Global gathering in UAE focuses on strengthening worldwide strategies against monetary criminality
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Global Network Secretariats recently gathered in Abu Dhabi for a three-day retreat (April 7-9, 2025), organised by the UAE's General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC).
The retreat, described by Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of NAMLCFTC, as a "historic moment" for the FATF Global Network, brought together key regional bodies, including the FATF Secretariat, APG, CFATF, MONEYVAL, EAG, ESAAMLG, GABAC, GAFILAT, GIABA, and MENAFATF.
AlZaabi emphasised the retreat's role in demonstrating the UAE's commitment to global financial security and international cooperation. He reiterated its significance in terms of global financial security, underscoring the retreat as a reflection of the UAE's dedication to enhancing global financial security.
The retreat focused on exchanging best practices and preparing for the upcoming round of mutual evaluations, a critical process in assessing countries' efforts in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. AlZaabi highlighted the retreat as a testament to the UAE's commitment to enhancing global financial security.
The event aimed to foster dialogue and strengthen collaboration among participants, with discussions centring on enhancing coordination and information sharing between FATF and its regional networks, reviewing the effectiveness of recent FATF recommendations, and strategies to support capacity building for vulnerable countries.
AlZaabi stressed the retreat's importance for international cooperation and global financial security, and he emphasised the UAE's commitment to global cooperation. As of August 2025, no publicly available summaries or press releases detailing the retreat's key discussions or outcomes have been reported.
For updates on the retreat or FATF-related developments, it is recommended to check official FATF communications or trusted international finance regulatory news sources. The retreat marked a significant milestone in international financial crime cooperation, emphasising the UAE's dedication to this critical global issue.
- The retreat served as a platform for enhancing collaboration within the industry of finance, with discussions centering on global cooperation in the realm of crime-and-justice, particularly money laundering and terrorism financing.
- The event garnered significant attention from the general-news sector, as it highlighted the UAE's commitment to financial security not only for their domestic interests but also for the international community.
- The FATF Global Network, having concluded their retreat in Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of information-sharing and coordination among regional networks, a critical step in ensuring effective implementation of FATF recommendations and providing capacity building for vulnerable countries.
