SSA reinsurers remain resilient but capacity gap persists: AM Best
AM Best has said sub-Saharan African reinsurers maintained robust underwriting results in 2025, although local capacity remains insufficient to meet growing demand across major risks
MENA reinsurance moving from resilience to opportunity – Lockton Re’s Monayer
Lockton Re MENA CEO Gerard Monayer told GR the region’s economies have proved resilient during a period of geopolitical uncertainty, while insurers are putting greater emphasis on capital efficiency, balance sheet optimisation and protection against emerging risks.
McLarens appoints Waterman regional director for Middle East
Ollie Waterman will take responsibility for the claims management firm’s Middle East business from 1 October as Malcolm Addy prepares to retire
Marine insurance remains stable as geopolitics reshapes risk: IUMI
IUMI president Frédéric Denèfle said marine insurers face growing uncertainty from war risks, competition, inflation and changing trade routes despite continued premium growth
LSM appoints UK, MENA supercoverholder underwriting leader
Former Chubb executive joins Liberty Specialty Markets to oversee strategic partnerships and support growth in financial lines and transactional risk
Saudi Re to lead new Saudi marine war risk pool
Government-backed initiative will provide domestic cargo and hull war-risk cover as Saudi Arabia looks to strengthen resilience against geopolitical disruption
IGI: PV premiums must rise to restore market sustainability
Political violence and terrorism insurers need to generate more premium globally as tighter reinsurance terms leave the direct market retaining more losses, according to IGI group chief underwriting officer Chris Jarvis, speaking with GR editor David Benyon for an episode of The Political Risk Podcast
When the safe harbour gets choppy: Xceedance on HNW risk, Dubai, and the evolving art of personal lines broking
Rising geopolitical risk is testing Dubai’s safe-haven status and increasing demand for sophisticated, cross-border insurance solutions for high-net-worth clients, writes Nakul Vadher, associate vice president, client partner at Xceedance
DWIC Connect 2026: GCC infrastructure pipeline to fuel MEASA insurance growth
DWIC 2026’s on stage sessions closed with a panel to discuss regional commercial re/insurance opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia (MEASA), with construction and infrastructure projects a major focus for the Gulf as it rebuilds following this year’s conflict
DWIC Connect 2026: Middle East energy buyers rethink cover after conflict disruption
Energy clients across the Middle East are reassessing political violence, business interruption and contingency planning after regional conflict exposed the limits of traditional physical damage cover, a DWIC Connect Istanbul panel heard.
DWIC Connect 2026: Türkiye targets $50bn premium by 2030
The Turkish insurance market has the capital, distribution infrastructure and growth potential to withstand geopolitical and economic pressures as it targets $50bn of premiums by 2030, speakers told DWIC Connect Istanbul
Miller completes Shields acquisition ahead of Dubai reinsurance broking launch
Shields Miller will combine the firms’ reinsurance broking capabilities under a unified brand as Miller expands its treaty offering and presence across the MENA region
LSM adds to risk engineering team with London & Dubai hires
Mundy and Chowdhury join in London, while McLachlan will support the insurer’s construction portfolio from Dubai
AM Best keeps stable outlook for GCC insurance markets
Strong capitalisation and 2025 performance should help regional insurers withstand geopolitical pressures, although prolonged conflict and changing reinsurance conditions present material risks
DWIC Connect 2026: Connecting Risk and Capital When It Matters Most
Conflict in the Middle East has exposed gaps in coverage, prompting calls for better risk management, more specialised capital and closer alignment between insurers, reinsurers and governments, an opening panel told attendees of DWIC Connect in Istanbul
Howden Re: Political violence market faces dynamic July renewal
Re/insurance broker Howden Re said Middle East strikes have reshaped underwriting appetite while civil unrest and active assailant perils add pressure globally
Gallagher Re appoints Vohra to lead Dubai fac team
Shreyaa Vohra joins from Price Forbes and will lead Gallagher Re’s facultative business from the DIFC
LSM promotes Howell to UK and MENA claims head
Sarah Howell succeeds Scott Kellers and will join Liberty Specialty Markets’ UK and MENA executive leadership team
BMS opens global capability centre in Mumbai
The India centre will support BMS’s investment in data, analytics and AI capability across broking operations and client service
Price Forbes builds MEA fac team with two senior hires
Facultative reinsurance hires Tarek Semaan and Anthony Abi Fadel join from Gallagher Re as Price Forbes expands its capabilities in Dubai
Africa’s investment future depends on understanding risk differently – ATIDI
CUO of ATIDI Benjamin Mugisha argues that Africa needs more accurate risk assessment, stronger risk mitigation tools and greater reinsurance confidence to unlock long-term private investment across infrastructure, energy and trade
Aviation insurance professionals rank geopolitics as sector’s biggest threat: IUAI survey
The IUAI study found geopolitical instability, US claims inflation and supply chain disruption are reshaping underwriting priorities across the aviation insurance market
AIO says Africa’s protection gap is also a data gap
The “Africa Insurance Pulse 2026” report argues that better data systems, shared standards and mobile-led ecosystems are needed to expand insurance across the continent
Jabsheh says India licence marks IGI expansion milestone
