How to get a GBP IBAN in the UAE | UK payments for UAE businesses | Hubpay
Open a named GBP IBAN in the UAE within one business day. Accept UK Faster Payments and SWIFT, convert GBP to AED at transparent rates. ADGM-licensed. No minimum balance.
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How to get a GBP IBAN in the UAE
Accept UK payments without delays or high fees
As the UAE strengthens its trade ties with the United Kingdom — worth over AED 37.1 billion in non-oil trade in 2024 more businesses are seeking a fast, cost-efficient way to receive GBP payments.
Enter Hubpay’s GBP IBAN account.
With Hubpay, UAE businesses can now open a named GBP IBAN within a single business day, no minimum balance, no lengthy credit checks.
Whether you're a trading company importing from the UK, a tech firm working with British partners, or a real estate business servicing UK investors, a GBP IBAN unlocks faster payments and better FX rates.
What is a GBP IBAN?
A GBP IBAN (International Bank Account Number in British Pounds) allows your business to receive payments from UK-based clients via local UK rails or SWIFT.
It’s a secure, internationally recognized bank account format that streamlines cross-border transfers.
💡 Not sure how IBANs work? Check out this IBAN guide from Wise
Example of a Hubpay EUR IBAN:
Why UAE Businesses Need a GBP IBAN
Why traditional UAE banking slows down UK payments:
❌ High minimum balance requirements
❌ Long onboarding timelines (up to 6 months)
❌ Third-party intermediary fees for UK payments
With Hubpay’s GBP IBAN solution, you can:
✅ Receive payments from UK clients directly in GBP
✅ Avoid costly conversion fees
✅ Convert at real mid-market FX rates
✅ Make outward GBP payments easily
The Hubpay Advantage: GBP IBANs Built for Speed & Scale
✅ Named GBP IBAN Account
Get a dedicated IBAN under your company name essential for credibility when dealing with UK businesses.
✅ Same-Day Setup
Sign up for a Scale or Treasury account, and start receiving GBP payments from day one.
✅ Hold & Convert GBP
Store your funds in GBP or convert them to AED, EUR, USD or 150+ currencies instantly.
✅ Powerful FX Tools
Use forward contracts and real-time FX to lock in your margins when converting GBP.
Ideal for UAE Businesses That Trade with the UK
Our GBP IBANs are perfect for businesses across sectors such as:
General Trading
Logistics & Freight
Professional Services
Real Estate Agencies
Luxury Retail
E-commerce
If you frequently invoice UK clients or suppliers, a GBP IBAN is a must.
How to Get Started
Setting up your GBP IBAN is simple:
Create a Hubpay Business Account
Choose a Scale or Treasury plan
Complete quick onboarding
Get your named GBP IBAN within 1 business day
Start receiving and sending GBP — with zero hassle
💼 Need multi-currency access? Learn how to get a EUR IBAN in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GBP IBAN and why do UAE businesses need one?
A GBP IBAN is a named bank account number in British pounds sterling that allows your UAE business to receive payments from UK clients and partners as a local UK bank transfer rather than an international wire. Instead of your UK clients sending an international SWIFT payment which takes 3-5 days and incurs correspondent bank fees they pay into your GBP IBAN using UK Faster Payments or BACS, which settles the same day or next day at no extra cost to the sender. This significantly reduces payment friction for UAE businesses with UK clients, suppliers, or investors.
How quickly can I open a GBP IBAN in the UAE with Hubpay?
Most UAE businesses can open and activate a named GBP IBAN with Hubpay within one business day of submitting their KYC documentation. Required documents are your UAE trade licence, passport copies of all directors and shareholders, and proof of business address. There is no minimum balance requirement and no branch visit needed. The GBP IBAN is issued under your company's name, not a pooled account number.
Can I hold GBP in my Hubpay account without converting to AED immediately?
Yes. Hubpay's multi-currency wallet allows you to hold GBP balances and convert to AED at a time of your choosing. This means you can receive GBP from UK clients, hold the balance, and convert when the exchange rate is more favourable avoiding forced conversion at the moment of receipt. This is particularly useful for businesses with recurring GBP expenses like UK supplier payments or contractor fees.
What is the difference between a GBP IBAN and a SWIFT payment to my AED account?
When a UK client pays your AED account via SWIFT, they incur international transfer fees (typically £15-£30 per transaction), the payment takes 3-5 business days, and your AED account receives a converted amount at whatever exchange rate applied at settlement. With a GBP IBAN, the client pays as a local UK transfer (free via Faster Payments), the payment arrives same day or next day, and you receive the GBP amount in full without forced conversion. The GBP IBAN route is faster, cheaper for the client, and gives you more control over conversion timing.
Is Hubpay regulated to offer GBP IBANs in the UAE?
Yes. Hubpay is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM FSRA) as a Category 3C Electronic Money Institution, Permission No. 190024. This ADGM licence authorises Hubpay to provide multi-currency named virtual IBANs including GBP to UAE-registered businesses. Client funds are held in segregated accounts separate from Hubpay's operating capital.
Ready to Open a GBP IBAN in the UAE?
Start receiving UK payments in GBP, without the friction of traditional banks.
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