Best’s Market Segment Report: AM Best Revises Outlook on GCC Insurance Markets to Negative

LONDON--()--AM Best has revised its market segment outlook on the insurance markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to negative from stable. Key factors that led to the change outlook includes the economic downturn across the region stemming from lower oil prices and COVID-19 containment measures; the expectation of lower insurance demand following a delay in the rollout of mandatory health insurance in Oman and Bahrain; the postponement of EXPO 2020 in Dubai; and the potential delay of government infrastructure projects.

A new Best’s Market Segment Report, titled, “Market Segment Outlook: Gulf Cooperation Council” also cites the adverse impact on capital buffers stemming from financial market volatility and potential decline in real estate valuations, as well as the expectation of increased delays in cash collection related to premium receivables from policyholders, as drivers for the outlook revision.

The report notes these negative factors are partially offset by the introduction of regulatory requirements over the past five years in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have encouraged companies to implement more robust governance and risk management frameworks. Furthermore, AM Best views insurers in the GCC as generally well-capitalised and capable of enduring stress scenarios.

To access a complimentary copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=297794.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA
Senior Financial Analyst
+44 20 7397 0310
jessica.botelho@ambest.com

Catherine Thomas
Senior Director, Analytics
+44 20 7397 0281
catherine.thomas@ambest.com

Richard Banks
Director, Industry Research – EMEA
+44 20 7397 0322
richard.banks@ambest.com

Edem Kuenyehia
Director, Market Development & Communications
+44 20 7397 0280
edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com

Contacts

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA
Senior Financial Analyst
+44 20 7397 0310
jessica.botelho@ambest.com

Catherine Thomas
Senior Director, Analytics
+44 20 7397 0281
catherine.thomas@ambest.com

Richard Banks
Director, Industry Research – EMEA
+44 20 7397 0322
richard.banks@ambest.com

Edem Kuenyehia
Director, Market Development & Communications
+44 20 7397 0280
edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com