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Sarwa Helps UAE Residents Easily Invest In Global Stocks

Sarwa, the UAE-based online investment platform that is democratizing investing in the region, allows anyone to invest small amounts of money in global markets making investing simple and affordable for all investors in the Middle East.
Thanks to modern technology, lucrative investment opportunities are no longer available only to individuals with traditional access to stock markets. These days, there are many apps that let inexperienced and seasoned investors alike sit on a couch and invest their hard-earned money using nothing but a smartphone, and Sarwa is one of them.
The investment platform launched in February 2018 after raising over $1.3 million from regional and global investors during a pre-Series A. “We’re so excited to close this round with the top VCs regionally and internationally that are backing Sarwa in its growth,” said Mark Chahwan, CEO and co-founder of Sarwa, at the time.

Sarwa Founders
Fast-forward to today, and Sarwa has over 25,000 registered users, who use it to invest in international stock markets through a range of class assets. Sarwa caters to everyone regardless of their net worth: the platform has high net worth individuals, mass affluent as well as small retail investors. The same users will soon be able to trade with global shares without paying any commission on their trades.
What separates Sarwa from other investment platforms that are licensed to operate in UAE, such as Wealthface or Stashaway, is its AI-driven hybrid nature and exceptional customer support. The app platform uses artificial intelligence to recommend a specific investment portfolio based on each investor’s preferences and investment priorities while also providing their client base with access to humans when needed.
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“When you start investing with Sarwa, we assess your risk profile and recommend a diversified portfolio that reflects it,” explains Chahwan. “If you are a short-term investor, then your portfolio will inherently be less risky. If you are in a portfolio that has more exposure to stocks, which is considered more growth and more risk, then you are in it for the long-term and the short-term (even if it is a couple of years) won’t have an impact on your long-term strategy.”
In its beta form, access to global stock trading will be provided exclusively to Sarwa Invest customers, but other Sarwa users can enter a waiting list to join when the full product is launched.
News
UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know
A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.
The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.
The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.
The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.
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