Full UAE government statement in relation to Venezuelan oil inquiry

Tue 29/12/2020
General
With regards to Reuters inquiry about the three UAE-based companies Muhit Maritime FZE, registered in Jebel Ali Free Zone, and Fujairah Free Zone-based Issa Shipping FZE and Asia Charm Ltd, the UAE Government states the following:
 
The UAE takes its role in protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously. This means actively administering and enforcing economic and trade sanctions. The UAE has the essential components of a sanctions compliance program in place, including engaging with the private sector to further promote understanding of, and compliance with, sanctions requirements.
 
The UAE government does not seek to comment on specific, or ongoing investigations. However, where the integrity of the UAE’s compliance commitments is called into question, or the UAE is wrongfully perceived to ignore apparent violations, we have a duty to respond.
 
The UAE confirms that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is fully underway into the three named entities. This includes using recent legislative changes (Cabinet Resolution no 58), designed to improve corporate transparency through a framework for reporting and registering beneficial ownership.
 
The scale and complexity of financial crime has increased. So too has the UAE’s awareness and understanding of it. That is why the UAE is committed to taking action. This is reflected in the high-level policy and political commitment to establish and operate a sophisticated financial crime compliance system.  
 
This includes a shared objective across all UAE entities to prevent, detect, and deter illicit activity in the financial system. As part of this, we are improving the way we are sharing information across our financial sector and with law enforcement and government.

Related News

Wed 15/4/2026
General
MoFA opens applications for Scholarship Program, offering opportunities at over 115 global universities across 9 specialty fields

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the opening of applications for the new cycle of its Scholarship Program, from May 1 to May 30, 2026. The program offers outstanding Emirati students access to high-quality academic opportunities at over 115 leading universities worldwide, ranked among the top institutions globally.

View Details
Wed 15/4/2026
General
UAE Expresses Solidarity with the Dominican Republic and Conveys Condolences over Victims of Heavy Rainfall

The United Arab Emirates expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Dominican Republic following heavy rainfall which resulted in a number of deaths and significant damage.

View Details
Wed 15/4/2026
General
UAE Strongly Condemns School Shooting in Central Türkiye

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the shooting incident at a school in central Türkiye, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

View Details
Tue 14/4/2026
General
UAE and Senegal Convene Meeting with Representatives of 12 Countries Co-Chairing Interactive Dialogues for the 2026 UN Water Conference

The UAE and Senegal, as Co-Hosts of the 2026 UN Water Conference, convened a virtual high-level meeting with ministers and senior representatives of the twelve Co-Chairs of the six Interactive Dialogues for the conference. This marked the second high-level meeting, following the High-Level Preparatory Meeting held in Dakar, Senegal, on 26–27 January 2026.

View Details

Did you find this content useful?

You can help us improve by providing your feedback about your experience.

Have you used our services at our service centre or digitally recently?