Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis increased slightly in August 2026, with stronger inflows from the United Arab Emirates helping offset a decline in transfers from Saudi Arabia, the country’s largest source of remittances.
According to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), total worker remittances reached $3.656 billion in August, up 0.71 per cent from $3.630 billion recorded in July.
The UAE, Pakistan’s second-largest remittance corridor, recorded inflows of $749.84 million during the month, compared with $737.31 million in July, marking an increase of 1.7 per cent.
Dubai accounted for most of the UAE’s remittance inflows, with transfers reaching $634.61 million in August. This represented a 10.27 per cent increase from $575.52 million in July. Abu Dhabi, however, recorded a sharp decline, with remittances falling 32.69 per cent to $91.13 million from $135.39 million.
Sharjah also reported a decline, with inflows dropping 7.28 per cent to $13.21 million.
Around two million Pakistanis work across various sectors in the UAE, with a large proportion based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Remittances from the UAE reached a record monthly level in May, crossing $1 billion for the first time. Inflows declined in June and July before recovering in August.
Saudi Arabia remained Pakistan’s largest source of remittances despite recording a decline during August. Transfers from the kingdom fell 4.43 per cent to $873.45 million from $913.93 million in July, representing a decrease of more than $40 million.
Other Gulf Cooperation Council countries also recorded lower inflows. Combined remittances from these countries fell 2.81 per cent to $326.66 million. Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman recorded declines of 4.69 per cent, 3.88 per cent, 2.74 per cent and 0.54 per cent respectively.
Transfers from the United States declined 2.35 per cent to $308.88 million, while remittances from the UK increased 1.48 per cent to $563.73 million.
European Union countries recorded stronger growth, with combined remittances rising 7.49 per cent to $495.95 million. Greece led the increase at 10.72 per cent, followed by Spain at 9.30 per cent, Ireland at 8.46 per cent and Italy at 7.24 per cent.
Australia recorded a 19.32 per cent increase to $99.35 million, while South Korea rose 17.30 per cent to $11.56 million. South Africa and Canada also recorded increases.
The latest figures highlight the continuing importance of overseas remittances for Pakistan, providing a major source of foreign exchange amid pressure on reserves and export earnings.
