Latest news with #Zaabi
Al Etihad
10-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
EU's decision reflects scale of UAE's national efforts to safeguard its financial, economic system: NAMLCFTC Secretary-General
10 July 2025 21:46 ABU DHABI (WAM)Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), welcomed the decision to remove the UAE from the European Union's list of high-risk third countries for money laundering and terrorist Zaabi stated that the UAE is not only focused on meeting the requirements to be removed from international lists but is working to establish a comprehensive and sustainable national framework in this to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Zaabi said the European Parliament's announcement yesterday (Wednesday) reflects the scale of the UAE's national efforts to safeguard its financial and economic system in line with the highest international standards, affirming that the UAE has successfully built an integrated system to counter money laundering and terrorist added that this achievement is the direct outcome of systematic and intensive efforts led by the NAMLCFTC and its Secretariat, reflected in the improved technical performance across all levels, with full collaboration from both the public and private noted that the country continues to develop its system and strengthen cooperation with international institutions and partners, with a constant drive to remain among the leading nations protecting their financial and economic systems from financial highlighted the pivotal role of the Higher Committee overseeing the National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, which continues to lead national efforts in coordination with various public and private entities through real proactive measures to combat such explained that the UAE has implemented a clear national strategy to counter money laundering and terrorist financing, approved by the Cabinet in 2014, based on a comprehensive action plan assigned to each concerned authority and built upon a national risk assessment that covered multiple sectors. He praised the key role of the private sector, which is now fully aware of the risks and actively supports the success of the counter-financial crime Zaabi also pointed out that the current year has witnessed intensified efforts to support the national strategy, including workshops, awareness campaigns about emerging risks identified by the national risk assessment, and continued development of legal and regulatory expects that 2025 will bring further legislative developments that will strengthen the UAE's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework and reinforce its full compliance with the highest international Zaabi confirmed that the UAE is characterised by clear and stringent laws against financial crime, which enhances its international credibility and transparency and makes it an attractive investment destination. He stressed the country's commitment to staying abreast of international developments and standards by proactively updating its emphasised the importance of international cooperation, particularly with European countries, to ensure continued exchange of information, conduct of joint operations, and delivery of training and knowledge sharing. This, he said, is vital to addressing new crime patterns increasingly linked to digital technologies and virtual assets. The ease of digital transactions and internet access today, he noted, makes information-sharing essential to combating financial crime and halting illicit financial Zaabi also highlighted the UAE's strong focus on leadership development and national capacity-building, through close collaboration with relevant institutions and the delivery of workshops, surveys and awareness initiatives that address evolving crime trends, ensuring both public and private entities are well-informed and equipped to manage such risks. The European Parliament's decision is expected to facilitate free trade negotiations between the UAE and the European Union. It is also projected to boost foreign direct investment in the UAE by three percent due to lower investment risks. Furthermore, it will ease cross-border financial transactions and reduce compliance friction for UAE-based financial institutions when dealing with European counterparts, thereby enhancing investor confidence in the country's credibility.
Muscat Daily
09-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OCO disburses over RO3mn aid across Oman in H1 2025
Muscat – Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) distributed more than RO3mn in aid within the sultanate during the first half of 2025, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting those in need and promoting transparency and public trust. The organisation released a report recently detailing the volume of assistance provided and highlighting its humanitarian efforts across the sultanate. Badr bin Mohammed al Zaabi, Acting CEO of OCO, stated that publication of the report reflects the organisation's strategy to assess the humanitarian impact of its work and enhance institutional transparency. He informed that OCO is undergoing a comprehensive development phase to improve performance and expedite its response to eligible beneficiaries, including a new initiative aimed at completing beneficiary procedures within a shorter timeframe. Zaabi also expressed his gratitude to all contributing institutions and individuals, particularly companies that actively support corporate social responsibility programmes. 'OCO continues to dedicate itself to building strategic partnerships that serve the community and deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes,' he added. The assistance provided during the first half of the year was wide-ranging. Direct financial support totalled approximately RO513,000 and benefited 1,489 individuals. Food assistance exceeded RO1mn, supporting 39,514 people, while educational support amounted to over RO157,000 and was extended to 231 students. Medical aid reached over RO50,000, benefiting 39 individuals. Housing assistance totalled more than RO142,000, helping 77 people. Additional services worth over RO73,000 were also provided to 39 beneficiaries. Furthermore, specific assistance for orphans exceeded RO900,000, benefiting 4,157 children. OCO reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the needs of the Omani community through innovative programmes and effective partnerships that contribute to social stability and foster the values of solidarity and compassion.
