinars, and market outlooks. |
| Jameel Ahmad | Global / Chief Analyst | GTC Global Trade Capital (GTCFX) | Forex and commodities market outlooks | Prominent at UAE industry events; known for his consistent macro commentary. |
| Daniel Takieddine | Co-founder & CEO | Sky Links Capital Group (Dubai DIFC) | Brokerage leadership, multi-asset markets | Former BDSwiss MENA CEO; now leading his own trading firm in Dubai. |
How did the UAE become a global hub for forex talent?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become prime centres for Forex talent through scale, access, and strong market links. In early 2025, the Dubai International Financial Centre reported 1,081 new firms and over 7,700 active companies, drawing traders, brokers, and funds.
Hedge funds like Millennium, Brevan Howard, and Schonfeld expanded teams locally, while Abu Dhabi’s hub grew 42%.
In addition, significant events such as Forex Expo Dubai keep the UAE firmly positioned between Europe and Asia, which creates an ideal environment for ambitious trading professionals who want both reach and opportunity.
6 Most Successful Traders in the UAE
- Hussein Sayed: CNBC Arabia anchor and Exinity chief market strategist known for sharp macro narratives and accessible Forex commentary.
- Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury: Veteran market voice and trader noted for Arabic-language macro coverage and pragmatic trade setups.
- Habib Akiki: Tradepedia co-founder and CFTe who blends rigorous technical education with hands-on trading insight across the UAE circuit.
- Wael Makarem: MENA strategist at Exness, recognised for data-driven calls on the dollar and oil-linked currencies across regional media.
- Jameel Ahmad: Former FXTM chief market analyst with a long MENA track record focused on policy-driven currency trends and investor education.
- Daniel Takieddine: Ex-BDSwiss MENA chief turned Dubai founder with a strong press footprint on global Forex and commodities themes.
1. Hussein Sayed
Who is Hussein Sayed?
Hussein Sayed is a UAE-based market strategist and TV anchor best known for hosting CNBC Arabia’s evening business program Bursat Al Alam. He currently serves as Chief Market Strategist for Exinity (parent of FXTM) in the Gulf & MENA region and regularly publishes Forex and macro commentary.
Hussein Sayed’s Path Into Trading
- Began in a dealing room in the early 2000s while studying Banking & Finance.
- Accumulated roles across trading, analysis and strategy in equities, credit and Forex.
- Became a media anchor on CNBC Arabia, heading the evening market-coverage show.
- Joined Exinity/FXTM as Chief Market Strategist for the Gulf & MENA, focusing on macro and Forex.
- Completed the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter and the full Chartered Market Technician (CMT) program.
- Became a frequent speaker, chair and moderator at over 100 conferences in the region.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Macro-driven outlook blending fundamental drivers (economic data, central banks) with technical analysis. |
| Methods | Uses valuation modelling, technical charting and trend-analysis informed by CMT training. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, commodities (especially oil/gold), equity indices and fixed-income markets. |
| Time horizon | Near- to medium-term horizons, commonly aligning with economic-event calendars and policy shifts. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- His CNBC Arabia show gives broad exposure to market developments for the UAE/MENA audience.
- As a strategist for a major broker group, he influences institutional and retail flow perspectives in the Gulf region.
- His conference presence strengthens the link between global markets and the UAE trading community.
- His credentials (CFA + CMT) lend credibility in a region where many commentators have more marketing than methodology.
| Minimum Deposit: $100 Regulated by: CBI, BVI, FSC, ASIC, FSCA, JFSA, FFAJ Leverage: Up to 1:400 |
2. Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury
Who is Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury?
Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury is a UAE-based market strategist and trader known for currency, commodities, and macro commentary in Arabic and English media.
Nour Eldeen Al-Hammoury’s Path Into Trading
- Early career built on Forex analysis and treasury work, then dealer/strategist posts.
- Named Chief Market Strategist at ADS Securities in Abu Dhabi.
- Joined Sky News Arabia as an on-air business analyst.
- Took regional strategist roles with Amana Capital and Markets.com.
- Became Chief Market Analyst/Strategist for FBS in the Middle East.
- Appointed Chief Market Strategist at SquaredFinancial; resumed seminars and media appearances in the Gulf.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Macro-event and intermarket focus; tracks policy shifts, growth/inflation data, and cross-asset signals. |
| Methods | Mix of fundamental and technical inputs (trend, levels, momentum) with tight risk controls around catalysts. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, gold, oil, US yields, and equity indices for confirmation or hedging. |
| Time horizon | Short to medium term, centred on data releases and central-bank trajectories. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- Regular TV commentary (Sky News Arabia, CNBC Arabia; guest on TRT World).
