The European Union formally delisted the UAE from its high-risk third-country list for money laundering and terrorism financing as of June 10, 2025, reflecting the nation’s significant progress in bolstering its financial crime prevention systems.
This move follows the UAE’s removal from the FATF’s grey list in February 2024, and builds on reforms including the creation of specialist AML courts, stepped-up enforcement (such as AED 12.3 million fines on exchange houses), and dismantling of criminal networks that laundered over $125 million.
The delisting, according to a statement from the UAE government, is a global affirmation of its cutting-edge, future-ready AML/CFT system. The UAE pledged closer financial, security, and economic cooperation with the EU, reinforcing its position as a reliable and strategic ally.
The ramifications are significant: removing the designation loosens the stricter due diligence requirements for EU financial institutions doing business with the UAE, facilitates trade and investment between the EU and the UAE, including in vital sectors like artificial intelligence and green energy, and strengthens the UAE’s standing as a major international financial centre.
