It is remarkable how pieces of information, including those in long-buried files that are re-opened, can disrupt the stability of the global status quo, unleashing a cascade of consequences. Regardless of the age of the information and depending on its significance, repercussions can be unpredictable.
In our part of the world, whether in boardrooms or cafes, whenever at least two people are deep in conversation, the topic is almost always either the Epstein files or the geopolitical landscape, and these days—the Iftar menu!
Information can generate waves of change, not only affecting individuals but also reshaping entire institutions, and perhaps even countries.
While the conversations centre on the drama of exposed secrets, the insurance industry faces a quieter, yet equally disruptive challenge regarding undiscovered data. Just as information in a file can change a global narrative, the absence of historical data in our regional markets can fundamentally distort the reality of risk.
For the Arab insurance industry, the availability of information, or more precisely historical data, for risk assessment has long been a major concern. Underwriters face a real dilemma when setting terms and rates due to limited and inconsistent historical data. Several markets still rely on legacy data systems and operate with insufficient data infrastructure. As a result, insurers have often relied on international benchmarks, which do not accurately reflect the local risk environment.
Today, however, the challenge is less acute than it was two decades ago. This improvement is largely due to digital transformation across the region’s insurance markets, which is also being embraced by several regulatory bodies. Players in the region are increasingly adopting digital systems and technological solutions, both at the front and back ends, enabling the development of richer historical data. However, the lack of data still persists. More remains to be done to close the remaining gaps.
In our March 2026 edition, Kuwait is featured in the market profile. It is a market that has been lagging behind, compared to several other markets in the region, with great potential waiting to be captured.
The establishment of the Insurance Regulatory Unit in 2019 marked a major milestone for the sector. Since inception, the Unit has set the necessary regulatory foundations to build a sound and resilient insurance industry. Last year and in the first quarter of 2026, bold measures were introduced. There is a long road ahead, but the seeds have been sown and the future looks promising.
This edition also looks at Algeria, a buzzing market where state-owned entities maintain a strong grip. Growth has been sustained in the past few years, while market actors are strategically advocating for a more organised and systematic industry structure–including the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee the insurance sector.
In addition, the March issue offers a collection of interesting stories from across the region, featuring a successful M&A deal in Bahrain, a look at the Cypriot motor insurance market, the evolving status of motor insurance and EVs in Arab markets, and recent AI developments affecting the brokerage channel. This bundle of insights provides comprehensive views of some of the region’s dynamic issues.
As Middle East Insurance Review (MEIR) navigates the dynamic shifts in the region’s markets, we take this opportunity to wish our Muslim readers a blessed and fulfilling fast for the remainder of this holy month. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous Eid Al Fitr. M
Osama Noor
Editor
Chief Representative
Middle East Insurance Review