REAR Report in UAE AML: What Real Estate Brokers Must Know

Introduction

If you work in UAE real estate, you've likely heard of the REAR report, but few understand exactly when it's required, what to include, or how it differs from suspicious transaction reporting.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about the Real Estate Activity Report (REAR), a mandatory AML report submitted by real estate brokers and companies through the goAML platform of the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

What is a REAR Report?

REAR stands for Real Estate Activity Report. It is part of the UAE’s AML/CFT framework, and it must be submitted by real estate brokers or companies when certain transaction risk indicators are present, even if no crime is suspected.

When Are You Required to Submit a REAR?

You must file a REAR report if any of the following applies:

1. Cash or Crypto is Involved (≥ AED 55,000)

• If the buyer pays AED 55,000 or more in cash, even as a partial payment
• If cryptocurrency or other virtual assets are used, regardless of the amount

2. Third-Party Payment

• If the payment comes from someone other than the buyer, even if it's a spouse or company

3. PEP Involvement

• If the buyer or seller is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), based on nationality, public role, or family ties

4. Suspicious or Unusual Behavior

• Strange deal structures, unwillingness to provide ID, rapid resale, high-risk countries, etc.

Note: Even if the transaction doesn’t meet STR (Suspicious Transaction Report) criteria, you can still file a REAR as a red flag.

When is REAR Not Required?

You generally don’t need to submit a REAR if:

• No cash or crypto is used (only bank transfer)
• Cash amount is below AED 55,000
• No PEP involved
• No third-party payment
• No red flags or suspicious behavior

Clarification: The AED 55,000 threshold applies to cash or crypto, not the property value.

Example Scenarios

Scenario	REAR Required?	Why
AED 1.2M property, AED 70K in cash, rest via bank	Yes	Cash ≥ AED 55,000
AED 3.8M property, all via bank transfer	No	No risk factors
AED 600K property, AED 30K in crypto	Yes	Crypto used
AED 2.5M property, buyer is a PEP	Yes	PEP involvement

What Does a REAR Report Contain?

A typical REAR includes:

Subject Details (Buyer/Seller)

• Full name, nationality
• Emirates ID or passport
• Role in transaction (buyer/seller/representative)
• Contact info and relationship (if any)

Transaction Details

• Total property value (not just broker’s commission)
• Date of transaction
• Payment methods (cash, bank, crypto)
• Currency used

Property Details

• Title deed number
• Location (Emirate, area)
• Property type (apartment, land, etc.)
• Sale/lease indicator

Broker Company Information

• Company name and license number
• Agent’s name and contact
• Commission earned

Source of Funds (if available)

• Self-declared (salary, inheritance, business income)
• Third-party source (e.g., family, company)

Supporting Documents

• Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
• ID documents of parties
• Title deed
• Payment evidence (cheques, bank transfers, cash receipts)

Important Notes for Brokers

• Report the total transaction value, not just your commission.
• You are reporting the entire deal, even if you're only the broker.
• Always document the reason for submitting the REAR.
• Make sure supporting documents are uploaded clearly.
• If the transaction feels suspicious, file an STR or SAR separately.

REAR vs STR vs SAR. What’s the Difference?

Type	Purpose	Trigger	Submitted By
REAR	Real estate transaction disclosure	Cash, crypto, PEP, third-party, red flag	Broker/Agent
STR	Suspicious Transaction Report	Strong suspicion of money laundering or crime	Any reporting entity
SAR	Suspicious Activity Report	Suspicious behavior, patterns, or intent	Any reporting entity

Quick REAR Filing Checklist

• Deal includes ≥ AED 55,000 in cash or crypto?
• Third party is funding any part of the deal?
• Buyer or seller is a PEP?
• Anything seems strange, evasive, or irregular?
• You have supporting documents ready?

If any box is ticked, file the REAR via goAML.

Conclusion

The REAR report is not just another form, it's a critical compliance step for UAE real estate brokers. Whether you’re selling a villa or handling a lease deposit, it’s your legal duty to report certain risks, even if no crime has been committed.

Understanding when and how to submit a REAR protects your company, your license, and the entire UAE real estate sector.

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