Who sends money from the UAE to Pakistan
Common senders: construction, hospitality, retail and domestic workers, salaried professionals, and families who split their budget between the Gulf and home.
About this corridor
Pakistanis are one of the largest communities in the UAE, and Dubai–Pakistan transfers are routine. Sending to a bank account or a JazzCash/Easypaisa wallet through a licensed provider is quick, and formal channels are the only legal route: hawala is banned in Pakistan.
Worked example: sending 2,000 AED
Using the ExchangeRate-API rate on 2026-10-08, 1 AED = 75.4391 PKR, our estimate model gives these results for sending 2,000 AED:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 15.67 AED | 149,696 PKR | 1,182.32 PKR |
| Revolut | 6.00 AED | 149,673 PKR | 1,204.76 PKR |
| Remitly | 0.00 AED | 149,068 PKR | 1,810.54 PKR |
| Western Union | 18.36 AED | 146,503 PKR | 4,375.11 PKR |
| Bank wire (typical) | 73.45 AED | 141,704 PKR | 9,174.44 PKR |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 7,992.12 PKR more than a typical bank wire. Rates move daily and providers change pricing, so treat this as an illustration from our model; the live calculator above and the provider's own quote are what count. See how we estimate.
Sending to Pakistan: what to know
- Payout options: bank accounts (IBAN), mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa, and cash pickup.
- Banks that take part in the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) usually credit home remittances the same day.
- Overseas Pakistanis can also open a Roshan Digital Account to save or invest in Pakistan from abroad.
Rules and limits
In the UAE: Banks and exchange houses that send money from the UAE are licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). You need a valid Emirates ID to send, and the UAE does not tax outgoing personal remittances.
In Pakistan: The State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Remittance Initiative promote transfers through formal banking channels; hawala and hundi transfers are illegal.
How to pick the cheapest option
- Compare the amount received, not the fee. "Zero fee" offers usually hide their cost in the rate. How markups work.
- Small amounts: watch fixed fees. Large amounts: watch the markup.
- Avoid intermediary deductions. SWIFT wires can lose $10–30 in transit. Why.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from the UAE to Pakistan?
It depends on the amount and the day's pricing. This page calculates, at today's mid-market rate, how much PKR each provider delivers for 2,000 AED; the top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 2,000 AED?
Using the reference rate on 2026-10-08, our model puts the gap at about 7,992.12 PKR versus the cheapest option. Rates and pricing change daily.
How can my recipient in Pakistan receive the money?
Common payout options are bank accounts (IBAN), mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa, and cash pickup. Availability differs by provider, so check before you send.
How long does it take?
Digital services usually take minutes to 1–2 business days; bank wires often take 2–5 business days.
Sources
Official pages checked on