Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to remove the terrorism label assigned to 11 political opponents and eight associated companies, citing a notable lack of due process. This follows the UAE government’s release of a cabinet decision, Resolution No. (1) of 2025, earlier this year. This resolution approved a list of individuals with alleged connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization the UAE had already designated a terrorist group in 2014.
HRW reported that the individuals affected were not informed about their designation beforehand, learned of their status only through an article from the Emirates News Agency-WAM, and none are listed on international sanctions lists. The UAE’s approach, according to HRW, represents a significant escalation in transnational repression, affecting not only the dissidents but also their relatives, potentially violating human rights standards.
The decision is also critiqued for the broad scope defined under Article 1 of the UAE’s Federal Law Number 7 of 2014 on Combating Terrorism Offenses. This law allows the executive branch considerable latitude in designating individuals as terrorists without a transparent procedure. The affected parties are subject to frozen assets and property confiscation under Cabinet Decision No. 74/2020.
HRW characterized the UAE’s practice as undermining the rule of law and contradicting international human rights norms. These norms, as affirmed by the United Nations, emphasize that counterterrorism efforts must adhere to human rights principles. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also underscores the right to a fair and public trial and freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention.
In light of these concerns, HRW urges the UAE to align its domestic practices with international legal obligations and standards, maintaining a balance between national security efforts and the protection of human rights.