The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, organized the first forum of 2026 to strengthen compliance among Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) with anti-money laundering requirements.

Held at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the forum brought together private sector representatives and specialists in anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CFT).

The event forms part of ongoing efforts to implement the UAE National AML/CFT Strategy and served as a platform to enhance coordination between authorities and the private sector to strengthen compliance within the DNFBP sector.

The sector includes real estate brokers and agents, precious metals and stone dealers, independent accountants and auditors, corporate service providers, and lawyers and legal consultants.

Organizers said the initiative aligns with international best practices to safeguard the financial system from illicit activity and strengthen the country’s global standing in the fight against financial crime.

The forum featured a series of presentations and panel discussions focused on implementing AML legislation and regulatory procedures. Sessions highlighted the importance of effective customer due diligence and of raising awareness among private-sector entities about reporting suspicious financial activities.

Salem Ahmed Al Tunaiji, Director of the AML/CFT Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said the ministry remains committed to strengthening AML compliance across the DNFBP sector through an integrated framework supported by advanced technologies and digital infrastructure to enhance monitoring and oversight. He added that these efforts help reinforce confidence in the country’s business environment and protect the national economy’s reputation regionally and globally.

Abdullah Al Rashid, Director of the AML and Counter Terrorism Financing Department at the Ministry of Justice, said such forums support stronger compliance among DNFBPs, including real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, accountants, corporate service providers, and legal professionals. He noted that these sectors are responsible for implementing controls to identify customers, verify beneficial ownership, and report suspicious activities in line with international standards.

The forum’s sessions focused on strengthening supervisory oversight, enhancing coordination between government entities, and improving regulatory frameworks, information sharing, and inspection mechanisms. Discussions also highlighted findings from the UAE’s national risk assessment, which helps authorities prioritise regulatory measures and strengthen compliance frameworks using a risk-based approach.

Additional presentations addressed customer due diligence requirements and the need for businesses to verify customer identities, identify beneficial owners, and assess risks throughout business relationships. Participants also discussed challenges in implementing due diligence, including limited resources, gaps in specialised expertise, and reliance on manual processes.

The forum concluded with a presentation on the mutual evaluation methodology used by the Financial Action Task Force and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, reviewing the effectiveness of the UAE’s AML/CFT framework and outlining recommendations to further strengthen compliance and transparency.