The UAE Cracks Down on Terrorism Financing: What Businesses Need to Know About Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026
The United Arab Emirates has once again signaled its “zero-tolerance” approach toward financial crimes and global instability. In a significant regulatory move, the UAE government has officially designated 16 individuals and 5 entities on its local terrorist list.
This action, pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (63) of 2026, follows an exhaustive review of links to the Lebanese Hezbollah group. For businesses operating in the UAE, this is not just a news headline—it is an immediate call to audit your compliance frameworks and financial relationships.
The Details of Cabinet Resolution No. 63 of 2026
The latest update to the UAE’s designated terrorist list is a strategic effort to disrupt the financial networks that fuel regional and international extremism. By targeting both individuals and specialized entities, the UAE aims to curb the indirect sources of funding that often bypass traditional banking filters.
The Designated Entities (Lebanon-Based):
Of particular note for the professional services sector is the inclusion of specialized firms. The five designated entities are:
- Bayt al-Mal lil-Muslimeen
- Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association
- Tashilat Co. L.L.C.
- Auditors for Accounting and Auditing
- Experts for Accounting, Auditing and Studies
The Designated Individuals:
The resolution lists 16 Lebanese nationals, including high-level operatives and financial facilitators. Notable names include Ali Mohammad Karneeb, Ibrahim Ali Daher, and Adel Mohammad Mansour. (See the full list in the regulatory annex below).
The “24-Hour Rule”: Mandatory Legal Obligations
Under the new resolution, the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN) and the UAE Cabinet have issued strict directives to all supervisory authorities.
Businesses, financial institutions, and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) must:
- Identify: Immediately screen their database against the updated list.
- Freeze: Implement asset freeze decisions on any funds, securities, or commercial assets linked to these names within 24 hours.
- Report: Notify the relevant authorities, including the Central Bank of the UAE and the Ministry of Economy, of any matches found.
Failure to comply with these freezing orders can result in severe criminal penalties and the suspension of your commercial license.
How This Impacts the Accounting and Auditing Sector
It is a stark reminder for our industry that the blacklisted entities include two firms: “Auditors for Accounting and Auditing” and “Experts for Accounting, Auditing and Studies.”
This highlights that no sector is immune to being exploited for illicit finance. For UAE-based firms, this necessitates a higher level of Internal Audit and Compliance Services. Businesses must ensure that their vendors, partners, and clients are not just legally registered, but are ethically transparent.
Strategic Steps to Secure Your Compliance
In light of this crackdown, Audit Zone recommends the following actions for all UAE enterprises:
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Review your current client onboarding processes. If your business has international exposure, ensure your Due Diligence Services are updated to reflect the latest 2026 designations.
- Forensic Scrutiny: If you suspect any historical transactions may have involved these entities, a Forensic Audit is essential to identify risks before they are flagged by regulators.
- Review Internal Controls: Your internal compliance officer should verify that the 24-hour freeze mechanism is operational. Our Internal Audit Services can help validate these protocols.
- Tax & Financial Alignment: Ensure that all financial disclosures remain accurate and do not inadvertently hide suspicious flows. For more on maintaining clean records, see our guide on Financial Audit Services.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Security
The UAE’s comprehensive approach—combining security intelligence with strict financial oversight—is designed to safeguard the nation’s status as a secure global financial hub. By disrupting illicit cross-border financing, the UAE continues to lead the region in countering threats to international peace.
At Audit Zone, we are committed to helping your business navigate these complex regulatory waters. Compliance is not a one-time event; it is a continuous commitment to integrity and security.
Is your business fully compliant with Cabinet Resolution No. 63?
Contact Audit Zone today for an immediate Compliance & Audit Review.
Regulatory Annex: List of Designated Individuals
- Ali Mohammad Karneeb
- Nasser Hassan Nasr
- Hassan Shehadeh Othman
- Samer Hassan Fawaz
- Ahmad Mohammad Yazbek
- Issa Hussein Qasir
- Ibrahim Ali Daher
- Abbas Hassan Gharib
- Imad Mohammad Bazzi
- Ezzat Youssef Akar
- Wahid Mahmoud Sbaiti
- Mustafa Habib Harb
- Mohammad Suleiman Badir
- Adel Mohammad Mansour
- Ali Ahmad Kraych
- Nehme Ahmad Jamil
For official updates, visit the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority portals.
