Send Money from UAE to Kenya: Dubai Remittance Guide 2025

The UAE hosts over 100,000 Kenyan workers, making it one of the top remittance corridors. Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, this guide compares your options for sending money back home.

Quick Comparison: UAE to Kenya

How Much Will Your Recipient Get?

Sending AED 2,000 to Kenya:

Best Options for UAE to Kenya

1. Wise - Best Exchange Rate

Why Choose Wise:

• Real mid-market rate (no markup)
• Regulated in UAE
• Send from Emirates NBD, ADCB, etc.
• Track transfers in real-time

How It Works:

1. Create Wise account
2. Verify Emirates ID
3. Send via bank transfer or card
4. Money arrives in M-Pesa

Fee: ~1.5% of transfer amount

Speed: 1-24 hours

Check Wise UAE →

2. Remitly - Fastest Transfers

Why Choose Remitly:

• Express delivery in minutes
• App works great in UAE
• Competitive rates
• 24/7 support

Payment Options:

• UAE debit/credit card
• Apple Pay
• Bank transfer

Check Remitly →

3. Exchange Houses - Convenient

Popular UAE exchange houses for Kenya transfers:

Al Ansari Exchange:

• 100+ branches across UAE
• Cash and bank transfer accepted
• Same-day M-Pesa delivery
• Loyalty program available

UAE Exchange (Unimoni):

• Large branch network
• Corporate accounts available
• Good for regular senders

Al Rostamani Exchange:

• Competitive rates
• Multiple locations in Dubai
• Bank transfer option

4. Bank Transfers

UAE banks offering Kenya transfers:

• Emirates NBD
• ADCB
• Mashreq Bank
• RAK Bank

Note: Bank transfers usually have higher fees and worse exchange rates than specialized providers.

Payment Methods in UAE

Bank Transfer

• Transfer from UAE bank account
• Lower fees for large amounts
• 1-2 day processing

Cash at Exchange House

• Visit any licensed exchange
• Bring Emirates ID
• Same-day processing

Debit/Credit Card

• Instant processing
• Higher fees
• Convenient for small amounts

Digital Wallets

Some providers accept:

• Apple Pay
• Samsung Pay
• UAE mobile wallets

UAE Regulations

Required Documents

• Emirates ID (mandatory)
• Passport (for first-time)
• Proof of income (for large amounts)

Transfer Limits

• Standard: AED 35,000/transaction
• Enhanced: AED 100,000+ (with documentation)
• Monthly limits may apply

Central Bank Oversight

All money transfer services in UAE are regulated by the Central Bank of UAE.

Working in UAE: Remittance Tips

For Monthly Salary Transfers

1. Set a schedule - Transfer on salary day for best rates
2. Compare weekly - Rates fluctuate significantly
3. Use apps - Often better than exchange houses
4. Avoid end of month - High demand = worse rates

For Large Transfers (AED 10,000+)

1. Call ahead for preferential rates
2. Consider splitting over multiple days
3. Use bank transfer to reduce fees
4. Get rate locks if available

Comparison: Exchange House vs App

FAQs for UAE Senders

Can I send cash to Kenya from UAE?

No, you cannot send physical cash. You can:

• Pay cash at exchange house → recipient gets M-Pesa
• Pay cash → bank transfer to Kenya
• Pay cash → cash pickup in Kenya

Which is cheapest: exchange house or app?

Apps like Wise typically offer better exchange rates, making them 2-5% cheaper overall.

How long does UAE to Kenya transfer take?

• Fastest: 10 minutes (Remitly Express)
• Standard: Same day (Exchange houses)
• Bank transfer: 1-3 business days

Is it safe to send money via apps?

Yes, regulated apps like Wise and Remitly are safe:

• UAE Central Bank licensed
• Encrypted transactions
• Money-back guarantees

Recommended by Amount

Conclusion

For UAE residents sending money to Kenya, Wise offers the best overall value with its mid-market rate. For convenience and cash payments, Al Ansari Exchange is reliable. For speed, Remitly Express delivers in minutes.

Compare all UAE options →

Calculate transfer →

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Last updated: January 2025