How to safely pay for real estate in the UAE in rubles?

Buying an apartment or villa in Dubai is a major investment, and it's important to think ahead about how to transfer rubles safely and without hassle . Direct bank transfers in dirhams are often inconvenient: fees are high, transfers take several days, and for large amounts, banks require proof of source of funds.

There are several methods that actually work and allow you to avoid unnecessary risks: intermediaries (hawala), cryptocurrency, and SWIFT transfers through a bank .

1. Transfer through an intermediary (hawala)

Hawala is a traditional method of transferring money without the involvement of banks. You give rubles to a trusted intermediary in Russia, and their partner in the UAE gives you the same amount in dirhams or dollars. This method bypasses lengthy banking procedures, and the money arrives much faster.

Advantages:

• Payments arrive within one day, which is very convenient for urgent property payments. You can be sure that the funds will reach the developer almost immediately.

• Suitable for large amounts where a bank transfer may raise suspicions or limit restrictions. This allows you to invest significant amounts without any hassle.

• The exchange rate is usually better than that of banks, and commissions are minimal, which allows you to save on currency exchange.

What to look out for:

• Always choose a reputable broker with a proven track record. It's best to use services with reviews from real clients or official recommendations.

• It's recommended to lock in the exchange rate in advance to avoid surprises due to exchange rate fluctuations. This is especially important for large transactions.

Example: 5 million rubles are transferred to an intermediary in Moscow. Within a few hours, the developer receives the amount in dirhams and can immediately process the contract payment.

2. Transfer via cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency transfer is a modern and fast way to transfer money. You convert rubles into a stable cryptocurrency, such as USDT or USDC, through a trusted exchange or exchange, and then send the funds to a platform in the UAE. There, the crypto is exchanged for dirhams, and the funds are deposited into the developer's account or issued in cash.

Pros:

• Online and very fast – funds arrive within a few hours, saving time and allowing you to complete transactions almost instantly.

• You control the rate and fees yourself. Platforms often display all costs upfront, making it easy to understand how much the developer will actually receive.

• Suitable for large sums, especially if you need to transfer money remotely, without visiting a bank or exchange office.

Cons:

• Experience with cryptocurrency is required, as it is important to choose the right network and wallet address for the transfer.

• Exchange rate fluctuations may slightly change the final amount, so it is recommended to fix the exchange rate at the time of transfer or use stablecoins.

3. SWIFT transfer via bank

A bank SWIFT transfer is a classic method for transferring funds abroad. You send rubles through a bank to a foreign currency account, and the developer receives the equivalent in dirhams or dollars. This option is considered official and secure, but it has its own nuances.

Pros:

• This is a completely official procedure, and the money goes through the banking systеm, which guarantees the transparency of the transfer.

• Suitable for clients who value official transaction confirmation and documentary support.

• It is possible to transfer fairly large amounts, especially if the bank is prepared in advance to process such transactions.

Cons:

• Fees can be high, and transfers take 3 to 7 business days, which can be inconvenient for urgent payments.

• Banks often require proof of source of funds, especially for large amounts, so it is necessary to prepare documents in advance.