United Arab Emirates Country Summary
Medium Risk
View full Ratings TableSanctions
Lower Concern
FATF AML Deficient List
Lower Concern
Terrorism
Medium Concern
Corruption
Lower Concern
US State ML Assessment
Higher Concern
Criminal Markets (GI Index)
Medium Concern
EU Tax Blacklist
Lower Concern
Offshore Finance Center
Higher Concern
Please note that although the below Summary will give a general outline of the AML risks associated with the jurisdiction, if you are a Regulated entity then you may need to demonstrate that your Jurisdictional AML risk assessment has included a full assessment of the risk elements that have been identified as underpinning overall Country AML risk. To satisfy these requirements, we would recommend that you use our Subscription area.
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Anti Money Laundering
FATF Status
The United Arab Emirates is no longer on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies.
Compliance with FATF Recommendations
The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the United Arab Emirates was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, the United Arab Emirates was deemed Compliant for 15 and Largely Compliant for 24 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 1 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.
Sanctions
There are currently no international sanctions in force against United Arab Emirates.
Criminality
Rating |
0 (bad) - 100 (good) |
|---|---|
| Transparency International Corruption Index | 69 |
| World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank | 83 |
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a robust legal framework to combat corruption, with strict laws and high-profile enforcement actions, although conflicts of interest persist due to the concentration of power among a few senior officials. While the country is a significant hub for various forms of organized crime, including human trafficking and drug trade, the government maintains a strong stance against these issues, although challenges remain in effective implementation and enforcement of regulations.
Economy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively pursuing economic diversification and regulatory reforms to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbon revenues and foster a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced technology and clean energy. As part of this strategy, the UAE has committed to a significant 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework focused on sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy, and manufacturing, with the United States being the primary destination for its investments. The UAE's favorable investment climate is characterized by political stability, advanced infrastructure, and a regulatory framework that encourages foreign direct investment, including recent reforms that allow for greater foreign ownership and simplified business processes, making it an attractive hub for trade and investment across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
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