In a move that marks a significant vote of confidence in the UAE’s financial and regulatory landscape, the European Union has officially removed the United Arab Emirates from its list of high-risk third countries for money laundering and terrorist financing.
The announcement reflects the UAE’s substantial progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, following an intensive period of reforms. These measures were largely guided by recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and have resulted in tighter controls, increased transparency, and enhanced cooperation across financial institutions and enforcement bodies.
This update is not only a diplomatic and regulatory achievement for the UAE, but also a game-changer for global investors, especially those considering opportunities across the Gulf region. Sectors such as real estate, finance, digital assets, and corporate services are expected to benefit from renewed investor interest and improved access to global markets.
Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, responded to the development, stating, “This is more than just a regulatory update. It’s a powerful global signal of trust in the UAE’s financial systems and compliance frameworks.It reinforces Dubai’s growing status as one of the world’s safest and most transparent capital markets. It opens the door wider for institutional and individual investors from around the world, many of whom are now seeing Dubai as not just a lifestyle destination, but a secure and future-proof place to allocate capital. The message is clear: Dubai is getting stronger and stronger as a global capital market, emerging as a magnet for living, working, and safeguarding wealth.”
The removal from the EU’s high-risk list is expected to ease restrictions on cross-border financial operations and enhance the UAE’s reputation as a low-risk environment for global financial institutions. It also reinforces the country’s status as a reliable hub for international business, further aligning with the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a leading destination for innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
For real estate in particular, this could mean a stronger inflow of foreign capital, particularly from Europe and North America, as confidence in the UAE’s governance structures solidifies. Dubai, already known for its dynamic property market and investor-friendly environment, now stands to attract a wider pool of cautious, regulation-driven investors.
