Instant Payments in the UAE
Aani, bank app transfers, QR payments, and request-to-pay — what they are, how they differ, and when to use each.
What instant payment options exist in the UAE?
UAE instant payments: Aani (domestic AED, mobile number proxy, under 10 seconds, via Al Etihad Payments/CBUAE), bank app transfers (domestic instant or international via SWIFT), QR code payments, and request-to-pay via Aani. Key rule: Aani is domestic UAE only — for international transfers you need a remittance app or exchange house. remit.ae does not process payments.
What are you trying to do?
Select your goal — we'll point you to the right information. remit.ae does not process payments.
Important: Aani is for domestic UAE payments (AED only). It cannot send money internationally. For international transfers, use an exchange house or remittance app. remit.ae does not process any payments. Disclaimer
What is Aani (آني)?
UAE domestic instant payment system
Aani is the UAE's national domestic instant payment network, operated by Al Etihad Payments (AEP) — a subsidiary of the UAE Central Bank (CBUAE). Launched in October 2023 under the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme.
Core features
- ✓Instant AED transfers using a mobile number as proxy — no IBAN required
- ✓Request-to-pay — send a payment request to a UAE contact
- ✓Bill splitting among UAE contacts
- ✓QR code payments at participating merchants
- ✓Settlement in under ~10 seconds
- ✓Transaction limit: up to AED 50,000 (verify current limit at official source)
What Aani is NOT
- ✗Not an international remittance service — Aani is domestic UAE only, AED only
- ✗Cannot send money to India, Pakistan, Philippines, or any other country
- ✗remit.ae does not integrate with Aani — remit.ae is an information platform only
- ✗remit.ae cannot initiate or process Aani payments
Initial participant institutions(source-gated — verify current list)
Source: AEP/CBUAE Aani launch documentation (October 2023). This list is not exhaustive and may have grown. Verify current status at Al Etihad Payments (aletihad.ae).
Source: Al Etihad Payments (aletihad.ae) / CBUAE (centralbank.ae). Participant list and limits as of October 2023 launch documentation. Always verify current status at official sources.
Bank app transfers
EditorialMost UAE banks offer app-based transfers supporting both domestic AED payments and international SWIFT transfers. Many bank apps also include Aani as the instant domestic payment option within the same interface.
- Domestic AED transfers — instant (via Aani or standard) or standard processing
- International SWIFT transfers — 1–3 days typically (verify with your bank)
- Bill payments, utility payments, salary receipt
Editorial context — verify features with your specific bank.
Request-to-pay and QR payments
Request-to-pay (via Aani)
Send a payment request to a UAE contact. They receive a notification through their Aani-enabled bank app and approve the payment. Useful for splitting bills, collecting money from UAE contacts, or requesting payment for services.
QR code payments (via Aani)
Scan a QR code at participating merchants to initiate an Aani payment directly from your bank account. Part of the UAE Cashless Strategy (Dubai target: ~90% cashless by 2026).
Source: Al Etihad Payments / CBUAE / Dubai Cashless Strategy (1 Oct 2024).
Domestic vs cross-border payments
| Type | Currency | Options | Can Aani help? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (UAE to UAE) | AED | Aani, bank app, cash | Yes |
| International (UAE to India) | AED → INR | Remittance app, exchange house, bank SWIFT | No — Aani is domestic only |
| International (UAE to Pakistan) | AED → PKR | Remittance app, exchange house, bank SWIFT | No |
Sending money abroad?
Aani is for domestic UAE payments only. For international transfers, compare exchange houses and remittance apps — rates and fees vary significantly.
remit.ae does not transfer money. Always verify rates with the provider.
Related guides
FAQ — UAE instant payments
What instant payment options are available in the UAE?
Aani (domestic AED instant transfer, mobile number proxy), bank app transfers (domestic and international), QR code payments via Aani, and request-to-pay. For international instant transfers, compare licensed remittance apps.
Is Aani the same as a bank transfer?
No. Aani is a domestic instant payment rail (mobile number proxy, ~10 seconds). Bank transfers use IBAN, may take longer for standard processing, and can also go international via SWIFT. Many bank apps include Aani as a feature.
Can I send money abroad instantly from the UAE?
Not via Aani — it's domestic AED only. Some remittance apps offer fast international delivery. Compare options on remit.ae. Always verify with the provider.
Does remit.ae process instant payments?
No. remit.ae is a comparison and information platform. We do not process payments or integrate with Aani, any bank, or any UAE payment infrastructure.