Sending money from Dubai to family in Mauritania is a routine part of life for many Mauritanian workers in the UAE, but the corridor is smaller than the big remittance routes to South Asia, so options, fees and delivery times vary more. The safest approach is to use a licensed UAE provider, compare the full cost rather than the headline fee, and confirm exactly how your family will receive the money in Mauritania before you send a dirham.
The main ways to send money
Most people in Dubai use one of three routes. Licensed exchange houses across the city handle international transfers over the counter; they are regulated by the UAE Central Bank and staff can walk you through the process in person. Money transfer apps and online services let you send from your phone, usually funded from a UAE bank account or card. Bank-to-bank transfers through your UAE bank are possible but often slower and pricier for smaller amounts. Which services actually deliver to Mauritania, and whether they pay out in cash, to a bank account or to a mobile wallet, changes over time, so confirm Mauritania is supported for your chosen payout method inside the app or at the counter before paying.
Compare the real cost, not the advertised fee
The true cost of a transfer is the fee plus the exchange rate margin. A service advertising zero fees may simply offer a weaker rate into Mauritanian ouguiya, which costs your family more than a service charging a modest fee at a rate close to the mid-market rate. Before sending, do this quick check:
- Look up the mid-market AED to ouguiya rate on a neutral source.
- Ask each provider for the exact amount your recipient will receive for the sum you are sending.
- Compare received amounts, not fees, across two or three licensed providers.
- Check whether the receiving side charges a payout or withdrawal fee.
- For large amounts, ask whether a better rate tier applies.
As a guide, fees for transfers from Dubai typically range from around AED 15 to AED 50 or more depending on the provider, amount and payout method, and delivery can range from minutes for cash pickup to several working days for some bank transfers. Treat these as estimates and confirm the figures for your exact transfer at the time you send.
What you will need to send
- Your Emirates ID, which UAE providers require for identification
- Your recipient’s full name exactly as it appears on their ID
- Their phone number and, for account or wallet payouts, the correct account details
- The purpose of the transfer, which compliance checks may ask about
Name mismatches are the most common cause of delayed payouts. Mauritanian names may be transliterated in different ways, so match the spelling on the recipient’s official ID precisely, and send a small test amount first when using a new service or new payout details.
Keeping your money and family safe
Only use providers licensed in the UAE: check the Central Bank’s list of licensed exchange companies, or use your own bank. Never send money through an unlicensed agent offering an unusually good rate, through social media contacts, or by handing cash to someone travelling home; these routes offer no receipt, no refund route and no protection if the money disappears. Keep the transfer receipt and reference number until your family confirms receipt, and agree a private way to confirm amounts so scammers cannot intercept the conversation. Be alert to anyone asking you to receive and forward money for a stranger, which can be money laundering and can cost you your bank account and visa.
Timing and practical tips
Exchange houses in malls and transport hubs often stay open late, but rates and cut-off times differ by branch, and transfers sent late in the day or before weekends and public holidays in either country may process later. If money is for something time-sensitive, such as a medical bill, send earlier than you think you need to and choose the payout method your family can actually reach; a cash pickup point they cannot travel to is no use. For regular monthly support, sending on the same day each month, just after payday, helps your family budget and helps you compare rates consistently.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to send money to Mauritania?
It varies by amount and payout method. Compare the amount received, after fees and the exchange rate, across two or three licensed exchange houses and apps on the day you send.
How long do transfers to Mauritania take?
Cash pickup can be fast when the corridor is supported, while bank transfers may take a few working days. The provider must give you an estimate before you confirm.
Is it safe to use an app instead of an exchange house?
Yes, if the app belongs to a properly licensed provider. Check the licence, read the payout details carefully, and start with a small test transfer.
With a licensed provider and a careful rate check, sending money home is straightforward. For more money, banking and daily life guides, visit DXB Talk and see our Dubai category.
