
AML Compliance Services
AML Compliance Services in Dubai & UAE
Practical AML Support for Businesses That Need More Than a Policy Document
Anti-Money Laundering compliance is not simply about preparing an AML manual and keeping it on file.
Businesses subject to AML requirements need practical systems for identifying customers, assessing risk, maintaining records, screening parties, reviewing unusual transactions and escalating matters when required.
At Ahmad Al Araidi Auditing of Accounts, we provide practical AML compliance support to businesses in Dubai and across the UAE.
Our objective is to help companies establish AML procedures that can actually be understood, implemented and maintained by management and staff.
Are You Confident Your AML File Is Inspection Ready?
Many businesses have an AML policy but struggle to demonstrate how the policy is being followed.
Common weaknesses include:
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Incomplete KYC files
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Missing customer identification documents
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No documented customer risk rating
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Inconsistent sanctions or PEP screening
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Outdated AML policies
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Missing annual risk assessments
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Weak record keeping
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No evidence of staff AML training
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Unclear escalation procedures
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goAML registration or access issues
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No structured compliance calendar
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Policies copied from templates but not adapted to the actual business
An effective AML framework should connect the written policy with what employees actually do.
Our AML Compliance Services
AML Policy & Procedure Development
We assist businesses in preparing or reviewing AML policies and procedures based on their business activities and risk profile.
The framework may address areas including:
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Customer Due Diligence
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Enhanced Due Diligence
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Customer risk classification
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Beneficial ownership
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Politically Exposed Persons
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Sanctions screening
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Suspicious activity escalation
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Record keeping
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Internal controls
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Staff responsibilities
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Compliance monitoring
KYC & Customer Due Diligence Procedures
Strong AML compliance starts with knowing who you are doing business with.
We can help establish structured KYC procedures covering:
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Individual customers
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Corporate customers
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Shareholders
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Ultimate Beneficial Owners
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Authorized signatories
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Source-of-funds information where applicable
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Risk classification
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Document retention
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Periodic customer review
Customer Risk Assessment
Not every customer carries the same level of risk.
We assist businesses in creating a practical risk-rating methodology considering relevant factors such as:
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Customer profile
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Jurisdiction
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Business activity
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Ownership structure
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Transaction characteristics
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Delivery channel
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Other relevant risk indicators
This helps businesses apply proportionate due diligence rather than treating every customer identically.
goAML Support
Businesses subject to applicable UAE AML reporting requirements may need to use the goAML platform.
We can support businesses with practical goAML-related matters including:
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Registration guidance
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Account setup support
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Understanding user roles
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Internal escalation procedures
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Organizing information required for reporting
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Resolving common registration or process issues
AML responsibilities remain with the regulated business, but having a clear internal process can significantly reduce compliance confusion.
AML Risk Assessment
A business-level AML risk assessment helps management understand where money-laundering and financial-crime risks may arise within its operations.
A structured assessment may consider:
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Customer risk
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Geographic risk
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Product or service risk
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Transaction risk
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Delivery-channel risk
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Business activity
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Internal controls
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Existing mitigation measures
The assessment should not be a document prepared once and forgotten.
It should form part of the company's wider AML compliance framework.
AML Compliance for DNFBPs
Certain non-financial businesses and professions may be subject to specific AML obligations.
Businesses should understand whether their activities fall within the applicable regulatory framework and what obligations apply to them.
Our AML support can include businesses operating in sectors such as:
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Real estate
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Accounting and auditing
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Corporate services
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Other relevant professional activities
The appropriate compliance framework depends on the nature of the business and its regulatory obligations.
AML Compliance for Real Estate Businesses
Real estate transactions can involve significant values, international customers, corporate ownership structures and complex payment arrangements.
For businesses subject to applicable AML obligations, important areas may include:
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Buyer and seller identification
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UBO identification
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Corporate ownership verification
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Customer risk rating
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Sanctions and PEP screening
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Source-of-funds review where appropriate
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Transaction monitoring
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Documentation and record retention
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Internal escalation
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goAML procedures
We can assist real estate businesses in developing a more structured and workable AML compliance process.
AML Compliance Review
Already have policies and procedures?
We can review the existing framework and identify practical gaps.
Our review may examine:
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AML policy
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KYC forms
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Customer files
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Risk-assessment methodology
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Business risk assessment
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Screening procedures
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Record keeping
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Compliance responsibilities
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goAML readiness
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Staff awareness
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Internal monitoring
At the end of the review, management can understand what is already in place and what requires improvement.
AML Remediation
Businesses sometimes contact us after identifying compliance weaknesses or when documentation has not been maintained properly.
We can assist management in organizing a remediation plan covering matters such as:
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Updating AML policies
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Completing missing KYC documentation
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Reassessing customer risk
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Organizing customer files
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Updating business risk assessments
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Establishing screening procedures
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Improving AML registers
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Creating a compliance calendar
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Formalizing internal escalation procedures
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Staff awareness and implementation
The objective is to move from fragmented AML documents to a structured compliance framework.
AML Training & Staff Awareness
Employees involved in customer onboarding, transactions and compliance should understand the company's AML procedures.
Training can cover areas such as:
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Why AML controls matter
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Customer Due Diligence
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Enhanced Due Diligence
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PEPs
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Sanctions
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Beneficial ownership
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Risk indicators
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Suspicious transactions
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Internal escalation
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Record keeping
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Staff responsibilities
Training should be relevant to the activities employees actually perform.
Our Approach
Al Araidi Auditing
01. Understand Your Business
We specialize exclusively in UAE accounting, audit, tax, and AML compliance requirements.
02. Assess Existing Controls
We identify what documents, policies and procedures already exist.
03. Identify Gaps
We highlight missing or weak elements requiring attention.
04. Build or Update the Framework
Policies, risk assessments, KYC procedures and supporting compliance tools are prepared or updated as required.
05. Support Implementation
We help management understand how the framework should operate in practice.
06. Periodic Review
Where agreed, we can provide ongoing compliance support and periodic reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AML compliance?
AML compliance refers to the systems, controls and procedures used by regulated businesses to identify, assess and manage money-laundering and related financial-crime risks.
What is KYC?
KYC — Know Your Customer — refers to the process of identifying and verifying customers and understanding relevant information about the relationship.
What is goAML?
goAML is a reporting platform used in connection with applicable AML reporting requirements in the UAE.
Is having an AML policy enough?
A written policy is important, but businesses also need evidence that procedures such as KYC, risk assessment, screening, record keeping and escalation are actually being implemented.
Can you review our existing AML files?
Yes. We can review the existing AML framework and identify areas that may require improvement.
Can you help if our AML records are incomplete?
Yes. We can assist with an AML remediation exercise to organize the existing records and establish stronger procedures moving forward.
Not Sure Whether Your AML Framework Is Complete?
Send us details of:
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Your business activity
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Regulatory or licensing authority
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Existing AML policy
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Whether you are registered on goAML
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Approximate number of customers
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Whether KYC and risk assessments are currently maintained
We can review the situation and recommend the appropriate next step.
Request an AML Compliance Review
Ahmad Al Araidi Auditing of Accounts
Dubai, UAE
AML compliance should work in practice — not only exist on paper.
