ARTICLE
4 August 2025

UAE Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering Framework: Key Updates And Amendments (Video)

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Dr Hassan Elhais

Contributor

Dr. Elhais, with his vast legal expertise spanning family, arbitration, banking, commercial, company, criminal, inheritance, labour, and maritime law, is dedicated to providing top-tier legal solutions. As an integral member of the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai, he contributes to the firm's mission of delivering comprehensive legal counsel across the UAE. The team, as a whole, is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. Initially making his mark in criminal and public law, Dr. Hassan made the decision to move to Dubai in 2006, marking a significant step in his legal career. Since joining Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, he has been an active contributor to the firm's growth and reputation. Dr. Hassan is known for his dedication to transparency in legal dealings and fee structures, a reflection of his solid ethical values.
Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2018 initially established the AML regime of the UAE. Still, the difficulty and nature of financial crime required the need for further enhancement in the form of Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2021.
United Arab Emirates Criminal Law

Key Developments in Anti-Money Laundering Legislation Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2018 initially established the AML regime of the UAE. Still, the difficulty and nature of financial crime required the need for further enhancement in the form of Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2021. Furthermore, the most recent amendment, Federal Decree-Law No. 7/2024, introduces the essential changes that will benefit in combating financial crimes effectively.

The new amendment of Article 11 discusses the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering crimes. According to this article, the governor will be in charge of this committee that will coordinate AML activities across the country. The cabinet formation was proposed by the Minister of Finance. The UAE's AML regulations have been established through coordinated efforts.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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