Abu Dhabi to Host 15th UN Crime and Criminal Justice Congress

The United Arab Emirates will host the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi. The Congress will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from September 26th to October 1st, 2026. Governments and justice experts will address cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking and organised crime, alongside the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence on criminal justice.

A central focus will be the Abu Dhabi Declaration, intended to provide a five-year roadmap for international cooperation on crime prevention and criminal justice. Negotiations on the text have been under way for around a year, with member states reported to be close to agreement ahead of its expected adoption during the Congress. Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said hosting the Congress represents an international responsibility for the UAE and an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.

Technology will feature prominently in the programme, examining how artificial intelligence is being used by criminals and how it could improve access to justice. The Ministry of Justice said the UAE’s contribution will focus on children, young people, women, artificial intelligence and the environment, including a programme on AI access to justice. The wider programme includes 93 experts and specialists, around 15 main events, 200 meetings and 38 specialised exhibitions, with sessions also covering the protection of women, children and young people, environmental crime and international cooperation. A two-day Youth Forum will take place ahead of the main Congress.