The Bermuda-based specialty re/insurer expects to open a GIFT City branch later this year, adding to its existing offices across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia
DWIC WEBINAR: GCC Fault Lines in Global Energy - in association with Africa Re
Second webinar in our DWIC MIDDLE EAST RISK & MARKET RESPONSE series
Acrisure enters Turkish market with Monopoli partnership
Monopoli Sigorta will join Acrisure’s international platform while continuing to operate under its existing brand and leadership team
MAPFRE Re appoints Bansal to lead India branch
Chaturbhuj Bansal will be based in GIFT City as MAPFRE Re expands its presence in one of Asia’s key growth markets
Geddes appointed CEO of Santam Syndicate 1918 at Lloyd's
Sam Geddes joins the South African firm’s Lloyd’s syndicate from MS Amlin, while interim CEO and CFO Rob Vetch will move into the CFO role
Hormuz crisis is reshaping specialty market conditions, Howden Re warns
Marine, energy and political violence markets are under severe stress, according to a report from the reinsurance broker, although wider reinsurance capacity remains resilient, according to Howden Re analysis
Kanbar named regional CEO of Chedid Insurance Brokers Network
Jad Kanbar has been appointed regional CEO as Chedid expands its footprint and specialty lines portfolio
Davies, Asta: Geopolitics, AI and market modernisation are reshaping insurance risk
As we reach a mid-point in 2026, firms across the insurance sector continue to respond to accelerated change and shifting global dynamics, according to Davies and its subsidiary, Asta.
QBE Re appoints Cherrak to lead MENA operations
Reinsurer QBE Re has created a new regional leadership role for the Middle East and North Africa as the reinsurer looks to expand its presence in the market
Tariffs outweigh conflict concerns in latest Willis political risk survey
Political risk research from WTW ranked tariffs above international conflict as the leading political risk concern despite escalating tensions in the Middle East
DIFC insurance premiums reached $4.2bn in 2025, double 2022’s underwriting volumes
Figures for 2025 show DIFC saw a 20% annual rise in gross written premiums as global insurers and reinsurers expanded regional presence
Webinar: Reinsurance in a time of Escalating Tension
This webinar examines rising exposure to political violence and geopolitical disruption across the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Fidelis Partnership strengthens Middle East ties with Saudi Re and regional partners
Senior leadership visit underlines focus on high-growth markets amid geopolitical volatility
Beazley to launch $1bn marine war consortium to support Hormuz transits
Marine hull war and cargo war risk facility aims to bolster market capacity as geopolitical risks persist
LSM reshapes FinPro underwriting to sharpen London and regional focus
Four internal promotions split leadership across D&O and PI lines as carrier targets agility and growth across UK and MENA
UAE insurers ride underwriting recovery as geopolitical risks build, says AM Best
Strong 2025 profitability and underwriting discipline support sector resilience, but regional conflict and market volatility pose emerging risks
Optalitix: How the US-Israel-Iran war is affecting the insurance market
Modern pricing systems are vital during a geopolitical crisis that is as volatile and dynamic as this one that is impacting so many different areas of cover, writes Dani Katz, founding director, Optalitix
LSM appoints Cheung delegated authority director for UK and MENA
New underwriting leadership role at the London market carrier supports integrated business unit model
WTW: Middle East conflict reshaping April 1 renewals dynamics
Re/insurance broker comments highlights pricing volatility and tighter terms as market adjusts to new equilibrium
Russell Group: Hormuz disruption hits Asian trade as Iran war enters second month
Specialty risk analysis highlights energy bottlenecks and wider commodity shortages across region
Renewals, risk and resilience: The outlook for P&C reinsurance in Asia
This year, Asia will continue to grapple with three key shifts that will shape P&C reinsurance demand and decision-making, writes Aisyah Muhammad Fuad, market head SEAS P&C reinsurance, Swiss Re
IUMI: marine insurers maintain Middle East cover despite rising tensions
Global body says capacity remains available across cargo, hull and energy risks
LMA: Hormuz shipping slowdown driven by safety fears, not insurance availability
Lloyd’s market body says marine war cover remains available despite conflict disruption, in a note in response to media reportage of marine war insurers’ role as the Middle East crisis continues
Mosaic consolidates Singapore and Dubai hubs in underwriting restructure
Shift centralises Asia and Middle East operations in Dubai as hybrid insurer Mosaic refines its global model
LSM appoints Demmon as property divisional director
New role to oversee UK and MENA portfolios as insurer strengthens property offering
Iran conflict: Prolonged Middle East war could test global re/insurance markets, AM Best warns
Ratings agency warns about the wider economic shock of the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has spread to the Gulf monarchies and the Strait of Hormuz, the effects of which may outweigh direct insured losses
Iran conflict: Naval mines and escort uncertainties to DFC, Chubb scheme
Uncertainties about provision of naval escorts and Iranian threats from mines, drones and missiles face the new marine re/insurance facility announced yesterday by the US International Development Finance Corporation
Iran conflict: War amplifies specialty insurance tail risk, says Moody’s
