This page summarises options for sending money from United Arab Emirates to United Kingdom and links the relevant regulator. Always compare the recipient amount and exchange rate on each provider's own site before sending - rates and fees change.
Editor's note
Outbound remittances from the UAE are regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which licences all exchange houses, fintech payment providers, and banks that offer international transfer services. There are no general restrictions on sending AED or foreign currency to the UK, though individual providers may apply their own transaction limits and documentation requirements in line with CBUAE anti-money-laundering guidelines.
Providers we have referenced for United Arab Emirates to United Kingdom
Pricing changes. Confirm the current fee, exchange rate, and recipient amount on each provider's own site.
| Provider | Fee | Speed | Exchange rate | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise charges a small fixed fee plus a percentage of the transfer amount. See wise.com for the current fee breakdown before sending. | Many transfers arrive within a few hours; some take up to two business days depending on bank processing times. | Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and displays the rate and fee separately before you confirm the transfer. | Wise is licensed in the UAE under the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Transfers are sent via local bank rails in the UK, typically crediting a GBP account directly. | |
| Revolut | Revolut offers fee-free transfers up to a monthly limit on paid plans; standard plan users may pay a small fee above the free allowance. Check revolut.com for current plan limits and fees. | Transfers between Revolut accounts are typically instant. Transfers to external UK bank accounts generally arrive within one business day. | Revolut uses the interbank rate during weekday market hours. A markup may apply on weekends or for currency conversions outside market hours. | Revolut operates in the UAE under a licence from the CBUAE. Users should confirm whether their UAE account type supports AED-to-GBP transfers at the time of sending. | |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Fees vary by transfer amount and channel (branch or app). See alansariexchange.com or visit a branch for a full quote. | Many transfers to UK bank accounts are processed within one to two business days. Cash transfers operate on different timelines. | Al Ansari Exchange sets its own AED/GBP rate, which includes a margin over the interbank rate. The rate is displayed at the point of transaction. | Al Ansari Exchange is licensed by the CBUAE and has a wide branch network across the UAE, making it accessible for users who prefer in-person service. | |
| UAE Exchange (Al Fardan Exchange) | Fees depend on the transfer amount and destination. Visit a branch or the official website for a current quote. | Typical processing time to UK bank accounts is one to two business days, subject to correspondent banking arrangements. | Exchange rates include a margin over the interbank rate. The rate is confirmed at the time of booking the transaction. | Licensed by the CBUAE. Services are available through branches across the UAE and via digital channels. Always confirm the all-in cost including the exchange rate margin. | |
| Bank wire (UAE retail bank) | UAE banks typically charge a fixed international transfer fee plus possible correspondent bank charges. Fees vary by bank and account type. Contact your bank directly for a current schedule. | International wire transfers from UAE banks to UK accounts generally take two to four business days, depending on intermediary banks involved. | Banks apply their own AED/GBP conversion rate, which typically includes a margin over the interbank rate. The rate is set at the time of the transaction. | Transfers are processed under SWIFT. Additional charges may be deducted by correspondent or beneficiary banks before funds arrive. Ask your bank whether the transfer is sent SHA (shared charges) or OUR (sender pays all) to avoid shortfalls. | |
| Western Union | Fees depend on the transfer amount, the funding method (bank account or card), and the payout method in the UK. See westernunion.com for a real-time quote. | Bank account deposits to the UK generally take one to two business days. Other payout options may have different timelines. | Western Union applies its own exchange rate, which includes a margin. The total cost including the rate and fee is shown before you confirm. | Western Union is licensed by the CBUAE and operates through its own agent network and digital platform in the UAE. |
The general process
- Choose a provider that is licensed in United Arab Emirates and serves the United Kingdom corridor.
- Open and verify an account. You will typically need a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Enter the transfer details. Recipient name must match their bank account exactly, with the correct account number or IBAN.
- Check the total cost. Compare the recipient amount and exchange rate against at least one other provider.
