GCC Oman PDF

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 1

Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Scope of the Report .....................................................................................................................8
1.2 Sector Outlook..............................................................................................................................8
1.3 Key Growth Drivers ......................................................................................................................8
1.4 Key Challenges ............................................................................................................................9
1.5 Key Trends ...................................................................................................................................9
2. THE GCC INSURANCE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW .............................................................. 10
2.1 Country-wise Insurance Market Overview ..................................................................................15
3. THE GCC INSURANCE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK ................................................................ 29
3.1 Forecasting Methodology ...........................................................................................................29
3.2 GCC Insurance Market Forecast ................................................................................................30
3.3 Country-wise Market Size Forecast............................................................................................32
4. GROWTH DRIVERS............................................................................................................ 37
5. CHALLENGES .................................................................................................................... 42
6. TRENDS .............................................................................................................................. 45
7. MERGER AND ACQUISITION (M&A) ACTIVITIES ........................................................... 49
8. FINANCIAL AND VALUATION ANALYSIS........................................................................ 51
8.1 Financial Performance ...............................................................................................................53
8.2 Valuation Analysis ......................................................................................................................60
COUNTRY PROFILES ........................................................................................................................ 62
COMPANY PROFILES ........................................................................................................................ 69

Glossary
Insurance: A mechanism of contractually shifting burdens of pure risks by pooling them
Gross written premium: Total premium written and assumed by an insurer before
deductions for reinsurance and ceding commissions for a policy that has already become
effective
Insurance penetration: Gross written premium measured as a percentage of gross

domestic product
Insurance density: Gross written premium measured per capita
Net written premium: Gross written premium less reinsurance ceded plus reinsurance
assumed
Net Earned Premium: Total premiums collected over a period that have been earned
based on the ratio of the time passed on the policies to their effective life
Cession rate: The percentage of written premium transferred to a reinsurer by a primary

insurer (ceding company)
Retention rate: The percentage of written premium retained by a primary insurer
Net underwriting profit/(loss): Excess/deficit of premium earned after providing for all
expenses directly attributable to underwriting activities and excluding investment income
Claims ratio: Net claims incurred as a percentage of net earned premium
Expense ratio: Underwriting and administrative expenses as a percentage of net earned

premium
Combined ratio: The sum of claims ratio and expense ratio. A combined ratio of less than
100 indicates an underwriting profit
Investment returns: Calculated by dividing gross investment income over investments in

securities, affiliates and property
Takaful: Follows Islamic religious principles such as bans on interest and pure monetary
speculation. Here, risk is pooled among policyholders rather than being borne entirely by
the company
Bancassurance: Involves the distribution of insurance products through the banking

channel
Bancatakaful: Involves the distribution of Islamic insurance/ Takaful products through the
banking channel

“Oman’s insurance sector is poised to register strong growth over the medium term
spearheaded by health insurance which is being made compulsory for all private workers in
2018. Rising awareness amongst nationals, growing urbanisation and establishment of sharia
compliant takaful companies will drive growth in life insurance in the near term. Other growth
drivers include continuing economic diversification and infrastructure development and growth
of small & medium enterprises sector. Recent regulatory changes increasing the minimum
capital base for all insurers has positive connotations. The UAE insurance market’s long term
growth prospects also remain positive. A spike in the number of construction and infrastructure
projects, expected ahead of major events such as the World Expo 2020 are set to stimulate the
industry in the long-term. Apart from above, law requiring compulsory health insurance for all
Dubai residents, which was implemented in 2015 is expected to be a key driver for the industry.
One key challenge facing the sector is the shortage of skilled workforce and high attrition rates.
There is need to put in place infrastructure to train and develop local talent pool for the
insurance sector. Certain regulatory restrictions on investments specially in fixed income asset
class need to be reviewed to encourage companies to make more investments in Bonds /
Sukuk and other fixed income securities. Going forward, we see technology playing a key role in
the way insurance is marketed to individuals with smart phones and social media likely to
emerge as primary marketing channels lowering acquisition costs in the process. We are also
seeing regulators focusing on increasing customer awareness about their rights by stipulating
that insurance companies provide more details and transparency in their marketing & policy
documentation. New rules relating to actuarial driven pricing being implemented in some
countries will enhance the overall health of the sector. These positive trends bode well for the
sector both in terms of instituting healthy growth levels as well as improving the financial
strength of insurance firms.”
S. Venkatachalam
Chief Executive Officer
National Life & General Insurance Co. SAOG, Oman
“As the UAE seeks to change course from oil-reliance and move towards a more diversified
economy, the country is taking great innovative strides, not only in sectors like logistics and
transportation, linked to its traditional role of a trading hub, but also other high-growth sectors
such as tourism & hospitality, healthcare, education, high-tech and renewable energy. The
success of such ambition rides on the confidence of reliable local insurers, their financial
stability, broad risk appetite and ability to support national aspirations with solid insurance
protection. The insurance industry here, and in the region, is well-equipped to support such
plans and will continue to retain a positive outlook for the way ahead.
Several intertwining factors pave the way for future success in the insurance field – the
indispensable technological advancements that digitalization, AI and blockchain promise; a
redefined HR outlook seeking agile talent for tailored roles; data driven underwriting; robust risk
management frameworks.
The industry grapples with the sea of transformation that comes with new but necessary
regulations, disruptive technology and ever-evolving risk. Combating these challenges, and
securing long-term profitability, can only come from collaboration and connected ecosystems.”
Christos Adamantiadis
Chief Executive Officer
Oman Insurance Co., UAE

“We are quite optimistic about the prospects of GCC insurance industry. While the rapid growth
of recent past may no longer be available, we believe that the Insurance industry in the GCC is
entering a more mature phase where good companies delivering value differentiation with cost
discipline are going to stand out from the rest. This presents an opportunity for the winners to
create a lot of shareholder value in the years to come. In addition, comparatively lower
insurance penetration and density, vis-à-vis global markets signal further room for organic
growth in almost all countries. Key areas such as healthcare, savings, pension and public
housing are likely to witness increased participation from the private sector which will
necessarily open up more opportunities for related insurance products and services.
The sector, however is not devoid of challenges. Development of life insurance remains an area
of concern, but with the wider reshaping of GCC economies, it is a space that is likely to see
increased traction. Low interest rates and an abundance of capital, chasing increasingly scarce
good quality investment opportunities has affected insurance markets globally with similar
effects being felt in the GCC. On the one hand, it has pushed market rates down for protection
products across categories, thereby reducing underwriting margins. On the other hand, returns
on investment assets have been impacted with lower yields on fixed income portfolio which
constitutes the bulk of total investments assets for most prudent companies. Certain markets in
the GCC are facing overcrowding with a large number of operators competing on price and
selling undifferentiated products leading to commoditization and its attendant negative
implications for the industry.
A visibly important recent trend in the GCC Insurance industry has been the beginning of
consolidation where larger and stronger companies are increasingly acquiring or initiating
merger with weaker/smaller operators. Insurance Industry regulators across GCC are also
greatly supportive of these market consolidation maneuvers as it leads to natural rationalization
of industry dynamics and aids overall industry growth and profitability. These developments will
have a positive impact on the Insurance industry and aid the growth of the sector in the GCC.”
Ashraf Bseisu
Group Chief Executive Officer
Solidarity Group, Bahrain
“The GCC Insurance Industry is expected to have a healthy growth for the next 3 years; most of
the growth is expected from the compulsory Medical Insurance which is being introduced by
countries across the region. By 2018/2019 all the GCC countries are expected to make Medical
Insurance compulsory. The introduction of compulsory medical insurance will drive the industry
for the next 3 years in terms of Premium growth.
Climate change is likely to be a key factor in “Risk Pricing” in the region. The impact of Climate
change on Insurance market is not articulated well. The impact of natural catastrophe can be
significant given the low risk retention in the region. Large claims in the wake of hurricanes
Harvey, Irma, Maria, and the Mexico earthquakes will have significant impact for the Re-
Insurers and going forward it could impact Re-Insurance rates. If the Climate change specialists
are to be believed these events will recur at more frequent intervals than in the past.

There is also a good scope for private pension plan in GCC region. Historically the dependence
on government for social security is likely to undergo a change. There is a potential for private
insurance player to set up private pension plans in the region. The one other area of growth is
Takaful Insurance. The penetration of life insurance in the region has been very low given the
fact that life insurance is considered as “haram”. Family Takaful product offer protection in a
sharia compliant manner. Appropriate marketing of family Takaful products could significantly
increase life insurance penetration in the region.
In my opinion there is significant potential for a regional re-insurance company. Given the size
of Insurance business in the region, the capital structure of companies, risk retention levels and
potential for growth it will be a great business opportunity to set up a regional Re-Takaful entity.”
O. G. Ravishankar
General Manager
Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG, Oman
“The GCC insurance sector has demonstrated resilience amidst a decelerating economy,
highlighting the industry’s growth prospects notwithstanding the impact of constrained fiscal,
business and consumer spending. Implementation of mandatory health insurance and risk-
based pricing in the major markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively helped to keep
the growth prospects of the Insurance industry in the GCC intact. A growing population base
and revenue diversification efforts of the GCC Governments have also aided the growth of the
industry. The sector is witnessing a major overhaul of the regulatory framework, as the
governments are deploying efficient and stringent guidelines to make the insurance sector
globally competitive.
The GCC insurance sector remains underpenetrated and this presents immense opportunities
for the industry backed by favorable demographics and strengthening government regulations.
The evolving regulatory landscape especially is making the GCC insurance market more
competitive. The GCC insurance sector has started showing signs of consolidation, with the
trend gathering momentum particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The sector does face short-term challenges in the backdrop of reduced public and business
spending. Guidelines strengthening capitalization levels, making health insurance mandatory
and linking premium pricing to risks will be the major forces aiding growth. Further, technology-
driven innovation, consumer-centric strategies and product diversification would provide an
upside.
The GCC Insurance industry is stepping into the next phase of growth, fueled by the expanding
consumer base, rising insurance awareness, economic revival and infrastructure developments.
Further, the maturing and stringent regulatory environment is likely to create strong, stable and
sustainable business models and together present a bright outlook for the sector.”
Rohit Walia
Executive Chairman
Alpen Capital (ME) Limited

1. Executive Summary
The GCC insurance sector maintains resilient growth, given the significant penetration gap
compared to the advanced economies. The progress is evident from the growth in
premiums and profitability, high competition and enhanced regulatory framework. Short-
term challenges do persist in the backdrop of reduced public and business spending.
Nevertheless, developing regulations, favorable demography and economic diversification
present a bright outlook for the sector. Guidelines strengthening capitalization levels,
making health insurance mandatory and linking premium pricing to risks will be the major
forces aiding growth. Further, technology-driven innovation, consumer-centric strategies
and product diversification would provide an upside.
1.1 Scope of the Report

This report is an update to Alpen Capital’s GCC Insurance Industry Report dated October
13, 2015. It showcases the current state of the insurance industry across the GCC nations
while presenting the recent trends, growth drivers and challenges. The report also
provides an outlook of the industry until 2021. It profiles some of the prominent insurance
providers in the region while evaluating their financial and market valuation metrics.
1.2 Sector Outlook

 The GCC insurance market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from US$
26.2 billion in 2016 to US$ 44.0 billion in 2021. The growth is likely to be
moderate in 2017, as the industry players are adapting to the new regulations
amidst increasing competition and recovering economic activity. Nevertheless,
growing population, economic diversification and country-specific regulations to
strengthen the insurance sector are the factors that will present underwriting
opportunities going ahead.
 During the forecast period, insurance markets in the UAE and Oman are
anticipated to grow at the fastest annualized average pace of 12.1%, followed by
Saudi Arabia at 10.5%. The share of UAE and Oman are likely to expand and
that of others may contract.
 The insurance markets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are estimated at US$ 18.1
billion and US$ 16.4 billion in 2021.
 Between 2016 and 2021, the non-life insurance market is expected to grow at a
rapid CAGR of 11.7% to US$ 39.8 billion in view of the new regulations improving
pricing of insurance policies, an anticipated revival in the economy, mandatory
covers and rising healthcare costs. Life insurance market is projected to grow at
an annual average rate of 5.3% led by rising population and risk awareness.
 Insurance penetration in the GCC is forecasted to expand from 1.9% in 2016 to
2.5% in 2021, while the density is likely to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% to US$ 729.6.
1.3 Key Growth Drivers

 In view of the low oil price environment, economic diversification efforts have
intensified in the GCC to build a sustainable economy. This has given a boost to
construction activities across sectors, with the total active projects estimated at
US$ 2.4 trillion. Completion of such projects is likely to create a large base of
insurable assets, thus providing underwriting opportunities to insurance firms.
 Mandatory health insurance has boosted the GWP in the UAE in recent years
and in Saudi Arabia in the past. A gradual implementation of such law in the other
GCC countries is likely to steer industry growth, as health insurance business
accounts for ~40% of the GCC insurance market.
 The GCC insurance market is becoming competitive with its evolving regulatory
landscape. Regulations such as risk-based capital reporting and actuarial-led
pricing are likely to improve the financial strength and market conduct of the firms
and build stronger business models in the long term.

