Middle East Regulatory Policy Brief

Explore critical regulatory developments involving the Saudi Capital Market Authority’s new MSCI Saudi Equity ETF, the EU's anti-dumping duties on butanediol imports, and UAE’s consultation on virtual asset regulations. Covers Standard-Setting, Anti-dumping, Investment Fund, Capital Market Authority, Consultation sectors.

Show Notes

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

What is Middle East Regulatory Policy Brief?

Regulatory news, updates, and insights for countries in the Middle East presented by the Carver Agents team

Welcome to Carver's Middle East Regulatory Updates for June 29, 2026.

Starting with Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Capital Market Authority has approved the public offering of the Al Rajhi MSCI Saudi Equity Exchange-Traded Fund, managed by Al Rajhi Capital. This new index investment fund will be available to investors in the Saudi market. The Capital Market Authority advises investors to carefully review the fund’s terms and conditions, which are accessible on both the fund manager’s and the CMA’s websites. Investors should fully understand the fund’s objectives, strategy, and associated risks before investing, and consult licensed financial advisors if needed.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Global Market, or A-D-G-M, licensed entities are preparing for the UAE’s new e-invoicing mandate. This regulation introduces key implementation milestones throughout 2026 and early 2027, impacting finance, tax, IT, and operations functions. Compliance with the digital tax invoicing requirements is mandatory, with potential penalties for non-compliance. A-D-G-M entities are advised to assess the impact on their business processes, data flows, and enterprise resource planning systems, and to engage with accredited service providers to ensure smooth implementation.

Also in the UAE, a consultation survey has been launched to gather feedback on the new virtual asset regulatory framework. Market participants are invited to submit their feedback between July 1 and September 30, 2026. The consultation will inform potential future policy updates to enhance the regulatory environment for virtual assets.

Turning back to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has imposed corporate tax penalties on DL E&C, a Korean engineering and procurement company. The penalties relate to income attributed to a deemed permanent establishment in Saudi Arabia for services performed in Korea between 2006 and 2019. DL E&C is contesting the tax assessment based on the Korea-Saudi tax treaty and applicable laws. The company is engaging in local objection procedures as well as the Mutual Agreement Procedure between the two countries to resolve the dispute.

In addition, Saudi Arabia is among the countries affected by the European Union’s imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of butanediol, or BDO. Duties have been applied to BDO imports from China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Importers must comply with these duties, and businesses are advised to adjust their pricing and sourcing strategies accordingly to maintain fair competition and protect the chemical industry within the EU.

Finally, Saudi Arabia is listed among the jurisdictions involved in a recent publication of seven merger cases that received unconditional approval between June 8 and June 14, 2026. This update underscores the importance of compliance with antitrust regulations and transparency in merger control processes.

That wraps up today's regulatory updates. Visit carveragents.ai for more information.