UAE assumes MENAFATF presidency for 2026

Defining moment for the Region

The UAE’s presidency comes at a pivotal time for the region, as MENAFATF prepares to roll out the third round of mutual evaluations, in line with the fifth-round methodology of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Strategic priorities under UAE leadership

During its tenure, the UAE will focus on enhancing regional preparedness for mutual evaluations, modernising governance frameworks, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing responses to new and emerging financial crime risks.

Joint presidency with Bahrain

The UAE’s presidency is part of a coordinated two-year sequence with the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will assume leadership of MENAFATF in 2027. This arrangement reflects a shared commitment to continuity and long-term regional capacity building.

AlZaabi: Strengthening global financial stability

“It is a great honour to take on this leadership role. 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, and what happens here increasingly shapes international financial stability,” said Hamid Saif AlZaabi, current President of MENAFATF.

Focus on resilience and collective action

He added that as the UAE assumes the presidency, the priority will be on strengthening the region’s resilience and ensuring collective efforts contribute effectively to the global fight against financial crime. He stressed that cooperation will help raise standards, build stronger institutions, and deliver lasting regional and global impact.

Secretariat highlights forward-looking vision

Suliman Al-Jabrin, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF, said the joint priorities set by the UAE for 2026 and Bahrain for 2027 reflect a forward-looking vision that promotes continuity, reinforces governance, and supports member states ahead of the upcoming evaluation round. He noted that this coordinated approach will strengthen MENAFATF’s effectiveness within the global AML/CFT network.

Governance, Partnerships and innovation

The UAE’s 2026 presidency will prioritise enhancing MENAFATF’s institutional governance and internal structures to improve efficiency, strengthen the Secretariat, and expand resources. International partnerships will also be a key pillar, with expanded engagement planned with FATF, peer regional bodies, and international observers.

Addressing emerging financial crime risks

Dedicated workstreams will focus on emerging trends and risks related to virtual assets, fintech, artificial intelligence, beneficial ownership transparency, and enhanced cooperation on asset recovery, in line with global AML/CFT priorities.

Broad support from member states

MENAFATF members welcomed the UAE’s presidency and its comprehensive 2026 programme, noting that it will foster regional cohesion, strengthen national capabilities, and better align MENAFATF’s work with global standards and emerging risks.

Regional economic significance

MENAFATF comprises 21 member states across the Middle East and North Africa. Collectively, these economies represent an estimated combined GDP exceeding US$3 trillion, underscoring the region’s strategic importance to global financial stability and the international fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.