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7/29/25, 11:42 AM UAE imposes $11.4m in fines during first half of 2025 on money laundering offenders | The National
UAE imposes $11.4m in fines during first half of

2025 on money laundering offenders

Ministry of Economy of Tourism found 1,063 breaches committed by private sector companies during January-June
period

Alvin R Cabral
July 24, 2025

The UAE has imposed fines of more than Dh42 million ($11.4 million) on private sector entities during
the first half of 2025 for not complying with money laundering regulations, as the government
continues its fight against illicit financing activities.

A total of 1,063 breaches were discovered in the six months through the end of June across four
categories, state news agency Wam quoted the Ministry of Economy of Tourism as saying on
Thursday.

Companies in the metals and gemstones sector committed 473 breaches, resulting in fines totalling
Dh20 million, the ministry said.

Real estate brokerages tallied 495 breaches that merited Dh18.5 million in penalties, while corporate
service providers had 95 breaches, which resulted in fines of more than Dh4 million.

The actions are part of the progress made by the ministry in developing its regulatory enforcement

system, which is based on “an advanced methodology aimed at ensuring the highest levels of
compliance”, said Safia Al Safi, assistant under-secretary for commercial control and governance at
the ministry.

The “clear mechanism” for on-site inspections enables a business environment “based on
transparency and governance, and to activate proactive oversight tools to address risks related to
money laundering and terrorist financing”, she added.

The UAE has made significant strides in the fight against financial crime in recent years.

Effective policies on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism are key to the
integrity and stability of the international financial system and the economies of nations, according to

the International Monetary Fund.

In September last year, the UAE announced a nationwide action plan aimed at boosting its fight
against illicit financial activity by introducing the 2024-27 National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering,

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