Missile and drone attacks in the Gulf are increasing tail risk for marine, aviation and political violence insurers, but disciplined underwriting and reinsurance protection mean large carriers are expected to absorb most losses, according to a new sector analysis
Iran conflict: Chubb to lead $20bn DFC marine reinsurance for Gulf shipping
Political and military uncertainties remain for the US government backed facility aiming to restore maritime trade flows through Strait of Hormuz
Iran conflict: Marine insurers weigh risk along with maritime industry as Strait of Hormuz traffic collapses
War risk cover remains available, but cancellations, spiking pricing and reinsurance withdrawals have contributed, alongside risk perception of insureds, to sharply reduce tanker transits through one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints
Iran conflict: Fairmont Palm and DXB attacks reveal coverage gaps for Dubai terrorism buyers
Exclusive: UAE businesses struck by Iranian missile and drone attacks, including Dubai International Airport and Fairmont The Palm, bought terrorism policies rather than broader war or political violence protection
Iran conflict: Moody’s says credit impact on GCC insurers limited for now
Rating agency says investment portfolios, not claims, are the main transmission channel, though prolonged disruption could erode capital and weaken sector outlook
Miller to acquire Shields in Dubai to expand MENA reinsurance footprint
Middle East expansion for Miller adds DFSA-regulated broker and Lloyd’s admitted platform
MAPFRE Re secures approval for India branch in Gujarat
Reinsurer’s move strengthens operational capacity in one of the world’s fastest-growing insurance markets
Loynes promoted to CEO of APMEA at Lloyd’s
Emma Loynes to lead Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa region as Scott Galloway steps down in New Zealand
MS Amlin and MSI launch UAE reinsurance partnership for political risk and contract frustration cover
Dubai insurer collaboration with its Japanese parent group supports Middle East growth strategy as demand rises from lenders and credit providers across the region
Niyam secures Lloyd’s nod for India-focused syndicate
Niyam Group has received in-principle approval from Lloyd’s to establish a new syndicate, as it looks to deploy disciplined reinsurance capacity into India and other high-growth markets across Asia and Africa
BMS launches in the DIFC as regional expansion continues
New Dubai platform for the re/insurance broker supports group strategy across MENA and Turkey
Lockton Re hires Khan in Dubai to lead global property innovation and solutions
Former Aon and AXA XL analytics leader to drive digital and data-driven initiatives from the reinsurance broker’s Dubai hub
Riyadh Re launches with $146m capital to build Saudi reinsurance hub
New reinsurer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen domestic capacity and expand across MENA and global markets
Adapt, evolve, grow – RVS Global Executive Breakfast Roundtable 2025
Senior reinsurance and insurance figures gathered over breakfast at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo to discuss the re/insurance sector’s ability to embrace resilience, relevance and opportunity in an era where global volatility and change is the only constant
AM Best: Sub-Saharan reinsurers post strong results despite economic headwinds
Report from AM Best says the region’s reinsurers achieved double-digit returns on equity in 2024, supported by disciplined underwriting despite macroeconomic volatility
South African business ‘favours reinsurers’ – ASR’s Paradine
South Africa remains favourable for property reinsurers, while softening has been limited for other African business, according to ASR’s head of treaty
Specialty reinsurance growth opportunities despite market softening – IGI’s Jabsheh
IGI is targeting specialty reinsurance expansion , GR learned at RVS 2025, with CEO Waleed Jabsheh suggesting specialty could become 25% of the firm’s reinsurance book
A market on the move: benchmarking survey
The MEASA region’s re/insurance market shows signs of resilience and untapped potential, according to GR’s RVS Benchmarking Survey for 2025
Lockton Re launches MENA platform with Dubai operation
Monayer appointed CEO as reinsurance broker seeks to scale its regional reinsurance presence into the GCC and MENA markets.
LSM names Cole to lead its UK & MENA distribution
Former Generali executive to oversee client and broker relationships across key markets
Howden Re secures Dubai licence to expand MEA presence
New DFSA authorisation marks major step in the reinsurance broker’s regional growth strategy
Two Saudi insurers MEDGULF and Buruj finalise merger deal
Buruj shareholders to receive 1.11 MEDGULF shares per share held in SAR 584m all-share agreement
ACORD launches Dubai data hub with offer of one million free digital transactions
New ADEPT hub aims to accelerate digital transformation of UAE re/insurance market
DWIC 2025 Roundtable: Why talent threats must rise up the risk agenda
Talent is not a cost centre, it’s a multi-faceted risk that requires nuanced controls but offers huge opportunities. At a roundtable hosted at DWIC 2025 by Strategic Risk Editor Sara Benwell, experts discussed why businesses must make people risk their top priority.
DIFC roundtable at DWIC 2025: Charting the path for global strength and momentum
At a closed-door roundtable hosted by DIFC, our re/insurance experts tackled the shape of resilience across the sector – debating AI, cyber, MGAs, and Middle East growth – and why evolving risks continue to the industry’s biggest opportunities.
DWIC 2025 roundtable: Political violence market warns of rising exposures amid falling rates
Capacity is flowing into the political violence (PV) market in 2025, but practitioners speaking at a DWIC 2025 roundtable observed the influx is suppressing rates at odds with rising risk accumulations.
