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The UAE assumes the presidency of MENAFATF for 2026
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) announced on Monday that the United Arab Emirates has assumed the presidency of the group for 2026, represented by Hamid Saif Al Zaabi.
The UAE presidency comes at a pivotal stage for the region, coinciding with MENAFATF’s preparations to launch the third round of mutual evaluations, in line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) fifth round methodology.
Under the leadership of the UAE, MENAFATF will focus on enhancing regional readiness for mutual evaluation processes, modernizing governance frameworks, deepening international cooperation, and developing solutions to address new and emerging financial crime risks.
The UAE presidency forms part of a two-year joint sequence with the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will assume the presidency of the group in 2027, reflecting a shared commitment to continuity and long-term regional capacity building.
Hamed Saif Al Zaabi, the current president of MENAFATF, said: “I am honored to assume this leadership role as the Middle East and North Africa region plays a pivotal role in the global financial system today, linking continents, markets and key trade corridors, and what happens in our region has an increasing impact on international financial stability.”
He added that with the UAE assuming the presidency of MENAFATF, our focus is on enhancing the region’s resilience and ensuring that our collective efforts contribute effectively to combating financial crimes globally. Through joint action, we can raise standards, build stronger institutions, and achieve a sustainable impact for our region and the world.
For his part, Sulaiman Al-Jabreen, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF, said that the joint priorities agreed upon by the UAE for 2026 and the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2027 reflect a forward-looking vision for the work of the group, as they provide continuity, enhance governance, and support member states in their readiness for the next round of mutual evaluations. This coordinated approach will enhance the effectiveness of MENAFATF and strengthen its role within the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing network.
The UAE’s 2026 presidency includes a priority to develop corporate governance and internal structures in MENAFATF, in order to enhance the efficiency of the group’s operations, procedures, and secretariat, and to strengthen its resources.
International partnerships will form another key focus within the UAE presidency, with plans to expand cooperation with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), regional counterparts, and international monitoring bodies.
Work tracks will also be dedicated to focusing on studying the latest patterns, risks and experiences in virtual assets, financial technologies, artificial intelligence, beneficial owner transparency and enhancing cooperation in asset recovery, in line with global priorities to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and arms proliferation financing.
MENAFATF members welcomed the UAE’s presidency and its comprehensive 2026 program, stressing that it will contribute to strengthening regional cohesion, enhancing national capabilities, and aligning MENAFATF’s work more closely with global standards and emerging risks.
The group comprises 21 member states from across the Middle East and North Africa, and these economies collectively represent a combined GDP of more than US$3 trillion, highlighting the region’s strategic importance in achieving global financial stability and in international efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and arms proliferation financing
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