AML courses in Dubai range from one-day anti-money laundering awareness sessions that staff must attend, to international certifications such as ACAMS's CAMS and the International Compliance Association (ICA) certificates and diplomas, which compliance officers and MLROs use to build a career. Demand is high because UAE law requires banks, exchange houses, brokers, real estate agents, gold dealers and many other businesses to run AML and counter-terrorist financing controls.
This page compares the main compliance certifications with fees published by each body, explains which UAE regulator oversees which sector, and gives a checklist for choosing a compliance training course.
- Main certifications
- ACAMS CAMS; ICA Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma in AML; CISI compliance exams
- CAMS package price
- USD 1,595 public sector, USD 2,095 private sector (ACAMS site, Oct 2026)
- ICA Diploma in AML
- GBP 4,500 (ICA site, Oct 2026), about 9 months part-time, Level 6 with Alliance Manchester Business School
- Entry-level option
- ICA Certificate in AML: GBP 765 (ICA site, Oct 2026), 1-hour online exam, Level 2
- Current UAE AML law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, replacing Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018
- Max fine for legal entities
- Up to AED 100 million for ML, TF or PF offences (DLA Piper summary, Oct 2025)
Compare AML and compliance certifications
| Certification | Body | Level and format | Typical duration | Published fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) | ACAMS | 120 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours, online proctored or test centre; needs ACAMS membership and 40 eligibility credits | Self-study; pace varies | USD 1,595 public sector; USD 2,095 private sector; optional virtual classroom USD 595 (ACAMS site, Oct 2026) |
| ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering | International Compliance Association | Level 2, introductory; self-paced online; one-hour online multiple-choice exam | 4 weeks to 2 months | GBP 765 plus GBP 195 ICA membership if not a member (ICA site, Oct 2026) |
| ICA Advanced Certificate in AML | International Compliance Association | Intermediate; one of the entry routes to the Diploma | See ICA | Not checked |
| ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering | ICA with Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester | Level 6; three module assessments, two written assignments; online study with live virtual classes | 9 months | GBP 4,500 plus GBP 195 membership (ICA site, Oct 2026) |
| GCI AML Specialist Certification (UAE AML/CTF Programme) | LIBF, delivered by ADGM Academy | 16 days of virtual workshops plus exam; 1 to 2 years' experience expected | About 4 months | AED 18,000 for the 2025 cohort (ADGM Academy page, Oct 2026) |
| CISI Global Financial Compliance; Combating Financial Crime | CISI, through the Capital Market Authority's training and exams centre | Exams linked to roles at CMA-licensed firms | Varies | Not published on pages checked |
CAMS or ICA: which AML certification to take
CAMS is a single exam and is widely recognised in bank and fintech compliance. It suits people with some experience who want a recognised credential quickly. You need 40 eligibility credits, earned through education, experience, other certifications and training, so check your total with ACAMS's calculator first.
ICA qualifications are a ladder. The Certificate is introductory and suits new joiners and front-line staff. The Advanced Certificate and Diploma involve written assignments and suit people moving into MLRO, compliance manager or financial crime investigation roles. The Diploma entry rules ask for a relevant degree or qualification, the ICA Advanced Certificate, or three years' relevant experience.
Many UAE compliance professionals hold both: CAMS for recognition and an ICA diploma for depth.
UAE AML law and regulators: why training matters
The UAE's main AML law is now Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, which repealed Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. According to a DLA Piper summary, it adds new offences, lowers the evidence threshold so knowledge can be inferred from objective facts, lets the Financial Intelligence Unit freeze funds for up to 30 days, and raises the maximum fine for legal entities to AED 100 million (DLA Piper summary, Oct 2025). It also states that all businesses in the UAE should have suitable AML policies, even if they are not fully regulated.
Who supervises AML depends on the sector:
- Banks, exchange houses and finance companies: Central Bank of the UAE
- Securities and commodities firms on the mainland: Capital Market Authority (formerly SCA)
- Firms in the DIFC: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- Firms in ADGM: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
- Virtual asset firms in Dubai outside the DIFC: VARA
- Real estate agents, precious metals dealers, auditors and corporate service providers: Ministry of Economy as DNFBP supervisor
Suspicious activity is reported to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit. A good UAE-focused course should cover your sector's supervisor rules and the reporting process, not only international FATF theory. Real estate agents should also read real estate courses in Dubai, since broker training includes AML topics.
