What is the difference between the UN Consolidated List and the UAE Local Terrorist List?
Both the UN Consolidated List and the UAE Local Terrorist List form part of the UAE targeted financial sanctions framework, and reporting entities must screen against both. They differ in their source and legal basis. The UN Consolidated List is compiled by UN Security Council Sanctions Committees under Chapter VII resolutions such as 1267, 1988, and 1718, and it applies globally. UAE entities implement it because the country gives effect to Security Council decisions.
The UAE Local Terrorist List is a domestic instrument issued under UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The Supreme Council for National Security acts as the national designating authority at the proposal stage, and the UAE Cabinet approves the designations. Despite the different origins, the obligations flowing from each list are the same: identify matches, freeze without delay, refrain from making funds available, and report to the Executive Office. Treating either list as optional would breach the regime.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020, Article 15(1) - requires freezing of funds under both the Sanctions List and the Local Lists.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020, Article 21(2) - requires screening against both the Security Council or Sanctions Committee lists and the local lists.
For more details, consult the full text of Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.