Which sectors were rated highest risk in the UAE National Risk Assessment 2024?
In the UAE ML/TF Risk Assessment 2024, real estate is rated a high residual money laundering risk in the mainland, driven by cash-intensive transactions, luxury freehold property and the use of legal persons to hold property. Dealers in precious metals and stones (gold trading) also carry an elevated rating, and virtual asset service providers are treated as high risk because of cross-border exposure and rapid product innovation.
Among financial institutions, banking and registered hawala providers attract higher inherent vulnerability, though effective controls reduce residual risk in parts of the sector. Lower-risk activities are generally those with limited cash exposure and tight oversight. Each regulated business should map its own sector rating from the NRA into its enterprise-wide risk assessment.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 16(1) — Supervisory Authorities assess the likelihood of the crime occurring within each supervised sector.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 — Executive Regulations governing the risk-based approach and risk factors entities must weigh.
For more details, consult the full text of the UAE NRA 2024 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.