The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy published the results of its anti-money laundering inspections for the first half of 2025, identifying 1,063 compliance violations and imposing fines exceeding AED 42 million on non-compliant designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). The programme combines desk-based reviews with targeted field inspections and applies technical indicators and regulatory benchmarks to assess compliance with AML requirements. Violations were recorded across all four supervised DNFBP categories. Traders of precious metals and gemstones accounted for 473 violations and AED 20 million in fines, while real estate brokerages accounted for 495 violations and AED 18.5 million in fines; corporate service providers and auditors received 95 penalties totaling more than AED 4 million. The ministry highlighted due diligence, risk assessment and suspicious transaction reporting as key areas where penalties are used to drive remediation. The ministry said it will continue field inspections and performance evaluations and urged AML-regulated entities to strengthen internal compliance systems and meet their regulatory obligations.
Ministry of Economy (UAE) 2025-07-24
United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy reports 1,063 AML compliance violations and over AED 42 million in fines for DNFBPs in H1 2025
The UAE Ministry of Economy reported 1,063 anti-money laundering compliance violations in the first half of 2025, resulting in fines exceeding AED 42 million for non-compliant businesses. Precious metals and gemstones traders and real estate brokerages were most penalized, with fines of AED 20 million and AED 18.5 million, respectively. The ministry emphasized due diligence, risk assessment, and suspicious transaction reporting for compliance improvements.