UAE Spain Deepen Financial Crime Ties To Boost AML/CFT Cooperation

A senior delegation from the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee travelled to Madrid. The visit aimed to expand cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Spain. Both sides focused on combating financial crime through stronger coordination across policy, supervision and enforcement.

The mission took place alongside broader diplomatic meetings between the UAE and Spain. Officials from both countries restated the strength of their bilateral relations. They also welcomed progress in negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Participants stressed the need to bring CEPA discussions to a successful and timely conclusion.

The UAE delegation included senior representatives from several national bodies working on AML/CFT/CPF and financial crime. Authorities represented were the General Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Interior. Public Prosecution and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security also participated. The Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation and the Financial Investigation Unit attended as well.

Spanish counterparts received the delegation in a series of technical and policy meetings. Sessions were held with the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament. Further engagements involved Spain’s Financial Intelligence Unit SEPBLAC, Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil. Discussions also included the International Cooperation Unit of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office.

Across these meetings, experts addressed a wide agenda related to AML/CFT/CPF and financial crime. Topics included strategic leadership, Financial Intelligence Unit cooperation and targeted financial sanctions. Officials discussed trade-based money laundering and cross-border cash movements. Asset recovery, extradition processes and practical case coordination were examined to improve joint investigations and support more effective operational partnerships.

Both delegations underlined the constructive nature of the exchanges in Madrid. Participants noted how regular dialogue between AML/CFT/CPF specialists strengthens international cooperation. They highlighted the benefits for mutual understanding of national systems. Authorities agreed to maintain technical exchanges, enhance coordination channels and establish a structured strategic dialogue on AML/CFT/CPF to support effective cross-border cooperation.

UAE representatives outlined recent updates to the national AML/CFT/CPF framework during the visit. They presented new legislative measures and institutional enhancements. Officials highlighted the publication of an updated National Risk Assessment and a National Strategy. Discussions also reflected the UAE’s preparedness and continued commitment to its ongoing FATF mutual evaluation process.

The General Secretariat explained that this mission builds on long-standing UAE–Spain collaboration on financial crime. Officials referred in particular to the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, in force since 2010. The visit reinforced shared efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, supporting more secure financial systems in both countries and beyond.

With inputs from WAM