Who conducts AML inspections in the UAE?
The supervisory authority for the sector: the Ministry of Economy and Tourism for the main DNFBP sectors, the Ministry of Justice for lawyers and notaries, the Central Bank for financial institutions, and the DFSA or FSRA in the DIFC and ADGM. Inspections run on-site and as desk-based document reviews.
How much notice does an inspection give?
It varies: some inspections are announced with a document request and a deadline, others arrive with little warning. Preparing only after the notice lands leaves days to fix what should have taken months, which is why readiness work is best done in advance.
What documents will inspectors ask for?
Typically the goAML registration, the risk assessment, policies and procedures, customer due diligence files, sanctions screening records, training evidence and the compliance officer's appointment, and anything the first answers raise.
A findings letter or penalty has already arrived. Is it too late?
No, but the clock matters. Findings must be answered within deadline with evidence of remediation, and a well-managed response materially affects the outcome. Send the letter and the position is assessed immediately.
What is a mock inspection?
A dry run conducted exactly as the supervisor would: the same document requests, file sampling and staff questions, ending in a prioritised list of gaps and the plan to close them before the real one.
Can staff be prepared for inspector interviews?
Yes, and they should be: staff are briefed on the process, their responsibilities and how to answer accurately, preparation, not coaching, because inspectors recognise the difference.
