What is the UAE National Risk Assessment (NRA)?
The UAE National Risk Assessment (NRA) is a country-wide study that identifies, analyses and rates the money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing threats and vulnerabilities facing the country. It is coordinated by the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Committee (NAMLCFTC) using the World Bank methodology, drawing on both public authorities and private-sector input.
The most recent report, the UAE ML/TF Risk Assessment 2024, sets the benchmark for residual risk by sector and threat. Regulated entities are expected to read it and reflect its findings in their own enterprise-wide risk assessment, so that controls are focused on the areas the country considers most exposed.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 16 — Supervisory Authorities conduct risk assessments of the likelihood of the crime occurring within FIs, DNFBPs, VASPs and NPOs.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 19(1)(b) — CDD scope must be set with due regard to the outcomes of the national risk assessment.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.