Global Collaboration between ADIB and Visa on Rollout of Instant International Funds Transfers
In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and Visa have joined forces to launch a new service called Remit. This innovative service enables ADIB customers to send real-time global cross-border payments via Visa Direct to over 11 billion cards, digital wallets, and accounts worldwide [2][5].
This collaboration is a significant step towards meeting the rising demand in the Gulf and Middle East for faster, safer, and more transparent cross-border money transfers. According to Visa's 2025 remittance study, 95% of surveyed UAE consumers send money abroad at least once yearly, with many preferring digital methods for safety, privacy, and speed [1][2].
The new Remit service addresses some of the most frequently reported frustrations in sending money. High fees and the need to travel to a physical location to complete a transfer are common issues, and over a third of UAE consumers surveyed say they have encountered such issues [6]. The partnership between ADIB and Visa aims to alleviate these issues, offering a seamless and secure way to send money across the globe.
The impact on cross-border money transfers in the Middle East includes:
- Enabling real-time money movement, reducing delays traditionally associated with international transfers [2].
- Facilitating secure, convenient, and seamless transfers for personal and business needs, supporting the large remittance flows typical in the region [2].
- Expanding financial inclusion by modernizing payments infrastructure and offering more digital transfer options across the Middle East [2].
- Enhancing customer experience through innovation, as ADIB reported strong financial performance and growth momentum alongside this launch, reinforcing its customer-centric approach [1].
The partnership between ADIB and Visa reaffirms ADIB's commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric financial services. ADIB's Global Head of Consumer Banking, Amit Malhotra, stated that the Middle East, particularly the UAE, has one of the world's most active remittance corridors [3]. This partnership underscores ADIB's focus on leveraging digital solutions to cater to the region's unique financial needs.
Visa+, a solution under Visa Direct, allows businesses and financial institutions to send funds using a recipient's mobile number or email, rather than full account details [7]. This feature is already active across key GCC corridors, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain [8].
In conclusion, the ADIB–Visa partnership modernizes and accelerates cross-border payments in the Middle East through a real-time, widely accessible digital remittance service. This service addresses key consumer needs, contributes to the region's evolving financial ecosystem, and positions ADIB as a leader in digital innovation.
- This collaboration between Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and Visa, through their new service Remit, aims to improve financing in the industry by providing a secure and efficient channel for real-time global cross-border payments.
- The Remit service, which caters to both personal and business needs, is instrumental in modernizing the fintech infrastructure of the Middle East, fostering a more seamless and convenient business environment.
- By alleviating common issues such as high fees and the need for physical transfers, Remit shows a commitment to digital innovation, furthering ADIB's focus on catering to the region’s unique financial needs and strengthening its position as a customer-centric bank.
- With Visa+, a feature under Visa Direct, users can transfer funds using just a mobile number or email, leveraging the mobile-friendly fintech industry trend, demonstrating how the partnership between ADIB and Visa is driving innovation and financial inclusion in the Middle East.