- Fund the transfer using a method the provider supports.
- Confirm delivery. Keep the reference number; it helps if you need to query the transfer with either provider.
The real cost of a transfer
A "low fee" is not always the same as a low cost. The total cost of a transfer is the explicit fee plus any markup between the provider's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters). The clearest way to compare providers is to look at the amount the recipient actually receives in GBP for a given amount of AED.
Total cost = transfer fee + (mid-market rate − provider rate) x amount
Worked example
Suppose you want to send 10,000 AED to United Kingdom. Two providers, two structures:
| Item | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline fee | 30 AED | 0 AED |
| Exchange-rate margin | 0% (mid-market) | 1.5% |
| Hidden FX cost on 10,000 | 0 AED | 150 AED |
| Total cost | 30 AED | 150 AED |
The "zero fee" option costs five times as much in this example because the FX margin is hidden inside the rate. The numbers above are illustrative - real margins and fees vary by provider and corridor. Always check the recipient amount on the provider's own quote screen before sending.
Tips
- 1Always compare the total cost of a transfer, not the fee alone. The exchange rate margin is often a larger cost component than the stated fee.
- 2Check whether your UAE bank applies a minimum or maximum daily limit on international transfers via online banking. Larger amounts may require a branch visit or a prior arrangement.
- 3Transfers to UK accounts require a valid UK sort code and account number or an IBAN. Confirm these details with your recipient before initiating a transfer to avoid delays or returns.
- 4Timing can affect the exchange rate you receive. Transfers initiated on weekends or UAE and UK public holidays may be processed at the next available business day rate.
- 5Keep your Emirates ID and source-of-funds documentation accessible. Exchange houses and banks may request these for transfers above certain thresholds under CBUAE anti-money-laundering requirements.
- 6If sending to a UK account held at a digital bank (such as Monzo or Starling), confirm with your provider that the IBAN or sort code format is accepted before sending.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on how much money I can send from the UAE to the UK?
- The CBUAE does not publish a single fixed cap on outbound personal remittances, but individual banks and exchange houses set their own transaction and daily limits. For large transfers, contact your provider directly. Additional documentation such as proof of source of funds may be required above certain thresholds.
- How long does a bank wire from the UAE to a UK account take?
- Most SWIFT-based bank wires from UAE retail banks to UK accounts take two to four business days. Processing time depends on the number of correspondent banks involved and whether the transfer is initiated on a business day in both countries.
- Do I need to pay tax on money I send to the UK from the UAE?
- The UAE does not levy personal income tax on remittances. In the UK, whether transferred funds attract a tax liability depends on your UK tax residency status, the nature of the funds, and UK HMRC rules. Consult a qualified tax adviser familiar with UK rules if you are uncertain about your position.
- What currency does money arrive in when I send from UAE to a UK bank account?
- Most transfers from UAE providers are converted from AED to GBP before or during the transfer. Some providers allow you to send USD or EUR to a UK multi-currency account. Confirm the arrival currency with your provider and recipient before sending.
- Can I use an exchange house in the UAE to send money to the UK?
- Yes. CBUAE-licensed exchange houses such as Al Ansari Exchange and Al Fardan Exchange offer international transfers to UK bank accounts. Services are available through branches and, in many cases, through mobile apps or online platforms.
- What details does my recipient in the UK need to provide?
- For a standard UK bank transfer you will need the recipient's full name, UK bank account number, and sort code. Some providers also request the bank name and branch address. For transfers routed via SWIFT, a UK IBAN (which incorporates the sort code and account number) may be required.
- What is the exchange rate used when sending AED to GBP?
- Each provider sets its own AED to GBP rate. Fintech providers such as Wise publish a rate close to the mid-market rate and show their fee separately. Banks and exchange houses typically include their margin within the quoted rate. Always confirm the final GBP amount your recipient will receive before confirming the transfer.
Official sources
Verify any provider is licensed before sending money: Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Financial Institutions.