Significant currency exchange
 

Friends, can anyone recommend a forex company for sending dirhams out of the UAE? In particular, does anyone have experience with GCEN or FirstrateFX? Thank you in advance

I've used GCEN a lot and for large amounts. Excellent in all respects. Just give them a call.

have a look also at signing a deal with an English currency broker. you need a bank here in the UAE which allows you to transfer straight AED to overseas. You can then trade based on mid spot rates plus a margin.
Cgen is good but does not give sharp rates. Especially for larger amounts cheaper to deal in the UK.

I don't know why so many people pedal GCEN. Their rates are mediocre at best. Compare them with Orient, Al Rostamani etc and negotiate for a larger deal. Can all be done by local bank transfer - very easy

Two recommendations - Al Rostamani, who will give you improved rates on large amounts, or, if you want a UK based forex company, First Rate FX. Latter based at Canary Wharf. Used them many times since 2008, competitive rates, reliable.
7B

I used First Rate FX - always found them to be good. Most of these firms will negotiate quite a lot, especially on the first trade.
I also found just going to the currency exchange shops in the mall to yield good results. If you're changing a lot of money, the rate becomes much more favourable. Nothing like cold hard cash in your hand.

I use Al Rostamani and they have always been competitive. If you ever use them then ask for their 'Intro Card' which effectively opens a profile with them, which speeds up future visits if you transfer to the same account often.

It can all be done by email and bank transfer too, if one is feeling exceptionally lazy!

Many thanks for your input and for contributing to my decision.