UAE: Seven Law Firms Fined for Breaching Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
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UAE: Seven Law Firms Fined for Breaching Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah

UAE’s Justice Ministry has imposed a Dh100,000 ($27,200) fine on seven law firms for continuing to violate anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures.

The action was taken in accordance with the provisions of Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on countering money laundering, terrorist financing, and illegal organizations.

“These measures are part of the UAE’s continuous and extensive efforts to address the risks associated with financial crimes, and reflect the strong commitment of the Ministry of Justice towards strengthening its AML and the CTF supervisory role over legal professionals,” the Justice Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

In support of these objectives, the ministry has recently announced numerous legal measures against non-compliant lawyers, most notably the decision to suspend 200 law firms from practicing for one month due to non-compliance with anti-money laundering measures.

In response to these measures, 193 law firms have managed to rectify their compliance shortcomings, leading the Ministry of Justice to lift the suspension measures imposed previously upon them.

However, seven out of the 200 law firms fall short of taking necessary corrective actions, and therefore received a fine as per pertinent laws and regulations.

The ministry emphasized the importance of law firms’ full compliance with AML and the CTF policies and regulations, as it underscores the UAE’s commitment towards fulfilling its obligations in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The ministry also praised the constructive partnership it has with legal professionals in the UAE, and the commitment of the vast majority of law firms to meeting their AML and the CTF obligations.

The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing is of utmost importance for the UAE, as demonstrated by the recent decision to form the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism under the Chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the ministry concluded.



Mohammed bin Salman Takes Prince William on Tour of Diriyah

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
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Mohammed bin Salman Takes Prince William on Tour of Diriyah

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, took on Monday Britain’s Prince William on a tour of Diriyah in the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Prince William had arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday for a first official visit, aimed at deepening economic cooperation. 

He was greeted at the airport by the deputy governor of the Riyadh region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The trip, which will wrap up on Wednesday, aims to celebrate growing trade, energy and investment ties ahead of the two nations marking a century of diplomatic relations. 

William, a keen environmentalist, is also set to visit the historic city of AlUla, where he will learn about conservation efforts, according to Kensington Palace. 


World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia Committed to Building Advanced, Competitive Defense Industry

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
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World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia Committed to Building Advanced, Competitive Defense Industry

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA

The World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, which is organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), entered its second day on Monday with a strong focus on innovation and defense integration, supporting national industrial development and the advancement of future capabilities.

GAMI Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali delivered keynotes reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to building an advanced, globally competitive defense industry.

He stated that Saudi Arabia continues to invest in a defense industry built on innovation and partnership, ensuring an integrated approach to defense and security.

According to SPA, he added that WDS 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to lead globally through technologies that enhance readiness, strengthen supply chains, and support localization under Vision 2030.

Following these remarks, senior Saudi defense leadership led a series of high-level discussions framing the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s defense transformation. Chief of the General Staff General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili delivered an address highlighting the priority of building a future-ready, integrated defense and discussing how global operational trends shape the Kingdom’s approach.

Across the wider venue, the Content Theater Program officially opened, bringing together senior Saudi and international speakers for high-level discussions on industrial development, aerospace growth, defense investment, and supply-chain strengthening. These sessions underscored the Kingdom’s strategic direction and its commitment to building a future-ready defense ecosystem. Parallel to the leadership program, activity across the Future Defense Lab and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone continued to facilitate expert engagement and industry dialogue, serving as additional platforms to support collaboration and capability development.

CEO of World Defense Show Andrew Pearcey said: “Day Two demonstrated the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the future of defense technologies and industrial capability. Through strong participation, forward-looking programs, and strategic leadership, WDS continues to serve as a global meeting point for innovation and collaboration.”

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains. This year’s edition brings together 1468 exhibitors from 89 countries, with participation from defense leaders, innovators, and investors contributing to Saudi Arabia’s long-term industrial transformation.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Sign General Cooperation Agreement

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Sign General Cooperation Agreement

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh Monday Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic Robert Kaliňák.

They reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in a manner that serves their mutual interests and discussed regional and international developments, SPA reported.

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Slovak Republic, aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields.