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Covering Generalised Scheme of Preferences, EU Advisory Mission, Sanctions Evasion, Aircraft Leasing, Meningococcal Vaccine. Updates cover sanctions evasion linked to Iran’s IRGC, new meningococcal vaccine schedules in UAE, and major EU merger approvals affecting aircraft leasing and asset management sectors.
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 May 17, 2026.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health has announced the introduction of shadow billing data submission for the Abu Dhabi Outpatient Classification system, or ADOC. Starting July 1, 2026, all outpatient healthcare providers, insurance companies, and claims management organizations—except dental and pharmacies—must submit shadow billing data via the Shafafiya platform. This process will continue until the full official implementation on January 1, 2027. Providers must adhere to the ADOC Definitions Manual and approved data calculation rules while maintaining their usual claims settlement, payment, and approval processes.
Also in the United Arab Emirates, updates to the childhood and school immunization program have been issued. The vaccination schedule now includes administering the first dose of the Meningococcal ACYW135 Conjugate Vaccine at 12 months of age, a second dose for Grade 5 students starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, and a third dose for Grade 11 students. Additionally, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 will be replaced by PCV20, with an updated dosing schedule of 2, 4, and 18 months. The PCV13 vaccine will continue to be used until existing stock is depleted, with adjusted dosing schedules.
Turning to sanctions and financial compliance, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, has designated 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps oil operations under Executive Order 13224. These designations block their property and prohibit transactions with U.S. persons. U.S. persons must block property and interests of the designated parties and report blocked property to OFAC. Transactions involving these parties are prohibited unless authorized or exempt.
In a related development, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, issued an alert highlighting typologies and red flags related to illicit financial activities by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Financial institutions are required to reference this alert in suspicious activity reports using the key term 'FIN-2026-Alert002'. Heightened due diligence is mandated on correspondent relationships and transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions and entities. Institutions must also review blockchain ledgers and digital asset transactions for Iran-linked activity.
Further expanding the sanctions framework, OFAC has added several individuals and entities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to its Specially Designated Nationals List. These parties are subject to secondary sanctions risks under Executive Order 13224 as amended by Executive Order 13886. Businesses must ensure they do not engage in transactions with the newly designated parties and implement enhanced due diligence and screening processes to identify and block dealings with these Specially Designated Nationals.
Lastly, the European Commission has approved two significant mergers. The first involves the joint control acquisition of United Offshore by Fortress, Capital Maritime, and Hayfin. This merger, approved under the Council Regulation 139/2004 and the European Economic Area Agreement, affects the shipping and asset management sectors. The second merger concerns Suzano International Holding B.V.’s acquisition of 51 percent of Kimberly-Clark IFP NewCo B.V., granting Suzano sole control while Kimberly-Clark retains a 49 percent non-controlling stake. This transaction covers tissue product manufacturing and sales across multiple global regions. Both mergers have been declared compatible with the internal market and require compliance with European merger control rules.
That wraps up today's regulatory updates. Visit carveragents.ai for more information.