LSM reshapes underwriting leadership in UK and MENA with new divisional directors
Mike Burle (pictured) will lead a new specialty division and Meghan Walker has been named divisional director for marine and aviation, Liberty Specialty Markets has announced.
DWIC 2025: Parametric products step up to fill protection gaps
Across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, parametric models are being deployed to counter natural catastrophes, cyber outages and agricultural disruption.
DWIC 2025: Africa’s insurance leaders call for local partnerships and patient capital
Panel discussion in Dubai highlights challenges and opportunities across a diverse continent.
DWIC 2025: Unlocking growth in Central Asia’s complex, emerging markets
For Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, re/insurance is growing fast, but serious gaps in data and infrastructure remain.
BMS acquires Oria to bolster Turkish expansion
London-based broker aims to strengthen its Middle East footprint with latest acquisition in Istanbul.
DWIC 2025: Turkish re/insurance sector targets doubling market size despite macro headwinds
Turkish industry leaders speaking at the DWIC event in Dubai said disinflation and regulatory clarity may unlock fresh capacity and foreign investment.
DWIC 2025: Industry leaders call for deeper investment in insurance talent
Dubai is becoming a magnet for international talent, but there is more to do, whether through professional development or the use of innovative technology, panellists emphasised at DWIC 2025.
DWIC 2025: Age of unpredictability – how political risk is reshaping global business strategy
As geopolitical risks have escalated, businesses face unprecedented volatility. WTW’s Pamela Thomson-Hall shared her insights with DWIC 2025 on the shifting landscape — and why insurance hubs like Dubai are playing a vital role in helping organisations manage an unstable world.
DWIC 2025: Russia–Ukraine conflict crisis response – WTW case study
Russia’s invasion of its neighbour in 2022 created a sudden crisis for many western firms, among them WTW. Pamela Thomson-Hall, CEO of international and head of risk and broking international at WTW, shared crisis response lessons from the conflict to the audience at DWIC 2025.
DWIC 2025: Cyber insurance gains traction in the GCC
As cyber threats intensify across the Gulf, businesses face a growing protection gap—with few insured against the true scale of risk. At DWIC, Zurich’s Peter Englund and Clyde & Co’s Olivia Darlington explored how regulation, rising incident costs and evolving insurance products are reshaping the region’s cyber risk landscape.
DWIC 2025: Closing the catastrophe protection gap across MEASA
Panellists from Munich Re Underwriting Agents, Gallagher Re and AM Best discussed the catastrophe reinsurance market in the Middle East and beyond.
DWIC 2025: GCC re/insurance growth to accelerate in decade of change and opportunity
A panel discussion on “Turning Economic Visions into Reality”, heralded the huge opportunities, and challenges, too, for the re/insurance industry, as ambitious economic projects, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, continue to take shape.
DWIC 2025: DIFC's Al Zarouni showcases strong insurance growth
Chief operating officer of the DIFC Authority, Alya Al Zarouni, took to the stage at DWIC 2025 and shared impressive new figures demonstrating impressive performance for the Dubai-based re/insurance hub, and broader, regional MEASA market opportunities.
Reinsurance and Resilience: Has the GCC insurance landscape truly changed after the Dubai floods?
By Melissa Ford, senior vice president and head of Middle East and Africa treaty reinsurance, Everest
Middle East PV continues to soften amid new London market entrants – IGI’s Abulqasim
Zuhair Abulqasim, senior underwriter for political violence at IGI, based in the DIFC, will be joining the PV roundtable taking place during DWIC 2025.
UAE insurers show strength amid storms and structural shifts – AM Best
Insurers in the UAE show signs of resilience following last year’s record rainfall, according to a new report from rating agency AM Best.
Rokstone appoints Hussey to lead DIFC office
Giles Hussey joins the international specialty re/insurance MGA in Dubai from his previous role at reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter.
Davies opens Qatar office to grow Middle East footprint
Ricky Maloney, who serves as Qatar country executive and head of the GCC region, will lead the office.
El Bahtouri and Bouanani join Specialty MGA in Casablanca
Laila El Bahtouri and Mohamed Bader Bouanani join the Middle East and African focused MGA from Moroccan reinsurer SCR.
Bouabane named Salama group CEO
Dubai insurer Salama’s new chief executive was previously CEO of AIG’s GCC and North Africa operations.
DWIC speaker preview: Crisis management lessons with WTW’s Thomson-Hall
At next month’s Dubai World Insurance Congress (DWIC) 2025 event in Dubai, speaker Pamela Thomson-Hall, CEO, international, WTW, will share insights on managing geopolitical risk crises.
MENA re/insurers’ ratings trending ‘positive’ despite regional challenges – AM Best
Despite country risk and the Middle East and North Africa region’s challenging regional geopolitical conditions, the rating agency says re/insurers’ creditworthiness is net positive.
Digital Transformation: A Middle Eastern Opportunity – Verisk
Verisk’s Tim Rayner spoke to GR on challenges of navigating technological changes in a complex marketplace, and opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Munich Re appoints Hanh P&C treaty head for India & SE Asia
Hanh Nguyen will succeed Joachim Zagrosek from 1 March after serving as deputy.
Hiscox, Howden, Swiss Re and Insurance Development Forum launch $9.25m Syrian drought partnership
Re/insurance firms working together on climate risk insurance project to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of drought in Syria.
Insurance House Appoints Abu Quora as new CEO
Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary of Finance House Group has appointed of Mohammad Alamin Abu Quora as its new chief executive with the aim “to drive strategic growth”.
MS Amlin expands DIFC presence with MENA credit and political risk launch
Lloyd’s speciality insurer expands Dubai operations with hire of Osama Elshiekh from The Hartford.
ASR launches first Africa focused Lloyd’s consortium
Baobab will work across political risk, trade credit, political violence & terrorism, property, energy, construction and liability lines.
ASR Middle East starts operating via Lloyd’s Dubai
Africa Specialty Risks Syndicate 2454 is operating through its service company in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Saudi Re highlights impact of local market reinsurance premium cession
The Saudi regulator’s regime for local market reinsurance premium cession takes effect from 1 January 2025, affecting at least 30% of all reinsurance treaties and facultative risks, Saudi Re noted in remarks published on the country’s stock exchange website.
Saudi Vision 2030 & GHE 2024: where the tech revolution and health re/insurance meet
Editor of GR, David Benyon, reflects on health technology trends for re/insuring the sector, from a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, attending GHE 2024.
EXPANDING HORIZONS: RVS Global Executive Breakfast Roundtable 2024
As its role as a leading reinsurance market hub continues to evolve, what’s next for the DIFC? And what can the experiences of other reinsurance hubs around the globe teach us? Our breakfast discussion at Monte Carlo’s Rendez-Vous de Septembre 2024 sought to find out.
Saudi Re appoints Ahmed Al-Jabr as new CEO
The reinsurer’s new CEO was previously leading Saudi Re in an acting capacity; in the first half of 2024 Saudi Re grew its book by 19% to SAR 1.4bn gross premium.
Positive pricing dynamics benefit MENA and SSA reinsurers – AM Best
Two reports from rating agency AM Best give an upbeat summary of the market environment for reinsurers in the regions of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
DWIC Roundtable: The explosion of PV
Demand for political violence (PV) protection has risen across MENA markets, driven by geopolitical volatility, as well as growing client awareness about this nascent product. A roundtable on day two took a deep dive into an evolving market.
DWIC Roundtable: MGAs as catalysts for change
DWIC’s day one roundtable discussed how MGAs are reshaping the traditional distribution model and driving efficiency in underwriting and product development.
Chedid Capital appoints ex Sompo Canopius CEO Davies as non-exec to Milestone board
The Middle Eastern re/insurance broker said it was ramping up its global governance efforts with the appointment of Stuart Davies, who previously served as group CEO of Sompo Canopius.
GIG appoints new board led by Fairfax’s Khosrowshahi as chairman
Fairfax Financial is majority shareholder of Kuwait-based Middle East insurer Gulf Insurance Group.
Chedid Re adds Vandendael as non-exec to board
The Middle Eastern reinsurance broker has appointed the former chief commercial officer of Lloyd’s as an independent non-executive director of Chedid Re Global Operations’ board.
DWIC 2024 post event report: From Uncertainty to Opportunity
An event report on this year’s record-breaking Dubai World Insurance Congress, in association with the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority.
‘Lessons to be learned’ from Dubai April rainfall – IGI’s Labat
The heavy rain that hit Dubai in April 2024 were a major talking point in one-to-one meetings at this year’s DWIC.
What next after Dubai’s 'unprecedented' heavy rains? - Chedid Re interview
On 16 April, Dubai was affected by sudden, heavy rains that caused significant damages. Elsewhere, in Al-Ain, just over sixty miles from Dubai, nearly three times the usual annual rainfall was experienced in a single day.
Fidelis Partnership to open Abu Dhabi office
Matthew Warren joins from broker Oneglobal to lead the office as executive chairman of Fidelis MEASA.
AM Best keeps ‘stable’ outlook on Gulf insurance markets
The insurance markets of the Gulf countries are broadly stable, the rating agency said in a segment report, but reinsurance was flagged as a vulnerability for local carriers.
DWIC 2024: Insurers need to focus on risk management and mitigation - Lloyd's' Mackinnon
The world is in a “manageable plateau of chaos”, says Chris Mackinnon, deputy regional director, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Lloyd’s, but insurers and reinsurers must adapt to help businesses survive.
DWIC 2024: Insurers should be more consistent – QBE’s Horton
Insurance is more important than ever to help businesses manage escalating risks, Andrew Horton, group CEO of QBE, told DWIC 2024. However, to do this successfully, he argued that insurance companies should prioritise one of its key strengths: consistency.
DWIC 2024: ‘Climate crisis on everyone’s agenda’ – Lloyd’s deputy chair Vicky Carter
As temperatures across the globe continue to rise, the re/insurance industry must play a vital role in helping the green transition, says Vicky Carter, deputy chair of Lloyd’s and chairman, global capital solutions, international, Guy Carpenter.
