The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first country in the region to join the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (EAG) as an observer.
Joining the Eurasian Group highlights the UAE’s commitment to enhancing regional and global cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. As part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) global network, the UAE’s accession to the EAG further underscores its active role in international efforts to combat financial crime.
The UAE also holds observer status in the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and is a full member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).
The observer status allows the UAE to actively engage in discussions within the Eurasian Group, collaborating with member states to strengthen regional efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
As an observer, the UAE will contribute its expertise, support key initiatives, and foster cooperation with EAG members to enhance the regional framework for tackling financial crimes.
“The UAE welcomes the decision by the Eurasian Group General Plenary to grant us observer status. This recognition reflects the international community’s confidence in the UAE as a reliable, active, and effective partner in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. It underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening efforts in combating financial crimes and highlights our dedication to enhancing regional and global cooperation to safeguard the integrity of the financial system. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Eurasian Group and its members, contributing to the development of effective measures that promote a secure and resilient financial environment, benefiting both the UAE and the broader Eurasian region.”
Established in 2004, the EAG is an associate member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and includes nine member countries in Eurasia: Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Observer status is extended to 16 countries and 23 international organizations, all working collectively to advance the fight against financial crimes that impact economic stability and security on a global scale.
