Pakistan received over $540 million from Dubai remittances in January 2026, marking the highest inflow from the city and reinforcing its position as a major financial lifeline for the country. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), overall remittances for the month stood at $3.46 billion, highlighting strong overseas support for the economy.
Dubai emerged as the leading global city for money transfers to Pakistan, contributing nearly three-quarters of the total remittances received from the United Arab Emirates.
Data released by the SBP shows that Pakistan received $694 million from the UAE in January. Out of this amount, more than $540 million was sent from Dubai alone.
Abu Dhabi contributed $126.1 million, while Sharjah added $9.8 million to the total inflows.
| UAE City | Remittances (January 2026) |
|---|---|
| Dubai | Over $540 million |
| Abu Dhabi | $126.1 million |
| Sharjah | $9.8 million |
| Total UAE | $694 million |
While Dubai led among global cities, Saudi Arabia remained the largest country source of remittances for Pakistan in January 2026, followed by the UAE. The consistent inflows from Gulf countries reflect the strong presence of Pakistani expatriates working across the region.
Economists believe that sustained remittance growth is helping stabilize Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and ease pressure on the external account. Strong inflows also support household consumption and improve overall liquidity in the banking system.
Remittances remain a critical pillar of Pakistan’s economy, especially amid external financing challenges and import-related pressures. Analysts note that higher inflows from Dubai signal both stable employment trends among overseas Pakistanis and improved formal banking channels for money transfers.
The SBP data once again highlights Dubai’s central role as a hub for Pakistani expatriates sending money home, underlining its continued importance in Pakistan’s remittance landscape.
