Why We Request Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Documents

As a licensed real estate brokerage operating in the United Arab Emirates, we are legally required to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) in certain situations to ensure transparency, protect all parties involved, and comply with UAE Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) laws.


Conducting Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) is a standard regulatory process that allows us to better understand our clients, the source of funds used in transactions, and the overall risk profile associated with a transaction.

Legal and Regulatory Basis

Our EDD obligations are mandated under UAE law, including but not limited to:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing

• Cabinet Decision No. 134 of 2025, issued in implementation of the AML/CFT framework

• AML/CFT Guidelines for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), which apply to real estate brokers in the UAE


These regulations require real estate firms to apply enhanced checks where higher risk factors are identified, such as transaction value, client profile, transaction structure, or jurisdictional considerations.

For Corporate Clients – Why We Request EDD Documents

For corporate clients, Enhanced Due Diligence allows us to:

• Verify the legal existence and structure of the entity

• Identify and verify Ultimate Beneficial Owner(s) (UBOs)

• Confirm authorized signatories and transaction authority

• Understand the source of funds and, where required, the source of wealth of UBOs

• Ensure the transaction aligns with the company’s business activities

Purpose of These Checks

Corporate structures can vary significantly, and UAE regulations require enhanced transparency to prevent misuse of legal entities for financial crime. These checks help safeguard both the client and the transaction while ensuring regulatory compliance.

How This Benefits Our Clients

While EDD is a regulatory requirement, it also offers clear benefits to our clients:

• Faster and smoother transactions by addressing compliance requirements early

• Reduced risk of delays, transaction holds, or regulatory escalation

• Protection against fraud, impersonation, and misuse of funds

• Increased trust and transparency for all parties involved

• Compliance with UAE laws, protecting clients from potential legal or financial exposure

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All information and documents provided are handled with strict confidentiality and are used solely for regulatory compliance purposes, in line with UAE data-protection and confidentiality obligations.

Need Help?

Our AML team is available to assist you throughout the process and to clarify any document requests. We aim to make the EDD process as clear, proportionate, and efficient as possible.