Can You Use Airwallex in the UAE? - UK Guide

Planning to expand your UK business overseas? Whether you’re entering new global markets or simply trading with other countries, you’re going to need a cost-effective way to manage company finances in multiple currencies.

One option is Airwallex, a fintech firm offering digital global business accounts to companies based in the UK and in many countries worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at whether UK companies can use Airwallex in the UAE. This includes whether the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) is supported, along with info on fees. Plus, whether you can open a local Airwallex account in the UAE.

All of this will be essential reading if you have plans to trade with or expand to the country in the future.

Remember though that Airwallex isn’t the only option for global businesses. Wise Business is a fantastic alternative, offering a full-feature account, cards, invoicing, bulk payments and secure transfer services to the UAE and worldwide.

💡 Learn more about Wise Business

Can you use Airwallex in the UAE?

Yes, UK-based businesses can use Airwallex in the UAE, but there are quite a few limits.

With your Airwallex account, you can send money between the UK and the UAE in UAE dirhams (AED).¹

You can open an Airwallex Global Account in AED, but it can only be used for local rather than international payments. ¹

Then there’s the Airwallex multi-currency card. It will work in the UAE, wherever Visa is accepted, but you won’t be able to spend directly in AED without a currency conversion taking place.²

Other Airwallex features include:

• Automated domestic and international bill pay service
• Foreign exchange services
• Borderless corporate cards
• Expenses management
• Payment links and plugins
• Receive payments through marketplace sites
• Accounting and other software integrations.

Read our full Airwallex business account review here.

Is UAE dirham supported by Airwallex?

The UAE dirham (AED) is supported by Airwallex, for sending, receiving and holding.

But it’s not supported by the Airwallex card for spending (which the platform calls Direct Billing). If you spend in the UAE on your card, a currency conversion will be required.²

Airwallex fees and cost in the UAE

Now we come to the important question - how much does it cost to use Airwallex in the UAE as a UK business?

Below are the main fees you need to know about:³

Can you open an account with Airwallex in the UAE?

Considering expanding your business operations to the UAE or across the Middle East? You’ll need to know if you can open local Airwallex accounts in each of the countries you’re targeting.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as if you can currently open an account with Airwallex if you’re in the UAE. At present, registration is limited to a selected list of countries - you can check them out here.

This may change in the future though as the platform continues to expand its capabilities. You can also visit the Airwallex global website or contact the company to find out whether there are any options for opening an account in locations your business is setting up operations.

Wise Business: an alternative to Airwallex in the UAE

Comparing all options before opening an account for your company? This is a good idea, as Airwallex isn’t the only global digital business account out there.

There are actually quite a few alternatives available, including Wise Business.

The Wise Business account is ideal for companies that trade internationally, source supplies from overseas, or employ people from other countries.

This powerful account lets you manage everything in one place, with no monthly subscription fees. Features include:

• Local account details for several major currencies
• International payments to the UAE and worldwide for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate
• Employee expense cards which work in 150+ countries, including the UAE
• API integration with business and accounting tools
• Bulk payments and automation tools - batch pay up to 1,000 people at once
• Bespoke permission levels to control team access.

There’s even a new feature which lets you earn returns while growing your business - Wise Interest (capital at risk).

Capital at risk. Growth not guaranteed. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with registration number 839689. When facilitating access to Wise investment products, Wise Payments Ltd acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative of Wise Assets UK Ltd. Please be aware that we do not offer investment advice, and you may be liable for taxes on any earnings. If you’re uncertain, we urge you to seek professional advice. To find out more about the Funds, visit our website.

Wise Business vs. Airwallex in the UAE comparison

To help you choose the right business account for your needs, let’s do a quick comparison.

Here’s Wise Business vs. Airwallex, focusing specifically on UK companies looking to trade in the UAE:

Find out more about what Wise Business could do for your company.

Get started with Wise Business 🚀

After reading this, you should have all the info you need about using Airwallex in the UAE as a UK business.

There are some limits, but it’s useful to know that you can send and receive payments in AED - especially if you’re planning on trading with the country or buying supplies there.

But if you’re setting up operations in the UAE, you may not be able to open an Airwallex account. So you may need to shop around for alternatives, including Wise Business.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 21-Mar-2025