UAE expats: Remit or hold? Indian rupee to stay steady for now

Dubai: Indian expats in the UAE watching the rupee closely for the best time to remit money home can breathe a little easier — for now. The Indian currency is expected to stay within a narrow range against the US dollar in the near term, offering a degree of predictability for those planning transfers.

With the UAE dirham pegged to the US dollar, exchange rates for AED to INR follow the dollar-rupee trend. And both India’s central bank and major lenders like State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) are indicating that the rupee will likely hold between 84 and 87 per dollar for most of 2025.

That’s positive news if you're remitting — especially if the INR edges toward the 87 mark, which gives you more rupees for every dirham sent.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including renewed India-Pakistan strains, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept its cool. It’s refraining from aggressive currency intervention and using its $690 billion in reserves selectively to smooth out any excessive volatility — but not to artificially boost the rupee.

The RBI’s message is clear: the currency is allowed to move naturally within limits, and interventions will only aim to curb speculation or extreme moves.

According to analysts, the RBI sees the current exchange level as largely fair, especially as a slightly weaker rupee supports India’s export competitiveness.

With INR hovering in a predictable range, here’s how to make the most of it:

The rupee is expected to remain steady — but not static. For now, remitting at rates close to 87 offers solid value. But keep your finger on the pulse. Timing is everything.