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Executive Summary |
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026, approving the inclusion of 16 individuals and 5 entities on the UAE’s Local Terrorist List. The action forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to combat terrorism financing, disrupt illicit financial networks, and strengthen international counterterrorism cooperation. The resolution mandates immediate enforcement measures, including the freezing of assets and the suspension of financial and commercial activities associated with the designated individuals and entities within 24 hours.
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Background |
The UAE has consistently expanded its legal and institutional framework for combating terrorism and terrorist financing. The current designation was made pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026 and aligns with the UAE’s existing sanctions and counterterrorism regime established under Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020, which regulates terrorist lists and implements United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning terrorism financing and proliferation activities. The UAE’s Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN) oversees targeted financial sanctions and maintains the Local Terrorist List in accordance with domestic laws and international obligations.
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Key Provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026 |
The resolution includes the following principal measures: Designation of 21 subjects - 16 individuals
- 5 entities
Alleged affiliation - UAE authorities stated that the designated individuals and entities are connected to Hezbollah-linked financing and support activities.
Immediate asset freeze - Regulatory and financial institutions are required to identify and freeze all accounts, assets, and related commercial interests associated with the listed persons and organizations within 24 hours.
Enhanced monitoring obligations - Financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses are expected to strengthen due diligence and sanctions screening procedures in compliance with UAE anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing regulations.
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Individuals Added to the UAE Local Terrorist List |
According to reports citing UAE state media, the following Lebanese nationals were designated: - Ali Mohammed Karneeb
- Nasser Hassan Nasr
- Hassan Shehadeh Osman
- Samer Hassan Fawaz
- Ahmed Mohammed Yazbek
- Isa Hussein Qasir
- Ibrahim Ali Daher
- Abbas Hassan Ghareeb
- Emad Mohammed Bazzi
- Ezzat Yousef Akr
- Wahid Mahmud Sbeiti
- Mustafa Habib Harb
- Mohammed Suleiman Badir
- Adel Mohammad Mansour
- Ali Ahmed Krisht
- Nima Ahmad Jamil
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Entity Added to the UAE Local Terrorist List |
According to reports citing UAE state media, the following Lebanese nationals were designated: - Bayt Al – Mal AL Muslimeen
- AL – Qard AL – Hassan Association
- AL Tasheelat Company
- The Auditors for Accounting and Auditing
- AL – Khobara for Accounting, Auditing and Studies
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Strategic and Regional Significance |
The decision reflects several broader strategic objectives pursued by the UAE: Counterterrorism Financing The UAE continues to strengthen mechanisms aimed at disrupting financial channels linked to extremist organizations and transnational terrorist networks. Compliance with International Standards The resolution supports compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations concerning targeted financial sanctions, anti-money laundering (AML), and counterterrorism financing (CTF) obligations. Regional Security Cooperation The move demonstrates the UAE’s intention to coordinate with international partners in limiting the operational and financial reach of groups designated as terrorist organizations by multiple jurisdictions. Financial Sector Risk Management Banks, insurers, exchange houses, and other regulated entities operating in the UAE are expected to intensify sanctions screening and monitoring to ensure compliance with the updated terrorist list.
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Legal and Financial Implications |
Entities and individuals listed under UAE terrorism regulations may face: - Asset freezes
- Prohibition of financial transactions
- Restrictions on travel and commercial activities
- Enhanced scrutiny from banks and regulators
- Potential secondary sanctions exposure in foreign jurisdictions
Under UAE law, failure to comply with targeted financial sanctions may result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
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Conclusion |
Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026 represents another significant step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its counterterrorism and anti-terror financing framework. By adding 16 individuals and 5 entities linked to Hezbollah to its Local Terrorist List, the UAE has reinforced its commitment to regional security, international sanctions compliance, and financial system integrity. The resolution also signals continued vigilance by UAE authorities toward cross-border financing networks and demonstrates the increasing importance of sanctions compliance across banking, trade, and corporate sectors operating within the Gulf region.
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