Dubai: Specialist Anti-money Laundering Court Established

Following directives from the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler, a specialist anti-money laundering court is going to be established in the Dubai Courts.

It will be part of the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal.

It is the latest anti-money laundering move in the country.

The new court will support the Emirate’s efforts in tackling financial crimes, including money laundering.

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UAE: Central Bank Issues New Hawala Providers Guidance

The UAE’s Central Bank has announced it has issued new guidance on anti-money laundering and tackling terrorist financing to Registered Hawala Providers and Licensed Financial Institutions who provide services to them.

It came into force today.

It was issued after considering Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2018 and Cabinet Decision No. 10/2019 as well as Financial Action Task Force standards and guidance.

RHP have to comply fully with UAE requirements relating to targeted financial sanctions and suspicious transaction reporting). They also have to establish and maintain an effective anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance programme to prevent misuse of this activity to facilitate money-laundering or terrorist financing. This programme should include a competent compliance officer, appropriate customer and agent due diligence, transaction monitoring and record keeping.

In addition, they have to maintain an account with a bank operating in the UAE to be used for settlement and provide the Central Bank with details.

Licensed Financial Institutions should accept RHP customers and manage any risks from these transactions through appropriate controls. These institutions must not accept customers who are unregistered hawala providers based in the UAE and must immediately report an STR to the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit. They should also advise the Central Bank when they are detected and closely monitor the relationship.

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Dubai: New Action Plan for Emiratisation Announced

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 15 August 2021: Dubai’s Deputy Ruler has announced a plan to boost Emiratisation in the private sector is being prepared.

The plan will be implemented in 100 days.

The Emirati Human Resources Development Council has been asked to develop the action plan.

The plan will outline measures to establish a wide range of partnerships with companies, organisations and free zone entities to improve the job prospects of UAE nationals in the private sector.

It will also include strategies to work with the education sector to link learning outcomes to job market requirements. The plan will also feature career guidance programmes for students in future-oriented sectors, in alignment with country’s long-term strategies.

The Council added they will be proposing new legislation, policies and initiatives to improve the employment opportunities for Emiratis in various sectors and align their skills with labour market requirements.

It was the Council’s first meeting following the issuing of Dubai Decree No. 27/2021.

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UAE: Central Bank Issues Retail Payment Services & Card Regulations

Al Bayan, 18 July 2021: The UAE’s Central Bank has issued new retail payment service and card Regulations.

The new Regulations state providers of payment services will have to have specific licenses.

Payment service providers will be given a year to comply and receive the relevant license from the Central Bank.

For full story see: https://www.albayan.ae/economy/uae/2021-07-18-1.4209593.

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UAE: Digital Currency to be Launched

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 12 July 2021: The UAE’s Central Bank has announced it plans to launch a digital currency.

The announcement is contained in the Banks’ priorities for 2023 to 2026.

It is part of the Bank’s aim to be among the world’s Top 10 central banks.

They will also focus on including driving digital transformation in the UAE’s financial services sector by utilising the latest Artificial Intelligence and big data solutions. Technology will also be used across inspection, monitoring and insurance systems as well as the UAE Pass system utilised to boost financial inclusion and provide easy access to financial services.

They will also focus on supporting the UAE’s green economy efforts and continue work to developing an innovative financial infrastructure to boost the UAE’s competitiveness in this area.

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