Date: June 10, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the European Commission officially removed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from its “high‑risk third‑country” list for money laundering and terrorist financing. This move reflects broader recognition of the UAE’s strengthened regulatory measures.
What Happened
- On June 10, the EU updated its AML/CFT (anti‑money laundering / combatting financing of terrorism) list, delisting the UAE alongside Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, and Uganda.
- Simultaneously, countries added include Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, and Venezuela.
What This Means
- Lower due diligence requirements: EU financial institutions and businesses will no longer need enhanced scrutiny for transactions involving the UAE.
- Boost to trade and investment: As the UAE is a major EU trading partner, the removal of barriers eases and may accelerate the ongoing EU–UAE free-trade negotiations.
- Aligned with FATF: The move brings EU classification in line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which delisted the UAE from its “grey list” in February 2024
Why UAE Was on the List
- In March 2022, FATF placed the UAE on its grey list over concerns about strategic AML/CFT weaknesses.
- The EU listed it as high-risk in March 2023, citing similar deficiencies.
UAE’s Reform Actions
- Introduced tighter AML laws, criminalized terrorist financing, and created a specialized financial crime court and executive office .
- Implemented significant enforcement — including hefty fines (AED 12.3 M for some exchange houses, and a record AED 200 M penalty in a previous case).
- Completed its FATF Action Plan, showing measurable improvements in AML/CFT frameworks .
EU-UAE Cooperation Ongoing
- Hundreds of millions of dollars in bilateral trade flow annually; EU remains the UAE’s second-largest non-oil trading partner (~$68 billion).
- The 8th EU‑UAE AML/CFT Structural Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi in May 2025 reaffirmed joint efforts, law enforcement coordination, and financial intelligence-sharing.
Pushback & Watchfulness
- Some EU parliamentarians voiced reservations, citing reports like “Dubai Uncovered” that pointed to suspected illicit financial flows. In April 2024, the European Parliament formally opposed the Commission’s delisting proposal, citing remaining enforcement gaps.
- However, with continued monitoring and oversight, the EU remains poised to finalize the delisting unless parliament objects within the next two months.
Bottom Line
The EU’s delisting of the UAE marks a major victory for the emirate’s financial reforms, helping reduce friction with EU banks, bolster investor confidence, and deepen trade ties. However, EU oversight remains vigilant, balancing the gains with ensuring sustained AML/CFT integrity.
About Epic Click Travel and Tourism
Your Gateway to Hassle-Free Hotel Bookings 
At Epic Click Travel and Tourism, we specialize in making travel simple, seamless, and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long vacation abroad, we bring you the best hotel deals—locally and internationally—through our fast and reliable booking platform.
What We Offer:
- Hotel Bookings – Hand-picked hotels, best rates guaranteed
- Local & International Options – From city stays to beach resorts
- Easy Payments – Flexible and secure booking process
- Book Anytime, Anywhere – Accessible on all devices
- 24/7 Support – Travel help when you need it most
We cater to both international tourists and local explorers who value convenience, comfort, and trusted service. Let Epic Click be your travel partner—so you can focus on the journey, not the logistics.
Plan Your Trip With Epic Click Travel & Tourism
Ready to book your travel getaway? Let Epic Click Travel & Tourism curate your journey — from flights and hotels to exclusive airport perks like fast-track check-in and chauffeur transfers.
Visit us: Office 2705, Silver Tower – Marasi Dr – Business Bay – Dubai
Call us: 04 572 6638 | 058 604 5079
Book online: epicclicktravel.com
Email: info@epicclicktravel.com
Follow us for travel inspiration: Epicclick_travel
