February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

RegTech (regulatory technology) refers to technology solutions designed to help organizations manage regulatory compliance more efficiently and cost-effectively. RegTech applications use artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and big data analytics to automate compliance monitoring, anti-money laundering (AML) screening, know-your-customer (KYC) verification, risk assessment, and regulatory reporting. The sector emerged in response to increasing regulatory complexity and the high cost of manual compliance processes.

UAE Context

The UAE has embraced RegTech to strengthen its financial compliance infrastructure and combat financial crime. As a global trade and finance hub, the UAE faces heightened scrutiny regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) compliance. The Central Bank, DIFC, and ADGM have actively encouraged RegTech adoption through regulatory sandboxes and innovation programs. The UAE’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC) leverages technology solutions for suspicious transaction monitoring and cross-border financial intelligence sharing. ADGM’s RegLab specifically supports RegTech startups developing compliance automation tools.

Key Data

  • Key applications: AML screening, KYC automation, regulatory reporting, risk monitoring
  • Regulatory support: ADGM RegLab, DIFC Innovation Testing License
  • National priority: AML/CTF compliance strengthening across financial sector
  • Technology stack: AI, machine learning, NLP, big data analytics
  • Key drivers: FATF compliance requirements, increasing regulatory complexity

Significance for Vision 2031

RegTech supports the UAE’s Vision 2031 by ensuring that rapid financial sector growth is accompanied by robust compliance and governance. As the UAE expands its role as a global financial center, RegTech solutions enable efficient scaling of compliance operations, protect the country’s reputation, and meet international regulatory standards. The sector also creates high-value technology jobs aligned with knowledge economy objectives.