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Middle East · Overall risk: Moderate

United Arab Emirates — Country Risk Briefing

Regional financial hub upgraded by FATF in 2024; sanctions-circumvention scrutiny remains elevated.

All countries
Sovereign
28/ 100
Sanctions
48/ 100
Corruption
38/ 100
Cyber
44/ 100

Macro & sovereign

Hydrocarbon-anchored with rapid non-oil diversification; AA sovereign profile.

Regulatory environment

DFSA, FSRA and Central Bank enforcement strengthened; UBO and sanctions screening expectations tightened.

Sanctions exposure

Heightened US/UK scrutiny on Russia-linked trade flows and dual-use goods transhipment.

Geopolitical signals

Active diplomatic posture; regional escalation risk via Red Sea/Strait of Hormuz.

Cyber threat landscape

Growing target profile; CSC reports rising phishing and DDoS activity against financial sector.

Primary sources

FATFCentral Bank UAECSC UAE

Country briefings summarise publicly available indicators and RisQo analyst commentary. Scores are illustrative — request a live report for current, sourced data.