ADGM — Abu Dhabi Global Market
An international financial centre on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Operates under a common law framework independent of UAE federal civil law, with its own courts (ADGM Courts) and financial regulator (the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, FSRA). Widely used for financial services firms, asset managers, family offices, and fintech businesses seeking a regulated GCC presence.
ADDED — Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
The licensing authority for mainland commercial entities in Abu Dhabi. Equivalent to DED Dubai. Issues trade licences for all mainland-registered commercial, industrial, and professional activities in Abu Dhabi emirate.
AML/CFT — Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorism Financing
The regulatory framework requiring certain businesses to implement controls to detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. In the UAE, governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2019 and supervised by the Executive Office of AML/CFT (EOCN) and sector regulators including the CBUAE, SCA, and FSRA/DFSA.
AOA — Articles of Association
The governing document of a UAE LLC, setting out internal governance rules — shareholder rights, board composition, voting procedures, and profit distribution. The AOA is prepared alongside the MOA and notarised as part of the mainland LLC formation process.
BRA — Business Risk Assessment
A mandatory document for entities subject to AML/CFT obligations. The BRA analyses the money laundering and terrorist financing risks inherent in the entity's business model, customer base, products, delivery channels, and geographies. Must be reviewed and updated at least annually.
CBUAE — Central Bank of the UAE
The UAE's federal financial regulator responsible for monetary policy, licensing and supervising banks, exchange houses, payment service providers, and insurance companies. The CBUAE also oversees AML/CFT compliance for the financial sector.
CDD — Customer Due Diligence
The process of identifying and verifying customers before entering a business relationship or completing a significant transaction. Three levels: Simplified CDD (low-risk), Standard CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk customers, PEPs, or high-value/unusual transactions.
CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
An international agreement that regulates trade in wild animals and plants to prevent exploitation. UAE is a CITES signatory. Import and export of CITES-listed species requires specific permits from both origin and destination country authorities.
CT — Corporate Tax
The UAE federal tax on business profits, effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Standard rate: 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) via EmaraTax. Freezone entities may qualify for 0% under the QFZP regime.
DED — Department of Economic Development
The licensing authority for mainland commercial entities in each emirate. DED Dubai is the most prominent; ADDED serves Abu Dhabi. Issues trade licences, regulates commercial activity, and processes business name registrations and activity code approvals.
DFSA — Dubai Financial Services Authority
The financial regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Regulates banking, asset management, insurance, and other financial services conducted from within DIFC. Operates independently of the CBUAE for DIFC-registered entities.
DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre
An international financial centre in Dubai's financial district, operating under a common law framework based on English law. Governed by the DIFC Authority; regulated by the DFSA. Has its own courts and is widely used for financial services, fintech, and professional services firms.
DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
One of the UAE's largest and most prestigious free zones, located in the JLT district of Dubai. Specialises in commodities (gold, diamonds, energy, agricultural commodities) but hosts a wide range of professional services and trading businesses. Consistently ranked as a top global free zone.
DNFBP — Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession
A category of non-financial businesses subject to UAE AML/CFT obligations. Includes real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, accountants, auditors, lawyers, notaries, corporate service providers, and virtual asset service providers.
DHA — Dubai Health Authority
The health regulator for Dubai emirate. Administers the mandatory health insurance scheme for Dubai-based employers and employees. Issues medical fitness test results used in residency visa processing.
Ejari
Dubai's mandatory tenancy contract registration system, administered by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). All commercial and residential leases in Dubai must be registered on Ejari. The Ejari certificate is required for residency visa applications, bank account opening, and utility connections in Dubai.
EmaraTax
The Federal Tax Authority's digital portal for all UAE tax interactions, including corporate tax and VAT registration, filing, payment, and refund claims. Replaced the legacy FTA e-Services portal from 2022.
Emirates ID
The national identity document issued to all UAE residents by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Required for most UAE government and private sector interactions. Must be renewed in conjunction with the residency visa.
EOCN — Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing
The UAE federal body responsible for national AML/CFT policy, coordination, and supervision. Operates the goAML platform and coordinates between UAE regulators on AML/CFT matters.
ESR — Economic Substance Regulations
UAE regulations (Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2020) requiring entities carrying out certain Relevant Activities (banking, insurance, investment fund management, lease-finance, headquarters, shipping, holding company, IP, distribution) to demonstrate genuine economic substance in the UAE. Entities must file annual ESR notifications and substantive reports where applicable.
FIU — Financial Intelligence Unit
The UAE's national financial intelligence unit, operated under the EOCN. Receives Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) filed by financial institutions and DNFBPs via the goAML platform.
FSRA — Financial Services Regulatory Authority
The financial regulator of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Licenses and supervises financial services businesses operating within ADGM. The Abu Dhabi equivalent of the DFSA.
FTA — Federal Tax Authority
The UAE government body responsible for administering and collecting federal taxes, including VAT and Corporate Tax. All tax registrations, filings, and payments are handled through the FTA's EmaraTax portal (tax.gov.ae).
GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The immigration authority for Dubai emirate, responsible for processing residency visas, entry permits, and related immigration transactions for individuals residing in or entering Dubai.
goAML
The digital platform operated by the UAE FIU (EOCN) for the submission of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Mandatory registration for all DNFBPs and financial institutions.
ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
The UAE federal authority responsible for Emirates ID, UAE nationality, residency, and border control. Issues Emirates IDs and manages national identity records. Operates the ICP Smart Services portal for visa and identity applications.
IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
A popular and cost-competitive UAE free zone headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis with additional operations in Fujairah. Widely used by SMEs, startups, and professional services businesses due to its flexible packages and competitive setup costs.
LLC — Limited Liability Company
The most common mainland business structure in the UAE. Minimum 1, maximum 50 shareholders. Liability limited to the value of shares held. 100% foreign ownership permitted for most activities. Requires a Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarised by a UAE Notary Public.
MLRO — Money Laundering Reporting Officer
The designated officer within a regulated or DNFBP entity responsible for receiving and evaluating internal suspicious activity reports, filing STRs/SARs with the FIU via goAML, and managing the entity's AML/CFT programme.
MOA — Memorandum of Association
The constitutional document of a UAE LLC setting out the company's name, registered address, commercial activity, share capital, shareholders, and governance framework. Required for DED mainland registration and notarised before a UAE Notary Public.
MOCCAE — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
The UAE federal authority that regulates the import and export of live animals, plants, food products, veterinary products, and other environmentally sensitive goods. Import permits from MOCCAE are required before live organisms and certain regulated agricultural goods can be cleared through UAE Customs.
MOHRE — Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
The federal authority governing employment contracts, labour relations, work permits, and Emiratisation obligations for mainland UAE businesses. All employment contracts must be filed and attested with MOHRE. Operates the WPS (Wage Protection System).
Nafis
The UAE federal programme (operated by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre) that provides wage support subsidies to private sector employers who hire and retain UAE nationals (Emiratis). Part of the UAE's Emiratisation strategy.
NOC — No Objection Certificate
A letter issued by a current employer or sponsor confirming they have no objection to a specific action — typically required when a UAE resident wants to establish a new company, change employment, or take on additional roles while on an existing UAE visa sponsorship.
PEP — Politically Exposed Person
A current or former senior public official, their family members, and close associates. PEPs require Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) under AML/CFT regulations — standard CDD is not sufficient. This includes heads of state, ministers, senior civil servants, military officers, and judicial officials.
PRO — Public Relations Officer
A PRO (or PRO service) refers to the individual or service provider who manages government-related transactions on behalf of a company — visa applications, trade licence renewals, DED/authority submissions, and labour card processing. Amara includes PRO coordination in its service scope.
QFZP — Qualifying Freezone Person
A freezone entity that meets the conditions for a 0% corporate tax rate on its Qualifying Income. Conditions include: adequate UAE substance, income derived only from qualifying activities, audited financial statements, and compliance with transfer pricing rules. The 0% rate is lost if non-qualifying income exceeds the de minimis threshold.
RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
A cost-competitive UAE free zone in Ras Al Khaimah, approximately one hour from Dubai. Popular for manufacturing, industrial businesses, and cost-conscious professional services firms. Offers virtual, flexi-desk, and industrial unit options.
SAR — Suspicious Activity Report
A report filed by a regulated entity or DNFBP with the UAE FIU via goAML when there is suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing — even if no specific transaction is involved. Distinct from a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR), which is transaction-specific.
SCA — Securities and Commodities Authority
The UAE federal regulator for securities markets, commodities trading, and investment funds outside DIFC and ADGM. Also responsible for regulating financial influencers (Finfluencers) on social media under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 49 of 2023.
STR — Suspicious Transaction Report
A report filed by a regulated entity or DNFBP with the UAE FIU via goAML when a specific transaction is suspected to be connected to money laundering or terrorist financing. Filing is mandatory when suspicion exists. Tipping off the subject of the report is a criminal offence.
Tawtheeq
Abu Dhabi's mandatory tenancy contract registration system, administered by the Abu Dhabi Municipality. The Abu Dhabi equivalent of Dubai's Ejari. Required for residency visa applications, banking, and utility connections in Abu Dhabi.
TRN — Tax Registration Number
The unique identification number issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to entities registered for Corporate Tax or VAT. Different TRNs are issued for CT and VAT. Used on all tax invoices, filings, and FTA correspondence.
UBO — Ultimate Beneficial Owner
The natural person who ultimately owns or controls a UAE company — typically any individual holding 25%+ of shares or voting rights, or who exercises effective control. UBO registration with the relevant UAE authority is a mandatory legal requirement under Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020.
VAT — Value Added Tax
A 5% consumption tax introduced in the UAE on 1 January 2018. Administered by the Federal Tax Authority. Mandatory registration for businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000. Returns filed quarterly (or monthly for large businesses) via EmaraTax.
WPS — Wage Protection System
The UAE's electronic salary transfer system, operated by MOHRE. Requires all private sector employers to pay salaries to employees through WPS-approved bank accounts or exchange houses. Non-compliance results in escalating penalties including work permit blocks and potential licence suspension.
ZAKAT
A religious levy applicable to UAE national shareholders of mainland companies, calculated on specific business assets and profits. Not applicable to foreign shareholders. Collected by the UAE Zakat Fund and separate from the federal Corporate Tax regime.