Dubai: The General Secretariat to the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), in collaboration with Strategyand and PwC, organized the UAE National Strategy for AML/CFT/CPF Retreat in Dubai. The event saw participation from over 50 senior officials representing both federal and local authorities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the retreat functioned as a crucial platform to review the implementation of the UAE's National Strategy for AML/CFT/CPF for the years 2024-2027. This strategy was adopted by the UAE Cabinet on September 2, 2024, and outlines the nation's approach to combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, ensuring compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The strategy is a significant policy document that highlights the UAE's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system.
The 2024-2027 strategy is structured around four strategic pillars and 11 national goals, which include strengthening supervision and enforcement, enhancing domestic coordination, deepening international cooperation, and embedding innovation and technology. This strategy has guided national reforms to fortify a sustainable, long-term framework and continues to serve as a unified roadmap for competent authorities, ensuring consistent and effective implementation across the government.
The retreat also initiated preparations for the 2027-2030 strategy cycle, where participants assessed achievements and challenges under the current strategy and began prioritizing objectives that translate policy into measurable actions. The programme, held at the PwC Dubai Experience Centre, featured plenary discussions and focused breakout sessions on issues such as proliferation finance, ransomware, tax crime, exchange of information requests, cybersecurity, blockchain, gaming and casinos, and virtual assets. Sessions also highlighted lessons from FATF-rated jurisdictions and examined emerging global financial crime risks.
In his introductory address, Mohamed AlKatheeri, Director of the National Coordination and Follow-Up Department, emphasized the UAE's unified approach. He stated, 'We act as one national team, united by a single purpose: delivering for the UAE. Our task is to turn strategy into action with full transparency and results that stand up to international scrutiny. What defines our work is coordination and collaboration: one plan, one rhythm, shared progress. This retreat was not only a chance to review our achievements but also to set clear priorities for the next strategic cycle. By doing so, we ensure continuity, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence that will carry the UAE well beyond 2027. The participation of more than 50 senior officials is a testament to the strength of our system and the seriousness with which we safeguard the UAE and the global financial system.'
The workshop resulted in three key outcomes to enhance the UAE's anti-financial crime framework. Participants committed to accelerating the delivery of the National Action Plan through agile strategy cycles, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and robust data-sharing mechanisms. Concrete follow-up actions were established, including reviews of FATF submissions, alignment with the National Risk Assessment, and resilience testing via simulation exercises to ensure implementation remains transparent, adaptive, and results-driven.
Lastly, a strategic visioning session mapped out the foundational pillars for the UAE's 2027-2031 AML/CFT/CPF strategy, underscoring the nation's dedication to elevating its global leadership in combating financial crime and terrorist financing.