Can the UAE refuse an AML cooperation request on confidentiality or tax grounds?
No. The UAE AML law makes clear that certain grounds cannot be used to refuse a request for international cooperation. In particular, the fact that a request involves financial, customs or direct or indirect tax matters is not a valid basis for refusal. Nor are the mandatory confidentiality provisions applicable to financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, or virtual asset service providers, except where legal professional privilege or professional secrecy properly applies.
The law goes further to strengthen cross-border enforcement. A judgment or judicial order from a competent foreign court providing for provisional measures or confiscation of criminal property, or of funds of equivalent value, relating to money laundering or a predicate offence, may be executed without the need for national investigations. Concerned authorities must give priority to cooperation requests linked to these crimes and exchange information with foreign counterparts both automatically and on request, while protecting the confidentiality of the information received.
This reflects the UAE’s commitment to being a cooperative jurisdiction. For compliance teams, it underlines that bank secrecy and tax-matter objections will not shield transactions from scrutiny where cross-border assistance is sought.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 21 — bars refusal of cooperation on tax or confidentiality grounds and allows execution of foreign confiscation orders.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.