Middle East Regulatory Policy Brief

This episode delves into vital regulatory developments affecting geopolitical risk, scam and fraud prevention, tariff elimination, and governance across the Middle East financial and trade sectors.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has updated its AML and Glossary Modules, aligning with UAE federal laws, and issued critical warnings about impersonation scams targeting regulated firms. These enhancements emphasize risk-based AML compliance and senior management oversight.

In Saudi Arabia, the Capital Market Authority granted Core Capital Company the license to conduct advisory activities, reinforcing regulatory compliance and investor protection. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the UAE promises tariff eliminations on key industrial exports and sets new standards for digital trade and customs procedures.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Critical Minerals Create ‘Generational Opportunity’ for Development Yet Involve Myriad Risks if Not Governed Responsibly, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council
2. DFSA AML and Glossary Modules amendments come into force; FAQs published
3. 日・アラブ首長国連邦（UAE）包括的経済連携協定の交渉が妥結しました
4. Amana Financial Services (Dubai) Limited impersonated
5. False Claims that Qalynomics and Qanotarytx are Licensed by the DFSA

1. الترخيص لشركة كور كابيتال في ممارسة نشاط تقديم المشورة واستيفائها لمتطلبات بدء ممارسة العمل

This episode delves into significant regulatory developments impacting the Middle East financial markets, including innovations in direct listing processes, enhanced data protection measures, and new sanctions targeting financial fraud.

Key highlights include the Saudi CMA’s approval for the public offering of the Dinar US Equity Fund, signaling compliance with Capital Market Law while advising investors to carefully consider associated risks. Additionally, the CMA’s proposed mechanism allowing subsidiaries of Main Market-listed companies to list shares directly with shareholder approval marks a transformative step in capital markets.

Further, the National Cybersecurity Authority’s public consultation on licensing cybersecurity services underscores heightened data protection priorities, while the UAE Central Bank’s guidelines on AI use and Dirham currency symbol adoption reflect growing regulatory sophistication. International sanctions by OFAC targeting cyber-enabled threats and shadow fleets emphasize ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and illicit activities.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. 26-فبراير-2026 - إعلان بشأن الموافقة على طرح وحدات صندوق دينار للأسهم الأمريكية

1. CMA Announces the Approval of Public Offering of " Dinar US Equity Fund"
2. The National Cybersecurity Authority launches public consultation on “Regulatory Framework for Licensing Cybersecurity Services, Products, and Solutions”

1. هيئة السوق المالية تستطلع الآراء حول آلية إدراج الشركات التابعة للشركات المدرجة في السوق الرئيسية بناءً على موافقة المساهمين

1. The CMA Calls for Public Consultation on the Mechanism for Listing Subsidiaries of Main Market Listed Companies Subject to Shareholders’ Approval

1. موافقة الهيئة على طلب شركة نسيج للتقنية زيادة رأس مالها عن طريق منح أسهم مجانية

1. Treasury Targets Iran’s Shadow Fleet - 25.02.2026
2. Discover More
3. Iran-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations
4. Treasury Sanctions Exploit Broker Network for Theft and Sale of U.S. Government Cyber Tools
5. Cyber-related Designations; CAATSA - Russia-related Designations; PAIPA Designations

1. المصرف المركزي يُصدر مذكرة إرشادات توجيهية لحماية المستهلك وضمان الاستخدام المسؤول للذكاء الاصطناعي في القطاع المالي

1. Discover More
2. Gemeinsame Erklärung zu KI-generierten Bildern
3. Joint statement on AI-generated imagery and the protection of privacy
4. International Data Protection Authorities issue joint statement on privacy risks of AI-generated imagery
5. CBUAE Issues Guidance Note to Protect Consumers and Ensure Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Sector
6. darwinexitltd (Clone of FCA authorised firm)

1. الترخيص لشركة جوا المالية في ممارسة نشاط الترتيب واستيفائها لمتطلبات بدء ممارسة العمل
2. الترخيص لشركة دينار إنفستمنت في ممارسة نشاط تقديم المشورة واستيفائها لمتطلبات بدء ممارسة العمل

This episode covers regulatory updates in Vulnerability, GCC, Capital Market Authority, Ramadan, Cash Center Management.

The Kingdom of Bahrain recently hosted the 86th GCC Central Bank Governors meeting, focusing on fintech innovation, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering collaboration.

Saudi Arabia's Central Bank (SAMA) opened a public consultation on draft rules regulating cash center management to enhance operational controls.

Capital Market Authority approvals for significant capital increases at Al Rajhi Bank and United International Holding Company were announced, supporting financial growth.

