The UAE will assume the presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the region’s anti-financial crime framework. The presidency will be represented by H.E. Hamid Al Zaabi, Head of the UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering Secretariat. Moreover, the appointment comes as MENAFATF prepares to launch the third round of mutual evaluations under updated international standards.
“The UAE’s presidency comes at a defining moment for the region, as MENAFATF prepares to launch the third round of mutual evaluations,” the UAE government said. As a result, the leadership role places the UAE at the centre of shaping regional preparedness and regulatory alignment.
Regional role in global financial stability
Commenting on the appointment, Mr AlZaabi highlighted the strategic importance of the region within the global financial system. “The Middle East and North Africa play a vital role in the global financial system today. Our region connects continents, markets, and major trade corridors. What happens here increasingly shapes international financial stability.”
He added: “As the UAE assumes the Presidency of MENAFATF, our focus is on strengthening the region’s resilience. And ensuring that our collective efforts contribute meaningfully to the global fight against financial crime. By working together, we can elevate standards, build stronger institutions, and deliver lasting impact for our region and the world.”
MENAFATF operates as a regional body under the Financial Action Task Force framework and plays a central role in implementing international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards across member states. Therefore, the upcoming evaluation cycle will carry heightened significance for regulatory credibility and risk management.
Reform agenda and capacity building
Looking ahead, the UAE’s 2026 presidency will introduce a regional training programme, an e-learning platform to support national risk assessments, and a regional assessor accreditation initiative aimed at expanding technical expertise across member states. Additionally, the UAE will prioritise institutional reforms to strengthen the effectiveness of the Secretariat and enhance MENAFATF’s internal governance structures.
Suliman Al-Jabrin, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF, said: “The joint priorities agreed by the United Arab Emirates for 2026 and the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2027 reflect a forward-looking vision for the Group. They [will] support member states as they prepare for the upcoming round of mutual evaluations.”
As a result, the UAE’s presidency is expected to focus on capacity building, governance reform, and regulatory consistency, reinforcing the region’s contribution to global efforts against financial crime.
