Which businesses are classified as DNFBPs in the UAE?
UAE law sets out specific categories of business that are treated as DNFBPs. These are commercial gaming operators; real estate brokers and agents; dealers in precious metals and precious stones; lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professionals and independent accountants when they carry out certain financial activities for clients; and company and trust service providers. A sixth catch-all category allows the supervisory authority to designate further businesses over time.
Each category is scoped to particular activities or thresholds. For example, dealers in precious metals and stones are covered when they carry out a cash transaction of AED 55,000 or more, while commercial gaming operators are covered at a AED 11,000 transaction threshold. Lawyers and accountants are in scope only for defined activities such as handling client funds or forming companies.
Legal Reference (UAE):
ยท Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 (Executive Regulations), Article 3 designates the six categories of DNFBPs and their activity thresholds.
For more details, consult the full text of Cabinet Resolution 134 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.