Transferring money between the UK and Middle East (Dubai/Saudi)

Financial Chat
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Hi All,

We’re moving to Riyadh (from the UK) next year, with a 6 month pitstop in Dubai.

We’ll still have our home in the UK with some other commitments so will still be paying some UK bills. Could anyone recommend an efficient way to transfer money between UK and Dubai/Saudi bank accounts?

I’ve already had to pay some expenses in Dubai and I’ve used “Wise” transfers within the Monzo app, which seems reasonably cost effective. However at the moment Wise doesn’t support Saudi Riyals, only UAE Dirhams.

Any recommendations for other services, especially those that supports Riyals to transfer money between from/to the UK? Looking for experience if possible, as google is a minefield and every service online seems to have great and terrible reviews.

Thank you!
Saqib

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Revolut supports SAR so you can try that though no guarantees.

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I’m lacking this but its been a few hours with no responses so I’m going to chime in with my little knowledge, only service I’m aware (there will be more of course) where you can transfer Riyals is Remitly.

I’d say consider opening an account with HSBC and transfer it that way if you already have a UK HSBC account, but unless you’d use it after the pitstop there’s probably no reason to do that.

1 Like
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If you qualify for HSBC Premier in the UK (or anywhere) then you can set up an account in HSBC UAE and in the Saudi Awwal Bank. Then transfer for free and instant using Global View.

2 Likes
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That’s what I was thinking of, couldn’t remember the name for it