Digital applications are rapidly becoming the preferred way for residents in the United Arab Emirates to send money abroad, according to a new report from Visa.
The Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report, released by the global payments company, shows that nearly two in three people surveyed in the UAE now favour using digital platforms over physical outlets when transferring funds internationally.
The findings highlight that ease of use (50%), along with safety, privacy and speed (46%), are the leading reasons behind the growing shift toward digital channels.
The role of remittances
Remittances remain vital for many in the UAE, a country home to a large expatriate population. Visa’s survey found that 49% of respondents send money to cover humanitarian or family needs, 48% provide regular support for loved ones, and 42% contribute to unexpected expenses.
The frequency of transfers is also high, with 95% of those surveyed sending money abroad at least once a year. This reflects the UAE’s position as the world’s third largest source of remittances, with Statista projecting transaction values to grow by 16.9% annually to $6.59 billion by 2030.
Challenges remain
Despite growing adoption, the report highlights persisting frustrations. High fees remain the most significant pain point, cited by 32% of senders and 27% of recipients in the UAE.
Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, said:
“For people in the UAE, digital payments are increasingly central to how they provide support to their families and communities around the world. As one of the world’s largest remittance hubs, the UAE plays a critical role in enabling these flows, and Visa is bringing new ways – in partnership with our clients – to meet the local demand for simpler, faster and more secure ways to transfer money internationally.”
Visa’s digital push
Visa is working with banks and financial partners to expand access to Visa Direct, a service that allows real-time transfers to billions of eligible cards, bank accounts and digital wallets worldwide.
In the UAE, Visa has also introduced Visa+, which enables consumers to make cross-border payments through Visa Direct using only a mobile number. The company says such initiatives are designed to improve accessibility and reliability for both individuals and businesses.
Global context
The UAE’s rising use of digital platforms for remittances reflects a broader global trend towards faster and more secure payment solutions. Analysts suggest that as fees are reduced and access expands, digital remittance apps are likely to dominate the market in the years ahead.
For now, Visa’s findings underline the scale of change already underway in one of the world’s most important remittance hubs, as families and communities continue to depend on fast and affordable international money transfers.
