UAE preparing to host 2024 annual APG meeting in a regional first

The UAE in the Middle East is scheduled to host for the first time the 2024 APG Annual Meeting and Technical Assistance and Training Forum, taking place in the capital Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace between September 22 to 27.

The APG remains the largest FATF-style Regional Body (FSRB) and its upcoming meeting is expected to host a gathering of more than 400 prominent officials and experts to address global concerns surrounding money laundering and terrorism financing crimes.

UAE becoming a global forum for international events

Elaborating on the recent development, Hamid Al Zaabi, Director-General of the UAE Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AMLCTF) said the Emirates looks forward to extending a warm welcome to the participants.

“The UAE has established itself as a global forum for international events and hosting the annual meeting … is a testament to our country’s continuous commitment and strategy for fostering constructive communication with international partners,” reported WAM.

APG Co-Chairs Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney and Assistant Deputy Minister Julien Brazeau jointly noted the importance of the annual event, adding: “We look forward to the 2024 meeting being hosted by the UAE as one of our newest observer jurisdictions.”

UAE granted official observer status at APG in 2023

The APG consists of 42 member jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region, 8 observer jurisdictions and 33 observer organisations. The most prominent observer organisations include the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, OECD and INTERPOL.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN’s Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate are also notable organisations. In 2023, the UAE was granted the official observer status at the APG and an Emirati delegation participated in the Annual Meeting in Canada.

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