UAE confirms readiness to host 2026 UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi, aiming to drive global cooperation on justice, emerging crimes and international legal frameworks, reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its readiness to host one of the world’s largest gatherings on criminal justice, positioning itself at the centre of global efforts to tackle evolving security and legal challenges.
His Excellency Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, confirmed that the UAE is fully prepared to host the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi in September 2026. The announcement was made during his address to the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, where he urged member states to intensify cooperation ahead of the landmark event.
The Congress, held every five years under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential forum dedicated to crime prevention and criminal justice. It brings together governments, policymakers, legal experts and civil society organisations to shape international standards and responses to both traditional and emerging forms of crime.
Al Nuaimi called on participating countries to support the adoption of the proposed “Abu Dhabi Declaration” at the opening of the Congress, a document expected to outline shared priorities and frameworks for strengthening global justice systems. He also encouraged active participation in the “Pledge for Justice” initiative, which seeks concrete commitments from nations to enhance the effectiveness, transparency and resilience of criminal justice institutions worldwide.
The scale of the 2026 Congress is expected to be significant. Officials anticipate more than 250 side events and around 35 specialised exhibitions, reflecting the breadth of issues under discussion and the growing complexity of global crime. The event is set to serve as a comprehensive platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and the development of coordinated international responses.
The Congress comes at a time when crime is increasingly transnational and technologically driven. Issues such as cybercrime, financial fraud, environmental offences and the misuse of emerging technologies have moved to the forefront of global concern. In this context, Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of addressing environmental crimes and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence within legal frameworks.
The agenda is expected to cover a wide spectrum of pressing issues, including drug trafficking, money laundering, access to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children. These themes reflect broader global priorities, as countries seek to balance enforcement with prevention and social reintegration.
Beyond formal discussions, the Congress will adopt an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach. The UAE has emphasised the importance of involving the private sector, academia, civil society and youth in shaping future justice policies. Initiatives such as the Justice Generation programme and a dedicated Youth Forum are planned in the lead-up to the Congress, aimed at engaging the next generation of legal and policy professionals.
The hosting of the Congress in Abu Dhabi also aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a global convening hub for major international events across sectors, including law, governance and security. In recent years, the country has expanded its role in facilitating dialogue on global challenges, leveraging its infrastructure, connectivity and diplomatic reach.
By bringing together thousands of delegates from across the world, the 2026 Congress is expected to contribute to the development of international legal norms and strengthen cooperation in combating crime that transcends borders. It will also provide an opportunity to assess progress made since previous congresses and to identify gaps in addressing new and evolving threats.
Al Nuaimi reaffirmed that the UAE is committed to ensuring a well-organised and impactful event, extending an open invitation to global delegations to participate in the discussions in Abu Dhabi. He stressed that collective action and shared responsibility remain essential to building more effective, fair and resilient justice systems worldwide.
