Indian, Pakistani, Philippine Currencies Weak in UAE

Remit or hold? Asian currencies stay weak against UAE dirham

Dubai: Several Asian currencies continue to trade at weak levels against the UAE dirham, offering expatriates favourable remittance conditions as the year draws to a close. The Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee and Philippine peso are all hovering near multi-year lows, prompting many UAE residents to reassess whether to remit immediately or wait for further currency movements.

Exchange houses in the UAE say demand for remittances has picked up as families seek to take advantage of the current rate environment, particularly for transfers to India and Pakistan.

Indian rupee at record-weak levels

The Indian rupee recently touched a low of ₹24.71 against the dirham, one of the weakest levels on record. As of December 30, the rupee was trading around 24.43, marginally weaker than the previous session.

Currency dealers say Indian expatriates are increasingly splitting their remittances, sending part of their funds now while holding back the remainder in case the rupee weakens further. This strategy allows households to average their transfer rates rather than committing entirely at a single level.

Philippine peso under pressure

The Philippine peso has been trading in the range of 15.87 to 16.07 against the dirham, reflecting persistent pressure from political uncertainty, slower economic growth and ongoing corruption investigations. Traders describe the current phase as one of the peso’s most volatile periods since 2022.

Despite the uncertainty, the weaker currency has made remittances more attractive for Filipino expatriates, many of whom are weighing whether to lock in present rates or wait for additional fluctuations.

Pakistani rupee remains subdued

The Pakistani rupee continues to trade near 76.67 against the dirham, holding steady at weak levels. While short-term volatility has eased, analysts say broader economic challenges continue to limit any meaningful recovery in the currency.

For UAE-based Pakistanis, the subdued rupee offers continued value on transfers, even as market participants remain cautious about near-term movements.

How expats are approaching remittance decisions

Forex specialists note that remittance behaviour often shifts toward year-end, when households reassess savings, family expenses and investment needs back home. Weak home currencies typically accelerate transfers, while uncertainty encourages staggered remittance strategies rather than all-at-once moves.

In Dubai, currency trends are closely watched not only by individuals sending money abroad but also by entrepreneurs and professionals managing cross-border finances. Exchange rate stability, regulatory clarity and capital mobility remain important considerations for longer-term planning, including decisions linked to business setup in dubai

Current exchange rates against the UAE dirham (as of December 30)

Indian rupee: 24.43
Pakistani rupee: 76.67
Philippine peso: 15.95