Global Collaboration Results in the Introduction of Instant Cross-Border Money Transfer Solution by ADIB and Visa
In a groundbreaking development, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has partnered with Visa to launch Remit!, a real-time cross-border money transfer service. This service, powered by Visa Direct, enables ADIB customers to send money to over 11 billion cards, digital wallets, and accounts worldwide[1][2][5].
The partnership between ADIB and Visa is part of a broader effort to meet the increasing demand for digital solutions for sending funds abroad. The UAE, in particular, is one of the world’s most active remittance corridors, with consumers sending money abroad on average 1.4 times per month[1][2].
The Remit! service provides ADIB customers a seamless, efficient, and secure way to send money internationally in real time for various purposes such as family support and personal needs[1][2]. This service strengthens ADIB’s position as a digital innovator offering customer-centric financial services[1][2].
Visa views this partnership as part of a broader strategy to expand real-time money movement across the Middle East and to modernize the region’s payment infrastructure, thereby promoting greater financial inclusion[1][2]. This collaboration exemplifies how banks and payment networks are advancing financial technology to meet the rising consumer expectations for immediacy and convenience in cross-border payments.
Visa+, a solution offered by Visa Direct, allows businesses and financial institutions to send funds using a recipient's mobile number or email instead of full account details[1]. This feature is expected to benefit consumers in the Middle East who seek digital solutions for cross-border money transfers.
Among those who send money digitally from physical locations, 63% prefer the method, citing safety, privacy, and speed as key reasons[1]. However, over a third of UAE consumers surveyed have encountered issues such as high fees and the need to travel to a physical location to complete a transfer[1]. The Remit! service aims to address these concerns by offering real-time, secure, and convenient cross-border money transfers[1][2].
The new service is designed to offer real-time, secure, and convenient cross-border money transfers, aligning with Visa’s aim to extend real-time payment capabilities to more people and businesses across the region, facilitating a shift towards digital solutions over traditional slower transfer methods[1][2].
The partnership between ADIB and Visa reflects a broader push by Visa to expand real-time money movement across the Middle East. Visa+ is already active across key GCC corridors, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain[1]. This service helps streamline a range of use cases, from peer-to-peer payments to business disbursements and cross-border remittances[1].
ADIB's commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric financial services is reaffirmed with the launch of the Remit! service. ADIB is the first bank globally to offer such reach with the Remit! service[1]. According to Visa's 2025 remittance study, 95% of surveyed consumers in the UAE send money abroad at least once per year[1]. The Remit! service is expected to cater to this substantial demand, making cross-border money transfers more accessible and efficient for ADIB customers.
[1] Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC (ADIB) press release, [https://www.adib.com/en/press-releases/adib-partners-visa-launch-remit-real-time-cross-border-money-transfer-service] [2] Visa press release, [https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/blog/visa-and-abu-dhabi-islamic-bank-launch-remit-real-time-cross-border-money-transfer-service-in-the-middle-east.html] [3] Visa Insights, [https://www.visa.com/about-visa/insights/research/2020-visa-b2bconnect-cross-border-business-payments-study.html] [4] Visa, [https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/resources/visa-2025-remittance-study.html] [5] Visa Direct, [https://www.visa.com/businesses/everywhere/visa-direct]
- The Remit! service, launched by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in partnership with Visa, is part of an industry-wide push to meet the increasing demand for digital solutions for sending funds abroad.
- This new service aims to offer real-time, secure, and convenient cross-border money transfers, reinforcing ADIB's position as a digital innovator offering customer-centric financial services.
- Visa's broader strategy includes expanding real-time money movement across the Middle East, and the Remit! service is one example of this, promoting financial inclusion and modernizing the region's payment infrastructure.
- Visa+, a solution offered by Visa Direct, allows businesses and financial institutions to send funds using a recipient's mobile number or email, which is expected to benefit consumers in the Middle East who seek digital solutions for cross-border money transfers.
