UAE insurance premiums jump 15% to Dh74.8 billion as health and property cover grow

The United Arab Emirates' insurance sector experienced robust growth in 2025, with gross written premiums surging 14.9% year-on-year to Dh74.8 billion. This expansion was primarily fueled by increased business in health, property, and liability insurance, according to the Central Bank of the UAE's annual statistical report. Property and liability premiums climbed 14.1% to Dh36.4 billion, while health insurance premiums saw a significant rise of 16.3% to Dh30 billion. Life insurance and fund accumulation premiums also grew by 12.1% to Dh8.4 billion.

The growth aligns with the UAE's ongoing efforts to broaden insurance coverage. A key driver was the introduction of mandatory basic health insurance for private-sector employees and domestic workers across all emirates starting January 1, 2025. The Central Bank highlighted this initiative as a crucial step in strengthening health insurance coverage and promoting greater financial inclusion.

Health insurance emerged as the largest individual line of business, accounting for Dh36.42 billion in gross written premiums when combining national and foreign insurers. Motor and transportation insurance generated approximately Dh10.08 billion, and fire insurance reached Dh6.89 billion. The total number of insurance policies increased slightly to 17.3 million in 2025 from 17.2 million the previous year, with health insurance policies alone rising 26.1%.

Despite an 11% increase in paid claims, reaching Dh46.2 billion in 2025, the sector's overall gross loss ratio improved to 65.1% from 68.9% in 2024. Health insurance claims rose 15.1%, and property and liability claims increased by 13.8%. Total profits for UAE insurance companies jumped to Dh4 billion in 2025, up from Dh2.6 billion in 2024, largely attributed to higher net investment income. Insurers also boosted their invested assets by 13.5% to Dh96.4 billion.