Saudi Arabia has tightened its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures against the UAE to the highest level in recent days, following months of implementing such measures, albeit with less stringent procedures.

Saudi banking officials said they had received strict government instructions to apply anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing restrictions and measures to all transfers linked to the UAE.

Six businesspeople told Reuters that their financial transfers linked to the UAE had been cancelled without any clarification or explanation.

It is worth noting that the measures Saudi Arabia is taking against the UAE these days are those typically activated exclusively in relation to countries and entities accused of financing terrorism or money laundering, or those experiencing tensions and wars, or with which Saudi Arabia does not have friendly relations. Such measures are not applied to countries classified as friendly and stable.