 A growing population (comprising young and working people), rising urbanization
and high disposable incomes are the factors driving demand for life and non-life
insurance products in the GCC. The consumer base is set to grow further, with an
anticipated addition of 6.5 million people by 2021.
 As a large number of people in the GCC are Muslims, demand for Takaful
insurance has been on the rise in the region. Family Takaful, in particular, has
significant opportunities, given the underpenetrated life insurance market.
 In view of high cession rates in the GCC and financial as well as tax incentives
offered by autonomous financial centers in Dubai and Qatar, foreign reinsurance
and management firms are attracted to these centers to lend their underwriting
capabilities. As the business base grows, new reinsurers are likely to set up
branches in these hubs and support the advancement of the insurance sector.
1.4 Key Challenges

 Fall in oil prices and the ensuing austerity measures have disrupted economic
activity in the GCC and subsequently the underwriting business.
 The GCC insurance sector is intensely competitive as well as concentrated, with
the top five insurers in each GCC country, barring Bahrain, accounting for over
60% of the market. Moreover, a less diversified product portfolio has led to price
competition in motor and medical insurance lines and hence, high loss ratios.
 The GCC insurers are challenged by a shortage of skilled workforce as well as
high staffing cost and attrition rates. Inability to hire the candidates with requisite
skills could affect the growth of the sector.
 Insurance firms in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have high exposure to equity and
real estate investments, making them prone to economic shocks. As a result,
Investment income of many such insurers has declined in the recent years.
 The insurers are likely to face an increase in operating cost in the short term, as
they will have to make operational changes to comply with the new regulations.
 Each country is making an attempt to improve regulations, however, there is a
dire need for the regulations to be homogenous.
 Diplomatic rift between Qatar and other GCC states leading to severance of trade
and economic ties is likely to have a negative impact on the insurance sector.
1.5 Key Trends

 The GCC insurance sector has started showing signs of consolidation, with the
trend gathering momentum particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to
stringent reserving and solvency practices.
 Regulators have collaborated with insurance companies to educate the
consumers on protection against risks. Further, new risks such as cyber risk and
political risk are emerging and hence the related insurance covers.
 The sector is witnessing an improving investment exposure to debt instruments.
This is mainly due to increasing sovereign bond issuances and regulations
imposing investment limits.
 Insurance sold through banks is increasing, as the banks seek new income
sources amid low interest rates and slow credit offtake.
 Earlier the focus was on pricing and reducing distribution cost, however rising
competition and use of smartphones have put customers at the center. In
addition, the rapidly evolving and changing technologies are influencing the entire
insurance value chain, right from product development to distribution.
 Insurance aggregators are entering the market to take advantage of the
expanding premiums and digital consumer.
The industry is stepping into the next phase of growth, fueled by the expanding
consumer base, rising insurance awareness, economic revival and infrastructure
developments. Further, the maturing and stringent regulatory environment is likely to
create strong, stable and sustainable business models.

2. The GCC Insurance Industry Overview
The GCC insurance sector The GCC insurance sector has demonstrated resilience against the decelerating economy,
highlighting the industry’s strength and potential amidst constrained fiscal, business and
has demonstrated resilience
consumer spending. The factors that empowered the industry during the slowdown were
against the decelerating
the implementation of mandatory health insurance and risk-based pricing in the major
economy, highlighting the markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively. These growth drivers are in addition to
industry’s strength and growing base of population and revenue diversification efforts. The sector is witnessing a
potential amidst constrained major overhaul of the regulatory framework, as the governments are deploying efficient
fiscal, business and and stringent guidelines to make the insurance sector globally competitive. Consequently,
consumer spending the penetration levels, although low, have been rising while offering ample opportunities
for conventional as well as Islamic insurance providers.
Life and Non-life Insurance
The GCC insurance market Measured by gross written premium (GWP), the GCC insurance market grew at a rapid
CAGR of 12.1% from US$ 14.8 billion in 2011 to US$ 26.2 billion in 2016 1 (see Exhibit 1).
grew at a rapid CAGR of
Rising population, expanding construction activity, mandatory lines of business
12.1% from US$ 14.8 billion
(particularly medical and motor insurance) and improving regulatory environment were the
in 2011 to US$ 26.2 billion in key enablers of growth. The correction in oil prices and ensuing contraction of the oil-
2016 based economies has slowed down the GWP growth in 2016. Nevertheless, it seems to be
a short-term impact, as the long-term fundamentals appear upbeat.
UAE and Saudi Arabia retained their positions as two of the largest insurance markets in
the GCC, accounting for 39.1% and 38.0% of the region’s GWP in 2016, respectively (see
Exhibit 2). The composition is justified by the population concentration in these countries.
However, measured by annualized growth in the last five years, GWP in Qatar and Saudi
Arabia grew at the fastest pace of 19.0% and 15.0%, respectively. While growth in Qatar
was steered by developments ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and rising inflow of
expatriates, the growth in Saudi Arabia was led by mandatory insurance lines and the
introduction of actuarial pricing. Shares of the other markets contracted, however, the
annualized growth rates were strong ranging between 5.3% and 10.3%. Even though the
share of UAE declined by 5.0 percentage points (ppts), the market grew by US$ 3.7 billion
on an absolute basis boosted by the rollout of mandatory health insurance in Dubai.
Exhibit 1: GCC Insurance Market Size (based on GWP) Exhibit 2: Country-wise Share of GCC Insurance Market
30 25%
26.2
25.3
25 4.3%
22.5 20% 4.6%
2016
19.3 2.8 2.9 5.5%
20 16.6%
16.9% 11.2% 5.0%
16.5 2.7 15%
9.7 39.1%
14.8 2.0
US$ billion
9.9 8.1%
15 12.0%
1.3 8.1 12.2% 44.1%
1.2 10%
6.7 2011
10 5.6
4.9
10.2 5%
5 8.9 9.8 33.4%
7.2 8.0
6.5 3.4%
38.0%
0 0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar
Oman Kuwait Bahrain
Change y-o-y (RHS) UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar Oman Kuwait Bahrain
Source: Swiss Re Source: Swiss Re
1
Source: “World Insurance Reports”, Swiss Re

Non-life insurance segment The prominent business lines in the GCC insurance market are motor, health and
property/fire. Accordingly, non-life insurance segment at US$ 22.9 billion constituted
at US$ 22.9 billion
87.6% of the total insurance premiums written in the GCC in 2016 2 (see Exhibits 3 and 4).
constituted 87.6% of the total
The segment GWP grew at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2011 led by an expansion in the
insurance premiums written medical and motor insurance lines that form more than 70% of the non-life premiums3.
in the GCC in 2016 While motor insurance is compulsory across the GCC, medical insurance is currently
mandatory only in Saudi Arabia and the major Emirates of the UAE. Oman is in the
process of rolling out mandatory health insurance in a phased manner and the other
countries may follow the suit soon. Nonetheless, expatriates in the GCC purchase a
medical policy or are covered by their employers to safeguard against the high healthcare
costs. Due to the high composition of non-life, the developments in this segment portray
the overall picture of the GCC insurance market.
Life insurance is a small Life insurance is a small component of the GCC insurance sector, unlike the global
markets where the segment is either larger or similar to the size of non-life. This is mainly
component of the GCC
due to the generous social welfare schemes bestowed on the nationals by the states.
insurance sector, due to the
Additionally, the low awareness and cultural reservations on mortality-based insurance
generous social welfare products are limiting demand. The product is largely popular amongst the expatriates, who
schemes bestowed on the invest in life insurance to take care of adversities. Driven by demand from the increasing
nationals expatriate population, the life insurance GWP grew at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2011
and 2016 to reach US$ 3.2 billion. Life insurance market in the UAE is the largest (75.6%
of GCC life insurance GWP) as well as the fastest growing in the GCC (CAGR of 13.9%
between 2011 and 2016). However, the overall share of life segment has been declining
due to the rapid increase in non-life insurance lines.
Exhibit 3: Segment-wise GCC Insurance Market Size Exhibit 4: Proportion of the GCC Insurance Segments
30 100%
26.2
25.3
25
22.5 80%
20 19.3
60%
US$ billion
16.5 85.8% 86.3%

86.6% 87.2% 87.6% 87.6%
14.8
15 22.9
22.2
19.7
40%
16.7
10 14.2
12.8
20%
5
3.1 3.2 13.4% 14.2% 13.7% 12.8% 12.4% 12.4%

2.0 2.4 2.6 2.9
0 0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Life Insurance Non-life Insurance
Source: Swiss Re Source: Swiss Re
2
Source: “World Insurance Reports”, Swiss Re
3
Based on the composition of non-life insurance reported by respective insurance authorities of the GCC countries

An Underpenetrated Insurance Industry
At an average of 1.9% in Despite the high growth trajectory, the GCC insurance sector remains underpenetrated. At
an average of 1.9% in 2016, the penetration level is way below 3.2% in the emerging
2016, the GCC insurance 4
markets and 6.3% globally (see Exhibits 5 and 6). Within the region, the UAE (at 2.9%)
sector is underpenetrated
and Bahrain (at 2.3%) have high penetration rates. This is due to a high composition of
compared to 3.2% in the expatriates and diversified economy, creating demand for life and non-life insurance
emerging markets and 6.3% products. At 1.0%, Kuwait has the lowest penetration due to its relatively underdeveloped
globally non-life insurance market. At low penetration rates, the GCC insurance sector presents
immense opportunities backed by favorable demographics and strengthening government
regulations. The rising penetration level depicts the industry’s potential.
Exhibit 5: Trend in Insurance Penetration in the GCC Exhibit 6: Country-wise Insurance Penetration
2.0% 1.9% 7.0%

1.8% Global Average: 6.3%
6.0%
1.5%
1.4% 5.0%
Penetration Rate
Penetration Rate
1.2%
1.0% 4.0%
1.0%
1.0% Emerging Markets Average: 3.2%
3.0%
2.9%
2.3%
GCC Average: 1.9% 1.8% 1.9%
2.0%
0.5% 1.5%
1.0%
1.0%
0.0% 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Kuwait Saudi Arabia Oman Qatar Bahrain UAE
Source: Swiss Re, IMF Source: Swiss Re, IMF
High Density due to a Low Base of Population
The density varies In line with the trend in GWP, the average insurance density in the GCC grew at a CAGR
of 8.9% between 2011 and 2016 to US$ 487.34 (see Exhibit 7). The density varies
considerably amongst the
considerably amongst the constituent countries, with Kuwait having the lowest at US$
constituent countries, with
263.9 and Qatar commanding the highest at US$ 1,121.5 in 2016 (see Exhibit 8). Qatar,
Kuwait having the lowest at the UAE and Bahrain have high-density levels mainly due to the concentration of
US$ 263.9 and Qatar expatriates, who have propelled demand for motor and medical insurance lines. In fact, the
commanding the highest at density in the UAE and Qatar are above the global average of US$ 638. This is also due to
US$ 1,121.5 in 2016 the high per capita income in these countries. However, the low-density levels in the other
nations have diluted the GCC average, which is lower than the world.
The average insurance density in the GCC is higher than the Emerging Market average of
US$ 149 primarily on account of the low population base in the GCC as compared to the
populous emerging markets. Additionally, the average per capita income in the emerging
markets is low compared to the GCC resulting in lower spending on insurable assets such
as property and motor. Despite the high density level, a growing population base offers
significant room for growth to the insurance sector.
4
Source: “World Insurance in 2016”, Swiss Re; “World Economic Outlook Database”, IMF, October 2017

Exhibit 7: Trend in Insurance Density in the GCC Exhibit 8: Country-wise Insurance Density
600 1,400
484.6 486.5 1,200

500 1,121.5
439.8 1,038.7
1,000
400 388.7
343.9
317.7 800
US$
US$
300 Global Average: 638

600 561.0
GCC Average: 486.5
200
400
298.3 313.0
263.9
100
200 Emerging Markets Average: 149
0 0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Kuwait Oman Saudi Arabia Bahrain UAE Qatar
Takaful Insurance
Takaful is a form of Islamic insurance, wherein policyholders mutually insure each other,
thus playing the dual roles of insured as well as insurer. This type of insurance mainly
abides by the Sharia principles and hence, a popular product in countries with a majority of
Islam followers. Takaful is a budding sub-sector in the GCC insurance space. The GCC-
based Takaful insurers adopt a wakala or mudarabah or a hybrid model (a combination of
the two). The mudarabah model is based on the principle of sharing the risks as well as
the profits between the operator and the policyholder. Under the wakala model, the
Takaful operator only acts as an agent or a trustee for the policyholders, with their role
confined to managing the fund for an upfront fee. The policyholders are the sole
beneficiary of the underwriting results.
At an estimated US$ 11.5 The GCC region dominates the global Takaful industry, by representing 77.2% of the
world’s Takaful GWP in 20155. At an estimated US$ 11.5 billion, the region’s Takaful
billion in 2015, the region’s
market has grown at a CAGR of 18.0% from 2012 and accounts for nearly 44% of the
Takaful market has grown at
GCC insurance sector6. Preference towards Sharia-compliant financial solutions and an
a CAGR of 18.0% from 2012 expanding non-life market are the factors aiding growth. Saudi Arabia is the largest
and accounts for nearly 44% Takaful market in the region with a GWP of US$ 9.7 billion (see Exhibit 9). The market size
of the overall insurance is same as that of the overall insurance industry in the Kingdom, as all the domestic
sector insurance firms follow a cooperative model, which requires being Sharia-compliant. The
Takaful markets in the other countries are relatively small with a market size of less than
US$ 1 billion. At 0.5% in 2015, the penetration level of Takaful insurance in the GCC is
much lower than the conventional insurance sector. This presents significant opportunities
for Islamic insurers. There are about 40 Takaful players in the region, excluding Saudi
Arabia that is home to 35 Sharia-compliant insurance companies. The market appears
overcrowded in view of several companies competing for the petite size of premiums.
5
Source: “Global Takaful Report 2017”, Milliman Research, July 2017
6
Source: “Global Takaful Report 2017”, Milliman Research, July 2017; Swiss Re

Exhibit 9: Country-wise GCC Takaful Market (2015) Exhibit 10: GCC Takaful Penetration Rates (2015)
100% = US$ 11.5 billion

Saudi Arabia 1.49%
Oman,
US$ 0.10 bn ,
0.9% Bahrain 0.63%
Bahrain,
US$ 0.17 bn,
1.5% GCC 0.48%
Kuwait,
US$ 0.23 bn,
2.0% Saudi Arabia, UAE 0.23%
US$ 9.7 bn,
Qatar, 84.7%
US$ 0.33 bn , Kuwait 0.21%
2.9%
UAE, Qatar 0.20%

US$ 0.93 bn,
8.1%
Oman 0.14%
0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0%

Penetration Rate (%)
Source: Milliman Research, Swiss Re Source: Milliman Research, Swiss Re, IMF
The Takaful providers faced a slowdown in premiums during 2016. However, the listed
Takaful players reported pre-tax net income of US$ 683 million during the year, a
substantial increase from US$ 274 million in the previous year7. This is mainly a reflection
of the performance in Saudi Arabia, wherein players benefited from the implementation of
actuarial pricing ensuing into a rise in pricing of motor premiums. A relatively small size,
less diverse business and short tenure of experience compared to the conventional
players, places the Takaful insurers at a higher degree of risk to economic deceleration.
The Takaful industry is The Takaful industry is developing, given the low penetration levels and a maturing
regulatory framework. Insurance regulators in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and the
developing, given the low
independent financial hubs of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Qatar
penetration levels and a
Financial Centre (QFC) have introduced regulations specific to the Takaful industry. Qatar
maturing regulatory (excluding QFC) is redrafting its regulatory framework to include specific laws for the
framework Takaful sector. Kuwait in its new insurance law draft has also set specific rules for the
sector. In November 2016, the UAE Insurance Authority capped the wakala and
mudarabah fee on annual renewable policies at 35% of GWP and investment income8.
Such new regulations aim at standardizing processes, developing corporate governance,
strengthening technical provisions and protecting the interest of policyholders.
Reinsurance
In the GCC, on an average In the GCC, on an average 37.3% of non-life insurance premiums are ceded to reinsurers,
which is significantly high compared to the global average of 8%9. The high dependence
37.3% of non-life insurance
on reinsurers is due to lack of expertise and low risk appetite of the local companies in
premiums are ceded to
underwriting large hydrocarbon projects. Based on the cession rate, the GCC non-life
reinsurers, which is reinsurance market amounted to US$ 8.6 billion in 2015. Except for Qatar and Saudi
significantly high compared Arabia, the other countries had cession rates above 40% in 2015 (see Exhibit 11). The
to global average of 8% rates have declined across the countries, barring Bahrain, due to growing proportion of
7
Source: “Slowdown in GCC takaful sector expected to linger”, Gulf News, August 6, 2017
8
Source: “Global Takaful Report 2017”, Milliman Research, July 2017
9
Source: “MENA Reinsurance Barometer 2016”, Qatar Financial Centre Authority

motor and medical insurance lines, which have low cession rates. Commercial insurance
lines command a high rate due to the large risk involved and lack of technical expertise.
Exhibit 11: Proportion of Non-life Insurance Premium Ceded to Reinsurers
100%
37.0%
80%
53.0%
54.0%
55.0%
55.0%
56.0%
56.0%
60.0%
66.0%
68.0%
70.0%
81.0%
60%
40%
63.0%
47.0%
46.0%
45.0%
45.0%
44.0%
44.0%
40.0%
34.0%
32.0%
20%
30.0%
19.0%
0%
2011 2015 2011 2015 2011 2015 2011 2015 2011 2015 2011 2015
UAE Oman Kuwait Bahrain Qatar Saudi Arabia
Ceded Retained
Source: Qatar Financial Centre Authority
A decline in cession rates, A decline in cession rates, alongside slowing down of large commercial and infrastructure
projects, have affected the performance of GCC-based reinsurers. Moreover, the
alongside slowing down of
reinsurance market is witnessing overcapacity, with local as well as international
large commercial and
companies competing for the high-ceded premiums. Intense competition is putting
infrastructure projects, have pressure on renewal rates, thus affecting the underwriting margins of reinsurers.
affected the performance of Nevertheless, this looks a short-term impact and the long-term appears convincing due to
GCC-based reinsurers the low insurance penetration, need for underwriting expertise on large projects and limited
exposure to catastrophe risk. Most of the reinsurers are international firms focusing on
conventional reinsurance, underwriting large commercial risks and providing expertise as
well as capital. Family Takaful, engineering, construction and energy are the key areas
offering business potential for reinsurance firms in the region.
2.1 Country-wise Insurance Market Overview

Non-life insurance markets across the GCC countries are expanding, driven by an active
regulatory environment. Enforcement of actuarial pricing in Saudi Arabia, mandatory
health insurance in Dubai and a unified motor pricing mechanism in the UAE were the key
developments fueling the insurance markets. Such factors helped the industry tide over
the rough economic weather, which affected premium volumes in other business lines.
The insurance profitability picture varied across the countries. Profitability in the large
markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia was backed by the new regulations. On the other
hand, the small markets, except Bahrain, witnessed a decline in net income due to price
competition and low premium growth.

UAE
The UAE registered GWP of The UAE is the largest insurance market in the GCC and ranked 39th globally based on
GWP10. A well-diversified economy, a growing base of population, introduction of new
US$ 10.2 billion in 2016,
forms of insurance and an overhaul of the regulatory environment have been auguring
translating into a CAGR of
growth for the domestic insurance industry. The country registered GWP of US$ 10.2
9.5% from US$ 6.5 billion in billion in 2016, translating into a CAGR of 9.5% from US$ 6.5 billion in 201110 (see Exhibit
2011 12). After registering a strong increase during 2012 to 2015, the growth slowed down in
2016 due to the challenging economic conditions. The trend was a reflection of weakness
in both the life and non-life insurance segments. However, a high growth compared to the
overall economy underlines the sector’s strength.
Similar to the trend in the Middle East, non-life insurance formed the largest part (over
three-fourths) of GWP in the UAE10. However, in terms of annualized growth between
2011 and 2016, life insurance premiums grew at a faster rate of 13.9% compared to 8.3%
in the non-life segment. The robust growth in the life business is supported by demand
from the expanding expatriate community and issue of single premium investment
products through banks. Growth in the non-life business is attributed to the phased rollout
of compulsory health insurance in Dubai since January 2014 and increasing use of private
healthcare. Consequently, the share of medical insurance has expanded by 18.4 ppts
between 2011 and 2015 to 47.8%11. Medical and accident & liability are the main
insurance lines collectively accounting for over 80% of the non-life insurance market (see
Exhibit 13) and more than 60% of the total insurance market in the country. During the
period, medical insurance business grew at a CAGR of over 20%, while other lines either
grew by low single-digit or declined. While Abu Dhabi introduced mandatory health
insurance more than a decade ago and Dubai implemented it in 2014, the other Emirates
may follow the practice soon. This is likely to lend a push to the overall insurance market in
the country.
Exhibit 12: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in the UAE Exhibit 13: Composition of Non-life Insurance in the UAE
12 16% 100%
6.0%
12.1% 11.4% 7.6% 6.7%
10.2 8.4%
9.8 14% 9.0%
10 80% 9.7%
12.3% 8.9 13.1% 11.9%
8.0 12%
8 34.3%
7.2 10.2% 60% 32.8% 33.0%
11.0%
US$ billion
6.5 10% 39.3%

7.8 41.3%
6 9.8% 7.5
6.8 40%
6.1 8%
5.5
4 5.2
44.1% 44.5% 47.8%
6% 20%
29.4% 32.0%
2 4.2%
4%
2.1 2.4 2.4 0%
1.6 1.9
1.3 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
0 2%
Medical Insurance Accident & Liability
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Fire Marine, Aviation & Inland Transport
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS)
Other risks
Source: Swiss Re Source: UAE Insurance Authority

Note: 2016 figures are not published
10
Source: World Insurance report series, Swiss Re
11
Source: “Annual Report for the Insurance Sector of the UAE - 2015”, UAE Insurance Authority

The UAE had the highest life The UAE had the highest life and non-life insurance penetration in the region at 0.7% and
2.2%, respectively, in 201612 (see Exhibits 14 and 15). However, the rates are lower than
and non-life insurance
the global averages of 3.5% and 2.8%, respectively. The rates have been steadily
penetration in the region at
increasing in the last five years in line with the rising GWP. Life insurance density has also
0.7% and 2.2%, respectively, increased gradually to reach US$ 248.4 in 2016, which is much higher than the emerging
in 2016 market average of US$ 80 but below the global average of US$ 353. Life insurance is
popular among the expatriates, who are knowledgeable about its benefits and consider it
as an important part of their investment avenues. As expatriates prefer to purchase
policies from their homegrown companies operating in the UAE, foreign insurance
providers account for 79.4% of the life insurance GWP in the country13. The policy is not
so essential for the nationals, as they are covered under the state welfare programs.
Moreover, the awareness about such products is low amongst the residents. A vibrant
business environment, huge infrastructure developments and compulsory motor and
health covers have resulted in the non-life density growing at an annual average of 5.1%
since 2011 to US$ 790.3 in 2016. The level is much higher than the global average of US$
285.
Exhibit 14: Life Insurance Density and Penetration in the Exhibit 15: Non-life Insurance Density and Penetration in
UAE the UAE
280 0.8% 850 2.5%

780.6 790.3
245.3 248.4
728.6
230.2 2.2%
0.70% 677.6
211.9 680 2.1% 2.0%
0.66% 615.1 630.9
210 0.6%
185.1
0.53% 1.7%
510 1.5%
150.1 0.49% 1.6%
1.5% 1.5%
US$
US$
140 0.43% 0.4%
0.36% 340 1.0%
70 0.2%
170 0.5%
0 0.0% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Life Insurance Density (LHS) Life Insurance Penetration Non-life Insurance Density (LHS) Non-life Insurance Penetration
The insurance sector in the The insurance sector in the Emirates is fragmented and highly competitive with the
presence of 61 insurance providers, comprising 34 local and 27 foreign companies14. Of
Emirates is fragmented and
the national players, 11 firms offer Takaful insurance. Financial performance of the 30
highly competitive with the
listed insurers, accounting for more than half of the country’s GWP, improved in 2016 and
presence of 61 insurance 9M 201715. The consolidated GWP grew by 9.9% y-o-y to US$ 5.4 billion in 2016 and by
providers, comprising 34 12.5% y-o-y to US$ 4.7 billion in 9M 2017. Growth was driven by the implementation of
national and 27 foreign mandatory medical insurance and the tariff rise in motor insurance. Oman Insurance Co.,
companies Orient Insurance, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co., Emirates Insurance Co. and Al Ain
Ahlia Insurance Co. accounted for 53.2% of the GWP in 2016, highlighting greater industry
concentration at the top. The insurance sector returned to profits, as the combined ratio16
12
Source: “World Insurance in 2016”, Swiss Re; IMF
13
Source: “Annual Report of Insurance Sector of the UAE”, Insurance Authority of UAE, 2015
14
Source: “Annual Report on the UAE Insurance Sector 2015”, Insurance Authority of the UAE
15
Source: Swiss Re, Thomson Reuters Eikon
16
A combined ratio below 100% indicates that a firm is generating underwriting profit, while a ratio above 100%
indicates that it is incurring underwriting loss

improved from 105% in 2015 to 99% in 201617. The UAE insurance companies posted a
net profit of US$ 245.5 million in 2016 compared to a loss of US$ 51.5 million in the
previous year18. The profitability boosted further with 9M 2017 witnessing a net income of
US$ 306.9 million, an increase of 56.7% y-o-y. While the top line expansion was driven by
the regulatory reforms, the profitability was boosted by an increase in net investment
income, which represented more than 90% of the bottom line. A new regulation passed in
this year was the introduction of a unified motor policy effective January 1, 2017, providing
increased insurance cover. As part of the policy, the government set new tariffs for third-
party vehicle insurance, resulting in as much as 40% rise in premiums of certain vehicle
models19. With motor insurance contributing about 30% of premium income in the UAE,
the new tariff assisted in the expansion of overall industry GWP.
The regulatory framework in the UAE has been transforming the sector. In early 2015,
UAE Insurance Authority, the sector’s independent regulator, introduced several measures
such as improved financial reporting standards, independent actuarial sign-offs, risk
management & controls and reserving and solvency requirements. The regulations also
put caps on equity and real estate investment of insurers to optimize their risk exposure.
Further, the authority directed composite insurers to report their life and non-life
businesses separately for effective regulation of the distinct lines. The authority is also
spreading knowledge about insurance products by conducting seminars, conferences and
campaigns. In November 2016, the authority released a new life consultation paper stating
regulations that could change the way life insurance products are priced and sold in the
country20. The move is to align the regulations in the life segment with those in the
developed markets. Industry operators are required to provide their feedback on the paper
by November 2017. Such regulations are likely to take the industry to the next level and
open up significant opportunities for insurance providers and intermediaries.
Saudi Arabia
The insurance market in The insurance market in Saudi Arabia is the second largest in the GCC. The GWP grew at
a CAGR of 15.0% in the last five years to US$ 9.9 billion in 201621 (see Exhibit 16), driven
Saudi Arabia is the second
by growth in compulsory insurance lines – medical and motor. Additionally, a large and
largest in the GCC and grew
growing base of population, increasing awareness of insurance benefits and rising number
at a CAGR of 15.0% in the of vehicles have backed GWP growth. Motor and health were the key insurance lines,
last five years to US$ 9.9 contributing 86.0% to the total non-life insurance GWP (see Exhibit 17) and nearly 84% to
billion in 2016 overall sector GWP22. These business lines grew at annualized rates of 13.9% and 25.4%,
respectively, between 2011 and 2016. Growth was stimulated by the enforcement of
actuarial pricing in 2013. However, the overall industry growth decelerated in 2016 owing
to the oil price meltdown and its repercussions on business activities and infrastructure
spending. Reduced employment levels affected health insurance volumes, a major
contributor to the sector. GWP in commercial lines of engineering, marine, energy,
property/fire, accidents & liability and aviation also declined during the year.
17
Source: “UAE Insurers Report Profits Amid Regulatory Pressure”, S&P Global Ratings, April 17, 2017
18
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
19
Source: “UAE car insurance costs increase by up to 40%”, The National, March 14, 2017
20
Source: “Abu Dhabi new standards make insurance sector more competitive”, Oxford Business Group
21
22
Source: “The Saudi Insurance Market Report 2016”, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA)

Exhibit 16: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in Saudi Arabia Exhibit 17: Composition of Non-life Insurance in Saudi
Arabia
12 30% 100%
5.5% 5.1%
9.7 9.9 6.5%
10 25% 80% 6.6% 6.6% 6.8%
8.1 19.7% 23.1% 27.1% 30.5% 34.0%

19.2% 22.3% 26.0%
8 20%
20.8% 60%
6.7
US$ billion
5.6
6 15%
4.9 40%
14.4% 9.5 9.7
4 7.9 10% 55.2% 55.6% 52.9% 53.1% 53.5% 52.0%

6.5 20%
5.4
4.7
2 5%
2.1% 0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
0 0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Health Motor Property/Fire Accident & Liability
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS) Engineering Marine Energy Aviation
Source: Swiss Re Source: SAMA
Penetration of non-life Life insurance premiums continued to remain a miniscule part of the total GWP23, due to
the lack of awareness and product innovation coupled with the Kingdom’s generous
insurance has been
welfare programs for the nationals. Accordingly, the penetration and density levels of life
increasing over the years in
insurance are extremely low (see Exhibit 18). Life insurance is almost absent amongst the
line with rising motor and retail segment and is primarily availed as group schemes. Penetration of non-life insurance
health insurance businesses has been increasing over the years in line with rising motor and health insurance
businesses. There is ample room for growth, as the penetration rate of 1.5% is much lower
than the advanced economies. The density of non-life insurance increased at a rapid
CAGR of 13.0% in the last five years, but remained almost flat in 2016 (see Exhibit 19),
mirroring the trend in GWP.
Exhibit 18: Life Insurance Density and Penetration in Exhibit 19: Non-life Insurance Density and Penetration in
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
10 0.05% 360 1.8%

8.9 8.8
8.5 304.9 304.2
8.1 300 1.5%
8 7.8 0.043% 0.04%
7.5 0.042% 1.49%
256.3 1.45%
0.036% 240 1.2%

216.9
6 0.032% 0.032% 0.03%
0.030% 185.3
1.04%
US$
US$
180 165.4 0.9%

0.87%
4 0.02%
0.70% 0.73%
120 0.6%
2 0.01%
60 0.3%
0 0.00% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
23

The insurance market in The domestic industry is intensely competitive with 35 licensed insurers and reinsurers 24
contending for the nearly US$ 10 billion of gross premiums. The industry is also highly
Saudi Arabia is highly
concentrated, with the top five players holding 64.0% of the GWP in 201625. During 2016,
concentrated, with the top
the insurance industry26 posted a substantial 152.1% y-o-y jump in net profit to US$ 627.7
five players holding 64.0% of million led by lower claims ratio and increase in investment income. The top two insurers –
the GWP in 2016 Company for Cooperative Insurance (CCI or Tawuniya) and Bupa Arabia for Cooperative
Insurance Co. (BUPA) – contributed nearly 60% to the net profit in 2016. GWP growth
during the year was meager due to fall in demand for health and general insurance
products. The deceleration continued in 9M 2017, wherein the GWP dropped by 1.4% y-o-
y to US$ 7.5 billion. During the period, net profit also fell by 15.6% to US$ 380.8 million,
but this was mainly due to the substantial increase in losses of Mediterranean and Gulf
Cooperative Insurance and Reinsurance Co. (MGCI). The loss was attributed to lower net
underwriting results arising out of drop in net premiums and increase in bad debts
provisions. The company’s accumulated losses reached 19.5% of its capital as on
September 30, 201727. Barring this company, the overall industry’s net profit grew by
14.8% y-o-y. The implementation of prudent reserving and a pricing mechanism in 2013 to
move away from market-based pricing has improved the overall sector profitability.
However, the industry may undergo consolidation, in view of the accumulated losses of
some insurers. Companies like Malath Cooperative Insurance & Reinsurance Co. and
Allied Cooperative Insurance Group as well as Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance and Al
Ahlia for Cooperative Insurance have filed an intent to conduct due diligence in preparation
The insurance sector in the
for merger28. The regulator, SAMA, has also tightened its purview over the insurers by
Kingdom seems to be
directing them to review and restructure businesses. The authority has been suspending
benefiting from the active several motor insurers from issuing new policies until the companies resolve customer
regulations that improved complaints and address claims management. Moreover, in March 2017, Sanad
tariffs, capitalization and Cooperative Insurance Co. applied for voluntary liquidation after losing over half of its
profitability capital. Many insurers have also filed an intent to raise capital to meet the solvency
requirements. Such activity and stringent regulatory oversight will ensure prudent practices
and strengthen the industry. Overall, the insurance sector in the Kingdom seems to be
benefiting from the active regulations that improved tariffs, capitalization and profitability.
Qatar
Qatar is the fastest growing Qatar is the fastest growing insurance industry in the GCC, registering a CAGR of 19.7%
in the GWP to reach US$ 2.9 billion in 2016 from US$ 1.2 billion in 201129 (see Exhibit 20).
insurance industry in the
The high growth period was mainly during 2011-2014 backed by a period of elevated oil
GCC, registering a CAGR of
prices and the ensuing investments on economic expansion and infrastructure
19.7% in the GWP to reach developments in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022. With the drop in oil prices, the
US$ 2.9 billion in 2016 from GWP growth has moderated in the last couple of years.
US$ 1.2 billion in 2011
Motor and fire/theft are the key business lines, accounting for 35.4% and 23.5% of the
country’s insurance GWP in 201630 (see Exhibit 21). The share of motor insurance has
been increasing, supported by rising sale of vehicles and mandatory car insurance policy.
Health insurance is a part of the ‘Other’ category and is not a major part of the GWP,
unlike the other GCC countries. Nevertheless, the government is working on introducing a
24
Source: “Financial Stability Report 2017”, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA)
25
26
Performance of 33 publicly listed insurance companies in Saudi Arabia
27
Source: Tadawul
28
Source: “Saudi insurers eye merger route out of losses, insolvency”, Argaam, May 2, 2017
29
30
Source: “Banks and Insurance”, Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics of Qatar

mandatory health insurance scheme for expatriates and visitors. This is likely to drive the
insurance sector, alongside rapid urbanization and infrastructure developments.
Exhibit 20: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in Qatar Exhibit 21: Composition of Insurance in Qatar
3.5 50% 100%

48.8%
3.0 2.9
2.8 30.9%
2.7 40% 80% 43.2% 42.8% 40.9% 43.6%
53.1%
2.5
34.3% 10.2%
2.0 30% 60%
US$ billion
2.0
11.1% 8.1% 12.5% 9.4%
23.5%
1.5 1.3 2.9 40% 10.0% 14.1%
2.6 2.8 20%
1.2 25.5% 22.7%
29.2%
1.0 11.9% 1.9 18.4%
10% 20%
1.1 1.3 5.1% 33.0% 35.4%
0.5 4.4% 23.6% 24.0%
18.6% 16.4%
0%
0.0 0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS) Motor Fire / Theft Cargo Other
Source: Swiss Re Source: Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics of Qatar
Non-life insurance remains Life insurance segment in Qatar is underdeveloped, with a negligible penetration rate of
0.03% and density of US$ 18.0 (see Exhibit 22). While the penetration rate has remained
the key segment accounting
range bound, the density has declined in the last two years owing to the fall in premiums.
for 98.4% of the total
Non-life insurance remains the key segment accounting for 98.4% of the total insurance
insurance GWP in Qatar GWP. Expanding at an annualized rate of 20.4% between 2011 and 2016, the non-life
insurance market is growing rapidly in the country. Subsequently, the penetration level has
risen from 0.7% in 2011 to 1.9% in 2016 (see Exhibit 23) and the density at an annual
average of 10.8% during the period.
Qatar Qatar
35 0.04% 1,400 2.1%

31.2 31.6 30.9 1.9%
30.7
30 1,200 1,177.3 1.8%
1,132.5 1,103.5
0.032% 0.033%
0.031% 0.03% 1.7%
25 0.031% 0.032% 1,000 963.6 1.5%
0.030%
21.3
20 800 1.3% 1.2%
18.0 698.9
US$
US$
0.02% 659.5
15 600 1.0% 0.9%
10 400 0.7% 0.7% 0.6%

0.01%
5 200 0.3%
0 0.00% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

The insurance sector in The country is home to 12 insurance companies, of which 8 are local and rest are
branches of foreign companies31. Of these, eight are conventional insurance players and
Qatar is highly concentrated
remaining Takaful providers. Additionally, the QFC, an onshore global financial hub, hosts
with the top five players
15 insurers, of which 10 are from the MENA region. Like its neighboring countries, the
holding about 80% of the insurance sector in Qatar is highly concentrated with the top five players – Qatar Insurance
country’s GWP Co., Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co., Doha Insurance Co., Qatar Islamic
Insurance Co., and Al Khaleej Takaful Group – holding about 80% of the country’s GWP32.
With a high fragmentation at the bottom level, the small players are facing intense
competition. Foreign insurance companies do not have a major presence in Qatar;
however, the local insurers have established substantial operations overseas. In fact,
Qatar Insurance Co., the largest domestic insurer, earns a large part of its premium
income from international operations.
Collectively, GWP of the top five companies increased by 31.4% y-o-y in 2016 to US$ 3.1
billion and 13.8% y-o-y during 9M 2017 to US$ 2.6 billion33. The GWP of these companies
is inclusive of their international operations and hence higher than the total country’s GWP.
However, net profit remained under pressure as it declined by 36.4% y-o-y to US$ 385.2
million in 2016 and 56.3% y-o-y to US$ 119.9 million in 9M 2017, primarily due to fall in
investment income and losses booked by Qatar Insurance Co. in Q3 2017 on account of
the natural disasters in Americas.
On the regulatory front, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) – the insurance industry regulator –
introduced an Insurance Law in April 2016. The law stipulates the minimum capital
requirements, actuarial reviews, governance rules, reserving and investment limits, risk
management and other controls. According to the new law, listed insurance companies are
required to hold a capital of more than QAR 100 million (US$ 27.4 million34) or as per the
risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. Unlisted insurance companies need to hold a
capital above the figure set by the QCB or as per RBC requirement. The regulations may
strain the financials of companies in the near term; however, it seems beneficial for the
industry’s growth over the long run.
Oman
The insurance sector in The insurance sector in Oman grew at an average annualized rate of 10.3% between 2011
and 2016 to US$ 1.2 billion35 (see Exhibit 24), the third fastest growth in the GCC. The
Oman grew at an average
expanding market is mainly attributed to the rapid rise in the health insurance segment.
annualized rate of 10.3%
The share of health insurance in non-life GWP grew from 18.1% in 2013 to 30.3% in
between 2011 and 2016 to 201636 (see Exhibit 25), on the back of increasing use of healthcare facilities and growing
US$ 1.2 billion awareness about the benefits of insurance among the people. Moreover, the subscriptions
have increased ahead of the forthcoming mandatory health insurance in the country.
However, the largest business line continues to be motor insurance representing over 40%
of the non-life GWP due to compulsory third-party policy requirement. The share of
property insurance business has dropped over the years owing to a slowdown in
construction activity. Other key business lines of marine and engineering also witnessed a
decline in the last couple of years due to a lackluster business climate. Consequently, the
non-life GWP – making up 88.0% of the total insurance GWP – grew at a CAGR of 11.4%
between 2011 and 201635. On the other hand, the life segment grew at a slow pace of
31
Source: “Financial Stability Review 2016”, Qatar Central Bank
32
Source: “Insurance Opportunities in the Middle East”, EY
33
34
Converted at exchange rate of 0.274
35
36
Source: “Insurance Market Index 2015-2016”, Capital Market Authority of Oman

3.5% and formed a small portion of the insurance market. During 2016, growth in life
segment slowed due to severances in the construction industry resulting in less life
insurance contributions for employees.
Exhibit 24: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in Oman Exhibit 25: Composition of Non-life Insurance in Oman
1.5 20% 100%

5.6% 4.9% 6.9% 4.7%
16.9% 4.5% 4.1% 3.7% 3.6%
6.9% 4.7%
1.20 7.1% 6.1%
1.2 1.15 80%
11.9%
15% 14.2% 12.0%
1.04 15.7%
0.95
0.9 0.86 11.1% 60%
US$ billion
18.1% 22.0% 26.3% 30.3%

0.73 9.3%
1.05 10%
10.5%
1.01 40%
0.6
0.94
0.86
0.75
0.61
5% 45.8% 44.8% 41.8%
20% 41.3%
0.3
4.0%
0.12 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.14 0.14 0%

0.0 0%
2013 2014 2015 2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS) Motor Health Property Engineering Marine Liability Others
Source: Swiss Re Source: Capital Market Authority of Oman
An increase in GWP amidst An increase in GWP amidst the fall in GDP has led to an increase in the penetration of life
and non-life insurance segments37 (see Exhibits 26 and 27). Life insurance penetration
the fall in GDP has led to an
and density witnessed a substantial jump in 2015. Although the levels are much lower than
increase in the penetration of
the advanced economies, the expansion in penetration and density underlines the demand
life and non-life insurance for life insurance from the expatriate community. The segment is likely to grow in the
segments coming years with the rise of family Takaful, alongside, the enactment of new Takaful
framework in March 2016. On the non-life side, the density increased by 5.1% annually to
US$ 262.4 in 2016 and penetration expanded from less than 1% in 2011 to 1.6% in 2016.
The increase is driven by the insurance awareness drive undertaken by the government.
Oman Oman
50 0.25% 300 2.0%
0.22% 267.9 262.4

252.9
40.4 0.20% 250 239.0
40 0.20% 228.5 1.6%
36.5 35.9 1.6%
204.5
0.18% 31.9 200 1.4%
30 0.15% 1.2%
25.6
24.5
US$
US$
0.14% 150 1.1% 1.2%

1.0%
20 0.12% 0.10% 0.9% 0.8%
0.11%
100
10 0.05% 0.4%
50
0 0.00% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
37

During 2016, more than half Oman’s insurance industry comprises 11 national companies, of which two are Takaful
providers, and 11 foreign companies38. A substantial jump in life insurance premiums and
of the GWP in Oman came
a moderate growth in non-life premiums of foreign companies were the major factors
from the top four players
driving the country’s insurance GWP in 2016. On the other hand, the life insurance GWP
of national insurance providers declined. More than half of the country’s GWP in 2016
came from the top four players – National Life Insurance and General (22%), Dhofar
Insurance (12%), Axa Insurance (11%) and Oman United Insurance (9%). The
consolidated GWP of listed insurance companies (Dhofar Insurance Co., Muscat
Insurance Co., Oman United Insurance Co. and Takaful Oman Insurance), reported a
decline in during 2016 and 9M 201739. The decline in consolidated GWP was on account
of a reduction in underwriting business reported by Dhofar Insurance Co, the second
largest insurer in the country, as a result of intense competition and pricing pressures.
Nevertheless, the company has been reducing its net loss, resulting in the industry
(consolidated net income of the listed companies) returning to profits in 2016 and 9M
2017.
The insurance industry in The insurance industry in Oman went through major regulatory changes since 2014,
aimed at strengthening the capital base of insurers and developing the industry. According
Oman went through major
to the new amendments to insurance law in August 2014, the Capital Market Authority
regulatory changes since
doubled the minimum capital requirements for local insurance companies from US$ 12.9
2014, aimed at strengthening million to UD$ 25.9 million40. Further, the companies have to convert themselves into
the capital base of insurers public joint stock companies, by divesting 25% of their promoters’ holdings through initial
and developing the industry public offerings. Such regulations are expected to improve transparency and provide the
firms access to additional funds. In March 2016, the regulator introduced the Takaful
Insurance Law, to bring the Sharia-compliant insurers in line with the conventional
insurance sector. They will have to abide by the same regulations implemented for the
larger industry. In September 2017, the regulator received the approval of ministers to
introduce mandatory health insurance for private sector expatriates from 201841. To be
implemented in stages, this move is set to expand the country’s insurance sector.
Kuwait
Kuwait is one of the smallest Kuwait is one of the smallest and least developed insurance sectors in the GCC with an
industry equivalent to only 1% of the GDP42. Measured by GWP, the sector grew at a
and least developed
CAGR of 6.4% to US$ 1.12 billion in 2016 from US$ 0.82 billion in 2011 (see Exhibit 28).
insurance sectors in the GCC
The growth in premiums remained volatile during the period, with a decline in 2015 and a
with an industry equivalent rebound in 2016. Life insurance segment accounted for 16.4% of the total GWP and grew
to only 1% of the GDP at an annual average of 3.6% during the five-year period. Non-life GWP grew at a faster
pace of 7.0%, but the growth was to an extent subdued by a fall in 2015. Due to
mandatory third-party motor insurance, motor is the largest insurance line accounting for
nearly 30% of the country’s GWP32. Health and life are the other key segments.
38
Source: “Insurance Market Index 2015-2016”, Capital Market Authority of Oman
39
40
Source: “Insurance Opportunities in the Middle East”, EY
41
Source: “Govt nod for Mandatory Healthcare Insurance for expats in Oman”, Ministry of Information of Oman,
September 27, 2017
42
Based on overall insurance penetration level; Source: World Insurance report series, Swiss Re

Exhibit 28: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in Kuwait
1.4 14%
1.2 11.9% 1.12 12%

10.4% 1.06 1.05
1.0 0.95 10%
0.90
0.82
0.8 8%
US$ billion 0.93
0.6 0.88 0.87 6%
0.73 0.77 6.4%
0.67
0.4 4.8% 4%
0.2 2%
0.15 0.17 0.18 0.18 0.17 0.18
0.0 0%
-0.2 -1.1% -2%
-0.4 -4%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS)
Source: Swiss Re
Life and non-life insurance Life and non-life insurance density in Kuwait have remained volatile in the last three years
and stood at US$ 43.3 and US$ 220.6 in 201643 (see Exhibits 29 and 30). Penetration
density in Kuwait have
levels of the segments showed an increase, but this is largely due to a drastic drop in the
remained volatile in the last
country’s GDP. A growing base of population and recouping economy presents a large
three years and stood at US$ opportunity for the insurance players to penetrate the market, given the present low
43.3 and US$ 220.6 in 2016 penetration levels.
Kuwait Kuwait
50 0.20% 250 1.0%

45.7 46.5
44.0 43.3 221.1 220.6
41.6 42.3 212.7
193.1 196.9
40 0.16% 200 0.84% 0.8%
0.17% 180.9
0.15% 0.76%
30 0.12% 150 0.6%

US$
US$
0.11% 0.54%
0.10%
0.10% 0.10%
20 0.08% 100 0.43% 0.44% 0.4%
0.42%
10 0.04% 50 0.2%
0 0.00% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
43

