What is the penalty for AML non-compliance for real estate brokers in the UAE?
Real estate brokers who breach AML obligations in the UAE can face both administrative and criminal consequences. Administrative fines are imposed by the Ministry of Economy for failures such as not registering on goAML, not performing due diligence, not reporting, or poor record-keeping. In the first half of 2025 alone, real estate professionals faced hundreds of violations and millions of dirhams in fines.
Where a person or firm is actually involved in money laundering, the criminal penalties are severe. A natural person convicted of money laundering faces imprisonment of one to ten years and a fine of AED 100,000 to AED 5,000,000. A legal person can be fined between AED 5,000,000 and AED 100,000,000, or an amount equal to the value of the criminal property, whichever is greater.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10/2025, Article 26 - sets imprisonment and fines of AED 100,000 to AED 5,000,000 for money laundering by natural persons.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10/2025, Article 27 - sets fines of AED 5,000,000 to AED 100,000,000 for legal persons.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10/2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.