DWIC 2024: A record-breaking year for the DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) saw gross written premiums reach almost $2.6bn, says Alya Al Zarouni, chief operating officer at the DIFC Authority, opening keynote for DWIC 2024, which got underway in Dubai today.
Hannover ReTakaful: ‘We are fully committed to the MENA region’
Olaf Brock, managing director and CEO of Hannover Re’s Bahrain branch and Hannover ReTakaful, provided GR with a pre-DWIC Q&A.
The new PV reinsurance market hub in Dubai
There are at least ten active carriers or MGAs of political violence re/insurance operating from the Dubai International Financial Centre, one senior Dubai-based underwriter says.
Dubai floods add to claims, reinsurance costs for local insurers – Moody’s
April storms mean claims and increased reinsurance costs for GCC insurers, according to a rating agency report.
Chedid Capital buys remaining 20% stake in Groupe Ascoma
The Middle Eastern re/insurance broker moves to further cement its position in Africa’s insurance market.
Gabriel using AI to prevent and respond to mass shootings
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for many things, but is responding to and preventing mass shootings its next frontier?
Howden launches Red Sea cargo war risk facility
First of its kind insurance facility within an active conflict zone to protect ships and strengthen global supply chains.
Canopius appoints CEO for APAC and MENA
Specialty re/insurer Canopius has announced the appointment of Soon Keen Lee as CEO of Asia-Pacific and Middle East & North Africa, subject to regulatory approval.
Saudi the ‘main driver’ for Dubai business – IGI’s Labat
IGI’s Dubai hub prioritises facultative business, because treaty reinsurance competition is fierce in the Middle East and sees a construction boom in Saudi Arabia as its biggest pipeline for growth.
Middle East retention levels rising – Chedid Re’s Abi Rached
Local insurers have “more skin in the game” due to the hard market for reinsurance.
Oman Re gains Retakaful licence
Oman’s Capital Market Authority grants a licence for Oman Re to underwrite Retakaful, providing Islamic compliant reinsurance solutions for Takaful business.
Trust Re seeks return to rating as rebuild continues – Albaharna GAIF34 interview
Chief executive of Trust Re explains the reinsurer plans to restore it’s former rated A-rated status, putting an end to temporary fronting arrangements while its shareholding issue is resolved.
BLOG: GAIF OMAN 2024
Daily news updates from GAIF OMAN 2024
Driving behaviours to increase climate risk resilience – SCOR at GAIF34
Reinsurance rates are being driven by increased claims and exposures, but the insurance industry has the data in its power to incentivise construction practices that will in turn reduce insureds’ exposure to climate change, and the prices paid for protection.
Temperatures are rising and MENA’s protection gap leads the world – Swiss Re at GAIF34
2023 saw major earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, severe thunderstorms and flooding in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, hailstorms in Jordan, a tropical cyclone in Oman, and a major flood in Libya.
Construction boom to lead expected growth for Gallagher’s Dubai practice
Onshore and offshore construction, M&A and financial lines are the top priorities for the reinsurance broker’s Middle East hub, Nadim Semaan told GR at GAIF34.
Abouzaid welcomes delegates to GAIF34 in Muscat
Secretary general of the General Arab Insurance Federation, kicked off the GAIF34 conference, which is back in Oman for the first time since 2002.
Getting ready for GAIF in Oman and developing regional insurance talent
This year, the GAIF conference returns to Oman for the first time in more than two decades. Two of the country’s leading insurance figures sat down to talk with Global Reinsurance before the event begins in Muscat.
Interview with GAIF’s Chakib Abouzaid: Is the Gulf region an awakening insurance giant?
It’s one thing to lead an insurance federation during a period of small, incremental change. But the role is different when the regional industry is undergoing a broad and deepening transformation.
Rising political risk for emerging market manufacturing hubs - Verisk Maplecroft
Heightened political risks are overshadowing a ‘friendshoring’ shift, according to report data from Verisk Maplecroft.
Optio expands MENA operation with senior Dubai appointment
New hire joins from Ardonagh Specialty as managing director of broking and general lines for Optio Re MENA in Dubai.
MS Amlin launches financial lines for Middle East
Lloyd’s market re/insurer announces new business class for MENA region amid growth in M&A and IPO activity.
Gulf Insurance Group says “business as usual” after shareholder change
Fairfax completes acquisition of KIPCO’s stake in the Middle East and North African insurer, giving it 90% ownership of the Kuwait City-based insurer.
Expanding DIFC promoted as MGA hub for Middle East, Africa and South Asia access
MGAs represent 43% of DIFC’s insurance constituents, as of September, contributing $2.1bn of gross written premium.
Chedid Re named reinsurance broker of the year by MEIR
Chedid Re was recognised as “Reinsurance Broker of the Year” at the Middle East Insurance Industry Awards 2023 held on November 16.
DIFC on track for 20% re/insurance client growth
Gross written premiums in the first half of 2023 increased up 18% on the year before, reaching $1.2bn, with DIFC’s re/insurance client growth led by new MGA licences.
