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UAE, UNODC Boost Anti-Crime Cooperation Ahead of 2026 UN Congress

A UAE delegation visited the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Abu Dhabi to strengthen joint efforts against financial crimes. The meeting focused on preparations for the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice scheduled for 2026. Discussions also covered regional cooperation within the MENAFATF framework, which the UAE currently chairs. Both parties confirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing regional and international initiatives in this field.

Key Points: UAE, UNODC Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Cooperation

  • Enhanced UAE-UNODC cooperation
  • Focus on 2026 UN Crime Congress
  • Combating money laundering & terrorism financing
  • MENAFATF regional framework
  • Supporting international crime prevention
1 min read

UAE, UNODC explore prospects for joint cooperation

UAE and UNODC meet in Abu Dhabi to coordinate on crime prevention, terrorism financing, and the agenda for the 2026 UN Crime Congress.

"Both sides affirmed the positive level of cooperation and their constructive contribution to supporting relevant regional and international efforts."

Abu Dhabi, April 1

A delegation from the General Secretariat of the UAE's National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing, visited today the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Abu Dhabi, as part of efforts to enhance cooperation and coordinate initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of the committee, discussed with Dr Hatem Aly, Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC countries, the latest developments related to the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, scheduled to be held in September 2026.

The meeting reviewed the key topics and events on the congress agenda, as well as opportunities to support initiatives aimed at strengthening crime prevention systems.

The meeting also addressed the framework of joint regional work within the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), which is chaired by the UAE this year. Both sides affirmed the positive level of cooperation and their constructive contribution to supporting relevant regional and international efforts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see Gulf nations taking a lead. With so much wealth flowing through the region, strong anti-money laundering frameworks are crucial. Hope this cooperation leads to concrete actions and not just meetings. The real test is implementation on the ground.
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Aman W
While this is important, I hope the focus remains on prevention and justice, not just on technical compliance. Sometimes these high-level meetings become too bureaucratic. The 2026 congress needs to address the root causes of crime and terrorism in the region.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Dubai, it's reassuring to see the UAE actively working with the UN on this. A stable and secure financial system benefits everyone living and doing business here. Kudos to the teams involved.
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Karthik V
MENAFATF is a critical body. With the UAE chairing it this year, there's a great opportunity to set strong regional standards. India has a lot of experience in this field—our Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) is quite robust. Maybe there's scope for triangular cooperation between India, UAE, and UNODC?
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Nikhil C
Terrorism financing is a global threat that requires a united front. Any step towards better coordination, especially in our neighbourhood (GCC, MENA), is welcome. Hope the outcomes are shared widely so other nations can learn and adapt.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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