A Trusted Business Environment in Abu Dhabi
ADRA's compliance framework ensures that legal persons registered in Abu Dhabi operate with market integrity, with accurate, accessible data, so that the emirate remains a trusted destination for business and investment.
About Business Compliance In ADRA
The Role of Compliance
Compliance at ADRA is the foundation that enables Abu Dhabi to maintain a safe, well-regulated business environment that protects legitimate entities from being misused. ADRA's compliance function ensures that every registered legal person's data is accurate, current, and available to the relevant authorities. This protects businesses, investors, and the wider economy from the risks associated with misuse of corporate structures.
ADRA's Regulatory Landscape
ADRA sits at the centre of Abu Dhabi's compliance ecosystem, coordinating with federal authorities and overseeing non-financial free zones across the emirate.
Pillars Of Compliance
ADRA reviews ownership structures of registered entities to promote transparency and ensure businesses operate with clear and accountable governance.
ADRA monitors corporate arrangements to help ensure legal entities are used in line with their registered purpose and applicable regulations.
ADRA’s compliance oversight supports a fair and transparent business environment where registered entities operate within established legal and ethical standards.
ADRA collaborates with federal entities and competent authorities to facilitate data sharing, support regulatory alignment, and strengthen the UAE’s national compliance framework.
What Registered Entities Must Do?
ADRA reviews ownership structures of registered entities to promote transparency and ensure businesses operate with clear and accountable governance.
Maintain and disclose accurate records of all ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) holding 25% or more of shares or control. Update within 15 days of any changes.
Retain all customer data, transaction records, and due diligence documentation for a minimum of five years from the date of the relationship or transaction.
Any change to the company's structure or ownership requires filing an updated Real Beneficiary register within 15 days of the change. Failure to do so may result in administrative penalties under Cabinet Resolution No. 132 of 2023.
Key Legislation & Resolutions
Foundational AML/CFT Legislation
Applies to financial institutions, DNFBPs, and non-profit organisations. Defines duties, offences, and penalties. Establishes the FIU and National AML/CFT Committee.
Executive Regulation
Details all compliance obligations and requirements applicable to Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs) and DNFBPs across the UAE.
UBO Transparency
Applies to all registered legal persons in the UAE including non-financial free zones. Defines UBO obligations, duties of legal persons, and enforcement mechanisms.
Targeted Financial Sanctions
Enforces UN Security Council resolutions. Establishes the UAE List of Terrorists, sets key sanctions obligations, and defines delisting procedures and consequences for non-compliance.
Administrative Penalties
Tiered penalty structure based on repeated violations. Establishes grievance mechanisms for registered and licensed legal persons.
Business & Licence Data Accessibility
ADRA promotes transparency by making basic licence and registration data accessible through the TAHAQAQ service, the official economic licence enquiry platform for Abu Dhabi. Verify and enquire about economic licence details for any registered business entity in Abu Dhabi.
Note: Beneficial ownership data is made available only to competent authorities in line with applicable legislation. Full UBO details are not published in the public register.
As defined under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and Cabinet Decision No. 134 of 2025, the following sectors are classified as DNFBPs and are subject to AML/CFT compliance obligations within ADRA's jurisdiction.
Mandatory Obligations for All DNFBPs
DNFBP Sectors
- Real Estate Brokers & Agents
- Auditors & Accountants
- Dealers in Precious Metals & Stones
- Lawyers, Notaries & Legal Accountants
- Corporate Service & Trust Providers
goAML Portal - Suspicious Transaction Reporting
The official UAE platform for filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). All DNFBPs must register and file through this platform.
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Prepare required documents (Authorisation letter, ID, Licence)
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Register via the SACM system to obtain a username
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Download Google Authenticator for secure login
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Receive approval from the Ministry of Economy
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Log in and complete your registration form
EOCN Sanctions List - Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation
All DNFBPs are required to subscribe to and continuously screen against the EOCN Sanctions List. This list identifies individuals and entities subject to UAE targeted financial sanctions. Mandatory screening obligation, non-compliance may result in regulatory penalties.
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