When did the UAE’s new AML law come into force?
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 was published in the Official Gazette and came into effect in the fourth quarter of 2025, replacing the earlier regime. Its Executive Regulations, issued as Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025, followed shortly afterwards and set out the operational detail that regulated entities must apply day to day.
For compliance teams the practical point is that both instruments must now be read together. The Decree-Law states the primary obligations and offences, while the Executive Regulations specify how customer due diligence, record-keeping, reporting and internal controls are to be carried out. Firms should confirm their policies, procedures and systems reference the current law rather than the repealed Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, and update staff training accordingly.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 39 onward - final provisions on entry into force and repeal of the prior law.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 - Executive Regulations giving effect to the Decree-Law.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.