DIFC's Insurance Sector Expands to $4.2 Billion in 2025

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has bolstered its status as a key player in the global (re)insurance industry, reporting gross written premiums of approximately USD 4.2 billion in 2025. This significant increase represents a remarkable 20 percent growth year-on-year, underlining the sector's steady advancement.

Since 2022, the underwriting volumes within DIFC have surged, evidencing consistent development and confirming its importance as a central hub for insurance business activities such as booking, structuring, and underwriting. Additionally, premiums brokered from the DIFC have risen to USD 3.4 billion in 2025, up from USD 3 billion in the previous year, showcasing the ecosystem's increasing scope and sophistication.

The expansion has been primarily propelled by advances in property and liability insurance, along with notable contributions from marine, aviation, and transportation sectors. DIFC's attraction extends not only to businesses in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) but also to global markets.

Currently, over 135 firms in insurance and reinsurance are operational within the DIFC, specializing in underwriting, broking, captive management, and tailored risk transfer services.

Between 2025 and early 2026, 28 new insurance firms obtained authorization within DIFC, including notable names like Allianz Trade Middle East Limited, Atradius Trade Credit (Re)Insurance (DIFC) Ltd., BMS (DIFC) Limited, Howden Reinsurance Brokers Limited (DIFC Branch), Manulife Middle East Limited, QIC (DIFC) Limited, Ryan Specialty (DIFC) Limited, Sun Life (DIFC) Limited, and Transamerica Life (Bermuda) Ltd.

At the same time, several prominent global insurance firms have enhanced their footprint in DIFC, such as Gallagher Re Ltd, Markel International Dubai Limited, MENA Re Underwriters Limited, and Manulife Middle East Limited, reflecting strong confidence in DIFC as a sustainable business hub.

DIFC stands out as the only major financial centre in the region capable of offering comprehensive services across all financial sectors. With its robust regulatory framework, stability, and an innovation-friendly environment, it continues to bolster the insurance industry.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, remarked that the growth in this sector indicates a global trust in DIFC as a prime location for sophisticated risk transfer and underwriting services. He emphasized that DIFC will persist in attracting international entities and promoting sustainable expansion in both regional and worldwide markets.

With this development, Dubai is now recognized among the top 10 financial centres globally for insurance, further enhancing DIFC’s reputation as a preeminent hub for insurance and reinsurance.

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