UAE Insurance Premiums Jump 15.1% as Banking Sector Stays Well Capitalised

The UAE's insurance sector continued to expand at a rapid clip in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Central Bank of the UAE's latest Quarterly Economic Review. Gross written premiums rose 15.1% year on year and the number of policies in force increased 9.5%, while technical provisions grew 7.9% and total equity climbed 15.8%. Capital positions strengthened sharply on some measures: the ratio of own funds to the minimum capital requirement rose to 516.1% in the first quarter, up from 393.2% a year earlier, though the own funds to solvency capital requirement ratio eased to 187.2% from 204.1%. The banking sector also remained solid, with a capital adequacy ratio of 16.8% and a net non-performing loan ratio of 1.5%, reflecting improved asset quality. Capital markets posted gains, with the Dubai Financial Market's index rising over the period. The central bank kept its base rate steady in line with the US Federal Reserve, and flagged that regional developments in the Middle East remain a key risk to monitor, with elevated energy prices feeding a broader upward revision to global inflation forecasts.