Qatar took part in the 42nd Plenary of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), held in Rabat, Morocco, reinforcing its commitment to fighting money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
The State of Qatar was represented at the high-level meeting by the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC) and the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU). The plenary brought together delegations from member countries across the Middle East and North Africa, along with representatives from key regional and international organizations.
Qatar’s Delegation at the Rabat Plenary
The Qatari delegation was led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Mubarak Al-Thani, Head of QFIU and member of NAMLC, alongside NAMLC Secretary Mohammed Sareea Rashid Al Kaabi. A team of senior experts and specialists joined them, reflecting Qatar’s serious approach to financial security and regulatory cooperation.
Their participation underlines Qatar’s continued role as an active contributor to MENAFATF discussions and its broader push to align with international financial standards.
Key Topics Discussed at the 42nd MENAFATF Plenary
The plenary covered a wide range of technical and strategic issues aimed at strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) framework across the region.
Main agenda items included:
- Enhanced follow-up reports from member countries
- Preparations for the third round of mutual evaluations
- Sharing of expertise and best practices between member states
- MENAFATF’s action plans for the coming period
- Strengthening cooperation with regional and international bodies
The discussions resulted in a set of decisions and recommendations designed to boost the effectiveness of national AML and CFT systems and respond to emerging threats linked to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
Working Group Meetings Set the Stage
Ahead of the main plenary, remote meetings of MENAFATF’s working groups, committees, and forums were held to review the technical topics on the agenda. These preparatory sessions helped shape the recommendations later presented at the plenary, ensuring a structured and well-informed discussion.
Qatar’s Commitment to International Financial Standards
Qatar’s participation in the 42nd MENAFATF Plenary reflects its ongoing efforts to support regional and international cooperation in fighting financial crime. The country continues to develop its national framework in line with the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog for AML, CFT, and CPF policies.
By engaging actively with MENAFATF, Qatar reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the global fight against illicit financial flows, while strengthening the resilience of its own financial system.
The State of Qatar’s involvement in the plenary highlights its long-term commitment to regional financial integrity, transparency, and security across the MENA region.
