The Governments of the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom concluded high-level bilateral meetings in London on 2–3 September 2025, focused on strengthening cooperation in the global fight against illicit finance.
The two-day engagement highlighted the depth of the UAE–UK strategic partnership in protecting the international financial system and dismantling illicit financial networks that fuel serious and organised crime worldwide.
The UAE delegation was led by Hamid AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the UAE National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), and was received by Dan Jarvis MP, the UK’s Minister of State for Security.
Senior officials took part from His Majesty’s Treasury and the UAE Ministry of Economy, the UK Home Office and UAE Ministry of Interior, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the UK Crown Prosecution Service and UAE Ministry of Justice, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and UAE Customs, as well as the National Economic Crime Centre, the financial intelligence units of both countries, the UK Gambling Commission, and other key institutions.
Discussions advanced cooperation on shared priorities, strengthened bilateral dialogue, and promoted the exchange of expertise and information across regulatory, supervisory, law enforcement, and judicial areas.
Hamid AlZaabi said, “Financial crime is global in nature, and tackling it requires global solutions. The UAE and the UK are strongly committed to combating illicit finance, and this week’s discussions were productive, paving the way for increased operational effectiveness, while also supporting bilateral trade.”
Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis MP said, “Our engagement with the UAE marks a significant step in our joint efforts to tackle illicit finance and disrupt the international criminal networks who rely on it. Through cross border co-operation, together we can safeguard the security of both our nations whilst better protecting communities form the serious harm caused by money laundering and international criminality. The UK is proud to stand alongside our Emirati partners as we launch this crucial dialogue.”
As part of the visit, the UAE delegation engaged with private sector leaders during a roundtable organised by the UK–UAE Business Council and hosted by the Embassy of the UAE in London. Ahead of the London meetings, representatives of the General Secretariat also participated in the 42nd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, where they outlined the UAE’s efforts to combat transnational crime.
The outcomes of the visit will further contribute to the broader UAE–UK strategic partnership, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to countering illicit finance, advancing judicial and law enforcement collaboration, and supporting the resilience of the global financial system.
(Inputs from WAM)