A presence of 23 local A presence of 23 local players and 10 foreign companies44 in the small insurance market
has led to intense competition. Limited regulatory purview and permission to hold 100%
players and 10 foreign
ownership have attracted many foreign insurers, including Takaful providers.
companies in the small
Nevertheless, domestic firms lead the insurance industry with the top five local players
insurance market has led to accounting for more than 56% of the country’s GWP.
intense competition
The five listed insurance players45 – Al Ahleia Insurance Co., Kuwait Insurance Co., Warba
Insurance Co., Gulf Insurance Group and Kuwait Reinsurance Co. – posted a combined
GWP of US$ 1.2 billion during 2016, an increase of 10.3% y-o-y46. The premiums are
higher than the country’s total GWP, as the major player Gulf Insurance Group has a
presence across the region. Al Ahleia Insurance Co. and Gulf Insurance Group posted an
increase in GWP, while the others registered a decline during the year due to the
challenging economic environment. On the profitability front, the collective net profit of the
five insurers dropped by 37.0% y-o-y to US$ 74.4 million. All the companies reported a
drop due to a price war, which affected their underwriting performance. Nevertheless,
during 9M 2017 the companies’ GWP and net profit expanded annually by 40.0% and
53.8%, respectively47. The improvement in premiums was led by a substantial growth in
Gulf Insurance Group. Similarly, Kuwait Reinsurance Co. and Kuwait Insurance Co. led
the expansion in net profit.
The regulatory framework – controlled by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry – in

Kuwait is relatively underdeveloped compared to its neighboring countries. The
government is looking at implementing a new insurance law and setting up an autonomous
body to regulate the industry. Moreover, in a move to reduce its burden of health costs, the
members of parliament have proposed introduced of mandatory health insurance for
visitors48. Such developments are likely to set a progressive path for the insurance sector.
Bahrain
With a GWP of US$ 0.74 With a GWP of US$ 0.74 billion in 2016, Bahrain has the smallest insurance industry in the
GCC49 (see Exhibit 31). Also, the growth has been the slowest in the region at a CAGR of
billion in 2016, Bahrain has
5.3% since 2011. The GWP has remained almost unchanged in the last three years,
the smallest insurance
signifying an inactive market. Life insurance premiums declined during the period and
industry in the GCC accounted for less than 20% of the total insurance market. Non-life insurance premiums
grew at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2011 and 2016 and formed the largest part (81.1%) of
the industry. Growth in this segment was led by a rapid rise in the motor and medical
insurance premiums50. Subsequently, their respective shares in the total non-life GWP
expanded by 2.3 ppts to 35.8% and 7.2 ppts to 28.2% in 2016 (see Exhibit 32). Mandatory
third-party motor insurance and a high composition of expatriates who purchase medical
insurance to take care of the high healthcare cost validate the high composition of these
business lines. Medical insurance is likely to get a boost in anticipation of regulatory
changes to make health insurance mandatory for expatriates. Takaful insurance has a
strong base in Bahrain, with a share of 22% in the country’s total insurance GWP in
201650. Its contribution is mainly high at over 30% each in medical and motor business
44
Source: “Insurance market expected to remain fragmented”, Middle East Insurance Review, October 25, 2015
45
Excludes Takaful companies
46
47
Excluding Warba Insurance Co.
48
Source: “Kuwait MPs propose mandatory health insurance for visitors”, Zawya, June 17, 2017
49
50
Source: “Insurance Market Review”, Central Bank of Bahrain

lines. Insurance premiums written by Takaful providers grew at a CAGR of 6.6% in the five
years to BHD 60.4 million (US$ 164.4 million51) in 2016.
Exhibit 31: Segment-wise Insurance GWP in Bahrain Exhibit 32: Composition of Non-life Insurance in Bahrain
1.0 11.2% 12% 100%

5.7% 6.3% 5.9% 5.1% 6.0% 5.2%
4.3% 3.1% 3.7% 3.4% 2.7%
3.9%
9.1% 9.0% 7.8% 8.2%
10% 9.9% 8.5%
0.8 80%
0.73 0.73 0.74
0.69 18.3%
24.1% 23.0% 21.7%
0.64 8% 23.3% 23.3%
8.5% 60%
0.6 0.57
US$ billion
5.8% 28.2%
0.60 6% 24.0%
21.0% 20.8% 20.9% 22.5%
0.52 0.58 40%
0.4 0.48 0.57
0.44 4%
20%
0.2 33.5% 34.7% 34.8% 34.3% 35.0% 35.8%
1.4% 2%
0.16 0.17 0.16 0.15

0.13 0.14
0.0% 0%
0.0 0% 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Motor Medical Fire, property & liability
Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Change y-o-y (RHS) Engineering Marine & Aviation Miscellaneous financial loss
Source: Swiss Re Source: Central Bank of Bahrain
Despite being a small market Despite being a small market by size, the total insurance penetration and density in
Bahrain are higher than the regional average52. Life and non-life insurance penetration
by size, the total insurance
rates at 0.44% and 1.9%, respectively, in 2016 (see Exhibits 33 and 34) are the second
penetration and density in
highest in the GCC. However, penetration and density in the life insurance segment have
Bahrain are higher than the dropped after 2013 with fall in premiums, mainly in the family Takaful category. On the
regional average other hand, non-life penetration and density have been growing supported by new
businesses and rising number of expatriates.
Bahrain Bahrain
150 0.8% 500 2.1%

136.8 449.5 448.2 454.9
131.3
126.2 418.3 1.8%
1.9%
120 115.9 400 390.5 1.9%
108.8 369.9
106.1 0.6% 1.7%
0.52% 0.52% 1.6% 1.5%
1.5% 1.5%
0.48% 0.48%
90 0.45% 0.44% 300
1.2%
US$
US$
0.4%
0.9%
60 200
0.6%
0.2%
30 100
0.3%
0 0.0% 0 0.0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
51
52

Competition is intense in the The country’s insurance industry is home to 36 insurance firms, of which 25 are locally
incorporated including six Takaful providers and two each reinsurer and retakaful firms53.
insurance industry of
Foreign insurance providers comprised eight conventional insurers and three reinsurers.
Bahrain, but the market is
The competition is intense, but the market is not concentrated, unlike its other
not concentrated, unlike its counterparts. The top five players account for only 39.4% of the total GWP and no
other counterparts insurance provider has a market share of over 10%53. While the collective GWP of the
insurance companies grew at a moderate pace of 1.4% y-o-y to US$ 740.0 million in 2016,
net profit expanded by 41.1% y-o-y to BHD 34.0 million (US$ 92.5 million54). The bottom-
line expansion was fueled by a substantial rise in investment income, even as the sector
reported an underwriting loss of BHD 18.7 million (US$ 50.9 million) during the year
(compared to a profit in the previous year). The rise in claims and expenses affected the
profitability of insurers and hence, a decline in the sector’s loss ratio.
The sector’s regulatory framework is one of the most developed in the region and the first
to introduce a law for Takaful providers. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) – the
insurance sector regulator – in cooperation with Bahrain Insurance Association are
spreading awareness about insurance products and imparting the required skills through
training sessions. The CBB strides to enhance the sector’s regulatory structure to align it
with the international financial standards.
53
Source: “Insurance Market Review 2016”, Central Bank of Bahrain
54

3. The GCC Insurance Industry Outlook
3.1 Forecasting Methodology
This report provides an outlook of the GCC insurance industry in terms of the market size
(by GWP) of life and non-life insurance in each constituent country through 2021.
The factors considered for the projections include:
 Population, Inflation and GDP from IMF (last updated October 2017)
 Historical life and non-life insurance GWP from Swiss Re
The methodology adopted for projecting the market size is as below:
 Life insurance – Density x Population, where the life insurance density across the
countries is forecasted based on inflation.
 Non-life insurance – Penetration x GDP, where non-life insurance penetration is

projected using a combination of statistical technique and macro variables. To
capture the impact of economic slowdown on the GWP, the non-life insurance
penetration in 2017 has been assumed to remain constant in most of the
countries and to decline in Saudi Arabia and Oman based on the actual
performance of companies in the interim. Further, the long-term forecasts have
been arrived at using regression analysis, as the statistical technique has shown
a strong correlation with GDP in the past ten years. In a couple of countries, the
growth in penetration has been linked directly to GDP projections to factor in
country-specific risks.
Note: We have introduced market forecasts for 2021 in this report, alongside the interim
forecasts from 2017. Our interim forecasts are below that in Alpen Capital’s GCC
Insurance Industry report dated October 13, 2015. This variation is broadly due to the
revised macro projections by IMF, updated base numbers of insurance industry size and
changing industry dynamics.
Macro Assumptions
 The GCC population is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% to reach 60.3 million
in 2021 from 53.8 million in 2016.
 The region’s GDP at current prices is anticipated to grow at an annual average
rate of 5.3% from US$ 1,360.0 billion in 2016 to US$ 1,761.7 billion in 2021.
Although the revised growth is stronger compared to that used in our last report,
IMF’s projections of absolute GDP has reduced.
 The average general inflation rate in the region is expected to range between
1.6% and 3.7% during the forecast period.

3.2 GCC Insurance Market Forecast
The GCC insurance market The GCC insurance market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from US$ 26.2 billion
in 2016 to US$ 44.0 billion in 2021 (see Exhibit 35). This projection is based on existing
is projected to grow at a
fundamentals of the industry and economic outlook. The projections are below the
CAGR of 10.9% from US$
estimates presented in Alpen Capital’s GCC Insurance Industry Report published on
26.2 billion in 2016 to US$ October 13, 2015, mainly due to the repercussions of oil price meltdown and the following
44.0 billion in 2021 revision in GDP by IMF. Nevertheless, economic diversification efforts and a gradual
recovery in oil prices are the factors that will present underwriting opportunities.
Additionally, the drivers vary across the GCC countries, as the regulators undertake
measures to develop their respective insurance sectors.
The growth in GWP is likely to be moderate in 2017, as the industry players are adapting
to the new regulations amidst increasing competition and recovering economic activity. On
one hand, increased capitalization requirement and actuarial pricing are improving the
financial performance of insurers and on the other hand, the regulations are encouraging
consolidation activity.
Exhibit 35: GCC Insurance Market Size Forecast
50
44.0
40 37.9
32.8
29.9
30
US$ billion
27.2
26.2
20
10
0
2016 2017F 2018F 2019F 2020F 2021F
Source: Alpen Capital, Swiss Re, IMF

Note: F – Forecast
Country-wise Growth Forecast
Between 2016 and 2021, Between 2016 and 2021, insurance markets in the UAE and Oman are anticipated to grow
at the fastest annualized average pace of 12.1%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 10.5% (see
insurance markets in the
Exhibit 36). The premium growth in Oman is likely to be driven largely by the introduction
UAE and Oman are
of mandatory health insurance and that in the UAE by new motor insurance pricing
anticipated to grow at the regulation. Additionally, macro factors like population growth, infrastructure developments
fastest annualized average and revival of business activity will aid growth across the countries. While the market
pace of 12.1% rankings of the countries are not expected to change through 2021, the share of UAE and
Oman are likely to expand and that of others may contract (see Exhibit 37).

