The regional insurance hub in Dubai has seen significant investment in 2025 both from existing and new risk carriers. Brokers, loss adjusters and subject matter experts also continue to reinforce their expertise in the market. We fully expect this investment to continue through 2026 as it is increasingly recognised that a physical presence in the region is necessary.
Construction
It feels like just about everywhere you look in the UAE there are cranes on the horizon, new residential developments being built and road networks expanding. Dubai Law No.7 of 2025 is no doubt designed to support this growth in the construction sector by regulating the activities of contractors. It deals with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, registration, validation of qualifications, certification and document keeping. It also introduces an element of protection for purchasers by dealing with terminology such as “turnkey” and “best practice”.
As this law is enacted in late 2025 or early 2026, it will no doubt pose some interesting questions for insurers. There is clearly a push by authorities to ensure construction firms and consultancies achieve high standards which can only be a positive.
Mediation
Traditionally, mediation has not played a major role in resolving disputes in MENA. Key issues such as confidentiality and the concept of “without prejudice” have impeded willingness to rely on ADR. However, with growth comes an increase in disputes and this issue has come more sharply into focus. The UAE first legislated in relation to mediation by enacting Federal Decree Law No.40 of 2023 and just this year went a step further by regulating the establishment of private mediation centres through Cabinet Decision No.56 of 2025. This may well lead to more international mediation providers establishing formal presences. Mediation will not suddenly replace other forms of dispute resolution in the UAE, but we fully expect it to play an increasing role in the mid-term.
MEECON
DWF is a founding member and major sponsor of the Middle East Energy Conference (MEECON). The second edition of MEECON was held at the Waldorf Astoria on 23 October 2025 and like the first edition, was sold out. This year the conference featured guest speakers such as Edward Hobart CMG the British Ambassador to the UAE, Professor of Nuclear Materials Tom Scott and the Insurance Manager of ADNOC Ernesto Berger. The reception was again hugely positive and is indicative of wider and more coordinated interaction across the entire insurance ecosystem – MEECON saw brokers, underwriters, claims managers, adjusters and lawyers attend along with numerous insureds and experts in the energy landscape. We are already looking forward to the next edition which will be held in Dubai on 22 October 2026.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to attract interest. The true impact for international reinsurers of the changes implemented on 1 January 2025 by the Insurance Authority – requiring local insurers to offer 30% of the reinsurance cessions to domestic reinsurers – have yet to be felt. In theory, the change will lead to a reduction of risks available to international insurers where the reinsurance risks can be retained by the domestic market. However, opportunities remain where domestic capacity cannot retain the risks and in other structured reinsurance products.
Our team continues to see demand from clients for a more integrated and coordinated service between London, Dubai and the Pacific Rim. This comes as no surprise in an increasingly interconnected world. We have received instructions stemming from a wide range of events including lithium battery fires, turbine damage and even the disruption of shipping in the region. All of these matters require cooperation between global markets to resolve.
