Dubai has established a specialised court to combat money laundering and other financial crimes, as the emirate strives to enhance the integrity of its financial system and assist national efforts to combat money laundering.

According to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Sunday, the new body will be established within the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal. The UAE created the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) in accordance to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s orders, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to supervise the execution of the country\’s anti-money laundering policy.

“Reporting money laundering violations is a social and individual duty. Society plays a crucial role in ensuring economic and social security, as well as in bolstering the efforts of many stakeholders in reacting to such crimes.”

The UAE has stringent anti-money laundering and anti-fraud procedures in place. The Ministry of Economy established an anti-money laundering section in November, and an anti-money laundering court was also formed in Abu Dhabi to combat money laundering and tax evasion.

The new court will boost the UAE\’s and Dubai\’s global competitiveness by “reinforcing the rule of law and maintaining the ideals of justice and transparency,” according to the media statements.

The new court will also assist the emirate in developing its regulatory precedent and reinforcing conformity with international anti-money laundering law enforcement standards.

Dr. Al Shamsi stated that Dubai Courts is always trying to enhance the administration of justice by accelerating cases, enabling defendants to present their defense and courts to issue rulings expeditiously. Judge Dr Saeed Al Shaali, a Criminal Court Judge at Dubai Courts, lauded the work of the UAE\’s police and customs agencies in fighting money laundering and sending criminals to the public prosecutor\’s office for inquiry. If there is solid proof of a crime, the matter will be sent to the court, which will provide all parties a fair trial before making a decision, he added.