AM Best publishes reports on MENA and Sub-Saharan African reinsurers
The rating agency reports that reinsurers across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa report topline growth, despite persistent or heightened economic challenges.
DWIC 2023: Caught out by the hard market
A DWIC roundtable on underwriting discussed the impact of hardening reinsurance rates and new technology
DWIC 2023: Health insurance space fit and well
COVID-driven awareness, population shifts and technological enhancements keeping health insurance market optimistic
DWIC 2023: Spotlight on skills and talent
On the back of the DIFC’s Talent Week, a panel of experts discussed the skills gap and how to close it
DWIC 2023: Takaful must rebrand itself as the ethical choice for all
Collaboration between takaful providers is essential if the niche industry is to achieve its potential
DWIC 2023: Insurers are 'on the frontline' in the climate crisis
The insurance industry must “drive the pathway to net zero”, explained Dame Susan Rice in a fireside chat
DWIC 2023: ‘Force’ needed to spark industry climate action
As the consequences of climate change endure, further industry regulations will be required to halt its effects
DIFC’s Alya Al Zarouni opens Dubai World Insurance Congress 2023
This year’s Congress is the largest event of its kind in the region, welcoming over 1,100 insurance leaders to the UAE
‘Be part of climate conversation,’ DWIC 2023 delegates urged
With COP28 heading to the city in November, this year’s DWIC opened with a rallying cry for the industry to focus on the climate
DWIC 2023: Plenty of cause for industry optimism
Despite choppy environmental, economic and geopolitical conditions, there are green shoots of opportunities for the industry
DWIC 2023: Time for emerging markets to shine
A dearth of cheap and plentiful reinsurance capacity could force emerging insurance markets to mature more rapidly
GCC markets retain stable outlook amid challenging headwinds
The rising cost of reinsurance, competitive pressures and growing impact of nat cat losses remain a challenge – AM Best
GCC insurers benefit from strong premium growth
S&P expects a modest uptick in earnings if insurers continue to reprice underperforming business
David Robinson appointed CEO of Optio Group
He was instrumental in establishing Optio Re MENA Ltd, which began trading February 2023
Optio Re MENA commences trading
The specialty MGA is now open for business in MENA through its Dubai-based operation
Chedid Capital and IRM launch certificate in risk management
The course is aimed at insurance and reinsurance professionals across MEASA and has been ‘eagerly awaited’
Volante opens shop in the DIFC
It will offer a combination of treaty and facultative reinsurance across multiple lines through Lloyd’s Syndicate 1699
QIC Global adopts Antares name and brand
QIC Global is part of the QIC Group, which is the largest insurance company in the Middle East
Chedid Re names Elie Abi Rached global CEO
Joe Asmar has been named deputy CEO, whilst retaining his role as group head of facultative reinsurance
Gallagher Re & Africa Re partner to tackle Africa’s protection gap
Regional drought conditions and the global political environment call for prompt action around resilience and risk transfer solutions
Aon Saudi Arabia appoints CEO
Samer AlFayez was previously chief executive officer of Elite Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers
Chedid Re receives license to operate in Cairo
Egypt is a “strategic bridge” between Chedid’s African operations and its Middle East presence
DWIC 2022: Why we’re still talking about it
The buzz at the conference in Dubai was palpable from the minute it opened on 9 March
Gulf Business News: DIFC, Global Ethical Finance Initiative join hands to support COP28 agenda
DIFC and GEFI aim to drive change across the world’s financial industry relating to delivering net zero, unlocking Islamic finance, financing nature and biodiversity, and financing sustainable development goals
DWIC2022: ESG: Rising to the challenge - Middle East potential
Insurers and brokers who undercut the environmental, social, and corporate governance standards (ESG) will face ‘catastrophic’ consequences, a roundtable on the topic heard.
DWIC 2022: View from the top
The insurance industry is failing to react quickly enough to the fast-evolving digital world around it.
DWIC 2022: Pandemic accelerates insurtech growth
The insurtech sector in the MENA region has enjoyed substantial growth over the past two years, in part driven by the global pandemic.
DWIC 2022: Why takaful needs an overhaul
Inherent issues with the Takaful model continue to hinder the market’s development in the GCC
Gallagher launches fac business in the DIFC
Gallagher has taken a majority share of 51% of ACE Re Ltd (DIFC); Its team and clients will trade as Gallagher going forward
Kay International AMEA expands its operations to US to serve Latin America & Caribbean region
Kay International AMEA LLC has initiated business activities from its new office in Miami, Florida, after receiving its regulatory approval from the Florida Department of Financial Services to operate as a Reinsurance Underwriting Agency and Reinsurance Intermediary.
Leaders from World Alliance of International Financial Centers convene in Dubai for the first time at DIFC
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, commented: “DIFC is delighted to be hosting the World Alliance of International Financial Centers’ Annual General Meeting. It is the first time leaders from financial centers across the globe have chosen to convene in Dubai.
Willis Re launches flood model for MENA region
Currently, the model covers Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with further releases for Oman, Qatar, and Egypt in the third and fourth quarters of 2021.
