The upcoming Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi, together with the UAE’s leadership role in INTERPOL, appear to be golden opportunities for the country to be seen as a trusted and reliable partner in the global efforts to combat organized crime and corruption. Yet, given Dubai’s reputation as a safe haven for international criminals, an uncooperative extradition partner, and a hub for global illicit financial flows and illicit environmental supply chains, more sceptical stakeholders may see this as a form of ‘crimewashing’ – purely as a way for the country to improve its public image.