When you walk into a bank, send money to family overseas, invest in property, or donate to a charity, you trust that your money is safe and that the financial system around you is secure. That trust isn’t accidental – it’s built on robust laws that protect honest citizens and legitimate businesses while keeping criminals out.
This month, the UAE took a major step in strengthening that protection with Federal Decree Law No 10 of 2025 on tackling money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
For residents and businesses in the UAE, this law matters because it directly affects economic security, job stability and quality of life. Financial crime isn’t a victimless offence happening in distant boardrooms. It drives up costs for honest businesses, threatens jobs, distorts property prices and can damage the reputation of the very economy that provides opportunities for millions of people who call the UAE home.
The new law brings the UAE’s legal framework fully in line with the latest standards set by the Financial Action Task Force – or FATF – the international watchdog for financial crime. In June 2023, the UAE was rated compliant or largely compliant with 39 out of 40 FATF recommendations, among the highest scores globally. This new legislation builds on that success, translating international best practices into national law that reflects the unique character of our economy and society.
The UAE is home to global financial centres and one of the world’s most vibrant trade hubs. It’s a leading destination for foreign investment, with a dynamic real estate sector attracting capital from every part of the globe. It’s also a forward-looking economy that has embraced emerging industries like virtual assets, and a caring society that hosts national and international non-profits doing vital humanitarian work across the developing world.
These strengths make the UAE attractive to legitimate businesses, but they can also attract those seeking to exploit the system. That’s why robust financial crime laws aren’t just about compliance; they’re also about preserving the integrity that makes the UAE a desirable place to live, work and invest.
The new law directly addresses these unique features of our economy. As a global financial and trade hub, the UAE requires seamless national co-ordination across government agencies, regulators and law enforcement, which is why the law strengthens the General Secretariat’s role in embedding centralised co-ordination, leading on risk assessment and policy, and protecting the country’s reputation as a leading jurisdiction for fighting financial crime.
The law also enhances the powers of the Financial Intelligence Unit, enabling it to issue immediate freezing orders and exchange information with international counterparts under strict confidentiality. When authorities co-ordinate effectively and can act swiftly, financial criminals have nowhere to hide, and the system that processes millions of legitimate transactions daily remains secure.
With the UAE having positioned itself at the forefront of emerging technologies, the law introduces comprehensive obligations for virtual asset service providers, including registration, licensing and ongoing supervision. This protects consumers and investors from fraud while allowing legitimate innovation to flourish – ensuring that the UAE’s embrace of future industries doesn’t create vulnerabilities.
Similarly, the law strengthens transparency requirements for legal persons and arrangements, requiring accurate, up-to-date information on beneficial ownership to prevent shell companies from being used to hide dirty money. This protects honest businesses from being undercut by criminal competitors and ensures that when you invest in UAE property or do business here, you’re operating on a level playing field where prices reflect genuine market value, not inflated figures driven by illicit funds.
The law also recognises the important role of non-profit organisations in UAE society while providing balanced oversight to protect them from misuse. Proportionate supervision ensures that charitable donations reach their intended beneficiaries and that the UAE’s humanitarian sector can continue its vital work without being exploited by those with criminal intent.
Trust isn’t accidental – it’s built on robust laws that protect honest citizens and legitimate businesses while keeping criminals out
Additionally, the law includes detailed provisions to deal with proliferation financing – setting strict controls to prevent the funding of weapons of mass destruction programmes, which contributes to regional and global security that directly affects the stability and prosperity of everyone living and working in the UAE.
The law’s enhanced asset recovery framework, which incorporates the FATF’s recent amendments and establishes a new entity to manage seized assets, ensures that criminal proceeds are confiscated effectively. When criminals lose their ill-gotten gains, crime becomes less profitable and society can benefit from recovered assets.
Finally, the law introduces stricter administrative and criminal sanctions across all sectors – financial institutions, businesses and virtual asset providers – creating strong deterrents that protect honest market participants from unfair competition.
For the average citizen, expat resident, or business owner, this law means greater confidence in the financial system you depend on daily. It means that when you invest in property, your purchase price isn’t inflated by dirty money. It means when you work for a company, it’s competing fairly rather than being undercut by criminal enterprises. It means when you send money home or receive payments, the system protecting those transactions is world-class.
The UAE’s economic success is built on trust – trust that the system is fair, transparent and secure. Federal Decree Law No 10 of 2025 reinforces that foundation, ensuring that the UAE remains a jurisdiction where legitimate opportunity thrives and financial crime finds no refuge. As we implement these reforms, the General Secretariat will work closely with national entities to ensure real impact.
Our commitment to financial integrity isn’t just about meeting international standards – it’s also about protecting the economic security and quality of life that makes the UAE home to millions and a destination of choice for businesses worldwide.
At a glance
– 20,000 new jobs for Emiratis over three years
– Dh300 million set aside to train 18,000 jobseekers in new skills
– Managerial jobs in government restricted to Emiratis
– Emiratis to get priority for 160 types of job in private sector
– Portion of VAT revenues will fund more graduate programmes
– 8,000 Emirati graduates to do 6-12 month replacements in public or private sector on a Dh10,000 monthly wage – 40 per cent of which will be paid by government
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum’s most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
More from our Neighbourhood series:
RESULTS: 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING – EUROPE
Albania 0 Italy 1
Finland 2 Turkey 2
Macedonia 4 Liechtenstein
Iceland 2 Kosovo 0
Israel 0 Spain 1
Moldova 0 Austria 1
Serbia 1 Georgia 0
Ukraine 0 Croatia 2
Wales 0 Ireland 1
Who’s who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish ‘rebels’: Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
RESULT
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79′, 88′)
United: Rashford (2′, 20′), Fellaini (26′), Mkhitaryan (67′), Martial (72′)
U19 WORLD CUP, WEST INDIES
UAE group fixtures (all in St Kitts)
- Saturday 15 January: UAE beat Canada by 49 runs
- Thursday 20 January: v England
- Saturday 22 January: v Bangladesh
UAE squad:
Alishan Sharafu (captain), Shival Bawa, Jash Giyanani, Sailles
Jaishankar, Nilansh Keswani, Aayan Khan, Punya Mehra, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly,
Dhruv Parashar, Vinayak Raghavan, Soorya Sathish, Aryansh Sharma, Adithya
Shetty, Kai Smith
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Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
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How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Read more about the coronavirus
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE’s implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
BABYLON
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RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
MATCH INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman – abandoned
Oman v Namibia – abandoned
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
The low down
Producers: Uniglobe Entertainment & Vision Films
Director: Namrata Singh Gujral
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Candy Clark
Rating: 2/5
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive –
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women’s Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
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