UAE: Lloyd’s broker expands office
Tysers, a Lloyd’s broker, is expanding its presence in Dubai to meet the growing demand for insurance expertise in the Middle East.
QIC Group net profit jumps 210% to QR205mn in Q1
Mena region’s leading insurer Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) reported robust results with a net profit of QR205mn for the first quarter of 2021 compared to a loss of QR186mn in Q1, 2020.
QIC Group reports QR12.2bn gross written premiums in 2020
Doha: Qatar Insurance Group’s, the leading insurer in the MENA region, gross written premiums for the year have remained stable at QR12.20bn, compared to QR12.06bn for 2019. The Group yesterday announced its financial results for 2020.
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) has seen its gross written premiums grow by 4%
The leading insurer in the Middle East North African (MENA) region announced its financial results for the first nine months of this year, following a meeting presided over by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Ali al-Thani, QIC chairman and managing director.
AM Best’s Insurance Market Briefing - MENA to Examine Current Trends and Their Future Impact
AM Best’s annual Insurance Market Briefing - MENA will be held as a complimentary webinar on 3 November 2020, at 14:00 hours, Gulf Standard Time (GST), to discuss the (re)insurance markets of the region.
Swiss Re: Re/insurance in the Middle East and Pakistan: annual outlook and review 2020
Coronavirus has transformed the outlook for the economies and insurance industry in the Middle East and Pakistan, with recession expected this year. We expect the economic recovery to start in mid-2021, although downside risks include a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, new government lockdown measures, lower-for-longer oil prices and a low ...
Dubai World Insurance Congress 2022: Building a ‘Hybrid’ event
Join us at the biggest ‘pre-scheduled business meet-up’ in the Middle East.
Best’s Market Segment Report: MENA Reinsurers Strive to Adapt to Testing Conditions
Regional reinsurers operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are no strangers to challenging operating conditions. In recent years, the region’s reinsurance market has been characterised by competitive pricing pressures, overcapacity and increased incidence of large losses.
DWIC 2020: Post Event Report
Full coverage of the DWIC2020 Satellite Sessions
DWIC interview: Andy Rogers, co-CEO, Amdaris
David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance speaks with Andy Rogers, co-CEO of Amdaris and Adrian Sutherland, CTO, Jumar about how technology is transforming (re)insurance.
Innovation in Middle East markets – a little less conversation, a little more action
Insurers in Middle East markets talk about launching new products, but not enough innovation follows, JLT Re’s Russell Walters told GR
Takaful faces market awareness challenge: Even some people who work in it don’t know what it does
The Takaful and Re/Takaful sector has an image problem and general lack of awareness about what it can do, according to speakers at DWIC 2019
Seize opportunities coming to the UAE soon
Panellists on the final MENA session from day one of DWIC 2019 talked about new product opportunities the region could see soon.
Healthcare tourism could be a strained market's saving grace
The health insurance market is struggling to keep up with demand, but a new trend has emerged, says Axa Global Healthcare’s Laurent Pochat-Cottilloux
African markets waiting for a catalyst
Africa shows great growth potential, but it needs a push from insurers willing to take a chance
Insurance wrappers for government bonds - Willis Re's Vickers on market opportunities
Fiscal pressure on governments could be one of re/insurance’s biggest opportunities, Willis Re International chairman James Vickers told DWIC 19 in Dubai
Weak market leaves reinsurers under pressure
“Soft-hard” pricing after recent renewals leaves reinsurers under pressure, DWIC 2019 heard from a roundtable debate on the state of the market
DWIC 2019: Day 2 live and free
Catch up with all the news from the Dubai World Insurance Congress 2019
Reinsurers shifting focus from cat business – Axa XL’s Watson
Disruption to core catastrophe business is leading to a significant change in the global reinsurance market as reinsurers place greater emphasis on margin expansion in other lines of business, David Watson, chief executive international reinsurance at Axa XL told delegates at this year’s Dubai World Insurance Congress (DWIC).
Construction will bounce back - Scor
Hedi Hachicha, Scor’s chief underwriting officer for property and casualty treaty business in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) talks new risks, construction demand, and effective regulation
Signs of life in UAE energy construction market
After three years in relative hibernation, several energy construction projects loom for the UAE
DWIC 2019: Day 1 live and free to read
Click through here to read the first day of GR’s coverage of the Dubai World Insurance Congress 2019
Saudi, UAE health market overcrowded, dropouts expected – Fitch Ratings
Fitch says the compulsory health insurance market is overcrowded and predicts the pressures on profitability will force out weaker players
Health warnings amid profits for UAE insurers
2018 marked a second consecutive year of bumper profits for the UAE’s insurance market, according to an AM Best report
Demand hugely untapped – Willis Re’s Vickers
The insurance sector has a lot to do if it wants to close the protection gap in Middle East markets, according to James Vickers, chairman of Willis Re International
Big challenges face Middle East reinsurance market – Chedid Re
Compulsory lines are the only ones growing in the Middle East, causing commoditisation of products
Aon highlights 8 cyber risk areas
Game-changing business opportunities are created, as well as risks, as companies continue to use technology to speed up information transfer, according to re/insurance broker Aon
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