Dubai International Financial Centre's insurance and reinsurance sector posted gross written premiums of USD 4.2 billion in 2025, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase and doubling underwriting volumes since 2022.
Premiums brokered from DIFC also rose 14 percent to USD 3.4 billion, up from USD 3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the centre's standing as the region's primary platform for global risk transfer and specialist underwriting.
Growth was driven largely by property and liability lines, alongside marine, aviation and transport. The sector drew business from across the MEASA region and beyond, with more than 135 insurance and reinsurance firms now operating from DIFC — spanning underwriting, broking, captive management and specialist risk-transfer activities.
Between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, 28 new insurance-related firms received authorisation. Notable entrants include Allianz Trade Middle East, Manulife Middle East, Sun Life DIFC, Transamerica Life (Bermuda), Howden Reinsurance Brokers and Ryan Specialty, among others.
Several established players are also expanding their footprint, including Gallagher Re, Markel International Dubai and MENA Re Underwriters, signalling long-term confidence in DIFC as a base for regional and international operations.
DIFC CEO Arif Amiri said the growth reflects the confidence international markets place in the centre as a jurisdiction enabling sophisticated risk transfer and innovation, with Dubai now ranked among the top 10 financial centres globally for insurance.
DIFC attributes its sustained momentum to regulatory clarity, institutional credibility and an ecosystem built to support the evolving needs of global reinsurers, brokers and managing general agents operating across growth markets.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
