London: The United Arab Emirates' Government and His Majesty's Government have concluded significant bilateral meetings in London, focused on strengthening cooperation in the global fight against illicit finance. The meetings, held from 2 to 3 September 2025, marked a pivotal step in the strategic partnership between the UAE and the UK, aiming to safeguard the international financial system and disrupt illicit financial networks that facilitate serious and organized criminal activities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day visit 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). The UK delegation was received by Dan Jarvis MP, UK Minister of State for Security. The discussions were attended by senior representatives from various key institutions, including His Majesty's Treasury, the UAE Ministry of Economy, the UK Home Office, and the UAE Ministry of Interior, among others.
The meetings facilitated deepened collaboration on strategic priorities, enhanced bilateral dialogue, and the exchange of best practices across regulatory, supervisory, law enforcement, and judicial domains. Hamid AlZaabi emphasized the global nature of financial crime and the need for global solutions, expressing commitment to combating illicit finance and paving the way for increased operational effectiveness while supporting bilateral trade.
Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis MP, highlighted the importance of engagement with the UAE as a significant step in joint efforts to tackle illicit finance and disrupt international criminal networks. He stressed the role of cross-border cooperation in safeguarding the security of both nations and protecting communities from the harm caused by money laundering and international criminality.
During the visit, the delegation also engaged with the private sector at a roundtable organized by the UK-UAE Business Council, hosted by the Embassy of the UAE in London. Prior to their arrival in London, representatives from the UAE participated in the 42nd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, where they shared efforts to combat cross-border crime.
The outcomes of the visit are expected to contribute to broader UAE-UK strategic cooperation, reinforcing both countries' commitment to combating illicit finance, advancing judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and supporting the stability of the global financial system.