GCC Insurers Post Solid 9 M 2025 Results But Small Players Face Pressure

The insurance industry across the Gulf region is navigating a mix of positive momentum and tightening pressures. A recent performance review of listed insurers reveals growth in revenue and underwriting profit, yet structural challenges persist — especially for smaller firms. Me Insurance Review

Performance snapshot
According to research firm Insurance Monitor and consultancy Lux Actuaries & Consultants, 75 publicly-listed GCC insurers reported combined net profits of US$1.7 billion during the nine months ended September 2025. This is notable given the broader macro-environment. Total revenue rose 8.2% to roughly US$29.9 billion in the same period. Me Insurance Review Focus on the UAE shows especially strong gains: listed insurers there saw net profit jump 64.9% to US$597 million, aided by dropping combined ratios to 92.9% and reduced claims burdens.

Another industry update by Arab News notes that non-life insurance premiums are rising in 2025 (especially in the UAE) and that profitability is improving overall albeit with caveats. Arab News

Growth drivers
Several factors are fueling this positive trend:

Challenges facing the market
Despite positive headlines, significant challenges remain:

Strategic take-aways
For insurers in the GCC:

Outlook
For 2025-26, the sector’s prospects remain positive — steady premium growth, improving underwriting profitability in non-life, and rising demand for life/health insurance as economies diversify. But the winners will be insurers that combine strong underwriting, digital execution and asset-risk management. Smaller firms that fail to transform may find themselves squeezed by competition, higher costs and modest returns.