Real estate brokers and agents, auditors and accountants, dealers in precious metals and stones, and corporate service providers are designated non-financial businesses in the UAE. Each must register on goAML, appoint a compliance officer, and report suspicious transactions. Failing to register can lead to Ministry of Economy and Tourism penalties.
Which businesses are DNFBPs?
Real estate firms, auditing and accounting firms, dealers in precious metals or stones including jewellery shops, and trust or company service providers (Ministry of Economy and Tourism).
What is goAML?
The Financial Intelligence Unit's reporting platform. Registered businesses use it to file suspicious transaction and activity reports and, in some sectors, threshold-based reports. The Ministry describes registration as mandatory for all DNFBPs (Ministry of Economy and Tourism).
“All Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) were required to register on the goAML portal.”
What duties follow registration?
A documented risk assessment, customer due diligence, sanctions screening, record keeping, training and reporting under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. Beneficial ownership checks follow the 25% test (JAFZA).
What do inspectors look for?
Evidence that the programme runs: files showing due diligence, screening results, training logs and a reporting log, not just a policy document. See our goAML and AML service.
Registration in five steps
- Confirm you are a designated business (Ministry of Economy and Tourism).
- Appoint a compliance officer and a deputy.
- Prepare the trade licence, the officer's ID and the organisation details.
- Create the organisation and user accounts on goAML.
- Keep the approval and train staff on when and how to report.
Red flags staff should know
- A customer reluctant to explain the source of funds.
- Large cash payments, or payments from unrelated third parties.
- Prices far above or below market without a reason.
- Complex ownership with no clear purpose.
- Rushed transactions where the customer ignores cost or tax.
A red flag is a reason to ask questions and record the answers, not proof of wrongdoing.
Our view
Registration is the easy part. Inspections look for a programme that runs every week: files with due diligence, screening results and training records. A policy that sits in a drawer will not pass.
Frequently asked questions
Does a real estate developer need goAML?
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Real estate firms dealing with buying and selling property are covered.
Who should be the compliance officer?
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A senior, independent person with authority and training.
Can goAML registration be outsourced?
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The preparation can; responsibility stays with the business.
Do we report every cash transaction?
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Certain sectors have threshold reports; suspicious activity must be reported whatever the amount.
Sources
- Does your company fall under the DNFBP? (goAML registration) — UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Checked 17 October 2026.
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners and Intermediate Beneficial Owners (Cabinet Decision No. 109 of 2023) — Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza). Checked 16 October 2026.