The UAE-Vietnam Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement took effect, advancing trade relations.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Multiple Critical Vulnerabilities in Juniper Secure Analytics

1. البنك المركزي السعودي يطرح "قواعد تنظيم مزاولة نشاط إدارة وتشغيل مراكز النقد" لطلب مرئيات العموم

1. SAMA Seeks Public Consultation on Draft Rules Regulating Cash Center Management and Operation
2. The Capital Market Authority approves the capital increase request for Al Rajhi Bank through the issuance of bonus shares
3. The Capital Market Authority approves the capital increase request for United International Holding Company through the issuance of bonus shares
4. Spring Fair 2026 opens broader prospects for [Viet Nam–UAE] trade cooperation

1. موافقة الهيئة على طلب مصرف الراجحي زيادة رأس ماله عن طريق منح أسهم مجانية
2. موافقة الهيئة على طلب الشركة المتحدة الدولية القابضة زيادة رأس مالها عن طريق منح أسهم مجانية
3. قواعد تنظيم مزاولة نشاط إدارة وتشغيل مراكز النقد

1. 2026 Press Releases
2. Indonesia boosts digital cooperation with Saudi Arabia for haj, umrah
3. Ramadan 2026 Operating Hours (15 February 2026)

1. إعلان من هيئة السوق المالية بشأن الموافقة على طرح وحدات "صندوق نماء الوقفي" طرحاً عاماً
2. تحديد أولويات الخدمات الرقمية المطلوبة في موقع صندوق التنمية الزراعي

1. CMA Announces the Approval of Public Offering of " Namaa Waqf Fund”
2. The Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the 86th Meeting of the Committee of the Central Bank Governors of the GCC (16 February 2026)

Welcome to Carver's Middle East Regulatory Updates.

This episode highlights robust investor demand for Bahrain’s Sukuk Al-Salam and Government Development Bond issues, reflecting strong confidence in Bahrain’s financial instruments. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Central Bank has increased the countercyclical capital buffer to bolster banking sector resilience.

On the cybersecurity front, we discuss critical vulnerabilities discovered in prominent platforms such as SandboxJS, IBM's Common Cryptographic Architecture, BeyondTrust, React Native Community CLI, Dell ThinOS, GitLab AI Gateway, Lexmark printers, and FortiClientEMS, many requiring urgent patching due to active exploits.

These developments emphasize the dynamic regulatory environment and the critical need for vigilance in financial and security sectors.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. CBB Sukuk Al-Salam Securities Oversubscribed (9 February 2026)
2. Multiple Critical Vulnerabilities in SandboxJS
3. IMF Staff Completes 2026 Article IV Mission to Qatar
4. Critical Vulnerability in IBM Common Cryptographic Architecture (CCA)
5. Critical Vulnerability in BeyondTrust Remote Support (RS) and Privileged Remote Access (PRA)
6. Actively Exploited Critical Vulnerability in React Native Community CLI
7. Critical Security Update Dell ThinOS 10
8. Critical Security Updates - GitLab AI Gateway
9. Ayman M Al-Sayari: Speech - International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Plenary Session
10. CBB Government Development Bond Issue No. 44 Oversubscribed (10 February 2026)
11. Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
12. Ayman M Al-Sayari: Speech - Addressing financial crime, fraud, and corruption as barriers to growth and stability Session
13. Ayman M Al-Sayari: Speech - Financial Sector Issues (FSI) Session
14. ADGM Virtual Career Fair
15. Ayman M Al-Sayari: Speech - International Financial Architecture (IFA) Session
16. LINK - Ramadan Suhoor
17. Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Lexmark Printers
18. Critical Vulnerability in FortiClientEMS

1. تحديث نسبة احتياطي رأس المال لمواجهة التقلبات الدورية
2. السواحه: بدعم وتمكين سمو ولي العهد المملكة تعزز موقعها العالمي في الذكاء الاصطناعي عبر تمكين الحوسبة والاستثمار والقدرات الوطنية

Welcome to this edition of Carver's Middle East Regulatory Updates.

We begin with financial and regulatory developments including the Saudi Central Bank's directive for exchange offices to operate at full capacity during Ramadan and Hajj seasons, ensuring operational efficiency and security at key pilgrimage locations.

In capital markets news, the Capital Market Authority has approved a capital increase for Asas Makeen Real Estate Development and Investment Company, tripling its shares via bonus issuance.

The Central Bank of Bahrain announced that its recent treasury bill issue was oversubscribed by 108%, demonstrating robust investor demand.

On the cybersecurity front, the National Cybersecurity Authority of Saudi Arabia is participating as a cybersecurity partner at the 2026 Global Defense Exhibition, showcasing strategic initiatives to strengthen national cybersecurity resilience. Saudi Arabia also contributed to drafting internal regulations for the United Nations Cybercrime Convention, emphasizing international collaboration against cybercrime.