- Quoted source on gold/ Forex and policy views for regional outlets.
- Leads GCC seminars and webinars, with frequent stops in Dubai and Al Ain.
- Bridges Arabic and English coverage, giving MENA traders direct access to macro context.
| Minimum Deposit: $0 Regulated by: FCA, FSA, DFSA, FSCA, CMA Leverage: Up to 1:1000 |
3. Habib Akiki
Who is Habib Akiki?
Habib Akiki is a UAE-based trader and market strategist known for technical analysis and trader education.
He serves as Director of Research & Market Education at Daman Markets. He is a long-time senior strategist and head instructor with Tradepedia, the training firm founded by Avramis Despotis.
Habib Akiki’s Path Into Trading
- Began career in treasury/dealing with exposure to Forex, rates, and commodities.
- Advanced to chief-dealer responsibilities, managing multi-asset trading operations.
- Joined Tradepedia as senior market strategist and MENA head instructor.
- Became a frequent guest on CNBC Arabia, Sky News Arabia, and Al Arabiya.
- Appointed Director of Research & Market Education at Daman Markets.
- Featured speaker at Money Expo Abu Dhabi, Forex Expo Dubai, and fintech conferences.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Technical focus on trend, momentum, and structure, confirmed by macro catalysts. |
| Methods | Rule-based setups using indicator confluence (swings, trend filters) with strict risk rules. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, gold, oil, and equity indices; uses yields and dollar gauges for context. |
| Time horizon | Short to medium term, aligned with data releases and policy cycles. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- Research and education leadership at a UAE-based brokerage.
- Years of instruction through Tradepedia, training thousands of traders.
- Consistent TV commentary on Forex, gold, oil, and indices for Arabic-language outlets.
- Regular conference panels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, shaping retail-trader education.
| Minimum Deposit: $5 Regulated by: FSC, CySEC, ASIC Leverage: Up to 1:1000 |
4. Wael Makarem
Who is Wael Makarem?
Wael Makarem is a Dubai-based market strategist and trader who leads the financial-market strategists team at Exness for MENA.
His work focuses on currency, commodities, and crypto narratives, with regular appearances in UAE business media. He joined Exness in 2021 as Senior Market Strategist and later took the “Financial Markets Strategist Lead” role.
Wael Makarem’s Path Into Trading
- Early experience in trading, private banking, and market analysis.
- Appointed Senior Market Strategist (MENA) at Exness in August 2021.
- Elevated to Financial Markets Strategist Lead, guiding research and education.
- Frequent TV and press commentator on gold, the dollar, and crypto.
- Regular speaker at Dubai-based Forex/fintech conferences and expos.
- Delivers investor education via webinars and in-person sessions in the UAE.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Macro-event focus: central-bank policy, growth and inflation data, and geopolitics driving Forex, gold, and crypto. |
| Methods | Blends fundamentals with technical checks; applies levels, momentum, and trend filters with clear risk limits. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, gold, oil, BTC; uses yields, DXY, and indices as intermarket cues. |
| Time horizon | Short to medium term, aligned with data releases and policy turning points. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- Lead strategist at a major broker active in the Gulf, shaping research themes for clients.
- Regularly quoted by UAE outlets on gold, Forex, and digital-asset moves.
- Speaker and panellist at high-traffic Dubai events, bringing market calls to a regional audience.
- Publishes ongoing commentary through Exness Insights, reaching retail and professional readers.
| Minimum Deposit: $10 Regulated by: CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC, FSCA, CMA Leverage: Up to 1:2000 |
5. Jameel Ahmad
Who is Jameel Ahmad?
Jameel Ahmad is a market strategist and commentator with a long track record in Forex and macro research. He is Chief Analyst at GTC (GTCFX), appearing regularly in regional media and on conference stages in Dubai.
Jameel Ahmad’s Path Into Trading
- Started as a currency analyst, focusing on macro events and Forex fundamentals.
- Promoted to Chief Market Analyst at FXTM.
- Advanced to Global Head of Currency Strategy & Market Research.
- Appointed Vice President of Corporate Development & Market Research at FXTM.
- Left FXTM in 2020 after more than five years in senior positions.