Exhibit 36: Insurance Market Growth (CAGR: 2016 – 2021F) Exhibit 37: Contribution to the GCC Insurance Market
UAE 12.1%
4.8%
Oman 12.1% 2021F
10.4%
Saudi Arabia 10.5% 11.2% 41.3%

39.1%
2016
Qatar 9.3%
Kuwait 9.0% 38.0%

37.2%
Bahrain 7.3%
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar Oman Kuwait Bahrain
Source: Alpen Capital, Swiss RE, IMF Source: Alpen Capital, Swiss RE, IMF
Life and Non-life Insurance Forecast
The non-life insurance In view of the new regulations improving the pricing of insurance policies, an anticipated
revival in the economy, mandatory covers and rising healthcare costs, the non-life
market is expected to grow
insurance market is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of 11.7% between 2016 and 2021
at a rapid CAGR of 11.7%
(see Exhibit 38). At US$ 39.8 billion in 2021, the segment will comprise 90.4% of the total
between 2016 and 2021 to insurance market, an increase of 2.8 ppts from 2016. On the other hand, growing
US$ 39.8 billion population and awareness of life insurance products in the region is likely to aid growth in
the life segment. During the forecast period, the life insurance GWP is projected to grow at
an annual average rate of 5.3% to US$ 4.2 billion. The growth rates across the countries
are likely to be in the range of 3.9% and 6.5%, with the fastest growth anticipated in Oman
in line with its expected population increase.
Exhibit 38: GCC Life and Non-life Insurance Segments Growth Forecast
50
CAGR (2016-2021)
44.0
Life: 5.3%
40 Non-life: 11.7%
32.8
30
27.2
US$ billion
26.2
39.8
20
29.0
22.9 23.8
10
3.2 3.4 3.8 4.2

0
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Life Non-life
Source: Alpen Capital, Swiss RE, IMF


Insurance penetration in the Insurance penetration in the region is forecasted to expand from 1.9% in 2016 to 2.5% in
2021. The expansion is driven by an improvement in penetration of non-life insurance to
region is forecasted to
2.3%, while that of life insurance is expected to remain stable at 0.24%. (see Exhibits 39
expand from 1.9% in 2016 to
and 40). The penetration rates continue to remain below the international average,
2.5% in 2021 presenting immense scope of growth. Insurance density in the region is anticipated to
increase at a CAGR of 8.4% to US$ 729.6, of which life insurance density is projected at
US$ 69.7 and non-life density at US$ 659.9.
Exhibit 39: Forecast of Life Insurance Density and Exhibit 40: Forecast of Non-life Insurance Density and
Penetration in the GCC Penetration in the GCC
80 0.8% 750 3.0%
69.7 659.9
65.7
60.3 61.6 600
60 0.6%
503.3 2.3%
2.0%
450 426.2 431.6
1.8%
US$
US$
40 0.4% 1.7% 1.6%
300
1.0%
20 0.24% 0.23% 0.24% 0.24% 0.2%
150
0 0.0% 0 0.0%
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Note: F – Forecast Note: F – Forecast
3.3 Country-wise Market Size Forecast

UAE
The UAE insurance market The UAE insurance market is estimated to reach US$ 18.1 billion in 2021, registering a
CAGR of 12.1% from 2016 (see Exhibit 41). The non-life segment is estimated to grow at
is estimated to reach US$
the fastest pace of 13.9% in the region led by the introduction of new vehicle insurance
18.1 billion in 2021,
tariffs in 2017, mandatory health cover, population growth and large-scale project
registering a CAGR of 12.1% developments ahead of the Expo 2020. Motor insurance line is set to benefit from the
from 2016 upward revision in pricing and property insurance business line is gaining demand after
the recent incidences of fire in high-rise buildings55. Most of the households in the country
lack property risk cover, thus presenting a huge potential for underwriting business. Based
on the aforementioned prospects, insurance penetration in the region is forecast to
improve to nearly 4% and density to US$ 1,589.0 by 2021(see Exhibit 42).
55
Source: “Seven in ten UAE residents still lack home insurance”, Gulf News, July 13, 2017

Exhibit 41: Forecast of Insurance Market in the UAE Exhibit 42: Forecast of Density and Penetration in the UAE
20 1,800 5.0%
18.1 1,589.0
1,500
4.0%
1,313.9
15 14.1 3.9%
1,200
1,087.6
1,038.7 3.3% 3.0%
11.0
US$ billion
10.2 2.9% 2.9%
US$
14.9 900
10
11.3 2.0%
8.5 600
7.8
5
1.0%
300
2.4 2.6 2.9 3.2

0 0 0.0%
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Life Non-life Density (LHS) Penetration
Saudi Arabia
The insurance industry in The insurance industry in Saudi Arabia is projected at US$ 16.4 billion in 2021, indicating
an annual average growth of 10.5% from 2016 (see Exhibit 43). The projections are below
Saudi Arabia is projected at
the estimates in Alpen Capital’s GCC Insurance Industry Report on October 13, 2015. The
downward revision is due to the deceleration in economic activity, socio-political instability,
indicating an annual falling health insurance premiums (representing more than half of the industry) and the
average growth of 10.5% tight regulatory oversight on the insurers’ business performance. Such developments may
from 2016 slow down underwriting business in the short-term. Nevertheless, industry consolidation
and a revival in economic conditions are likely to strengthen the sector. Health insurance
business will be supported by the full implementation of comprehensive mandatory
medical insurance. Non-life segment GWP is anticipated to grow at an annual average of
10.6% during the forecast period. Consequently, insurance penetration and density in the
country is expected to remain under pressure until 2019, before embarking on a high
growth trajectory to reach 2.1% and US$ 466.6, respectively, in 2021 (see Exhibit 44).
Exhibit 43: Forecast of Insurance Industry in KSA Exhibit 44: Forecast of Density and Penetration in KSA
20 600 3.0%
16.4
466.6
15
400 2.0%
2.1%
10.9 313.0 323.7
US$ billion
303.0
US$
9.9 9.8
10
1.5% 1.5%
1.4%
16.0
200 1.0%
10.6
5 9.7 9.5
0 0.28 0.28 0.32 0.34 0 0.0%

2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F

Qatar
From US$ 2.9 billion in 2016, From US$ 2.9 billion in 2016, the insurance sector in Qatar is anticipated to grow at a
the insurance sector in CAGR of 9.3% to US$ 4.6 billion in 2021 (see Exhibit 45). The projected growth is slower
Qatar is anticipated to grow than the historic five-year growth rate as well as the projections in Alpen Capital’s previous
insurance report. This is in view of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Qatar and the
at a CAGR of 9.3% to US$
other GCC members, leading to the imposition of economic sanctions and withdrawal of
4.6 billion in 2021
investments from the domestic market. Moreover, intense competition and low demand in
the motor insurance business, the largest insurance line, is likely to constrain growth.
Despite the challenges, the country, backed by the world’s largest natural gas reserves, is
investing heavily in infrastructure projects to diversify its economy and host the FIFA World
Cup in 2022. This is likely to expand the underwriting base for commercial lines. On the
other hand, rising expatriate population while supporting the economic development will
boost demand for personal insurance lines. Accordingly, insurance penetration in Qatar is
forecasted to grow steadily to 2.1% and density at an annual average of 7.7% to US$
1,628.1 by 2021 (see Exhibit 46).
Exhibit 45: Forecast of Insurance Industry in Qatar Exhibit 46: Forecast of Insurance Density and Penetration in
Qatar
5 1,800 3.0%
4.6 1,628.1
1,500
4 3.8 1,359.4
1,200 1,121.5 1,146.0 2.1% 2.0%

3.1
2.9 2.0%
3 1.9% 1.9%
US$ billion
US$
900
4.5
2 3.8
600 1.0%
2.9 3.1
1
300
0 0.047 0.050 0.054 0.057 0 0.0%

2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Oman
The insurance market in The insurance market in Oman is projected at US$ 2.1 billion in 2021, translating into a
five-year CAGR of 12.1% (see Exhibit 47). Growth in life segment is expected to be the
Oman is projected at US$
highest and that in non-life the second highest in the region, supported by rising population
2.1 billion in 2021,
(+3.1% annualized average growth), implementation of mandatory health insurance from
translating into a five-year 201856 and wider economic development. The country is witnessing a series of
CAGR of 12.1% construction projects in logistics, ports, railways and tourist attractions in a bid to diversify
revenue sources. Such developments will increase the scope of underwriting activity in the
years to come. Additionally, the insurance regulator’s order to double capitalization levels
will improve the risk-taking ability of the insurers and thereby expand underwriting
business. Given the developments, insurance penetration and density in the country is
projected to reach 2.4% and US$ 453.1 by 2021 (see Exhibit 48).
56
Source: “Health insurance mandatory for private sector in Oman from next year”, Times of Oman, September 26,
2017

Exhibit 47: Forecast of Insurance Industry in Oman Exhibit 48: Forecast of Density and Penetration in Oman
2.5 600 3.5%
2.1
500
2.0 453.1
1.6 400 2.5%

366.1
1.5 2.4%
US$ billion
298.3 295.3
US$
1.2 1.2 300
1.9 2.0%
1.0 1.8%
1.4 200 1.7% 1.5%
1.1 1.1
0.5
100
0.14 0.15 0.17 0.20

0.0 0 0.5%
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Kuwait
The insurance sector in The insurance sector in Kuwait is expected to reach US$ 1.7 billion in 2021, registering a
CAGR of 9.0% from 2016 (see Exhibit 49). At 1.01% the country has the lowest
Kuwait is expected to reach
penetration rate in the GCC and subsequently it is likely to experience a strong growth in
both life and non-life segments. The industry penetration rate is projected at 1.12% and
registering a CAGR of 9.0% density at US$ 353.9 in 2021 (see Exhibit 50). Factors that would drive the market include
from 2016 rising population and disposable income, evolving regulatory environment and spending
on infrastructure projects. A new insurance law is being drafted, which is likely to include
the establishment of an independent regulator and new capital adequacy norms, among
others57. Improvement in legislation coupled with the proposed introduction of mandatory
health insurance for visitors will provide a much-needed fillip to the sector.
Exhibit 49: Forecast of Insurance Industry in Kuwait Exhibit 50: Forecast of Density and Penetration in Kuwait
2.0 400 1.6%

353.9
1.7
320 310.7
1.5 1.4 273.4
263.9
1.1%
1.2 1.12%
1.1 240 1.06%
1.01% 1.00%
US$ billion
US$
1.0 1.5
1.2 160
1.0 0.6%
0.9
0.5
80
0.18 0.19 0.21 0.24

0.0 0 0.1%
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
57
Source: “Kuwait: New insurance law is 75% finalized”, Middle East Insurance Review, September 20, 2016

Bahrain
The insurance industry in The insurance industry in Bahrain is projected to grow at an annual average of 7.3% from
US$ 0.74 billion in 2016 to US$ 1.05 billion in 2021 (see Exhibit 51). Growth in life
Bahrain is projected to grow
insurance is likely to be aided by an anticipated rise in population and that in non-life will
at an annual average of 7.3%
be driven by revenue diversification efforts, improving business activity and spending on
to US$ 1.05 billion in 2021 healthcare. Further, a possible introduction of mandatory health insurance, which is under
consideration58, will give a boost to the sector. Subsequently, by 2021, the insurance
penetration in the country is anticipated to reach 2.7% and density is estimated to grow at
an annualized average of 5.2% to US$ 721.6 in 2021 (see Exhibit 52).
Exhibit 51: Forecast of Insurance Industry in Bahrain Exhibit 52: Forecast of Insurance Density and Penetration in
Bahrain
1.2 800 3.2%

721.6
1.05
649.2 2.7%
1.0
0.91 581.1 2.7%
600 561.0
2.5%
0.78 2.3% 2.2%
0.8 0.74 2.3%
US$ billion
US$
0.6 0.88 400 1.7%

0.75
0.60 0.64
0.4 1.2%
200
0.2 0.7%
0.14 0.14 0.16 0.17

0.0 0 0.2%
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F 2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
58
Source: “Bahrain: Mandatory health insurance plan moves nearer legislation”, Asia Insurance Review, June 21,
2016

