In addition to its removal from the FATF grey list last year, in July 2025, the United Arab Emirates officially exited the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries. This list highlights jurisdictions with deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures. Being delisted by the EU is a major step forward for the UAE, as it eases restrictions on financial transactions with European banks, reduces compliance burdens for businesses, and strengthens cross-border investment flows.
In 2024, the UAE achieved a significant milestone by being officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. The grey list includes jurisdictions that are subject to increased monitoring due to deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This move boosted the country’s global reputation and reassured international investors of the stability and compliance of its financial system.
So, what does this mean in practice? Being removed from both the EU high-risk list and the FATF grey list signals that the UAE now meets international standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF). This enhances investor confidence, reduces risk premiums associated with doing business in the UAE, and strengthens its position as a trusted global hub. It also opens the door to more cross-border partnerships and smoother banking relationships, as institutions now treat the UAE as a lower-risk jurisdiction.
One of the sectors most likely to benefit from this decision is real estate, which has historically attracted both domestic and international investors. The removal from these lists reduces concerns about restrictions, compliance checks, or reputational risks that may have discouraged some investors. With the UAE real estate market already booming, particularly in Dubai, this renewed confidence could accelerate foreign direct investment, making property ownership more attractive and accessible to individuals and institutions worldwide.
In this landscape, I think platforms like Stake (https://getstake.com/) — the app I personally use — are a great asset for individuals like me who don’t want to spend huge amounts of cash on a single apartment. Instead, we can buy shares in rental properties, earn income, and grow with the market. For me, it’s been a game-changer: super easy, transparent, and I get to track everything straight from my phone. My journey with Stake has been both exciting and rewarding.
Just to be clear, this isn’t an advertisement — I simply wanted to highlight the opportunity created by the UAE’s removal from both the EU and FATF lists. I believe Dubai’s real estate industry will continue to grow rapidly, and platforms like Stake can be one of the easiest ways to get involved in this momentum.
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Tariq Alsadi, CAMS, PMP, MSc
Senior Compliance Analyst, London Stock Exchange Group
TarekJamaL23@yahoo.com
