Staying compliant with UAE sanctions laws is no longer optional—it is a legal obligation for all DNFBPs, financial institutions, and businesses operating across the Emirates. One of the most important requirements is monitoring updates to the UAE Cabinet Resolution Sanctions List, also known as the UAEIEC Sanctions List, managed by the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF).

In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory environment, businesses must act quickly when new names are added or removed. The easiest way to stay compliant is by subscribing to the UAEIEC Sanctions List notifications.
This guide explains everything you need to know—what the list is, why it matters, and how to subscribe step by step. Swenta occasionally supports clients by guiding them through this process as part of their AML/CFT compliance framework.

What Is the UAEIEC Sanctions List?

The UAEIEC Sanctions List is the country’s official register of individuals, entities, and organizations linked to:

• Money laundering

• Terrorist financing

• Proliferation financing

• International sanctions violations

The list is updated regularly based on decisions by the UAE Cabinet, and all businesses are required to screen their customers, suppliers, and transactions against it.

Failing to do so can lead to severe penalties, including:

• Heavy fines

• Business license suspension

• Criminal action in serious cases

Subscribing to the official update system ensures you always act on changes immediately.

Why You Must Subscribe to the Sanctions List

Businesses in the UAE face strict AML/CFT obligations. Subscribing to the UAEIEC list ensures:

1. Real-Time Notifications

You receive instant alerts whenever the sanctions list changes—critical for avoiding compliance gaps.

2. Faster Decision-Making

Your compliance, onboarding, and risk teams can take quick action if a client or partner appears on the list.

3. Reduced Compliance Risk

Missing an update increases your exposure to fines. Automated alerts reduce that risk significantly.

4. Mandatory for DNFBPs

Real estate brokers, accountants, auditors, jewelers, corporate service providers, and other DNFBPs must follow sanctions screening rules.
Subscription is not optional—it is part of regulatory expectations.

How to Subscribe to the UAEIEC Sanctions List (Step-by-Step)

The subscription process is simple and takes less than five minutes. Below is the full step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Visit the Official UAEIEC Website

Go to the Executive Office of AML/CTF portal.
This is the only official source for UAE sanctions information.

Step 2: Navigate to the Sanctions List Page

From the homepage, click:
“Sanctions List” → “Download List / Subscribe to Updates”.

This page includes:

• PDF versions

• Excel sheets

• XML data feeds

• Subscription options

Step 3: Enter Your Email Address

On the subscription section, provide:

• Your official work email

• Your company name

• Your role (optional but recommended)

Use a monitored compliance email rather than a personal ID.

Step 4: Confirm Your Subscription

You will receive a confirmation email from the UAEIEC.
Click the verification link inside the message.

This activates your subscription.

Step 5: Start Receiving Updates

Once confirmed, your email will automatically receive:

• Every sanctions list update

• Additions or removals

• Amendments or corrections

• Emergency decisions by the UAE Cabinet

You can also add more compliance team members to the subscription list for backup monitoring.

How Often Is the UAEIEC Sanctions List Updated?

The list can be updated:

• Weekly

• Monthly

• Or immediately, especially during high-risk events or national security alerts

This is why manual checking once a week is not enough. Subscription gives you real-time access to all urgent changes.

What After You Subscribe? Compliance Actions to Take

Receiving updates is only one part of your obligation. Once a name appears on the list, you must:

1. Perform Immediate Screening

Check if any of your clients, suppliers, or transactions match the listed individual or entity.

2. Freeze Assets (If Required)

If a match is confirmed, businesses must freeze the client’s assets as per UAE law.

3. File an FFR (Funds Freeze Report)

Submit the official Funds Freeze Report to FIU/AMLD via goAML.

4. Review Your Risk-Based Approach

Ensure your internal controls can detect and manage sanctioned entities quickly.

Swenta often helps businesses strengthen their AML frameworks, including RBA implementation, sanctions screening tools, and compliance audits.

Why Sanctions Monitoring Matters in the UAE

Sanctions compliance is part of a bigger fight against financial crime. Criminal networks often try to move illegal funds through:

• Real estate

• High-value goods

• Cross-border transfers

• Shell companies

Because certain sectors were once lightly regulated, criminals took advantage—moving millions through complex transactions that were hard to trace. Today, the UAE has significantly tightened its AML/CFT framework to close these gaps.

By subscribing to sanctions list updates, businesses contribute to:

• Protecting the UAE’s financial reputation

• Reducing terrorist financing risks

• Preventing proliferation financing

• Maintaining global FATF standards adherence

Tips for Stronger Sanctions Compliance

Businesses should go beyond simple subscription and adopt a complete compliance framework:

✔ Implement automated screening software

✔ Train staff regularly

✔ Use a risk-based approach for onboarding

✔ Maintain updated internal due-diligence checklists

✔ Conduct periodic AML audits

✔ Consult UAE AML advisors when needed

Swenta assists companies with these areas, helping them meet regulatory expectations confidently.

Subscribing to the UAEIEC Sanctions List is one of the simplest yet most essential steps in staying compliant with UAE AML/CFT laws. With penalties getting stricter and updates happening frequently, every business—especially DNFBPs—should ensure they monitor changes in real time.

With the right systems, tools, and guidance, staying compliant becomes far easier and far more reliable.