Saudi Arabia adds extra scrutiny to bank transfers headed for the UAE

Saudi Arabia’s monetary authority has escalated oversight of financial flows to the United Arab Emirates, applying the same rigorous checks used for jurisdictions deemed high-risk for money laundering and terrorism financing. The move, known only to insiders, coincides with reports from six companies that payments in multiple currencies have been postponed or bounced by Saudi banks without official justification. The central bank asserts that no direct country-specific bans exist and that all institutions follow a robust FATF-aligned framework.

A UAE economy ministry spokesperson says the ministry has not been alerted to any systemic transfer problems. Sources note that the UAE now joins a list that includes Lebanon, South Sudan and Iraq, all flagged for elevated monitoring. Analysts suggest the step may signal a diplomatic warning amid growing Saudi-UAE tensions over oil policy and regional conflicts.