- Joined GTC in 2023 as Chief Analyst and advisor, speaking at UAE and global events.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Fundamental Forex and intermarket analysis focused on policy, growth, inflation, and commodities. |
| Methods | Event-driven approach: scenario mapping around data and central banks, confirmed by technicals and risk limits. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, gold, oil; tracks US yields, dollar gauges, and equity indices for confirmation. |
| Time horizon | Short- to medium-term, aligned with economic calendars and policy shifts. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- Frequent TV/radio guest and quoted source on Forex and gold themes.
- Regular speaker/panellist at Dubai Forex conferences, including Forex Expo and iFX EXPO.
- Produces market commentary and outlooks for GTC’s audience in the region.
- Bridges research and education by translating macro narratives into trade-relevant takeaways.
| Minimum Deposit: $5 Regulated by: CySEC, FSC, ASIC Leverage: Up to 1:3000 |
6. Daniel Takieddine
Who is Daniel Takieddine?
Daniel Takieddine is a Dubai-based markets executive and strategist. In July 2024, he became Co-founder and CEO of Sky Links Capital Group, a brokerage venture that has since established operations in the UAE.
Daniel Takieddine’s Path Into Trading
- Began in client and dealing roles at Amana Capital, learning Forex and CFDs from the desk up.
- Spent six years at ADSS in senior commercial posts tied to trading and liquidity access.
- Joined FXPRIMUS in Dubai as Head of Sales.
- Appointed CEO, MENA at BDSwiss in October 2021.
- Quoted regularly in major outlets while overseeing the MENA franchise.
- Co-founded Sky Links Capital in 2024 and took the CEO role as the firm entered the UAE market.
Trading Style and Market Approach
| Metric | Description |
| Core lens | Macro-event focus: policy, growth, inflation, and energy trends driving Forex, gold, and regional equities. |
| Methods | Event-driven setups with technical confirmation at key levels; emphasis on sizing and catalyst risk. |
| Instruments covered | Major Forex pairs, gold, oil; tracks dollar indices, U.S. yields, and GCC equities for context. |
| Time horizon | Short to medium term, around data releases and policy meetings. |
Influence and Impact in the UAE Forex Scene
- Led BDSwiss’s MENA unit and appeared as a quoted source in international wires.
- Speaks at Dubai industry events, addressing brokerage models and trader education.
- As Sky Links Capital CEO, helped steer the firm’s UAE authorisations and build-out.
- Regular commentary on gold, Forex, and regional equities for business media.
 | Minimum Deposit: $0 Regulated by: ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, SCB Leverage: Up to 1:500 |
Why strategic thinking outperforms luck in forex
Most retail CFD accounts lose money, and it’s not fate, but poor risk control and no defined edge. Strategy can fix both through discipline and process. Here’s how:
- A rules-based plan beats guesswork because repeated decisions need consistency and an edge, not luck.
- Position sizing matters more than instinct; compounding works only when trades align with a measurable advantage.
- Survival is the goal. Most retail traders lose money because they neglect risk control, not because the market is impossible.
- With trillions traded daily, randomness dominates. Strategy limits risk, defines entries and exits, and gives structure to decision-making.
- Skill endures while luck fades. Traders who apply discipline outperform those relying on chance.
- Reviewing trades and backtesting converts data into useful rules, cuts drawdowns, and keeps capital ready for future opportunities.
Final thoughts: What we learned from the UAE’s leading traders
Overall, what the most successful traders in the UAE share is not a single strategy but a mindset. They research, prepare, and wait for their edge rather than trading every headline. They protect capital like it is inventory, knowing that opportunity only exists for those who survive in the markets.
Their work reminds traders that consistency is built, not stumbled upon. In a market as competitive as forex, skill compounds, luck fades, and only the disciplined have a chance to make profits.
Frequently Asked
Most follow major pairs, gold, and oil-linked currencies. These instruments align with the UAE’s macro environment and liquidity.
They measure consistency, drawdowns, and adherence to strategy. Success is defined by process, and not short bursts of gain.
They review markets, plan entries, and stay informed on economic data. Reflection and preparation are routine.
Risk management is central. They size positions carefully, protect capital, and treat survival as the foundation for long-term growth.
They’re disciplined, data-driven, and patient. Each focuses on process, risk management, and consistent decision-making instead of chasing quick trades.
Addendum/Disclosure:
No matter how diligently we strive to maintain accuracy, all financial markets feature a volatile environment that may change at any time, even if the information supplied is correct at the time of going live.
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