This episode delivers an in-depth look at recent regulatory initiatives across the Middle East, highlighting key sectors such as Standard-Setting, Anti-dumping, Investment Fund, Capital Market Authority, and Consultation.

Listeners will gain insights into the Saudi Capital Market Authority’s approval of the Al Rajhi MSCI Saudi Equity Exchange-Traded Fund, designed to expand investment opportunities within the Saudi market. The episode also examines the European Union’s imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on butanediol imports from China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, underscoring the need for compliance and strategic adjustments by importers.

Additionally, the UAE’s consultation survey on the virtual asset regulatory framework invites market participation to help shape future regulatory policies, emphasizing the region’s commitment to evolving digital finance standards.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. U.S., Qatar, Nigeria, and Algeria Warn Proposed E.U. Methane Regulations Could Disrupt Europe's Oil and Gas Supply

1. إعلان من هيئة السوق المالية بشأن الموافقة على طرح صندوق الاستثمار المؤشر المتداول "صندوق الراجحي إم إس سي آي المتداول للأسهم السعودية" طرحاً عاماً

1. 2026年6月8日—6月14日 - 无条件批准经营者集中案件列表
2. UAE E-Invoicing Readiness for ADGM Licensed Entities
3. Consultation - Guidance on the Control of Products and Services Obtained from Suppliers

1. استبيان الإطار التنظيمي للأصول الافتراضية

1. Commission imposes anti-dumping duties on imports of BDO from three countries
2. See all updates >
3. 벌금등의부과(자회사의 주요경영사항)
4. 벌금등의부과

This episode covers critical regulatory updates affecting key sectors such as Contracting, Virtual Asset Platform Operators, Licensing, Media Production, and Procurement in the Middle East.

Listeners will learn about the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority's newly introduced Virtual Assets Framework, which sets licensing requirements and anti-financial crime measures for platform operators and related entities. Additionally, the S-C-A's circular mandates licensed companies to contract only with other licensed entities for client solicitation, enhancing market integrity.

Further, the podcast details Abu Dhabi's Requests for Quotations for consultancy and media services to support business continuity during crises, emphasizing the role of integrated media strategies in government communications. Saudi Arabia's updated digital accessibility policy enforcing WCAG 2.1 AAA standards is also discussed, highlighting efforts to improve inclusivity across digital platforms.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. سياسة الخصوصية
2. المنافسات العامة

1. RFQ-إستمرارية الاعمال في الازمات والكوارث
2. Guidelines Regulation of Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Services Providers

1. سياسة سهولة الوصول
2. حماية المستثمرين الأقلية

1. Digital Consultations
2. Circular on Contracting with individuals or Unlicensed Entities for soliciting Clients
3. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: new EU sanctions target energy revenues, the military-industrial complex, propaganda and human rights violations

1. سياسات الجودة

This episode covers significant regulatory developments across the Middle East and beyond, focusing on healthcare guidelines, financial compliance, and international sanctions.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health mandates all healthcare facilities to complete the Training Programme on Abu Dhabi Healthcare Guidelines for Health Media and Advertising System, ensuring compliance with circular 26/2023. Additionally, healthcare and pharmaceutical providers must update their contact details per circular 63/2021.

In Saudi Arabia, the Capital Market Authority fined Keir International Company 10,000 SAR for failing to immediately disclose two interest-free loans exceeding one percent of gross revenues, emphasizing the importance of transparency in financial disclosures. New municipal regulations for commercial data centers have also been implemented, setting safety and operational standards.

On the international front, the UN Security Council’s 1737 Sanctions Committee has been reinstated to oversee sanctions on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, with a call for prompt appointment of leadership and experts.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Terms & Conditions
2. FCA takes action against Neil Woodford and W4.0 for operating without authorisation
3. Imposition of a Fine on Keir International Company, due to the violation of the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations

1. فرض غرامة مالية على شركة كير الدولية، لمخالفتها قواعد طرح الأوراق المالية والالتزامات المستمرة
2. الاشتراطات البلدية لمراكز البيانات التجارية

1. UN / IRAN SANCTIONS
2. Contact Us
3. Terms and conditions

1. موافقة الهيئة على طلب شركة أبناء محمد حسن الناقول زيادة رأس مالها عن طريق منح أسهم مجانية
2. موافقة الهيئة على طلب الشركة التعاونية للتأمين زيادة رأس مالها عن طريق منح أسهم مجانية

This podcast episode provides an in-depth overview of recent regulatory developments across the Middle East financial and compliance landscape, focusing on key sectors such as Capital Markets, Iran-related issues, public consultations, and the Al Rajhi GCC Equity Income Fund.

