What is the UAE Local Terrorist List and how quickly must firms act on it?
The UAE Local Terrorist List is the national list of designated terrorist individuals, entities and groups. It is issued by the UAE Cabinet on the proposal of the Supreme Council for National Security, under the framework of Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020 on terrorist lists and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, read together with Federal Law No. 7 of 2014 on combating terrorism crimes.
Financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, and virtual asset service providers must screen their customers, potential customers, beneficial owners and transactions against this list, and against the United Nations Consolidated List, on an ongoing, risk-based basis. When a designation is made, they must freeze any funds and refrain from providing services to the listed party without delay. Under the new AML law, implementing targeted financial sanctions instructions immediately is a direct statutory obligation.
Entities must also report name matches through the goAML system and notify the supervisory authority and the Executive Office within the required timeframe. Failing to apply targeted financial sanctions is a criminal offence, so a fast, well-documented screening and freezing process is essential.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020 on Terrorist Lists — governs the Local Terrorist List and the obligation to freeze without delay.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 19(1)(e) — requires immediate implementation of targeted financial sanctions instructions.
For more details, consult the full text of Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.