UAE and Kuwait intensify financial compliance and AML enforcement

Regulatory authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are intensifying enforcement of financial compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

In the UAE, the Ministry of Economy is strictly enforcing Cabinet Resolution No. 132 of 2023 regarding Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) filings. Companies must accurately report owners meeting the 25% ownership threshold and maintain a Real Beneficial Owner Register. Failure to comply, including missing the mandatory 15-day window for reporting governance changes, can result in administrative fines of up to AED 100,000 and the potential suspension of trade licenses.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued 141,500 dinars in financial penalties during the second quarter of 2026 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The enforcement actions targeted the gold, silver, precious metals, gemstones, and real estate brokerage sectors. The Ministry issued 83 financial fines and hundreds of written warnings and compliance orders, while also receiving numerous applications to appoint dedicated compliance monitors to strengthen internal controls.