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As Dubai cements its role as a global trade, finance and technology hub, the responsibility to protect the integrity of its financial system grows in equal measure. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) are two pillars that underpin the economic reputation of the United Arab Emirates. The country regularly updates its legislation to remain fully aligned with international standards.
Previously, the framework was defined by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. However, that regime was repealed in 2025 through a comprehensive reform. For this reason, businesses operating in Dubai must follow the current rules from authoritative sources.
The UAE's current AML/CFT regime is now built on Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025. The law was published in the Official Gazette on 30 September 2025 and came into force on 14 October 2025, fully repealing and replacing the previous 2018 decree. Implementation details are set out in Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 (the Executive Regulations).
Under the law, any person who intentionally commits any of the following acts while knowing that the property is the proceeds of a crime is liable for the offence of money laundering:
Money laundering is treated as an independent offence; punishing the perpetrator for the predicate crime does not prevent a separate prosecution for money laundering.
The principal penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 are summarised in the table below:
| Type of Violation | Imprisonment | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Money laundering offence (Article 26) | 1 – 10 years | 100,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Terrorism / proliferation financing (Article 27) | Temporary imprisonment | Not less than 5,000,000 |
| Administrative violations (entities) | – | 10,000 – 5,000,000 (per violation) |
| Foreign offenders | Imprisonment + deportation | As ordered |
⚠️ The rates and amounts in the table above were prepared as of July 2026 and may change over time. For the most up-to-date figures, please check the websites of the relevant official authorities and institutions.
Penalties are increased where the perpetrator abuses professional influence, where the offence is committed through an organised criminal group or a non-profit structure, or where the offence is repeated. In addition, no statute of limitations applies to money laundering offences.
Financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) operating in Dubai are required to fulfil the following core compliance steps:
Verifying customer identities, identifying beneficial owners and understanding the purpose of the business relationship (Customer Due Diligence) is mandatory.
Suspicious transactions must be reported without delay to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) via the goAML platform.
Transaction and customer records must be retained for a defined period and regular risk assessments must be carried out. Establishing sound accounting and financial records is the backbone of compliance; our guide to accounting services and costs in Dubai can help you get this right.
The United Arab Emirates was placed under "increased monitoring" (the grey list) by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2022. However, thanks to comprehensive legal and supervisory reforms, the country was removed from the FATF grey list on 23 February 2024. This development significantly strengthened the UAE's credibility among international investors, and the new 2025 law is designed to sustain that momentum.
The new AML regime requires a more rigorous approach across many areas for entrepreneurs establishing companies in Dubai, from opening bank accounts to declaring beneficial owners. Both free zone and mainland companies are expected to meet their compliance obligations in full while benefiting from tax advantages.
Incorrect or incomplete compliance can result not only in heavy fines but also in licence revocation and reputational damage. Seeking professional advice is therefore the most effective way to minimise risk.
With Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Dubai's anti-money laundering framework has become stronger, more comprehensive and fully aligned with international standards. Building the right compliance strategy for your company both prevents legal risk and protects your business reputation. The World Company Setup expert team supports you across all your needs, from KYC/AML compliance processes to company formation.
The United Arab Emirates renewed its anti-money laundering framework with Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025. Businesses setting up or operating in Dubai will find the current AML rules, penalties and compliance obligations in this comprehensive guide.
The current framework across Dubai and the UAE is Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, which entered into force on 14 October 2025 and fully repealed the previous Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018.
The money laundering offence carries imprisonment of 1 to 10 years and a fine between AED 100,000 and AED 5,000,000 (Article 26). Penalties may increase in aggravating circumstances.
No. Following comprehensive reforms, the United Arab Emirates was removed from the FATF grey list on 23 February 2024.
Companies must perform Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, identify beneficial owners, report suspicious transactions (via goAML), keep records and conduct regular risk assessments.
Yes. Foreign nationals convicted of money laundering may be deported in addition to imprisonment.
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