CMI Talks: UAE Newsletter October 2025

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UAE enacts New Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) Regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025.

UAE enacts Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing (“New AML Law”) effective 14.10.2025 to replace Federal Law No. 20 of 2018.

Key Takeaways

  1. The New AML Law introduces new offences, including the direct or indirect financing of arms or weapons of mass destruction, and explicitly covers digital systems, virtual assets and encryption technologies.
  2. The new law lowers the burden of proof: “knowledge” can now be inferred from “sufficient circumstantial evidence”, not just proven actual knowledge.
  3. The concept of a Predicate Offence has been clarified to expressly include direct and indirect tax evasion and broadens enforcement powers for authorities.
  4. The New AML Law establishes a Supreme Committee (within the Presidential Court) to oversee AML strategy, and reinforced coordination between local and federal bodies.
  5. Financial Intelligence Unit (“FIU”) can now freeze funds for up to 30 (thirty) days (previously 7 days) and suspend transactions for up to 10 (ten) working days without prior notice
  6. The New AML Law also introduces stricter penalties for legal entities if their representatives, managers or agents commit an offence under the law on their behalf or in their name with the maximum fine being AED 100 million. 

Dubai launches Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit (Resolution No. 11 of 2025).

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (“DET”) has introduced a landmark initiative allowing free zone companies to operate in the mainland through a structured, renewable Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit (“the Permit”).

Key Takeaways

  1. The Permit covers non-regulated activities, including technology and IT services, Consultancy and design, Professional and business services and general trading.
  2. The Permit costs AED 5,000 and is valid for 6 (six) months, renewable at the same fee and enables free zone entities to conduct business directly in Dubai’s mainland.
  3. Operating under this Permit will be subject 9% corporate tax on revenues generated from mainland activities.
  4. Under the new framework, Free Zone companies can operate on the mainland by obtaining either a branch license or a temporary permit.
  5. The initiative is projected to boost cross-jurisdictional activity in Dubai by 15-20% in the first year, benefiting over 10,000 active free zone firms.
  6. Eligible free zone companies holding a Dubai Unified License (“DUL”) can apply digitally via the Invest in Dubai (“IID”) platform.

Dubai Issues Law No. 14 of 2025 to Regulate Engineering Consultancy Activities

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai enacted Law No. 14 of 2025 on 07.10.2025 to regulate engineering consultancy operations across the Emirate, including free zones and special development zones.

Key Takeaways

  1. Engineering consultancy activities include architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, mining and mining engineering, geoengineering, coastal engineering, petroleum engineering and chemical engineering.
  2. The law prohibits any individual or entity from undertaking engineering consultancy activities in Dubai without a valid license and registration with Dubai Municipality.
  3. The new law mandates the establishment of a permanent “Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities” in Dubai, appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Council.
  4. Penalties for non-compliance include fines up to AED 100,000 (and higher for repeated offences), suspension of licences for up to one year, removal from registry, cancellation of commercial licences, downgrading of classification and staff de-registration.
  5. All existing engineering consultancy firms and their staff must regularise their status within one year of the law’s effect; transitional measures apply for renewal for those whose registration expires during this period.
  6. The Law enters into force 6 (six) months from the date of its publication.

UAE Extends Consular Services to Golden Visa Holders

The UAE Government has launched a new consular support initiative specifically for Golden Visa holders, marking a significant expansion of diplomatic services for long-term residents. This initiative was announced on 14.10.2025 as the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (“MoFA”) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (“ICP”).

Key Takeaways:

  1. Golden Visa holders may now access a suite of consular services while abroad, including issuance of an emergency return document in case of lost or damaged passport.
  2. The emergency return document is issued electronically via the MoFA portal or app, typically within 30 minutes.
  3. A dedicated 24/7 hotline has been established to assist Golden Visa holders with emergency coordination, diplomatic liaising, or travel disruptions.
  4. The UAE will help in crisis scenarios (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest) through its diplomatic missions, including evacuation coordination and support from local authorities.
  5. In the event of death abroad, the UAE will assist with the repatriation of remains, liaising with relevant authorities for transport, burial or cremation based on preferences.
  6. The MoFA has ensured that consular services extend to eligible dependents of Golden Visa holders. This guarantees that families travelling or residing with Golden Visa holders are protected under the UAE’s new consular framework.