Sending money from the UK to the UAE

Send Your Money Confidently Without Hidden Costs

Transferring money from the UK to the UAE can feel complicated, especially if you’re juggling time zones, banks and fluctuating exchange rates.

As an independent currency specialist, we have lower overheads than traditional banks, allowing us to offer more competitive exchange rates and personal guidance on when to trade, so your Pounds go further when converted to Dirhams. Every transfer runs through FCA-regulated, safeguarded client accounts, keeping your funds secure from start to finish.

Why Expert Guidance Matters

Currency transfers are more than just clicking send. Expert advice helps you understand:

• Costs - Transparent fees and margins mean no surprises.
• Timing - Exchange rates fluctuate constantly; timing can make a real difference.
• Transfer limits - Banks often restrict daily amounts, while specialists accommodate larger transfers.
• Security - FCA regulation and segregated accounts protect your funds.
• Tax considerations - Residency and transfer purpose can affect reporting obligations.

Regency FX advisers monitor markets daily and can guide you toward the most favourable time to convert GBP to AED.

How to Send Money from the UK to the UAE

The process is straightforward and designed for security and control:

1. Complete a Quick Identity Check
   UK regulations require proof of identity for first-time customers. Once verified, future transfers are seamless.
2. Lock In an Exchange Rate
   We quote a live GBP/AED rate and you decide when to act. Locking in the rate guarantees the amount your recipient will receive.
3. Send Your Payment
   Transfer Pounds to a safeguarded Regency FX account. Funds remain protected until conversion.
4. Receive Dirhams in the UAE
   Your money is converted at the agreed rate and sent to the recipient’s UAE bank account, usually within 1-3 business days.

How Long Does It Take?

Transfers from the UK to the UAE typically complete in 2–4 business days. Timing depends on:

• Bank processing times
• Currency-clearing cut-offs (often around 4 p.m. UK time)
• Public holidays in the UK or UAE

We recommend sending transfers earlier in the day, this gives banks and payment networks more time to process your funds.

Banks vs. Apps vs. Money Transfer Specialists

Transfer Fees

• Banks: £15-£30 per transfer, in some cases you will be charged a fee to receive as well as send payments.
• Specialists: Lower or waived for high-value transfers.

Exchange-Rate Margins

• Banks frequently apply a hidden markup of 3–4% above the market rate. On a £200,000 transfer, that could cost £6,000-£8,000.
• With Regency FX we can save you up to 5% compared to banks on large transfers.

With Regency FX, your dedicated Account Manager oversees the transfer, helping prevent errors such as incorrect bank details. With apps or online-only platforms, it’s up to you to enter everything correctly and if a mistake occurs, the money may be returned, which can take several days.

This delay can be critical if the transfer is time-sensitive for things such as property purchase or investment abroad.

How We Compare

Transfer Limits

There are no government-imposed limits on sending money from the UK to the UAE.
Banks often impose daily online limits of £25,000–£50,000, which can slow larger transfers.

With Regency FX, these limits do not apply. We can facilitate high-value transfers securely and efficiently, ideal for property purchases, business payments or regular remittances.

Security and Regulation

Always choose an FCA-regulated provider. At Regency FX:

• Funds are held in segregated, safeguarded accounts, separate from company finances.
• Money is used solely for your transfer.
• Each client gets a dedicated Account Manager, who will be on hand to help with queries and support at every step.

We also provide real-time tracking so you can monitor your transfer until it reaches your recipient.

Forward Contracts & Hedging Options

For large or recurring payments, forward contracts allow you to lock in today’s exchange rate for a transfer in the future.

• Protect against currency fluctuations
• Plan budgets with certainty
• Useful for property purchases, tuition or business contracts

Making the Most of the GBP to AED Exchange Rate

Even small market movements can impact large transfers. A 1% improvement on a £250,000 transfer saves £2,500.

Regency FX can:

• Monitor market movements
• Alert you when rates hit your target
• Use forward contracts to protect against volatility

This ensures you get the best value for every Pound sent.

Regulatory & Tax Considerations

• Large transfers may require AML verification or reporting if over £10,000.
• Residency and purpose of transfer can affect UK tax obligations.
• Regency FX can guide you through compliance and documentation, giving peace of mind.

Security & Fraud Prevention Tips

• Verify recipient details before sending. Regency FX can help check SWIFT/BIC codes, account names and other details to ensure your money goes to the right place - a service not offered by most online apps, where you must do it yourself.
• Avoid unknown platforms for transfers. Always do your due diligence and double-check who you’re sending money to, as these carry a high risk of scams and fraud.
• Use FCA-regulated providers only. You can verify any company on the FCA website to ensure they are properly authorised and your funds are protected.
• Monitor your transfer and stay informed. With Regency FX, you receive email updates at every stage. From sending your funds to their arrival in the recipient’s account, keeping you fully in the loop and ensuring your money remains safe throughout the process.

Currency Insights

• The UAE is one of the top five remittance destinations, with over £4.8 billion sent annually from the UK.
• GBP/AED mid-market volatility averages 4–6% per quarter, meaning a £100,000 transfer could see swings of £4,000–£6,000 in value. Timing your transfer correctly can make a real difference to how much Dirhams you receive.

Real-World Transfer Examples

We typically save our clients up to 5% versus the banks. Here’s what you could save on a big transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is it to use a money-transfer company?‍

Fully FCA-regulated providers like Regency FX hold all client funds in segregated, safeguarded accounts, completely separate from company money. This means your funds are protected at every stage, from transfer to delivery.

Why do online rates look better than what I’m offered?‍

Many sites show the interbank rate - the rate banks trade at, not what individuals receive. These generic rates aren’t always accurate, so it’s best to compare a few real quotes to see who’s offering the best deal.

Can I receive rate alerts?‍

Yes. Your Account Manager can monitor the GBP-AED market and notify you the moment your target rate becomes available, so you never miss an opportunity. This is ideal if you’re planning a large transfer and want to maximise value.

Are there limits on how much I can send?‍

There are no government restrictions on sending funds from the UK or UAE, though banks often cap online transfers at £25,000–£50,000 per day. With Regency FX, those limits don’t apply.

Can I schedule regular transfers?‍

Yes. You can set up recurring payments or use a forward contract to lock in today’s rate for future dates. This helps you plan ahead confidently, whether you’re paying overseas mortgages, tuition fees or monthly living costs.

About Regency FX

Regency FX is a UK-based independent currency broker, specialising in high-volume international transfers and risk management:

• Every client has a personal Account Manager
• Funds held in segregated FCA-regulated accounts
• Market monitoring for competitive rates
• Bespoke advice for personal, business or investment transfers

Request Your Free Quote

Compare your bank’s GBP to AED rate with Regency FX and see how much you can save.