AML and compliance training providers in the UAE
| Provider | What it offers | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACAMS | CAMS certification and virtual classroom series | Online and test centres | Self-study, remote proctored exam |
| International Compliance Association | Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma in AML | Online | Self-paced and live virtual classes |
| Emirates Institute of Finance | AML and CFT compliance certification, plus fraud management and internal audit | Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi | Blended online and classroom |
| ADGM Academy | UAE AML and CTF Programme with LIBF; Financial Compliance Pathways Programme for UAE nationals (8 weeks) | Abu Dhabi | Virtual and classroom |
| Capital Market Authority training and exams centre | CISI Global Financial Compliance and Combating Financial Crime exams | UAE | Exams |
Many Dubai training institutes also run CAMS and ICA exam prep. They are tuition providers, not awarding bodies, so the certificate still comes from ACAMS or ICA. Ask for the KHDA permit.
GRC, corporate governance and compliance officer training
Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) courses take a wider view than AML. They cover compliance programmes, risk registers, policies, board oversight and internal controls. Bodies such as OCEG offer GRC certifications, and internal audit routes such as the Institute of Internal Auditors' CIA overlap heavily. Corporate governance training for board members and company secretaries is usually short executive education.
Compliance officer training in Dubai normally combines three parts: a general compliance certificate (ICA or CISI Global Financial Compliance), AML depth (CAMS or ICA AML), and the rulebook of your own regulator. For the audit side, see accounting and audit courses in Dubai. For risk management in banks, see finance courses in Dubai.
How to choose an AML course in Dubai
- Match the level to your role. Front-line and new staff: an introductory certificate. Analysts: CAMS or ICA Advanced Certificate. MLROs and managers: ICA Diploma or equivalent.
- Check UAE content. Ask whether the course covers Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and your supervisor's guidance. Older material written for Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 is out of date.
- Confirm the awarding body. The certificate should come from ACAMS, ICA, CISI, LIBF or a university, not only the training centre.
- Add up total cost. Exam package, membership, renewal and prep tuition.
- Check the format. CAMS and ICA can be studied online around work. Classroom prep in Dubai is mostly evenings or weekends.
- Ask your employer. Regulated firms often pay for compliance certifications and may already have a provider agreement.
Who takes compliance certification courses
Typical learners are bank and exchange house staff, compliance analysts moving to senior roles, auditors, lawyers, real estate and gold trading businesses with AML duties, and fintech or virtual asset firms building compliance teams. UAE nationals entering compliance can look at ADGM Academy's Financial Compliance Pathways Programme, an eight-week national initiative. For other short options, see short courses in Dubai.
Questions and answers
How much does CAMS cost?
ACAMS lists the CAMS certification package at USD 1,595 for the public sector and USD 2,095 for the private sector (ACAMS site, Oct 2026). An optional virtual classroom costs USD 595 (ACAMS site, Oct 2026).
Which AML certification is best in the UAE?
CAMS is a widely recognised single-exam certification. ICA's Advanced Certificate and Diploma give more depth and suit MLRO and senior compliance roles.
What is the current AML law in the UAE?
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist and proliferation financing, which repealed Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018.
Can I study ICA qualifications from Dubai?
Yes. ICA courses are delivered online with self-paced study and live virtual classes, so learners in the UAE can enrol directly.
Do real estate brokers in Dubai need AML training?
Real estate agents are designated non-financial businesses with AML duties, and the broker training course includes AML and CTF rules. Firms often add dedicated AML training.
Is CAMS available online?
Yes. ACAMS offers the exam online with remote proctoring as well as at approved test centres.
Sources
- ACAMS: CAMS certification
- ACAMS: CAMS factsheet
- ICA: Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
- ICA: Diploma in Anti Money Laundering
- ICA: Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
- DLA Piper: UAE issues new AML law
- ADGM Academy: UAE Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Programme
- ADGM Academy: Home
- Emirates Institute of Finance: International certifications
- CISI: The SCA and the CISI collaborate to enhance the qualifications regime
- UAE Financial Intelligence Unit: Home
- DFSA: DFSA Alerts
Last checked: 15 October 2026