Does a real estate broker in the UAE need to register on the goAML portal?
Yes. Every licensed UAE real estate broker or agent that concludes property transactions for customers must register on the goAML portal operated by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit. Registration is the gateway to filing suspicious transaction reports, Real Estate Activity Reports, partial-name match reports, fund-freeze reports and the other regulatory submissions required by the new AML Law.
The registration process requires submission of the trade licence, the Memorandum of Association, identification documents for the AML Compliance Officer and the senior management point of contact, and confirmation of the firm’s classification as a DNFBP. Once approved, the firm receives a goAML organisation account and can authorise additional users. Failure to register is itself an administrative violation. The Compliance Officer should monitor goAML for system messages, watchlist updates and FIU feedback on filed reports, and should ensure that authorised users keep their credentials and contact details current.
Legal Reference (UAE):
- Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 20 requires DNFBPs to register and operate only after enrolment.
- Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025, Article 18 sets the electronic STR system used through goAML.
- Cabinet Resolution No. 71 of 2024, Item 23 imposes fines from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 for goAML registration failure.
For more details, consult the goAML portal at fiu.gov.ae