Visa has announced the results of a survey conducted in the UAE titled “Financial Transfers: Embracing Digital Channels 2025,” revealing the growing significance of digital applications as a preferred method for sending money abroad.
The study found that nearly two-thirds of the respondents in the UAE favor using digital applications over traditional websites for transferring funds internationally.
According to the survey, 50% of participants indicated that ease of use is the primary reason for choosing digital applications, while 47% highlighted security, privacy, and speed as critical factors influencing their choice.
Financial transfers continue to play a vital role, enabling residents in the UAE to support their families and communities overseas.
The Visa research revealed that 49% of individuals send money to cover essential needs or family support, 48% provide regular assistance to their loved ones, and 42% offer help for unexpected expenses.
Additionally, 95% of participants reported sending money at least once a year. This trend underscores the UAE’s position as the third largest global sender of remittances. According to Statista, a market and consumer data firm, the value of remittances is expected to grow at an annual rate of 16.91%, reaching $6.59 billion by 2030.
Despite the increasing reliance on digital transfer methods, there remain opportunities for growth, as 32% of respondents from the UAE cited high fees as a major challenge for sending money, while 27% noted issues receiving remittances.
Digital Payments
Salima Joutifa, Vice President and General Manager of Visa in the UAE, stated, “The importance of digital payments is increasing as an effective tool for customers in the UAE, allowing them to support their families and communities globally. As one of the largest remittance hubs in the world, the UAE plays a critical role in facilitating these flows. Visa is working with our partners to innovate new ways to meet local demand for simpler, faster, and more secure international money transfers.”
Visa collaborates with financial institutions in the UAE to address the growing demand for easier, more flexible, and reliable methods of sending money internationally. Visa Direct is a payment service that allows for real-time, secure money transfers through Visa’s global network, enabling individuals, companies, and government entities to send and receive funds to billions of eligible cards and bank accounts worldwide.
Recently, Visa launched the Visa+ service in the UAE, allowing consumers to use the Visa Direct platform for international money transfers using just a mobile phone number.