Are jewellers subject to AML compliance in the UAE?
Yes. Jewellers fall within the dealers in precious metals and stones category and are DNFBPs when they carry out cash transactions at or above the AED 55,000 threshold. At that point a jeweller must run a full AML programme, which includes registering on goAML, appointing a compliance officer, carrying out customer due diligence, screening against sanctions lists, filing suspicious transaction reports, and keeping records for at least five years.
The precious metals and stones sector is rated high risk in the UAE because it is cash intensive, deals in portable high-value goods, and is exposed to cross-border trade. Jewellers should therefore calibrate their controls to that risk rather than treat compliance as a formality.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 (Executive Regulations), Article 3(3) - classifies dealers in valuable metals and precious stones as DNFBPs at AED 55,000.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 19 - the preventive measures that follow from DNFBP status.
For more details, consult the full text of Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.