UAE → Pakistan (Raast Instant Payment)
Send Money to Raast from UAE (2026 Guide)
Raast is Pakistan's State Bank-backed instant payment system, enabling instant bank account credits via IBAN. For UAE OFWs sending to Pakistan, understanding Raast means understanding why bank transfers arrive faster than ever — often within seconds. This guide explains how Raast works, which UAE providers use it, and how it compares to Easypaisa and JazzCash.
Quick answer
You cannot select "Raast" directly in UAE transfer apps. Instead, send to a Pakistani bank account (IBAN) — if the recipient's bank is Raast-connected (all major banks are), the credit arrives instantly via Raast. Remitly and Wise are the best options for UAE to Pakistan bank transfers that use the Raast infrastructure.
What is Raast?
Raast (meaning "direct" in Urdu) is the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) instant payment system, launched in phases from January 2021. It is Pakistan's equivalent of India's UPI or UAE's Aani instant payment system.
Instant bank credits
Raast transfers between Pakistani banks complete in seconds, 24/7/365 — unlike IBFT (which can take 2–4 hours during banking hours).
IBAN or Raast ID
Recipients can receive via their IBAN or their registered Raast ID (usually their mobile number linked to their bank account).
All major banks connected
HBL, MCB, UBL, Meezan Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, and most other Pakistani banks are Raast-enabled.
International receiving via bank
International transfers from UAE land in the recipient's Pakistani bank account and are credited instantly via Raast if the bank is enrolled.
Which UAE Providers Support Raast-Enabled Bank Delivery?
| Provider | Bank Delivery (Raast-eligible) | Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | Yes | Minutes (Express) | Bank account delivery — Raast credits if bank enrolled |
| Wise | Yes | 1–2 days | Bank transfer via IBAN; Raast routing within Pakistan |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Yes | Same day | Bank deposit to Pakistani banks; no direct Raast selection |
| LuLu Exchange | Yes | Same day | Bank transfer to Pakistani accounts |
| WorldRemit | Yes | 1–4 hours | Bank account delivery supported |
Raast vs Easypaisa vs JazzCash — Which to Use from UAE?
| Feature | Raast (via bank) | Easypaisa | JazzCash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs bank account? | Yes | No | No |
| Max receiving limit | Bank account limits (high) | PKR 200,000/month | PKR 200,000/month |
| Speed | Seconds (via Raast) | Minutes | Minutes |
| Best for | Large transfers | Unbanked recipients | Unbanked recipients |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from UAE to Raast?
Yes, indirectly. Send to a Pakistani bank account (IBAN) via Remitly, Wise, or other UAE providers. If the recipient's bank is Raast-enrolled (all major banks are), the domestic credit happens instantly via Raast. You don't select 'Raast' as a delivery option — it's the domestic infrastructure behind bank transfers.
What is Raast Pakistan?
Raast is the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) instant payment system launched in 2021. It enables instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers via IBAN or Raast ID (mobile number). All major Pakistani banks are connected. It is Pakistan's equivalent of India's UPI.
Raast vs Easypaisa from UAE — what's the difference?
Raast delivers to bank accounts (needs IBAN, high limits, good for large transfers). Easypaisa delivers to mobile wallets (no bank account needed, capped at PKR 200,000/month, instant). If your recipient has a bank account, bank transfer is usually better for large amounts. For recipients without a bank account, use Easypaisa or JazzCash.
Compare AED to PKR rates now
Live rates from providers supporting Pakistan bank delivery. No paid rankings.
Compare AED to PKR →Rates are indicative. Verify with provider before sending. remit.ae is an independent comparison platform operated by Stack Jewels LLC. We do not transfer money or hold funds. PKR rates are volatile — verify immediately before transacting. Raast is operated by the State Bank of Pakistan.