Major technology companies have released important security updates: ASUS removed a vulnerable feature in its Business Manager software, HP released a service pack patching critical vulnerabilities in ThinPro 8.1, and Samsung issued security patches for flagship mobile devices.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. Security Updates-ASUS Business Manager - Alert 92
2. HP ThinPro Security Update - Alert 89
3. Confirmation of Exchange Offices Readiness During Ramadan and Hajj Seasons
4. Security Updates – Samsung Mobile - Alert 90
5. Daily news
6. ADGM Academy and the DGE Mawaheb Talent Hub Collaboration
7. National Cybersecurity Authority Participates in Global Defense Exhibition 2026
8. CMA Approves Capital Increase for Asas Makeen
9. Germany and Saudi Arabia Agree to Deepen Energy Policy Cooperation
10. Capital Market Authority Capital Increase Announcement
11. Ministry of Communications Launches iBridge Cloud Computing Program
12. Ministry of Communications Launches iBridge Cloud Computing Program (Duplicate)
13. Central Bank of Bahrain Treasury Bills Oversubscribed
14. Critical Vulnerabilities in SmarterTools SmarterMail - Alert 91
15. Sudan: Foreign Secretary's Statement
16. Saudi Arabia’s Participation in Drafting UN Cybercrime Convention Internal Regulations
17. NAMLCFTC Decision on UAE Virtual Assets Travel Rule
18. Virtual Asset Service Providers Travel Rule Document
19. DFSA Fines Reinsurance Broker for Misleading Conduct
20. IMF Speech on Leveraging AI and Enhancing Preparedness

Welcome to Carver's Middle East Regulatory Updates.

In this episode, we discuss significant institutional moves such as the Capital Market Authority's approval of a capital increase for Asas Makeen Real Estate Development, raising capital from 100 million to 300 million Saudi Riyals by issuing bonus shares.

The Central Bank of Bahrain reported a highly oversubscribed treasury bills issuance worth 70 million Bahraini Dinars, reflecting strong investor demand with a 4.85% weighted average interest rate.

The Capital Market Authority also extended fee exemptions for debt instrument issuance requests for issuers with publicly rated debt, encouraging transparency and market activity until the end of 2027.

On the technology front, we cover critical security updates:

• ASUS removed a vulnerable File Shredder feature in Business Manager 3.0.37.0 addressing privilege escalation risks.
• HP released ThinPro 8.1 SP9 patching multiple critical vulnerabilities.
• Samsung issued security patches for flagship mobile devices covering high-severity risks from Google and Samsung.
• SmarterTools SmarterMail versions prior to Build 9511 have critical remote code execution and authentication bypass vulnerabilities.

These updates are vital for compliance and cybersecurity awareness across the region.

For more information, visit the Carver Agents website.

Articles mentioned:

1. 432318342-Security Updates-ASUS Business Manager - Alert 92.pdf
2. 432318440-HP ThinPro Security Update - Alert 89.pdf
3. 432318343 - Security Updates – Samsung Mobile - Alert 90.pdf
4. ADGM Academy and the DGE Mawaheb Talent Hub, Collaborate to Advance National Workforce Transformation in Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

1. 02-فبراير-2026 - موافقة الهيئة على طلب شركة أساس مكين للتطوير والاستثمار العقاري زيادة رأس مالها

1. Deutschland und Saudi-Arabien verabreden Vertiefung der energiepolitischen Arbeit
2. Strategische Partnerschaft für Energie- und Wirtschaftspolitik: Deutschland und Saudi-Arabien vertiefen Zusammenarbeit
3. On the Sidelines of the Space Debris Conference.. CST Organized a Session to Foster Activities within Space Sector

1. على هامش فعاليات مؤتمر الحطام الفضائي هيئة الاتصالات والفضاء والتقنية تنظم لقاء لتعزيز أنشطة قطاع الفضاء

1. The Capital Market Authority approves the capital increase request for Asas Makeen Real Estate Development and Investment Company through the issuance of bonus shares

1. وزارة الاتصالات تطلق برنامج iBridge لتأهيل الكفاءات الوطنية في الحوسبة السحابية عبر AWS
2. وزارة الاتصالات تطلق برنامج iBridge لتأهيل الكفاءات الوطنية في الحوسبة السحابية عبر AWS

1. CBB Treasury Bills Oversubscribed (2 February 2026)

1. الهيئة الوطنية للأمن السيبراني تشارك في الأولمبياد الوطني للإبداع العلمي «إبداع 2026»

1. 432318344 - Critical Vulnerabilities in SmarterTools SmarterMail - Alert 91.pdf

1. المملكة تشارك في إعداد مشروع نص النظام الداخلي لاتفاقية مكافحة الجريمة السيبرانية

1. 30.01.2026 - President Parmelin to visit Kuwait and attend World Governments Summit in Dubai
2. Discover More

1. هيئة السوق المالية تمدد الإعفاء من المقابل المالي على طلبات طرح أدوات الدين وتحمّلها تكاليف التسجيل والإدراج لإصدارات محدّدة حتى عام 2027م

1. Discover More