UAE and Netherlands Enhance Legal Collaboration

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Justice, engaged with Foort van Oosten, the Kingdom of the Netherlands' Minister of Justice and Security, in The Hague. Their discussion centered on bolstering bilateral judicial cooperation and tackling common challenges related to transnational organized crime, money laundering, and financial crime, necessitating robust international collaboration.

Both ministers reiterated their dedication to upholding the rule of law, international justice, and transparency. They acknowledged that cross-border criminal activities present a formidable challenge to global security and stability, stressing that effective judicial cooperation and legal assistance are vital for addressing these threats and ensuring both regional and international order.

The meeting was deemed highly beneficial in enhancing legal collaboration between their countries. Minister Al Nuaimi emphasized the UAE's commitment to forging stronger judicial partnerships with the Netherlands and the broader European community. He underscored the necessity of cooperation in combating organized and financial crime, including the illicit use of virtual assets, along with the critical task of identifying, freezing, and recovering illicit proceeds.

Al Nuaimi pointed out that the UAE has led the way in digitally transforming judicial services, potential benefits of which can be shared with the Netherlands to boost transparency, efficiency, and innovation. Both parties agreed that tapping into digital systems will optimize case management, communication, and judicial documentation, thereby facilitating quicker and more reliable justice delivery.

Minister van Oosten commended the UAE's leadership role in fostering international legal cooperation, acknowledging significant advancements made under the Bilateral Treaties on Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance that came into effect in August 2023. Since then, the UAE has successfully executed 11 extradition requests and currently has six cases pending in the courts with 17 more under scrutiny. A total of ten extraditions were finalized in 2025, underscoring a strong operational trust between their ministries.

Discussions also highlighted the rising significance of asset tracking, freezing, and confiscation in dismantling transnational crime networks. Both ministers pledged to strengthen coordination, share best practices in financial investigations, and enhance regulations governing virtual assets to more effectively combat organized crime.

The establishment of direct communication between their ministries was welcomed, noting its role in speeding up cooperation and shortening case handling times. They stressed the importance of exchanging expertise, training, and capacity building for their judicial and prosecutorial institutions. The presence of the Dutch Liaison Prosecutor in Abu Dhabi and ongoing collaboration with Eurojust were also cited as key factors in reinforcing practical coordination.

In conclusion, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to building on their progress and further enhancing legal instruments and institutional links. They agreed to continue strengthening cross-border crime cooperation, uphold justice, and ensure security for both nations, with plans for the next meeting to take place in Abu Dhabi.