The UAE plans to work with regional neighbours on a new initiative to combat cross-border fraud and money laundering, as criminals increasingly exploit international financial and legal gaps. The proposal is expected to be advanced during the UAE’s 2026 presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force.
Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary General and Vice Chairman of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, said fraud increasingly involves victims, perpetrators and stolen funds located in different countries. He stressed the importance of understanding different legal systems and strengthening co-operation between authorities to respond effectively.
The UAE recorded about 80,000 suspicious transaction reports in 2025. More than Dh4.23 billion was confiscated domestically, while Dh556.6 million was returned to victims. Financial intelligence disseminations also increased by more than 80 per cent.
The country has strengthened its anti-money-laundering framework through Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, which extends safeguards to digital assets and recognises proliferation financing as a distinct risk. The UAE also launched its third National Risk Assessment on September 28, bringing together 84 authorities and private-sector representatives to identify emerging financial-crime risks.
