A Game-Changer for UAE Finances: e& money and PayPal Announce Instant AED Withdrawals
For years, freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and digital creators across the UAE have navigated the often-complex process of transferring their international earnings into local currency.
The wait times, unpredictable fees, and multiple steps involved have been a persistent challenge.
Today, that landscape changes dramatically.
Zyla Accountants is excited to share major news for the UAE's digital economy. As of today, 15 October 2025, e& money, the fintech arm of e&, has officially launched the UAE's first digital wallet directly linked to PayPal.
This partnership is more than just a new feature; it's a fundamental upgrade to how money moves in and out of the country for a significant portion of the workforce.
What Does This Mean for You?
This groundbreaking integration directly addresses the key pain points faced by anyone using PayPal to receive payments. It allows users to link their PayPal account to the e& money app and withdraw their funds in UAE Dirhams (AED) instantly.
Here are the key benefits for our clients and the wider business community:
Instant Access to Funds: The era of waiting days for PayPal transfers to clear through traditional banks is over. Funds can be moved from your PayPal balance to your e& money wallet in seconds, 24/7.
Complete Transparency: Say goodbye to hidden fees and surprise exchange rate margins. The service promises pre-set exchange rates with all charges displayed upfront, allowing for better financial planning and record-keeping.
Unmatched Convenience: The entire process is managed within the e& money app, eliminating the need for complex banking procedures. Once in your e& money wallet, your funds are immediately available for bill payments, transfers to peers, ATM withdrawals, or purchases using a linked card.
Who Benefits Most?
While this is a win for all consumers, we at Zyla Accountants see three groups who will find this particularly transformative:
Freelancers & Digital Creators: For those receiving payments from international clients on platforms like Upwork or directly via PayPal, this service drastically improves cash flow. Getting paid and having immediate access to your earnings in AED is now a reality.
Small Businesses & E-commerce Sellers: UAE-based businesses selling goods and services globally can now repatriate their PayPal earnings with unprecedented speed and clarity, simplifying revenue management.
Regular Consumers: Anyone receiving money from family abroad or making international online purchases will find the process more seamless and efficient.
A Phased Approach to a Powerful Partnership
This launch marks the first phase of the collaboration. Initially, users can transfer funds from PayPal to e& money. A second phase is already planned, which will enable two-way transfers, allowing users to send money from their e& money wallet to their PayPal account, further enhancing financial flexibility.
Melike Kara, CEO of e& money, perfectly captured the spirit of the launch: “Cross-border commerce depends on fast, reliable payment rails. By joining forces with PayPal, we’ll be eliminating the friction freelancers, creators, and everyday consumers face when bringing their earnings into the local economy.”
This sentiment is echoed by Otto Williams, SVP at PayPal, who noted the partnership empowers "people and businesses to shop, send money, and transact across borders with greater ease than ever before.”
The Zyla Accountants Perspective: What This Means for Your Financial Health
From an accounting standpoint, this development is a significant step forward. Improved cash flow management is critical for the health of any small business or freelance career. The transparency in fees and exchange rates simplifies bookkeeping, making it easier to track income and expenses accurately.
This move aligns perfectly with the UAE's national strategy to foster a cashless, accessible digital economy. As your accountants, we are thrilled to see robust, secure, and efficient financial tools like this become available to our clients.
Need Help Managing Your Business Finances?
As the financial landscape in the UAE continues to evolve, so do your accounting and financial planning needs. Whether you're a freelancer navigating these new cross-border payment systems or a growing business looking to optimise your cash flow, Zyla Accountants is here to provide expert guidance.
Contact us today to ensure your finances are as streamlined and efficient as the new tools at your disposal.