The UAE human trafficking response is integrating legislation, technology, artificial intelligence and institutional coordination to strengthen victim protection, early detection and prosecution efforts.

Abdulrahman Murad Al Blooshi, Vice Chair of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), outlined the approach during the side event, “Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Digital Age: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology in the Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons.”

The event was held as part of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Abu Dhabi 2026. The UAE organised the session with support from the UNODC Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region.

Al Blooshi said the UAE human trafficking response places people and human dignity at the centre of its national efforts. It is built around five pillars: prevention, prosecution, punishment, victim protection and international cooperation.

The UAE was among the first countries in the region to accede to the Palermo Protocol. Since then, it has continued to strengthen its legislative and institutional frameworks in response to evolving forms of crime.

Moreover, the NCCHT 2025 to 2027 Action Plan integrates modern technologies into victim protection, data collection and analysis. It also supports capacity building for law enforcement agencies in handling and using electronic evidence during investigations and prosecutions.

The plan further includes digital awareness campaigns and post rehabilitation follow up programmes for victims.

Al Blooshi also highlighted Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes. The law established a legal framework for using digital evidence and strengthened its evidentiary value in criminal proceedings.

According to Al Blooshi, this framework supports efforts to trace and prosecute offenders. It also addresses attempts to conceal or tamper with evidence that could obstruct investigations.

Another component of the UAE human trafficking response is the Smart National Referral Mechanism System for Combating Human Trafficking. The system currently connects 14 national ministries and entities and is used by around 200 officials and specialists.

Artificial intelligence supports the system by analysing data, identifying crime patterns and enabling early risk detection. It also strengthens the referral and monitoring of victims throughout protection, care and rehabilitation processes.

The system includes dedicated notification mechanisms for national authorities when cases involve women, children or people of determination. This is intended to support timely intervention and services tailored to the specific needs of each group.

Al Blooshi stressed that criminal networks are increasingly using technology for recruitment, exploitation and trafficking. Therefore, he said, digital capabilities for detection, analysis and investigation must continue to advance.

He also highlighted international cooperation, information sharing, expertise exchange and sound digital governance as essential elements in addressing human trafficking as a transnational crime.

Overall, the UAE’s approach reflects priorities outlined in the Abu Dhabi Declaration. These include people centred justice, victim protection, support for groups facing greater risks, responses to evolving criminal threats, and responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence.

The UAE human trafficking response continues to combine legal frameworks, digital capabilities and institutional coordination to strengthen prevention, victim protection and efforts to detect and prosecute trafficking offences.

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