UAE Remains Major Remittance Market as Outward Transfers Jump 28% to Dh188.8 Billion

Personal transfers lead at Dh115.7 billion as inward remittances surge 53.6% and Islamic banking assets climb to Dh1.33 trillion

The UAE has reinforced its position as one of the region's most significant remittance markets, with outward transfers through exchange houses rising sharply by 27.8 per cent year-on-year to Dh188.8 billion in 2025, according to the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Stability Report 2025.

The figures highlight the enduring scale of money movement flowing out of the Emirates, driven by its large expatriate population and thriving trade activity.

Personal Transfers Dominate Outward Flows

Personal remittances accounted for the largest share of outward transfers, reaching Dh115.7 billion, reflecting the UAE's status as home to one of the world's most diverse expat communities.

Trade remittances followed at Dh63.3 billion, with other remittances amounting to Dh8.5 billion and investment-related transfers reaching approximately Dh1 billion.

The Central Bank's data confirms that outward remittances remained significantly higher than inward flows, cementing the UAE's continued role as a net remittance-sending economy.

Inward Remittances Also on the Rise

Money flowing into the UAE through exchange businesses also recorded strong growth, with inward remittances jumping 53.6 per cent year-on-year to Dh36 billion.

Trade-related transfers made up the largest portion at Dh22.8 billion, followed by personal remittances at Dh8.1 billion — a sign of growing confidence in the UAE as a destination for capital inflows.

Exchange Houses Post Stronger Earnings

The surge in remittance activity translated into improved financial performance across the sector.

Net profits at exchange businesses increased 8.2 per cent to Dh625.6 million in 2025, while the sector's overall capital position strengthened 4.4 per cent to around Dh4 billion during the year.

Banking Assets Hit Dh1.33 Trillion

Beyond remittances, the report also pointed to robust expansion in the UAE's Islamic banking sector.

Assets rose 22 per cent year-on-year to Dh1.329 trillion in 2025, with the sector's market share reaching 24.7 per cent.

The growth trajectory has been consistent and steep — Islamic banking assets stood at around Dh857 billion in 2022, climbing to Dh956 billion in 2023, Dh1.089 trillion in 2024, before reaching last year's record high.

UAE Targets Dh4.96 Trillion in Finance by 2031

The expansion of Islamic banking comes in lockstep with the UAE's broader Islamic Finance and Halal Industry Strategy, approved by the Cabinet in May 2025.

The strategy aims to position the UAE as a global Islamic finance hub by developing larger financial institutions, expanding Sharia-compliant services, and supporting sukuk, investment and sustainable finance.

By 2031, the UAE is targeting Dh4.96 trillion in total Islamic finance assets — including approximately Dh2.6 trillion in Islamic banking assets alone.

The country also aims to raise the value of sukuk issuances listed domestically to more than Dh660 billion, while Islamic finance is projected to contribute around Dh27 billion to GDP by 2031.

A Market Built on Movement

Together, the remittance and Islamic banking figures paint a picture of a financial ecosystem that is both deeply connected to the global economy and rapidly maturing from within.

As the UAE continues to attract global talent, trade and investment, the flow of capital — in and out — looks set to grow further in the years ahead.

From Moving Money to Investing in the UAE

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At Azora Property, we help international investors and UAE residents navigate the Dubai property market with tailored support across property buying and selling, investment guidance, mortgage consultation, property management and Golden Visa assistance.

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