Hi Dubai
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
UAE Resumes Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas for Pakistanis
In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reinstated five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for Pakistani nationals, following the resolution of earlier concerns that had led to tightened entry requirements. The announcement was made by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, during a meeting with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor's House. "Visa issues have been resolved, Pakistanis can get a five-year visa," Zaabi stated, according to an official press release. The visa, according to the UAE's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, allows individuals to make several trips to the country over five years without the need for a local guarantor or host. This move is expected to boost tourism and people-to-people ties between the two nations. Ambassador Zaabi also extended an invitation to Governor Tessori to visit the UAE visa centre in Karachi. The governor, in turn, expressed gratitude for the UAE's continued investment in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, and appreciated the ambassador's recognition of ongoing provincial development projects. The announcement comes after months of scrutiny and unofficial restrictions that had affected Pakistani travellers. Increased concerns over the misuse of visit visas, including involvement in unlawful activities such as begging, prompted UAE authorities to vet all Pakistani visitors more rigorously. A Senate panel in Pakistan was informed in December that police verification had become mandatory for all Pakistanis traveling to the UAE, with travel agents instructed accordingly. Despite these concerns, UAE officials have consistently maintained that there is no formal ban on visas for Pakistanis. In an interview with Geo News in November last year, UAE's Consul-General in Karachi, Dr Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, acknowledged that visa rejections may be linked to negative social media behavior by some Pakistani influencers, especially on platforms like TikTok, which reportedly displeased Emirati authorities. However, during a Senate committee session in January, it was clarified that there were 'no restrictions on work visas' for Pakistanis, although visit visa approvals had seen unofficial delays due to the UAE's reservations. With the announcement of the reinstated five-year multiple-entry visa, the UAE appears to be easing those restrictions and restoring travel opportunities for Pakistani nationals, while still emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior and compliance with host country regulations. The development is being seen as a positive step forward in strengthening UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations and fostering greater mobility between the two nations. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Pakistanis can now avail 5-year multiple-entry visas
Pakistanis can now avail a five-year multiple-entry tourist visas after the resolution of existing issues, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi announced on Tuesday. According to the website of Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, the country issues multiple-entry tourist visas for five years. The visa allows a person to make several trips to the UAE from the date of issue, without needing a guarantor or a host within the country. The development came during a meeting between Zaabi and Sindh Governor Karmran Khan Tessori at the Governor's House, a Dawn report said. 'Visa issues have been resolved, Pakistanis can get a five-year visa,' Zaabi was quoted as saying in a press release from the Governor House. He also invited the governor to visit the visa centre at the Karachi consulate. Tessori thanked the UAE diplomat for his country's investment in the province, especially in Karachi. The ambassador praised ongoing projects under the governor's initiative, the report said. According to reports, the UAE authorities have lately increased the scrutiny of Pakistanis arriving in the country due to their alleged involvement in crime and unlawful activities, like begging. On December 23, a Senate panel was informed that all Pakistani travellers to the UAE needed to be vetted and verified by the police. Travel agents were also instructed in this regard, Dawn said. In another meeting on January 9, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was told that there were 'no restrictions on work visas' for Pakistanis travelling to the UAE. It further learnt that visas to the UAE had been 'unofficially closed' and its government had reservations that Pakistanis, on visit visas, resort to begging in the country, Dawn said in its report. On the other hand, during an interview with Geo News in November last year, the Consul-General of UAE in Karachi, Dr Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi, revealed that Pakistanis may be facing visa rejections due to negative social media activities. Alremeithi also stated that there had been complaints regarding the conduct of certain Pakistani social media influencers in the UAE, especially on platforms such as TikTok, resulting in dissatisfaction from the UAE government and prompting stricter visa regulations that have raised concerns for Pakistani travellers. He also clarified that there was no ban on UAE visas for Pakistani nationals.
Muscat Daily
19-02-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
OCO to distribute 40,000 iftar vouchers
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – As part of its efforts to support low-income families during Ramadan, the Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) has begun distributing iftar vouchers. Forty-thousand vouchers will be provided to eligible Omani citizens through social development committees across the country, an OCO official said, adding that this initiative is part of OCO's ongoing mission to strengthen social solidarity during the holy month. Badr al Zaabi, Chairman of OCO, emphasised that this initiative reflects the organisation's commitment to supporting deserving families. He explained that OCO's aid distribution follows a structured and effective process, carried out in coordination with key partners, including social development committees, Omani Women's Associations, and various charitable teams across Oman. 'OCO is continuously working to enhance and refine its humanitarian efforts, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and transparency in delivering Ramadan vouchers to those in need,' Zaabi stated. He further added that the organisation adopts best practices in managing charitable initiatives, particularly during periods requiring increased efforts.
