Sarwa is a digital wealth platform offering automated portfolios (Sarwa Invest) and self-directed trading (Sarwa Trade).
The platform is a beginner-friendly robo-advisor, designed for small to mid-size investors seeking simple, low-cost portfolios.
However, digital platforms may not prevent panic-selling during market downturns the way a human adviser can.
Innovest Global Wealth published the article in collaboration with the esteemed financial wealth manager and expat, Adam Fayed, from www.adamfayed.com
You can reach us via WhatsApp at +256773488765 and +44 7393 450 837 or by email at info@innovestglobalwealth.com and hello@adamfayed.com
Is Sarwa legal in the UAE?
Yes. Sarwa operates legally in the UAE and is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
They hold a license for offering investment services to retail clients, including portfolio management and advisory services.
While regulated, as with any investment platform, you should still do your own due diligence, especially if you are a non-UAE resident.
Is Sarwa investment safe?
Yes, Sarwa is generally considered safe for UAE-based investors, but like all investments, it carries market risk and is not a risk-free option.
The platform takes several measures to protect your investments:
· Customer data is encrypted with 256-bit security.
· Your assets are held separately from Sarwa’s funds.
However, non-UAE residents may experience slower withdrawals or additional verification steps.
What is the minimum deposit for Sarwa?
The minimum investment for Sarwa accounts is $ 500 USD, regardless of whether you use Sarwa Invest or Sarwa Trade.
Other Sarwa Fee Structure
· Invest (automated portfolios): USD 7.00 per month or an annual fee of 0.4% to 0.85% of assets.
· Trade (self‑directed): USD 1 per trade or 0.25% of the order amount.
· Save (cash account): Annual fee of 0.5%, with up to ~4.1% estimated return, no lock‑ups.
Sarwa doesn’t charge:
· Account opening or maintenance fees
· Custody or withdrawal fees
· Inactivity fees
· Local transfer fees for UAE accounts
Sarwa Investment Options
Sarwa provides three portfolio types: Conventional, Halal, and Socially Responsible. These are built from diversified ETFs across global markets, with risk levels ranging from conservative to aggressive.
· Conventional: A broadly diversified portfolio of stocks + bonds + tangible assets, aimed at global market exposure.
· Halal: A portfolio constructed to meet Islamic investment principles, thus avoiding alcohol, gambling, etc. It utilizes Sukuk and ETFs that are compliant with Islamic indices.
· Socially Responsible (SRI): Portfolios that incorporate ESG or social impact screening while maintaining global diversification and similar risk/return characteristics to the conventional offerings.
Note that returns are not guaranteed and are driven by markets and portfolio choices, not simply by the platform.
How to fund a Sarwa account
You can fund your account via local bank transfer, which typically clears in 1–2 business days. International bank transfers take 3–4 business days.
Card funding may be available in some cases and can clear instantly. The bank account used must be in your name and verified within the Sarwa app.
How to transfer money from Sarwa to a bank account?
1. Log in to the Sarwa app or website.
2. Navigate to Account → Withdrawals → Make a Withdrawal.
3. Select the bank account to receive the funds (must be verified and in your name).
4. Enter the amount and confirm the withdrawal.
5. Track the status under “Withdrawal status” in the app.
How long does it take to withdraw money from Sarwa?
· Sarwa Invest: 4–6 business days (6–9 for Halal portfolios).
· Sarwa Save: 3–5 business days.
· Sarwa Trade: 1–2 business days for settled cash.
International withdrawals may take longer depending on your bank and currency.
Sarwa Dubai vs Other Robo-Advisors
Sarwa is similar in concept to platforms like Wealthsimple, Nutmeg and Wealthify. That is, automated investment services offering diversified portfolios for a lower fee vs traditional wealth managers.
· Hybrid model: Sarwa markets itself as a robo-advisor hybrid. You get automated portfolio allocation via algorithms plus access to human advisors for goal-setting, financial planning or questions.
· Lower entry cost: The platform allows you to start investing with relatively modest amounts (e.g., 500 USD for its core auto-portfolio product) which is at the lower end compared to other advisors.
· Multiple portfolio types: Unlike some robo-advisors, which offer only conventional portfolios, Sarwa offers specific portfolio categories, including Conventional, Halal (Sharia-compliant), and Socially Responsible options.
Compared to older robo-advisors in Europe or North America, Sarwa is relatively new and regionally focused, so its track record is shorter.
For investors with higher net worth, complex tax or residency issues, bespoke strategies or highly customized portfolios, platforms like Sarwa may still be useful but may not cover every need.
Pros or Advantages of Sarwa Dubai
· Client assets are held in SIPC-protected accounts
· Sarwa is cheaper, more transparent, and easier to use than many other robo-advisors
· Minimums are accessible
· The interface and onboarding process are beginner-friendly
· Although primarily automated, Sarwa also provides access to financial advisors
Cons or Disadvantages of Sarwa Dubai
· As a robo-advisor, investors can’t pick individual stocks or change ETF allocations manually (though Sarwa Trade allows individual stock and ETF trading).
· This service is designed primarily for retail and mass-affluent investors looking for diversified, hands-off portfolio management.
· Not for high-net-worth or institutional clients needing tailored strategies.
· Sarwa does not offer tax-efficient accounts like ISAs or IRAs that investors in the UK or the US may expect.
· There are no guaranteed profits, and investors may experience short-term losses.
The Bottom Line
Sarwa is ideal for beginner investors or those with smaller amounts of capital, offering easy-to-use automated portfolios and low fees.
But while convenient, robo-advisors like Sarwa may not help you avoid the behaviour gap—the tendency to panic-sell during market downturns.
History shows that during crashes like March 2020, 2008, and even the 2022 correction, investors using digital platforms were more likely to sell at the wrong time than clients with human advisers.
The lack of exit fees makes withdrawals easy, but it can also tempt investors to make emotionally driven decisions, undermining long-term gains.
Those with complex tax, residency, or estate needs may still prefer personalized financial advice, especially high-net-worth individuals.
