⏱️ UAE money tips 2025 recap: savings, salary offers, FX fees and more
- Kacper Duda
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
If December has been busy and your inbox is a graveyard of good intentions, this one is for you.
Here’s a recap of the Money Luna takeaways from 2025 that had the biggest real-world payoff, with links back to each guide so you can act on anything you missed. Bookmark it for a quiet moment over the holidays.
The four moves that mattered in 2025
Build a baseline: a simple monthly budget stops “where did my money go?” moments.
Make cash earn: UAE savings rates reached up to 6.25% at their peak this year.
Take the switch money: top salary transfer offers can pay up to AED 6,000 over 12 months.
Stop donating to FX: the wrong card abroad can add 3–5% to every purchase, and the wrong transfer method can do the same.
And there’s more - keep reading for the full 2025 Money Luna cheat sheet.
Before we start: Help us help you!
We’re planning Money Luna for 2026 and want to make sure we focus on what actually helps you make better money decisions in the UAE.
Help us shape what we build next. Pick the topics you want, tell us what you’re stuck on, and we’ll prioritise it.
Take the survey: End of year survey
✅ The 2025 Money Luna cheat sheet
Budgets are important
Everyone should have a monthly budget. Think of it as traffic lights for your income, spending, and savings. Setting one up isn’t hard, and our free UAE budgeting tool is a great starting point.
Read: Free UAE budgeting tool
Automate your finances
Make the good stuff happen by default: bills on autopay, savings auto-transfer the day after payday, and repayments going out first. Less stress, fewer late fees, more time back.
Read: How to automate your money in the UAE
Savings belong in a high-interest account
Your emergency fund and short-term savings should earn interest, not sit idle. In 2025, the best UAE savings rates reached up to 6.25%.
Read: Best UAE savings accounts
Make use of salary transfer offers
If you are willing to move your salary, banks will pay for it. In the best cases, salary transfer offers can add up to AED 6,000 over a year.
Read: Best UAE salary transfer offers
Use the right everyday credit card
Good cards can return real value through cashback or points, but only if the annual fee and caps do not cancel it out. Always pay in full every month.
Read: Best UAE cashback cards
Airline cards can be worth it, but pick the right airline first
Airline cards are not just about miles. The value often comes from perks (lounge access, upgrades, vouchers) and welcome bonuses. Choose based on how you actually travel.
Read: Emirates Skywards cards and Etihad Guest cards
Careful when spending abroad
Use the wrong card abroad and you can pay 3–5% extra in FX markup and fees. One low-FX card in your wallet can cut that to around 0–1%. Bonus rule: always pay in the local currency at the terminal.
Read: Best UAE cards for spending abroad
Cost-effective money transfers back home
There is no such thing as a free international transfer. You pay in fees, FX markup, or both. Compare on total cost for your currency and amount, not the marketing headline.
Read: Cheapest ways to transfer money from the UAE
Keep your money safe
Scams are engineered to rush you. Never share OTPs, keep savings separate from spending, and be sceptical of any request for personal details, even if it “sounds like your bank”.
Read: Money safety playbook
Enjoy life, money isn’t everything
It’s good to optimise your finances, but not at the cost of the life you are trying to build. Use money as a tool, not a scoreboard.
Rates and offers move fast. Check the article’s “last updated” note and the bank’s latest T&Cs before acting.
Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that this email does not constitute financial advice. Any choices you make you are solely responsible for. We always aim to provide highest quality, independent views but do your own research to ensure you’re comfortable with any changes you make to your personal finances.
