An Emirati delegation has concluded high-level talks with representatives of the UK government in London aimed at advancing joint efforts to tackle financial crimes.
Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary General and vice chairman of the UAE National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee, was welcomed by Dan Jarvis, UK Minister of State for Security, for two days of discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The visit demonstrated the strength of a strategic partnership between the nations to safeguard international financial systems and take action against rogue financial networks-funding organised crime, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday.
The meetings were also attended by senior figures from the UAE's Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, UAE Customs and financial intelligence units from the Emirates.
The UK team included representatives from the Treasury, the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Crown Prosecution Service.
“Financial crime is global in nature, and tackling it requires global solutions," said Mr Al Zaabi.
"The UAE and the UK are strongly committed to combating illicit finance, and this week’s discussions were productive, paving the way for increased operational effectiveness, while also supporting bilateral trade.”
Mr Jarvis said the talks were a "significant step in our joint efforts to tackle illicit finance and disrupt the international criminal networks who rely on it".
"Through cross border co-operation, together we can safeguard the security of both our nations while better protecting communities form the serious harm caused by money laundering and international criminality.
"The UK is proud to stand alongside our Emirati partners as we launch this crucial dialogue.”
During the visit the delegation met with members of the private sector at a round-table organised by the UK-UAE Business Council and hosted by the Embassy of the UAE in London.
The outcomes of the visit will support wider UAE-UK strategic co-operation on financial crime.
UAE steps up crime fight
The UAE has made important progress in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism in recent years, issuing strict laws and introducing regulations to clamp down on such crime.
Last September, the UAE set out a nationwide action plan aimed at countering terrorism financing and money laundering. The 2024-2027 National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing features 11 goals focused on risk-based compliance, effectiveness and sustainability.
The National reported in June how the EU planned to remove the UAE from a list of countries that pose a high risk for money laundering following a drive in the Emirates to boost regulatory framework.
The UAE was removed from a similar list last year by the Financial Action Task Force, the global body that combats money laundering and terrorism financing.
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Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Adel Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Mohammed Barghash, Salem Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Hassan Al Mahrami, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Yousef Jaber, Saeed Ahmed, Majed Sorour, Majed Hassan, Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Khalil Al Hammadi, Fabio De Lima, Khalfan Mubarak, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Ali Saleh, Caio Canedo, Muhammed Jumah, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
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if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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