Abu Dhabi Will Host UN Crime Congress
The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will gather global leaders in the UAE starting September 26.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Beginning September 26, 2026, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will host the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. More than 97 countries are set to participate in the international summit to address emerging security threats.
Why it matters
The congress aims to convert high-level international dialogue into practical, measurable solutions for modern criminal justice systems. It serves as a vital platform for nations to coordinate strategies against pressing global challenges like digital crime and money laundering.
The event will feature 93 expert speakers across 200 meetings and 38 specialized exhibitions. While the agenda focuses on AI misuse and money laundering, the official outcomes will be codified in the forthcoming Abu Dhabi Declaration.
The players
United Nations
An international organization founded in 1945 that works to maintain global peace and facilitate cooperation on international law and security.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
A prominent multi-purpose venue in the capital of the United Arab Emirates that frequently hosts large-scale global summits and international conferences.
The details
The event agenda incorporates a youth forum, a gathering with the women's union, and private-sector dialogues to address digital crime, AI misuse, environmental crime, and money laundering. The United Arab Emirates is coordinating national efforts alongside UN partners to facilitate these discussions.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The congress begins at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
October 1, 2026: The congress concludes in Abu Dhabi.
Legal Context
This congress follows the pattern set by the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which aims to standardize international responses to transnational crime. The summit represents a coordinated push to update legal frameworks to match the rapid evolution of digital and environmental criminal activity.
The outcomes of this congress may influence global security policies and international law enforcement cooperation regarding digital threats. Residents should anticipate increased international visibility for local security initiatives and potential shifts in how nations handle AI-related criminal investigations.
The takeaway
The gathering highlights the growing necessity for international collaboration to combat sophisticated, technology-driven crimes. Participants are expected to establish a unified framework that will guide criminal justice reform strategies for the next several years.
Further reading
Learn more about global policy efforts at Financial Crime.
Live Poll
Do you believe international cooperation is the most effective way to combat rising digital crime?
