UAE Leads All Countries in Remittances to Pakistan

The UAE has overtaken Saudi Arabia as the single largest source of remittances to Pakistan, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan for February 2026.

Overseas Pakistanis in the UAE sent approximately $696 million home during the month, edging out Saudi Arabia, where the Pakistani diaspora transferred around $685.5 million over the same period. The shift marks a notable change in the remittance landscape, with the UAE claiming the top spot for the first time.

UAE Remittances to Pakistan Led by Dubai

Within the UAE, Dubai accounted for the bulk of transfers at around $566 million. Abu Dhabi contributed roughly $102 million, while Sharjah added approximately $12 million. The figures reflect the concentration of Pakistan's working population in Dubai, which hosts the largest share of the country's Gulf-based diaspora.

The rankings for other major source countries remained steady. The United Kingdom came in third at $532 million, followed by the United States at roughly $319 million. Other Gulf states including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain combined sent around $317 million.

Pakistan Remittances Hit $3.29 Billion in February

Total remittances to Pakistan reached $3.29 billion in February, down from $3.46 billion in January but 5.2 percent higher compared to the same month last year, the State Bank of Pakistan said. The year-on-year growth signals continued strength in diaspora transfers despite the month-on-month dip.

Remittances remain one of Pakistan's most critical sources of foreign exchange, helping to shore up the country's current account and support the rupee. The Gulf corridor, led now by the UAE, continues to be the backbone of those inflows, with the broader GCC bloc accounting for well over half of total monthly transfers.