For traders in the UAE and surrounding GCC markets (excluding Saudi Arabia), ADSS offers a compelling option for CFD trading across a diverse range of markets. Established in 2010 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, ADSS is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE, providing locally licensed access to the global markets.
This review explores ADSS’s trading conditions, platform tools, regulatory standing, and unique value proposition, particularly for forex, equity CFD, commodities, crypto, and index traders.
Contents
Regulatory Standing and Local Presence
One of the primary strengths of ADSS is its SCA regulation, which ensures traders in the UAE can access markets through a broker that operates under local oversight. ADSS is not regulated by the ADGM, and it does not offer financial advice—the company operates strictly as an execution-only broker. That distinction is important: ADSS facilitates access to financial instruments via contracts for difference (CFDs), but does not manage funds or offer portfolio advice.
Being headquartered in Abu Dhabi positions ADSS as a strong player for UAE-based traders. It provides support in both English and Arabic, with a deep understanding of local market preferences and regulatory compliance.
Account Types and Accessibility
ADSS offers three main account tiers:
- Classic
- Elite
- Pro
The Classic account is designed for most retail traders and provides access to the full suite of CFDs without commission. Spreads are variable, with EUR/USD typically starting at 0.7 pips. Higher-tier accounts benefit from tighter spreads, personal relationship managers, and tailored support services.
ADSS accounts are margin-based, and traders can use leverage up to 1:500 depending on the asset class and account level. However, leverage levels are adjustable and subject to risk parameters—something experienced traders will appreciate for better risk control.
Instruments and Market Coverage
ADSS provides a solid CFD offering across multiple asset classes, including:
Forex
- More than 60 currency pairs, from majors and minors to exotics
- Competitive spreads and deep liquidity
- Fast execution during key trading hours (24/5 coverage)
Equities & ETFs
- CFDs on global shares, including Apple, Tesla, Amazon, and many more
- Also includes some regional stocks
- Major ETFs such as SPY and QQQ are available as CFDs
- No direct ownership—all assets are CFDs
Commodities
- Gold, silver, oil (WTI and Brent), natural gas, copper, and agricultural products
- Crude oil spreads are notably competitive (as low as 0.02)
- Good for short-term commodity traders looking for volatility-based opportunities
Indices
- Access to major indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, NASDAQ 100, DAX, and more
- Ideal for macro-level CFD plays or hedging strategies
Cryptocurrencies
- Trade major cryptos as CFDs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash
- No wallets or crypto ownership involved
- Leverage is typically capped at 1:4 for crypto CFDs, reflecting higher volatility
The depth of markets is well-suited for active traders looking to diversify across asset classes without switching platforms.
Trading Platforms and Tools
ADSS provides two main trading platforms:
ADSS WebTrader
- Proprietary browser-based platform
- Clean user interface with custom watchlists, integrated charting, and fast order placement
- Fully compatible with mobile browsers
- No installation required—good for traders who prefer flexibility
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- The globally recognised platform for forex and CFD trading
- Supports Expert Advisors (EAs), custom indicators, and algorithmic trading
- Thousands of plugins are available for market analysis and automation
- Desktop, web, and mobile versions supported
Both platforms are reliable and stable, offering real-time pricing, price alerts, and multiple order types, including market, limit, and stop-loss. While ADSS does not currently offer VPS hosting or copy trading, traders who rely on MT4 will find the experience familiar and efficient.
Mobile Trading
ADSS also offers a dedicated mobile app compatible with iOS and Android. The app allows for:
- Full account management
- Real-time charts and indicators
- Trade execution across all supported CFDs
- Deposit/withdrawal and secure login
The mobile experience is intuitive and responsive, making it suitable for traders who monitor positions throughout the day or place trades while on the move.
Trading Costs and Execution Quality
ADSS follows a spread-only pricing model for Classic and Elite accounts:
- EUR/USD spreads from 0.7 pips
- Commodity spreads as low as 0.02
- No commissions on trades in Classic and Elite accounts
- Swap/rollover charges apply for overnight positions
Execution is handled using straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk intervention. This supports a faster execution environment with minimal slippage—an important feature for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
Withdrawals come with a flat fee of $5, which should be factored into ongoing cost considerations, especially for frequent fund movements.
Key Strengths
- SCA-regulated, based in Abu Dhabi
- Wide range of CFDs across asset classes
- Competitive forex and oil spreads
- Choice of ADSS WebTrader or MT4
- Strong mobile app and responsive support
- No commissions on standard accounts
- High leverage options up to 1:500
Final Thoughts
ADSS is a strong, regionally focused broker that provides execution-only CFD trading backed by local UAE regulation. Its combination of powerful platforms, diverse markets, and competitive conditions makes it particularly well-suited to forex and commodity traders seeking stability, flexibility, and leverage.
While it may not offer every advanced tool in the global market, ADSS balances trust, simplicity, and performance, making it a worthy contender for traders looking for a locally regulated and user-friendly broker in the UAE.