Dubai and the other emirates of the UAE have long been key business centers worldwide. Entrepreneurs from Russia, Ukraine, and other countries establish companies, register branches, and conclude deals here. But one of the key practical issues facing any business is how to transfer money to partners in the Emirates safely, quickly, and without unnecessary bureaucracy.
In this article, we’ll explore the main methods for transferring funds to the UAE for businesses—from traditional bank payments to modern alternatives actively used by entrepreneurs.
Bank transfers (SWIFT)
For corporate clients, banks offer transfers via the SWIFT systеm . This is an official and legally transparent option, suitable for contracts and accounting.
Peculiarities:
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money is debited from the company’s corporate account in Russia or Ukraine;
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the translation takes from 2 to 7 business days;
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The bank requires a package of documents: an agreement with a partner, invoices, confirmation of the origin of funds;
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commissions – from 1% to 5% + fixed fees.
Pros: legal transparency, easy to verify the transaction for tax purposes.
Cons: slow, expensive, and complicated for non-residents.
Exchange services
For quick payments, many companies use exchange services .
How does this work:
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The company transfers funds in rubles or hryvnias through an exchange office or transfer.
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In Dubai, the partner receives payment in dirhams.
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If necessary, the service issues a payment instrument (for example, a manager check).
Advantages:
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speed (from several hours to a day);
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no bureaucracy – no need for a long package of documents;
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Flexibility: you can transfer any amount, including rubles and hryvnias.
For many entrepreneurs, this is a real way to establish settlements with partners without being tied to strict bank limits.
Havala
The hawala systеm is traditionally used in the UAE for businesses and individuals. It is especially popular among entrepreneurs who value speed and flexibility.
Principle:
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a business in Russia or Ukraine transfers money to an intermediary;
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The partner in Dubai receives payment in dirhams.
Benefits of hawala for business:
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fast payments (often on the same day);
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the ability to transfer in different currencies (rubles, hryvnia, dollars, dirhams);
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minimum bureaucracy;
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the ability to pay not only for goods and services, but also for rent and salaries of employees in the UAE.
Many entrepreneurs consider hawala a more practical solution than SWIFT when it comes to regular and prompt payments.
Cash-to-cash
The cash-to-cash format is also used in business.
Example: a company gives out cash rubles or hryvnias in its city, and its partner in Dubai receives the equivalent in dirhams.
This is convenient when you need to quickly pay for a batch of goods or office rent, without waiting for bank confirmations.
Check manager
A manager’s check is very common in Emirati business practice . This is a bank check made out to the recipient.
For business:
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guarantees that the money is actually blocked and will be paid out;
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suitable for large transactions (for example, renting or buying an office);
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is often a mandatory requirement when paying through official structures.
Which method should a business choose?
In practice, entrepreneurs combine tools:
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For official contracts, use SWIFT and manager checks;
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for quick payments – hawala and exchange services;
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for flexible transactions – cash-to-cash.
This approach allows us to maintain a balance between security, speed and formality.
Result
Payments to partners in the UAE can be made in a variety of ways. Bank transfers are suitable for legally transparent contracts, but they are time-consuming. Hawala and exchange services have become the choice of most entrepreneurs from Russia and Ukraine due to their speed and flexibility.
And the check manager remains a universal tool that closes large transactions in Dubai and other emirates.
