Dubai: The General Secretariat of The National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee (NAMLCFTPFC) has signed an academic cooperation agreement with the University of Birmingham – Dubai campus. The agreement aims to develop specialized educational and training programs that enhance the skills of national talent and boost the institutional readiness of the UAE’s financial security ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative reflects the NAMLCFTPFC’s vision for becoming a global leader in AML/CFT and aligns with the 2024-2027 National Strategy AML/CFT/CFP 2025-27. The strategy seeks to harmonize national efforts with global academic best practices. The goal is to enhance the UAE’s capacity to tackle complex and emerging financial challenges, reinforce its leadership in upholding international standards, and contribute to the sustainability of its economic and financial security.
Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the NAMLCFTPFC, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital as a cornerstone of building a resilient and effective national system to combat financial crime. Through the partnership with the University of Birmingham Dubai, the aim is to create high-quality programs that keep pace with global developments and strengthen the national workforce’s ability to address emerging challenges, particularly amid rapid technological advancements in areas such as fintech and artificial intelligence.
He further explained that building a specialized workforce equipped with deep knowledge and professional readiness is a key objective of the 2024-2027 National Strategy. Collaborating with a distinguished academic institution such as the University of Birmingham represents a pivotal step in developing a generation of technically qualified professionals capable of addressing threats to the integrity of the financial system and keeping pace with the evolution of cross-border financial crime.
Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting national initiatives by providing an advanced learning environment that prepares talent to meet future challenges in the financial security sector. She highlighted the growing global concern over anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, particularly within the UAE’s dynamic financial landscape. Through this collaboration, graduates will be prepared to engage critically and ethically with these issues, drawing upon rigorous research and informed practice.
This partnership builds on a series of strategic collaborations established by the General Secretariat with leading academic and research institutions in the UAE, including TRENDS Research and Advisory Center, Rabdan Academy, and Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy. The initiative forms part of an integrated vision to enhance the sustainability of the UAE’s economic security by developing a highly qualified national professional base capable of addressing future financial challenges effectively.