Transferring money from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the UK and US is relatively straightforward, thanks to the country’s strong financial infrastructure and international banking networks. However, it is essential to understand the regulatory framework, fund protection measures, and the best currency transfer providers for large money transfers. This guide covers the key aspects of currency transfers, who regulates them, and the most reliable services for transferring funds internationally.
| Currency Broker | Number of Currencies | Min Transfer | Forward Contracts | Same Day | Customer Reviews | Get Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 40 | £100 | 24 months | ✔️ | (Based on 2,603 reviews) | Request Quote |
 | 40 | £100 | 12 months | ✔️ | (Based on 910 reviews) | Request Quote |
 | 55+ | £250 | 12 months | ✔️ | (Based on 49 reviews) | Request Quote |
 | 30+ | £3,000 | 24 months | ✔️ | (Based on 91 reviews) | Request Quote |
Is It Hard to Transfer Money from the UAE to the UK and US?
No, transferring money from the UAE to the UK and US is not difficult, provided that you use a regulated and reputable service. The UAE has a well-established banking sector with numerous financial institutions offering international money transfers. Most transfers can be completed through:
- Banks: Traditional banking wire transfers with SWIFT.
- Money Transfer Services: Digital payment platforms and remittance providers.
- Currency Brokers: Specialized firms offering competitive exchange rates and lower fees for large transfers.
The ease of transfer depends on the method used, transaction size, and compliance with UAE regulations.
Who Regulates Currency Transfers in the UAE?
International money transfers in the UAE are regulated to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud. The main regulatory bodies include:
- Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): Oversees financial institutions, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): Monitors suspicious transactions and ensures compliance with global financial regulations.
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): Regulates financial service providers in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority: Governs financial transactions within Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone.
These regulatory bodies ensure that all money transfer services operating in the UAE adhere to international financial laws, safeguarding transactions and customer funds.
Are Funds Protected When Transferring Money?
Yes, funds are generally protected when using regulated money transfer services. Protections include:
- Regulated Providers: Banks and financial institutions must adhere to strict security and compliance measures.
- Segregated Client Accounts: Many currency brokers keep client funds separate from company operating funds.
- SWIFT Network: Most bank wire transfers use SWIFT, providing secure, traceable transactions.
- Fraud Prevention Measures: AML and KYC (Know Your Customer) policies help prevent financial fraud.
For additional safety, always use a licensed financial provider and verify their credentials before transferring large amounts.
Best Apps and Currency Brokers for Large Money Transfers
Several platforms and currency brokers specialize in secure, cost-effective international money transfers from the UAE to the UK and US. Here are some of the best options:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
- Low fees and mid-market exchange rates.
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UAE.
- Fast transfers to UK and US bank accounts.
- Western Union
- Global reach with cash pickup options.
- Suitable for both small and large transfers.
- Available through online and in-person services.
- Revolut
- Digital banking app with low-cost international transfers.
- Provides access to multi-currency accounts.
- Competitive exchange rates for large transactions.
- OFX
- Specializes in large money transfers with no hidden fees.
- Provides dedicated account managers for high-value transactions.
- Offers rate alerts and hedging options.
- CurrencyFair
- Peer-to-peer currency exchange for better rates.
- Secure, low-cost transfers for large sums.
- Multi-currency support for sending funds globally.
- XE Money Transfer
- Competitive exchange rates for high-value transfers.
- No transfer fees on most transactions.
- Well-established brand with strong security measures.
- Emirates NBD and HSBC UAE (Bank Transfers)
- Traditional bank wire transfers with strong customer support.
- Secure transactions for high-net-worth individuals.
- Integration with UAE-based banking services.
Conclusion
Currency transfers from the UAE to the UK and US are well-regulated and generally safe, provided that you use a licensed service provider. The CBUAE, DFSA, and ADGM oversee transactions to ensure compliance with financial laws. Whether using banks, money transfer apps, or currency brokers, selecting a trusted provider can help minimize fees and secure favorable exchange rates. For large transfers, platforms like OFX, Wise, and XE Money Transfer offer competitive rates and dedicated services to protect your funds and maximize value.
