The most prominent goal of establishing the unit was to contribute in protecting the economy of the United Arab Emirates from the risks of illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing, through cooperation with various partners.

The name of the unit was changed to the “Financial Intelligence Unit” in accordance with Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 regarding combating money laundering crimes, combating the financing of terrorism, and financing illegal organizations, and granting the unit independence and expanded powers that enable it to request information and data from all concerned parties in the country, and exchange information with counterparts in other countries.

For three decades, the FIU has successfully collaborated with local and international law enforcement authorities and other partners to protect the UAE economy from financial crime threats.