Among the highlights, the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has officially approved the public offering of the Al Rajhi GCC Equity Income Fund, affirming its adherence to the Capital Market Law and related regulations while emphasizing investor diligence.

Another pivotal update involves a class action lawsuit accepted by the CMA’s Committee for Resolution of Securities Disputes against board members of Raydan Food Company for alleged financial misrepresentations, inviting eligible investors to participate.

Additionally, the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is actively engaging stakeholders through multiple digital consultations on regulatory frameworks, virtual assets, and market innovations.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Information and communication technology (ICT) risk management: range of practices

1. إعلان من هيئة السوق المالية بشأن الموافقة على طرح وحدات "صندوق الراجحي لأسهم الدخل الخليجية" طرحاً عاماً

1. CMA Announces the Approval of Public Offering of 'Al Rajhi GCC Equity Income Fund'
2. CMA: Acceptance of Request to Register Class Action Filed by an Investor against Some Members of Board of Directors and Members of Audit Committee in Raydan Food Company
3. Digital Consultations

1. سحب عاجل للمنتج "مبيد حشري منزلي"- Habro Goodbye All Insects Spray

1. AML, CTF & Sanctions Compliance

1. اعتماد أعلاف وأغذية حيوانية للاستيراد

1. Economic Fury Targets Iranian LPG Smuggling and Shadow Banking Networks

1. سحب جميع تشغيلات المنتج الطبيRoza بتركيزاته 10mg و 20mg أقراص مغلفة (Rosuvastatin)

This episode covers key regulatory developments impacting the Middle East’s Hajj 1447H season, cybersecurity enhancements, national readiness, artificial intelligence governance, and capital market oversight.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) released a comprehensive Supervisory Toolkit targeting AI systems in capital markets. This toolkit addresses the AI lifecycle, including governance, risk management, third-party risks, disclosure, recordkeeping, and reporting duties for regulated entities. IOSCO emphasizes the importance of monitoring AI adoption to mitigate complexity, transparency issues, and cyber threats, supporting investor protection and market integrity.

In Saudi Arabia, the National Cybersecurity Authority has launched a robust cybersecurity program for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season. This initiative includes four main tracks: continuous threat monitoring via a 24/7 cyber operations center, risk assessments, cyber exercises, and awareness campaigns involving over 300 national entities. The program focuses on securing critical infrastructure and services for pilgrims, deploying specialized incident response teams, and maintaining an inventory of Hajj-related assets and technical systems to strengthen the national cybersecurity posture during this significant event.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. IOSCO publishes AI Supervisory Toolkit

1. الهيئة الوطنية للأمن السيبراني خلال موسم حج 1447هـ .. مسارات رئيسية لتعزيز الجاهزية السيبرانية على المستوى الوطني وتأمين الخدمات المقدمة لضيوف الرحمن

This week's Middle East RegWatch

• OFAC reached a $275 million settlement with Adani Enterprises Limited resolving 32 apparent violations involving liquefied petroleum gas shipments linked to Iran processed through US financial institutions. As part of the settlement Adani will implement remedial measures and cooperate fully with the ongoing OFAC investigation.
• OFAC separately designated Amin Exchange and 19 associated vessels under Executive Order 13902 for Iranian petroleum and petrochemical shipments — requiring US persons to block and report all property interests immediately. Transactions involving designated parties are prohibited unless authorised or exempt.
• The SDN List was further expanded under Executive Order 13224 adding individuals, entities, and vessels supporting Hamas — requiring immediate screening updates, blocking of dealings, and compliance system updates across all affected organisations.
• In the UAE, a critical cybersecurity vulnerability was identified in the Drupal Date iCal module — CVE-2026-8495 — allowing anonymous unauthorised access to sensitive data through improper access control and input sanitisation failures. Organisations must update to Drupal version 4.0.15 or later immediately. The UAE Cyber Security Council recommends circulating the advisory to all subsidiaries and partners.
• The 79th World Health Assembly update covers entry into force of 2024 International Health Regulations amendments and ongoing negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex relevant to UAE and regional member state obligations.
• Essential listening for CCOs, sanctions compliance officers, heads of AML, CISOs, and legal counsel operating across the Middle East with exposure to Iran-linked counterparties or US financial institutions.

