UAE and Spain strengthen partnerships to combat financial crimes
DUBAI, UAE – January 30, 2026 — The UAE’s General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee and Spanish government agencies announced strengthened bilateral cooperation to combat financial crimes during a high-level mission in Madrid. The partnership will enhance information sharing, investigations, extradition, and asset recovery mechanisms between both nations.
Announcement Specifics
The UAE delegation comprised senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Public Prosecution, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation (EOCN), and Financial Investigation Unit (FIU). Spanish counterparts included representatives from the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament, Spain’s Financial Intelligence Unit (SEPBLAC), Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, International Cooperation Unit of the Prosecutor General’s Office, and Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office.
Discussions covered AML/CFT/CPF strategic leadership, FIU cooperation, targeted financial sanctions, trade-based money laundering, cross-border cash movements, and asset recovery. The mission builds on the UAE-Spain Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in force since 2010. Both sides agreed to continue technical exchanges, strengthen coordination channels, and establish a strategic dialogue on AML/CFT/CPF.
The UAE shared updates on its strengthened AML/CFT/CPF framework, including legislative developments, institutional enhancements, updated National Risk Assessment, and National Strategy, ahead of its FATF mutual evaluation.
Industry Context
This cooperation underscores the critical role of international partnerships in tackling evolving financial crime threats, particularly trade-based laundering and proliferation financing. For MENA fintech firms, the agreement signals robust regulatory alignment with Europe, potentially easing cross-border operations while prioritizing compliance amid FATF scrutiny.
Global AML efforts face rising challenges from digital assets and complex trade schemes. The UAE’s proactive FATF preparations position it as a regional leader, fostering trust for economic hubs like Dubai. Spain’s expertise via SEPBLAC adds investigative depth to the UAE’s framework.
Conclusion
These engagements pave the way for more effective cross-border responses to financial crimes, supporting the UAE’s FATF goals and deepening UAE-Spain ties through the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. Expect continued technical dialogues and potential formal mechanisms to drive tangible impacts.
Sources: Zawya, Emirates News Agency (WAM) via Zawya
