Filipino expatriates in the UAE may hold off on sending remittances to the Philippines, as the Philippine peso is predicted to weaken by the end of July.
In the coming weeks, the value of the Philippine peso (PHP) is predicted to continue weakening, with the best indicator for its value expected by the end of July. This trend presents an opportunity for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to send more money home without spending more dirhams.
Justine Varghese, a forex market analyst, provides advice on how to maximize the value of remittances during this predicted weakening trend. According to Varghese, the best time for UAE-based Filipinos to send money is when the UAE dirham (AED) is at its highest against the Philippine peso.
Currently, the exchange rate stands at approximately 1 AED equal to 15.58 PHP. In late June 2025, the rate has fluctuated between roughly 15.4 to 15.57 PHP per 1 AED. The highest rate recorded in 2025 reached 16.0679 PHP per 1 AED.
To maximize the value received when remitting money to the Philippines, OFWs are advised to monitor exchange rates closely. Tracking them to remit when the rate spikes (close to or above 16 PHP per AED) will provide better value.
Using reliable money transfer services with competitive rates is also essential. Apps like Skrill and XE Money Transfer are known for good exchange rates and low fees for UAE-to-Philippines remittances. OFWs are encouraged to avoid sending when the peso is weak (lower AED/PHP rate), as this reduces the pesos received for the same amount of dirhams.
Subscribing to rate alerts from currency converters or remittance platforms can help OFWs get notified of favorable AED/PHP rates. If expecting peso depreciation, remitting sooner rather than later when rates are favorable is recommended.
Considering multiple providers and their fees is also important to maximize the net received amount, as fees also impact the total pesos your beneficiaries will get.
In summary, to maximize peso value from UAE dirhams amid peso weakening, remit when the AED is strongest against PHP—ideally targeting rates near or above recent highs around 16 PHP per AED—and use trustworthy, low-fee transfer services. Monitoring rates daily is essential given fluctuations around mid-15 PHP per AED currently seen.
This forecasted continued slide of the peso is beneficial for OFWs in the UAE, as it means more value for their remittances. This is good news for the families of OFWs, as they will receive more money from their loved ones working abroad.
- Given the predicted weakening of the Philippine peso, it's advantageous for OFWs in the UAE to capitalize on the stronger AED by remitting money when the exchange rate spikes, ideally near or above the recent highs around 16 PHP per AED.
- To maximize the value of remittances during the coming weeks, OFWs in the UAE should monitor exchange rates closely, remitting when the rate spikes to provide better value, and consider using reliable money transfer services with competitive rates, such as Skrill and XE Money Transfer, to minimize fees and increase the net received amount.
- In addition to tracking the exchange rate, it's also beneficial for OFWs to subscribe to rate alerts from currency converters or remittance platforms to get notified of favorable AED/PHP rates and remit sooner rather than later when the rates are advantageous to receive more value for their remittances.
