Justice Minister: UAE has integrated judicial system to prevent exploitation of borders to evade justice

Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the UAE's Justice Minister and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, has highlighted the country's integrated judicial system designed to prevent exploitation of borders to avoid justice or protect criminal proceeds. This system is underpinned by robust federal legislation, which serves as a foundation for cooperation in areas such as combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of proliferation.

Al Nuaimi emphasized that cooperation is reciprocal, even in the absence of bilateral or multilateral agreements.

The minister stressed that successful cooperation depends on comprehensive national coordination among federal and local public prosecution authorities, courts, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior. This coordination is further bolstered by collaboration with central authorities, judicial bodies, and international organizations. During 2026, the UAE participated in over 35 bilateral meetings with counterparts from around the globe.

Al Nuaimi detailed the legal framework for international judicial cooperation, which is grounded in multilateral and bilateral agreements, as well as national legislation. The UAE is a party to 16 international and regional conventions and has concluded more than 140 bilateral agreements with 53 countries. These agreements encompass extradition of wanted persons, mutual legal assistance, asset freezing and confiscation, evidence gathering, and the transfer of sentenced persons. Notably, nearly 30 percent of these bilateral agreements were signed within the last five years.

He also mentioned that four agreements are ready for signature before the year's end, while two are under negotiation, and eight are in the drafting stage. During the "Strengthening International Judicial Cooperation: The UAE Experience and Global Partnerships" session at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, Al Nuaimi underscored the UAE's commitment to building strategic partnerships through integrated legal frameworks.