What is the difference between a REAR and an STR for UAE real estate?
A Real Estate Activity Report (REAR) and a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) are both filed through goAML, but they serve different purposes. A REAR is threshold-based and objective. A broker files it whenever a freehold transaction meets defined criteria, namely cash at or above AED 55,000, a virtual asset payment, or funds converted from a virtual asset, regardless of whether anything looks wrong.
An STR is suspicion-based. A broker files it whenever it suspects, or has reasonable grounds to suspect, that funds are linked to a crime, regardless of the amount involved. The two are not mutually exclusive. A single deal can require both a REAR because it crosses a threshold and an STR because it also raises suspicion. Understanding the distinction helps brokers avoid under-reporting.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· MOE Circular No. 5/2022 on the Real Estate Activity Report - establishes the threshold-based REAR obligation.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134/2025 (Executive Regulations), Article 18 - establishes the suspicion-based STR obligation, which applies regardless of value.
For more details, consult the full text of MOE Circular 5/2022 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.