On June 3, 2026, Abdullah bin Zayed reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing. As a pivotal figure in shaping national and international policies, his leadership emphasizes the UAE’s proactive stance in addressing financial crimes and enhancing security within its financial system. The article delves into the recent initiatives and strategies implemented to strengthen the UAE’s fight against these pressing global issues.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the 23rd meeting of the Supreme Committee overseeing the National Strategy for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. His Highness emphasized that the UAE is committed to enhancing an integrated and effective national framework to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons financing by developing its legislative and regulatory frameworks.
During the meeting, His Highness praised the efficiency and flexibility of the national work system, noting the ability of various entities to continue implementing critical national priorities even amid regional challenges. This demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to addressing money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons.
Performance of the National System in 2025
During the meeting, the committee approved performance indicators for the national system for 2025 in the areas of combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons. These indicators include measuring the effectiveness of the national system in documenting results based on accurate data. Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Deputy Chairman of the National Committee, highlighted some of these indicators, which show significant progress in several areas, including risk understanding and international cooperation.
A total of 781 inspections were conducted on financial institutions and virtual asset service providers, resulting in fines amounting to 384 million dirhams. In designated non-financial businesses, 8,900 inspections were carried out, with fines totaling 160.33 million dirhams. Al Zaabi also noted an increase in the number of mutual legal assistance requests to 516, and investigations into terrorism cases recorded 56 instances over the past year.
International Cooperation and Training Efforts
The meeting also reviewed updates on the mutual evaluation process conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). In this context, the preparedness of national working groups and their efforts to ensure that national procedures align with international standards were discussed.
The committee was informed about the results of training programs focused on enhancing the skills of specialized teams and improving their readiness to address threats related to money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons. These programs are part of ongoing efforts to develop the necessary competencies and capabilities to tackle these challenges.
The meeting was attended via video conference by several officials, including Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Shama bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Community Protection, and Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Tourism, also attended, reflecting the country’s seriousness in implementing these strategies.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed remains confident that the UAE’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing will not cease, but will continuously strive to thrive and evolve in line with international standards, thereby enhancing the country’s position as a trusted partner in global efforts to combat financial crimes.