MENAFATF Advisory Committee held its first meeting in 2026, held over two days on 12 and 13 January in Abu Dhabi, chaired by H.E. Hamid Al Zaabi, President of MENAFATF. The agenda for the first day included visits to the Emirates Institute for Financial Studies and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy, highlighting the importance of capacity building, reviewing governance and regulatory enhancement mechanisms, and exchanging expertise. On the second day, Advisory Committee members discussed progress of current working groups and mechanisms to enhance their governance, preparations for the upcoming MENAFATF Plenary, MENAFATF’s participation in the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, as well as other agenda items supporting capacity building and operational efficiency.

MENAFATF continues, under the UAE’s chairmanship, to focus on strengthening regional readiness for mutual evaluations, coordinating efforts among member states, and developing the necessary tools and mechanisms to build a safe and sustainable financial system, supporting the stability of the financial system regionally and globally.