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Press Release

In collaboration with ICA

Ministry of Economy launches specialised training programme to
enhance professional skills of compliance officers and employees in
DNFBP sectors

>> H.E. Safeya Al Safi: The programme is part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance awareness of
the risks and requirements associated with combating money laundering and countering the
financing of terrorism in accordance with global best practices.

Abu Dhabi, 08 January 2025 -The Ministry of Economy has launched a specialised training
programme aimed at developing capacities, professional skills, and compliance awareness among
compliance officers in Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), under its
supervision, and private sector employees to combat money laundering and counter the financing
of terrorism.

This initiative, developed in collaboration with the International Compliance Association (ICA), is
designed to create a safe environment for conducting and establishing businesses. It seeks to
provide an attractive climate for business and investment across various sectors while promoting a
resilient and forward-looking economic model that ensures stability and aligns with future trends.

Her Excellency Safeya Hashem Al Safi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial
Control and Governance Sector, stated that the programme is part of the Ministry’s ongoing
efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of compliance professionals within the DNFBPs,
focusing on the risks and requirements of combating money laundering and terrorist financing. “It
aims to raise the level of compliance culture among the entities under the Ministry’s supervision
and to strengthen their role in combating money laundering and terrorist financing crimes. This is
to solidify the UAE’s position as a competitive economic hub that applies the highest standards of
financial integrity,” H.E. added.

H.E. Safeya Al Safi emphasised that collaboration with the ICA marks a significant step towards
training compliance officers, who specialise in implementing the highest standards of compliance
within companies operating in the DNFBPs sectors, overseen by the Ministry of Economy. These
sectors include real estate agents and brokers, traders of precious metals and gemstones, auditors,
and corporate service providers, all adhering to international best practices. This initiative will play
a key role in fostering a stable economic environment and boosting confidence in the country’s
investment climate.

Under this first-of-its-kind initiative, certification titled ‘ICA/MoEc Certificate in AML/CFT
DNFBPs’ will be awarded to compliance officers and private sector employees who successfully
complete the programme. This presents an ideal opportunity for DNFBP compliance officers,
professionals from other sectors, recent graduates, and stakeholders to develop their skills and learn
global standards for combating financial crimes.

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