The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s largest remittance-sending countries on a per-capita basis. With expatriates making up roughly 88% of the population, billions of dirhams flow out of the UAE every year to India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Nigeria, and across the wider Middle East and Africa. The country’s remittance network is anchored by a dense ecosystem of licensed exchange houses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and the labour camps of Al Quoz, Sonapur and Mussafah. In Q1 2026 alone, the Central Bank of the UAE reported strong remittance activity driven by a favourable AED/foreign-currency environment. The sector is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which issued new Exchange Business Regulations in 2025 to bring fintech-grade compliance, anti-money-laundering, and consumer protection standards to all licensed operators.
Money Transfer Locations
Al Ansari Exchange
Al Ansari Exchange is the UAE’s largest exchange house network, with hundreds of branches across all seven emirates and partnerships with major global remittance brands.
- Al Ansari Exchange Dubai
- Al Ansari Exchange Abu Dhabi
- Al Ansari Exchange Sharjah
- Al Ansari Exchange Ajman
- Al Ansari Exchange Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Ansari Exchange Fujairah
- Al Ansari Exchange Al Ain
LuLu Exchange (LuLu Financial Holdings)
LuLu Exchange is part of LuLu Financial Group with a strong footprint inside LuLu Hypermarkets and standalone branches across the UAE.
- LuLu Exchange Dubai
- LuLu Exchange Abu Dhabi
- LuLu Exchange Sharjah
- LuLu Exchange Ajman
- LuLu Exchange Al Ain
- LuLu Exchange Ras Al Khaimah
Wall Street Exchange
Wall Street Exchange is owned by United Fin-tech Solutions, in turn owned by Emirates Post Group — one of the UAE’s most established remittance brands.
- Wall Street Exchange Dubai
- Wall Street Exchange Abu Dhabi
- Wall Street Exchange Sharjah
- Wall Street Exchange Ajman
UAE Exchange (Unimoni)
- UAE Exchange Dubai
- UAE Exchange Abu Dhabi
- UAE Exchange Sharjah
- UAE Exchange Al Ain
- UAE Exchange Ras Al Khaimah
Joyalukkas Exchange
Joyalukkas Exchange is the financial-services arm of the Joyalukkas Group, popular for India and South Asia corridors.
- Joyalukkas Exchange Dubai
- Joyalukkas Exchange Abu Dhabi
- Joyalukkas Exchange Sharjah
Al Fardan Exchange
- Al Fardan Exchange Dubai
- Al Fardan Exchange Abu Dhabi
- Al Fardan Exchange Sharjah
Other Licensed Exchange Houses
- Al Ahalia Money Exchange Bureau
- Al Razouki International Exchange
- Al Rostamani International Exchange
- Redha Al Ansari Exchange
- Index Exchange
- GCC Exchange
- Sharaf Exchange
Global Brands
International money transfer brands operate in the UAE primarily through partnerships with the local exchange houses listed above:
- Western Union — via Al Ansari Exchange and partner outlets
- MoneyGram — via UAE Exchange (Unimoni) and Wall Street Exchange
- Ria Money Transfer — via various exchange house partners
Digital Money Transfer Providers
Mobile-first remittance apps are growing rapidly in the UAE in 2026, particularly for Asia and Africa corridors:
- Botim — UAE-licensed app with remittance services
- Wise — Available to UAE residents with verified accounts
- Remitly — Strong India, Philippines and Pakistan corridors
- e& money (formerly Etisalat) — Mobile wallet with cross-border transfers
Major Bank & Financial Partners
UAE banks handle larger SWIFT wires, salary disbursements, and corporate remittances:
- Emirates NBD
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Mashreq Bank
- RAKBANK
- HSBC UAE
- Standard Chartered UAE
Regulator
All exchange houses and money transfer providers in the United Arab Emirates are licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The CBUAE’s Exchange Business Regulations (updated 2025) set capital, governance, anti-money-laundering and consumer-protection requirements for every licensed operator. Always verify your exchange house holds a current CBUAE licence before sending funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can migrant workers in the UAE send money to their home country?
Expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates — whether from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria or elsewhere — can send money home through CBUAE-licensed exchange houses such as Al Ansari Exchange, LuLu Exchange, Wall Street Exchange, UAE Exchange (Unimoni), Joyalukkas Exchange and Al Fardan Exchange. These operate hundreds of branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates, and partner with Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria for global cash-pickup coverage. Digital apps including Wise, Remitly, Botim and e& money round out the options.
How long does an international money transfer from the UAE take?
Most transfers from the UAE arrive within minutes for cash pickup in India, the Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh through major exchange-house corridors. Bank deposits to recipient accounts in Asia typically post within 1–2 business days, while SWIFT wires take 2–4 business days. UAE banks observe Saturday–Sunday closure (some Friday–Saturday in older calendars), which can add a banking day for weekend transfers.
What ID is required to send money from the UAE?
Senders in the UAE must present a valid Emirates ID for any remittance transaction. Tourists may use a passport. CBUAE anti-money-laundering rules require enhanced documentation — including proof of salary, employment contract, or source-of-funds — for transactions above AED 55,000 in a single day. Recipients abroad must present ID matching the name on the transfer, the sender’s full name and country, the amount, and the MTCN or reference number.
Which exchange house offers the best rate from the UAE?
Exchange rates and fees change daily, and the most competitive provider depends on the corridor. Al Ansari Exchange, LuLu Exchange and Joyalukkas Exchange typically compete aggressively on the India, Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh corridors. UAE Exchange (Unimoni) and Wall Street Exchange are strong on Africa and Europe corridors. Digital apps like Wise, Remitly and Botim often beat exchange-house rates for digital-to-bank transfers. Compare the all-in cost (fee + FX margin) on the same day before sending.
How are UAE money transfer providers regulated?
All exchange houses and money transfer providers in the United Arab Emirates are licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The CBUAE’s Exchange Business Regulations — updated in 2025 — impose capital requirements, AML/KYC obligations, fintech-grade compliance standards, and consumer-protection rules on every licensed operator. Confirm your provider’s CBUAE licence before sending funds, especially for first-time use of a new exchange house.