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Find out moreIn May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has issued a new law (Bahrain Law No. 23 of 2018) that will make it compulsory for health insurance coverage to be provided to all citizens, residents and visitors to the country as of January 2019.
Proof of insurance is expected to be made mandatory for the renewal of employment permits as well as residence permits.
How will the mandatory health insurance plan be funded?
The mandatory health insurance will be funded through the payment of an insurance subscription that will cover the benefits, which are set out in a package relevant to each category of an insured person e.g. a Citizens’ Package for a Citizen; a Residents’ Package for a Resident; and a Visitors’ Package for a Visitor.
The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain will pay subscriptions for Bahraini citizens.
How will the expatriate workforce and visitors be enrolled onto the new mandatory health insurance scheme?
Are there any new ways to be able to store your healthcare information within the law?
Article 23 and Article 24 of the law establishes a ‘Unified Electronic Medical Record’ for each person enrolled onto the new insurance scheme and a ‘National Health Data Dictionary’.
The Unified Electronic Medical Record
Each Beneficiary shall have an electronic medical record containing all his health-related data, particularly the data related to his medical condition and data that may be used as a basis for claiming financial benefits for providing health benefits.
National Health Data Dictionary
The Supreme Council of Health shall establish a national Health Data Dictionary that includes a national system of health-related terms, medical coding and an explanation of its vocabulary in a manner in which these terms are classified into categories and arranged in a special order to be a reference for Health Service Providers and insurance coverage providers by using a standardized language that allows technical systems to receive, send, store, display, retrieve or process the dictionary contents.
The new law establishes a Health Information and Knowledge Management Centre
Should you require any advice with regard to the abovementioned law that will be effective in January 2019, our Healthcare Practice Group would be happy to assist.
Key Contacts:
Andrea Tithecott, Partner, Head of Regulatory, Head of Healthcare
Foutoun Hajjar, Head of Office – Bahrain
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