Carver RegWatch delivers weekly regulatory intelligence across jurisdictions. Published May 24, 2026

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Also from Carver RegWatch this week:

• This Week in AI Regulations — EU AI Act high-risk classification guidelines, CNIL €487M record fines, China AI deepfake enforcement
• ASEAN RegWatch — Bank Indonesia 50bps rate hike to 5.25%, MAS revokes Bsquared payment licence, Singapore insider trading convictions
• USA Regulatory Updates — SEC novel ETF regulatory review, California Hermes Bitcoin kiosk enforcement, IOSCO AI supervisory toolkit
• EU Regulatory Updates — EU AI Act consultation deadline June 23, CNIL cybersecurity enforcement priorities 2026, EU Solidarity Fund climate allocation
• India Regulatory Updates — RBI restricts Nagar Sahakari Bank, RBI cancels Yashwant Co-operative Bank licence, SEBI Investor Onboarding Regulatory Sandbox
• Global Regulatory Briefing — Bank of England CCP resolution paper, Malta tokenisation consultation, ASIC sustainability reporting focus 2026-27

Find all series at The Carver Agent Podcast

Articles mentioned:

1. Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and Adani Enterprises Limited
2. Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 19 May 2026
3. Economic Fury Targets Networks Generating Billions for Iran’s Terrorist Regime
4. Counter Terrorism Designations; Iran-related Designations
5. 432318977 - Critical Vulnerability in Drupal Date iCal Module.pdf
6. NEWS BRIEF 18-05-26

This episode delves into critical regulatory developments affecting multiple sectors including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, EU Advisory Mission, sanctions evasion, aircraft leasing, and meningococcal vaccine programs.

Key updates include the UAE’s introduction of shadow billing data submissions for outpatient classification, enhancing healthcare data transparency and compliance ahead of full implementation in 2027. The childhood immunization program is also evolving with the addition of the Meningococcal ACYW135 Conjugate Vaccine, alongside updated pneumococcal vaccine dosing schedules.

On sanctions, the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC has designated multiple entities tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps oil operations, imposing stringent blocking and reporting requirements on U.S. persons. Complementing this, FinCEN’s alert underscores risks in illicit financial activities, mandating enhanced due diligence by financial institutions, particularly concerning blockchain and digital asset transactions.

Lastly, the European Commission approved two significant mergers impacting shipping asset management and tissue product manufacturing sectors, ensuring compliance with EU internal market regulations.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Shadow Billing Data Submission for Abu Dhabi Outpatient Classification (ADOC)
2. M.12375 - 12.05.2026 - DAE / MAF
3. All news on EU trade
4. Economic Fury Ramps Up Pressure on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Oil Operations
5. Updates to the Immunization Program (Childhood and School Vaccination)
6. M.12220 - 12.05.2026 - CAPITAL MARITIME / FORTRESS / HAYFIN / UNITED OFFSHORE
7. Alert
8. Counter Terrorism Designations; Iran-related Designations
9. SUZANO / KIMBERLY-CLARK (INTERNATIONAL FAMILY CARE & PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS)
10. Foreign Affairs Council: Press conference by High Representative Kaja Kallas

This episode covers pivotal regulatory developments impacting Public Consultation, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Mercosur-European Union Agreement, and Foreign Trade sectors in the Middle East.

Key updates include Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority launching a public consultation on cybersecurity controls for national events, aiming to enhance governance and resilience against cyber risks. In the UAE, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi has extended the submission deadline for the Clinical Costing Roadmap’s second year, reinforcing healthcare regulatory compliance. Additionally, a landmark joint initiative by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Capital Market Authority, and Dubai Financial Services Authority introduces coordinated Quality Management audit inspections to elevate audit firm standards across the region.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. الهيئة الوطنية للأمن السيبراني تستطلع آراء العموم حول وثيقة «ضوابط الأمن السيبراني للأحداث والمناسبات الوطنية»

1. Clinical Costing Submission – Abu Dhabi Clinical Costing Roadmap – Submission Year 2 (SY02)
2. Lula enacts Mercosur–European Union agreement
3. Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Capital Market Authority, and the DFSA launch first joint Quality Management audit inspections to strengthen capital markets financial oversight
4. Economy Middle East Summit 2026