UAE TAKES OVER PRESIDENCY OF MENA FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE

Hamid Saif AlZaabi outlines a reform-focused vision as the UAE assumes leadership of MENAFATF at a pivotal moment for regional and global financial crime prevention.

The United Arab Emirates has officially assumed the presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing role in shaping regional and global efforts to combat financial crime.

Describing the moment as both an honor and a responsibility, Hamid Saif AlZaabi, the newly appointed President of MENAFATF, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing complex financial threats. “Our collective efforts should contribute meaningfully to the global fight against financial crime,” he said, outlining a forward-looking agenda for the organization under the UAE’s leadership.

A Defining Moment for the Region

The UAE’s presidency comes at a critical juncture for MENAFATF, as the organization prepares to launch the third round of mutual evaluations across member states. This new phase will play a crucial role in assessing how effectively countries are implementing international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Against this backdrop, the UAE’s leadership is expected to help guide the region through a period of heightened scrutiny, evolving risks, and increasing global expectations around transparency, compliance, and enforcement.

Focus on Governance and Institutional Strength

Central to the UAE’s agenda is a strong emphasis on strengthening MENAFATF’s institutional governance and internal structures. The UAE plans to prioritize reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of both the task force and its Secretariat, ensuring that the organization is better equipped to meet its expanding mandate.

This includes enhancing internal processes, reinforcing institutional frameworks, and strengthening the Secretariat’s resources to support member countries more effectively. By doing so, the UAE aims to position MENAFATF as a more agile, resilient, and impactful regional body aligned with global best practices.

Strengthening the Global Fight Against Financial Crime

Under the UAE’s presidency, MENAFATF is expected to deepen cooperation among member states and reinforce its engagement with international partners. The goal is to ensure that regional efforts are fully aligned with the broader global framework led by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), while also addressing the unique challenges faced by the Middle East and North Africa.

AlZaabi’s vision underscores the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and consistent implementation of standards across jurisdictions. By strengthening governance and institutional capacity, the UAE hopes to help member states not only meet compliance requirements but also build sustainable systems capable of responding to emerging financial crime risks.

Leadership with Regional and Global Impact

The UAE’s assumption of the MENAFATF presidency reflects its broader commitment to financial integrity, regulatory excellence, and international cooperation. As financial systems grow more interconnected and sophisticated, the role of regional bodies like MENAFATF has become increasingly critical.

With the third round of mutual evaluations on the horizon, the UAE’s leadership is poised to shape a consequential chapter for MENAFATF—one focused on stronger institutions, enhanced credibility, and meaningful contributions to the global fight against financial crime.