UAE Launches 2025 Anti-Money Laundering Annual Report with 95% Strategy Implementation
The National Anti-Money Laundering Committee has unveiled its comprehensive 2025 Annual Report, demonstrating significant progress in strengthening the UAE's financial crime prevention framework and international partnerships.
The United Arab Emirates has marked a significant milestone in its fight against financial crime with the launch of the 2025 Annual Report by the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee. The report reflects substantial progress in developing the nation’s comprehensive system to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that multilateral cooperation remains fundamental to the UAE’s vision. He highlighted the nation’s commitment to deepening integration among government entities whilst strengthening strategic partnerships with both the private sector and international partners. The Minister underscored the UAE’s role as a trusted international partner, pledging continued support for capacity-building initiatives and active contributions to the development of international standards.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the National Committee, noted that Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 on Anti-Money Laundering represents an important legislative advancement. This framework enhances the effectiveness of the national system and strengthens coordination among competent authorities, thereby reinforcing preparedness to address evolving risks whilst maintaining alignment with international standards and best practices.
The 2025 Annual Report highlights remarkable operational progress throughout the year. Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice-Chair of the National Committee, revealed that the implementation completion rate for the National Strategy’s 11 strategic goals reached 95 per cent during 2025. This achievement reflects the concerted efforts of all relevant authorities in financial intelligence, law enforcement, international cooperation and supervision. The General Secretariat utilised advanced data analytics and technology through the ‘AML Track’ platform to support comprehensive risk analysis and strategy monitoring.
Key developments outlined in the report include completion of updates to the legislative and regulatory framework, reconstitution of the Higher Committee and its supporting structures, and the establishment of more efficient governance mechanisms. Sectoral risk assessments conducted in cooperation with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, alongside development of frameworks addressing beneficial ownership, asset recovery, virtual assets and cyber-enabled financial crime, demonstrate the UAE’s sophisticated, risk-based approach.
Looking forward, the UAE’s priorities include further development of its national framework and preparations for the Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluation. The nation will assume presidencies of both the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force and the Middle East and North Africa Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network in 2026, reinforcing its leadership role in regional financial integrity efforts.
Source: WAM