Abdullah bin Zayed Strengthens UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Strategy in 23rd Committee Meeting
Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the 23rd meeting of the Higher Committee overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing. The meeting focused on enhancing the UAE’s integrated national system aimed at combating financial crime.
Commitment to Strengthening Frameworks
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s ongoing efforts to bolster its legislative, supervisory, and enforcement frameworks. These initiatives aim to reinforce the country’s position as a reliable partner in global anti-financial crime efforts. The meeting highlighted the importance of international partnerships in achieving these objectives.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the resilience and efficiency of the national system, noting that various entities have successfully continued to implement national priorities under the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing (2024-2027). This commitment remains steadfast despite regional challenges.
Performance Indicators for 2025
During the meeting, the Higher Committee approved the performance indicators for 2025, which are essential for measuring the effectiveness of the national system. These indicators will help document outcomes through accurate and updated metrics.
Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of the National Committee, presented key indicators reflecting significant progress in areas such as risk understanding, international cooperation, supervision, transparency, and financial investigations. The indicators revealed that 781 inspections were conducted across financial institutions and virtual asset service providers, resulting in penalties totaling AED384 million. Additionally, 8,900 inspections were carried out in designated non-financial businesses and professions, leading to penalties of AED160.33 million.
International Cooperation and Legal Assistance
The meeting also addressed the increase in mutual legal assistance requests, which rose to 516. In terms of counter-terrorism financing, 56 investigations were recorded over the past year. These figures underscore the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation in combating financial crime.
The Committee reviewed the latest developments related to the joint mutual evaluation process by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). Discussions centered on the preparations of various national teams to align national measures with international effectiveness requirements and standards.
Training Programs and Capacity Building
The Committee received updates on various training programs designed to enhance the efficiency and readiness of national teams. These initiatives aim to strengthen the capabilities and competencies of personnel working in anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and countering proliferation financing.
The meeting, conducted via remote video conference, included attendance from key officials, such as Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention. Other attendees included Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE.
Also present were Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Zaabi, Deputy Head of State Security; Omran Anwar Al Hashmi, Assistant Minister of Advanced Science and Technology; and Aisha Yousif, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment.
As reported by www.emirates247.com, the meeting underscored the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a robust national framework for combating financial crime.
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Published on 2026-06-04 00:39:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk