Why Real Estate Companies Must Understand goAML
If you're operating a real estate company in the UAE, you've likely heard of goAML — but many firms remain unsure about what it is, how it works, and what’s expected of them.
goAML is not just a reporting platform — it’s a critical part of the UAE’s national effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Real estate brokers are classified as DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions), meaning they are legally obligated to register and report through this system.
Whether or not you've filed a report yet, understanding goAML is essential to your compliance journey.
What Is goAML?
goAML is an advanced electronic platform developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It is used by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to receive, process, and analyze suspicious transaction data from both financial institutions and DNFBPs.
The system is designed to:
- Centralize Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR/STR)
- Improve data accuracy and security
- Help authorities detect and respond to financial crimes
It is now mandatory for real estate companies in the UAE to be registered and ready to use goAML.
Who Must Register for goAML in the UAE?
Any company operating as a DNFBP must register. This includes:
- Real estate brokers and developers
- Audit and accounting firms
- Dealers in precious metals and stones
- Company service providers
If your firm is supervised by the Ministry of Economy (MOE), you are required by law to:
- Register your company on the goAML portal
- Assign a Compliance Officer
- Be able to submit reports when suspicious activity is detected
What Is Reported Through goAML?
The platform supports two main types of reports:
| Report Type | Description |
|---|---|
| SAR – Suspicious Activity Report | Filed when something unusual or suspicious is observed but may not involve a specific transaction |
| STR – Suspicious Transaction Report | Filed when a specific transaction appears linked to money laundering or criminal activity |
Both reports must include:
- Customer details
- Transaction summary (if any)
- Explanation of why the activity is suspicious
- Supporting documentation
📌 Important: Submitting a report does not mean an accusation — it’s about protecting your business and fulfilling your legal duty.
How Does goAML Work in Practice?
Once registered and approved, you’ll gain access to your company’s goAML dashboard where you can:
- Maintain user access and roles
- View reporting history
- Submit new reports with supporting files
- Monitor the status of filed SARs/STRs
The system is entirely online and secure, hosted by the UAE FIU.
Common Mistakes Real Estate Companies Make
Many companies in the UAE still fall into one or more of the following traps:
- Believing that goAML is “optional” or only needed when asked
- Delaying registration until there’s a problem
- Assigning a compliance officer but not giving them access to the platform
- Not knowing what activity qualifies as “suspicious”
These mistakes can lead to:
- Regulatory penalties
- Increased audit risk
- Missed red flags that expose your business
Best Practices for goAML Compliance
To stay prepared — even if you’ve never filed a report — follow these tips:
- Register early and test your access
- Assign and empower your compliance officer
- Maintain proper records of all clients and transactions
- Log internal decisions, even if you don’t file
- Train your team on red flags and goAML basics
- Conduct mock filings or dry-runs so you're ready when it counts
UAE Legal Basis
goAML compliance for DNFBPs is mandated under:
- Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019
- Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018
- UAE FIU Circulars & Ministry of Economy communications
Failure to register or file when required can result in fines, suspension of license, or escalation to enforcement authorities.
Final Thoughts
goAML is not just a formality — it’s a vital part of your company’s AML framework. By understanding what it is and how it works, real estate companies in the UAE can:
- Stay ahead of compliance expectations
- Protect their license and reputation
- Play a proactive role in stopping financial crime
Even if you’ve never filed an SAR or STR, being goAML-ready is non-negotiable.
→ Need help with goAML registration or understanding your reporting obligations? Explore our training resources or request a consultation with our team. .