4. Growth Drivers
Economic Diversification
Revenue diversification The round of oil price meltdown since the second half of 2014 has widened the fiscal
deficits of the energy-dependent GCC economies. A consequent cut in fiscal budgets and
efforts have intensified,
implementation of austerity measures, alongside an economic slowdown resulting in job
resulting in an increase in
losses, have derailed consumer and business spending. Amidst such a backdrop,
construction activities economic diversification efforts have intensified to build a sustainable economy. Revenue
across the region and diversification is a key agenda in the long-term development plans of the GCC nations.
thereby creating a large The diversification strategies focus on the expansion of sectors such as tourism, transport,
base of insurable assets financial services and logistics. The government is also encouraging participation of
private sector to fund and develop large projects. As a result, the region is witnessing a
spate of construction activities related to infrastructure, retail, hospitality, tourist attractions
and commercial complexes. The developments have gathered steam particularly in the
UAE and Qatar, as they get ready to host their respective mega international events of
Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. At the start of September 2017, the total value of
active construction projects in the GCC reached US$ 2.4 trillion59. Completion of such
projects is likely to create a large base of insurable assets, thus providing new
underwriting opportunities to insurance companies.
Moreover, expanding non-oil sectors coupled with stimulus measures are likely to revive
and strengthen the GCC economies. This is likely to translate into an improvement in the
purchasing power of people and augment business activities, thus expanding the potential
market for insurers.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Compulsory health Health insurance business line, accounting for nearly 40% of the GCC insurance market60,
is set to witness a swift growth in the coming years, owing to the directives making medical
insurance in the other GCC
covers compulsory. In the past, the introduction of compulsory motor insurance had led to
countries is either under
a rapid growth in the overall sector premiums in the region61. A similar growth trend is
consideration or in the being observed in recent years in the UAE following the introduction of mandatory health
preliminary stages of scheme. While Abu Dhabi was the first Emirate to introduce the scheme in 2006, Dubai
implementation completed the final phase of compulsory health insurance scheme in March 2017. Buoyed
by the implementation, health insurance GWP in the UAE grew at a CAGR of over 20%
between 2011 and 201562. Saudi Arabia has a mandatory health scheme in place, but the
coverage of nationals in the private sector is low. To address this and reduce the state’s
burden of cost of healthcare treatments taken abroad, the Council of Cooperative Health
Insurance announced a Unified Health Insurance Policy for the private sector in July
201663. According to the policy, private companies have to provide health insurance to all
employees and their dependents. The implementation of its final phase began in April
2017. Compulsory health insurance in the other GCC countries is either under
consideration or in the preliminary stages of implementation. Oman is set to implement
mandatory health insurance for all private sector employees in phases from 2018 64. In
59
Source: “Value of ongoing GCC construction projects at $2.4 trn”, Saudi Gazette
60
Based on the composition of non-life insurance reported by respective insurance authorities of the GCC countries
61
Source: “Compulsory insurance spurs growth in MENA”, MENA Insurance CEO Club
62
Source: “World Insurance Report 2016”, Swiss Re
63
Source: “Regulatory Update: GCC Health Insurance Sector”, Clyde & Co., October 24, 2016
64
Source: “Health insurance mandatory for private sector in Oman from next year”, Times of Oman, September 26,
2017

Qatar, the ministries of public health and finance along with the central bank have formed
a committee to study the possibility of introducing a new mandatory health insurance
scheme. In Kuwait, mandatory health cover is being proposed for visitors65.
The gradual implementation of compulsory health insurance programs across the region is
likely to present strong growth avenues for insurers. Further, the growing cost of
healthcare and rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases is pushing the overall
medical spending and hence, cost of insurance.
Regulatory Reforms
Even as the regulatory The GCC insurance market is becoming competitive with its evolving regulatory
landscape. Even as the regulatory developments are at various stages in each constituent
developments are at various
country, the region altogether is moving towards risk-based capital reporting and actuarial-
stages in each constituent
led reserving. Prudent and actuarial reserving will lead to adequate pricing of premiums
country, the region and ease price competition in the industry. Saudi Arabia was the first to bring in reforms by
altogether is moving introducing a new insurance law in 2013. The law covered regulations pertaining to
towards risk-based capital prudent reserving and actuarial-based pricing regime, which assisted in profitability
reporting and actuarial-led improvement of the industry. In 2014, Oman directed insurers to double their minimum
reserving capital requirement and list on the Muscat Securities Market within three years66. The
move aims at ensuring transparency and providing insurers access to capital. The UAE
implemented several new guidelines for the insurance sector in 2015 including actuarial
certifications, solvency-based capital controls, proper reserving, better governance and re-
alignment of the investment portfolio. While these regulations are currently putting
pressure on the industry profitability, in the long-term they are likely to assist in improving
insurer’s credit profiles and asset quality. At the same time, the other regulations such as
mandatory health cover and an upward revision of motor insurance premiums are aiding
growth. In March 2016, Qatar Central Bank issued a new law stating governance
principles and operating guidelines for the insurers. It covered topics related to licensing,
regulations and controls, risk-based capital requirements and actuarial reporting. Kuwait is
also soon likely to come out with a new insurance law, the draft of which is under
consideration.
The developing regulatory environment in these countries is likely to improve the market
conduct and create sustainable business models. In the short-term, the firms are likely to
face operational challenges and high costs to comply with the regulatory requirements.
However, the long-term financial strength of the companies is set to improve and align with
some of the best international practices.
65
Source: “Kuwait MPs propose mandatory health insurance for visitors”, Gulf News, June 15, 2017
66
Source: “Oman’s insurance market set to benefit from new rules”,

Favorable Demographics
A growing population, The demographic profile continues to be one of the major driving forces of the GCC
insurance sector. A growing population, largely comprising young and working people,
largely comprising young
increasing number of women in the workforce and rising urbanization are the factors
and working people,
driving demand for life and non-life insurance products. The participation of women in the
increasing number of workforce is increasing in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. In September 2017, the
women in the workforce and Kingdom issued a decree permitting women to drive67. Such developments are likely to
rising urbanization are the increase the demand for motor and health insurance products. Expatriates account for
factors driving demand for more than half of the GCC population, with the UAE and Qatar having a high concentration
insurance products of above 85%68. Demand for personal insurance lines such as life, motor, health and
property is also high among expatriates, as they are accustomed to the concept of
insurance as a risk mitigation tool.
The sector is also benefiting from a large number of young and working people armed with
high purchasing power. This has fueled demand for automobiles and residential properties
and hence, the need for related insurance covers. The locals and expatriates in the region
also purchase credit insurance for personal loans, car loans and home loans to cover their
outstanding debt in adversities like loss of a job, sudden disability or death. Moreover, the
young generation (including the citizens) is becoming knowledgeable of the benefits of
owning an insurance scheme because of high social media usage and taking up of higher
education abroad. The working class continues to remain the core consumer category and
as they age, demand for life and medical insurance is likely to expand even further. Nearly
15% of the GCC population is projected to be over 50 years by 2021 compared to about
13% in 201669 (see Exhibit 53).
The region is likely to The consumer base is only set to grow further, with an anticipated addition of 6.5 million
people by 202170, translating into a CAGR of 2.3% from 2016 (see Exhibit 54). The growth
witness an addition of 6.5
will be supported by inflow of expatriates and improving birth rates and life expectancy.
million people by 2021
Exhibit 53: Population Age Distribution Exhibit 54: GCC Population Forecast
70
CAGR:
GCC Total 2016-2021
14.9% 60.3
21.4% 60 57.6
55.1 2.8 Bahrain 2.0%
12.6% 53.8
22.2% 2.8
4.7
2.7
2.6 4.4 Qatar 1.5%
50
Million
4.1 4.8
4.0
2021F 4.6
4.3 Oman 3.1%
4.2
2016
40 11.4
10.7 Kuwait 2.8%
9.9 10.1
UAE 3.0%
65.1% 30
33.7 35.0
31.7 32.4 Saudi Arabia 2.0%
63.7%
20
2016 2017F 2019F 2021F
Young (< 15 years) Working (15-49 years) Old (<= 50 years)
Source: United Nations Population Division Source: IMF – October 2017

67
Source: “Saudi king issues decree allowing women to drive”, Zawya, September 26, 2017
68
Source: Gulf Labour Market and Migration
69
Source: “World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision”, United Nations Population Division
70
Source: “World Economic Outlook Database”, IMF, October 2017

Rising Demand for Takaful Products
As a large number of people As a large number of people in the GCC are Muslims, demand for financial solutions
based on the Sharia principles has been on the rise in the GCC. The region is the world’s
in the GCC are Muslims,
largest Takaful insurance market hosting over 70 Islamic insurance providers with
demand for financial
combined premiums of US$ 11.5 billion71. While the Takaful business is a sizeable market
solutions based on the in Saudi Arabia, it is gradually gaining ground in the other GCC states. The business
Sharia principles has been opened up in Oman in 2014, with the issue of policies by the country’s first Takaful firm Al
on the rise in the GCC Madina Takaful. At present, there are two national players in this sub-sector, which
registered direct premiums of OMR 42.1 million (US$ 109.3 million72) in 2016, nearly
double of that in 201473. The significant growth substantiates the market potential of
Takaful products.
Within the Takaful space, Within the Takaful space, family Takaful has significant opportunities, given the
underpenetrated life insurance market. Rising awareness of Islamic products as a financial
family Takaful has
planning and protection tool is driving growth in the sub-segment. The distribution of such
significant opportunities,
products is being channeled largely through banks, which are being offered as a part of
given the underpenetrated financial planning solutions. The channel, also known as Bancatakaful, has become
life insurance market popular due to its cost-effective and efficient distribution model. The banks along with
Takaful firms are offering bundled and tailor-made products to suit the needs of the
residents. Family Takaful premiums in the region grew at a CAGR of 13% between 2012
and 201571. The GCC-based Takaful firms also have immense cross-border opportunities
in the general Takaful insurance space, especially in Africa having a large proportion of
Islam followers being uninsured.
Onshore Financial Centers
With the low premium Insurance companies operating in the onshore financial centers in the GCC continue to
support the overall industry expansion. DIFC and QFC are the two financial hubs, which
retention rates across the
are home to a number of insurers, reinsurers and intermediaries. These financial centers
region, foreign firms have
attract foreign as well as regional companies to benefit from the excellent infrastructure
established presence in and operating environment, sophisticated regulatory and legal framework and a range of
DIFC and QFC to lend their financial incentives. With no restrictions on foreign ownership, currency and capital
underwriting capabilities to repatriation, DIFC and QFC are ideal destinations for companies looking to establish their
local firms presence in the expanding GCC insurance industry. A large part of the insurance business
in the DIFC is reinsurance activity. With low premium retention rates across the region,
foreign firms are attracted to these hubs and lend their underwriting capabilities to local
firms. Moreover, the financial centers also have insurance captives of regional diversified
companies, which are established to underwrite the risks in their various businesses. The
insurance companies have a large and growing underwriting base in these centers, owing
to the region’s robust trade activity and burgeoning SME businesses. In addition to
increasing the scope of insurance capacity in the GCC, DIFC and QFC have brought in
international insurance expertise and best practices into the region. An increasing number
of international reinsurance and insurance management firms are looking to enter the
region’s underpenetrated conventional and Takaful insurance market. Such companies are
likely to set up branches in the financial centers and thus, support the industry
advancement. In September 2016, Coface Group, a credit insurance company, obtained a
71
Source: “Global Takaful Report 2017, Milliman Research, July 2017
72
73
Source: “insurance Market Index 2015-2016”, Capital Market Authority of Oman

license from DIFC to provide insurance management and intermediation services74. Also,
given the shortage of skilled insurance executives, the local insurers will continue to be
reliant on the expertise of reinsurers in these financial hubs for underwriting large projects.
74
Source: “Coface strengthens UAE presence with new DIFC insurance licence”, Khaleej Times, September 7, 2016

5. Challenges
Economic Slowdown
Fall in oil prices and the Fall in oil prices and the subsequent austerity measures undertaken by the governments to
shore up revenue and curtail expenses have disrupted economic activity in the GCC.
subsequent austerity
Trimmed government spending, deregulated energy prices and reduced subsidies have
measures undertaken to
affected consumers as well as businesses. Moreover, a slowdown in sectors such as
shore up revenue and curtail energy and construction have led to job losses and pay cuts, thus affecting the overall
expenses have disrupted consumer sentiments. Given such developments, the GCC insurance industry is
economic activity in the witnessing a slowdown in underwritings. As consumers refrain from making discretionary
GCC purchases, sales of vehicles and property have dropped and hence, the demand for
related insurance products. On the other hand, constrained government and corporate
spending are affecting commercial insurances lines of property, engineering, marine and
aviation. To bring in fiscal stability and build a sustainable economy, the governments are
studying the possibility of implementing tax reforms such as value added tax (VAT). While
the UAE has announced the implementation of VAT from January 2018 75, the other
countries may follow the practice gradually. Introduction of this tax is likely to suppress the
consumer and corporate spending in the short term.
Intense Competition
With nearly 200 insurers With nearly 200 insurers competing for a premiums pie of US$ 26.2 billion 76, the insurance
sector in the GCC is overcrowded. Moreover, the market is concentrated, with the top five
competing for a pie of US$
insurers in each GCC country, barring Bahrain, accounting for more than 60% of the
26.2 billion worth of
market. As a result, the fragmentation at the bottom level is high with several small
premiums, the insurance companies competing for the remaining market share. Adding to the competition is the
sector in the GCC appears less diversified product portfolio. Subsequently, motor and medical insurance lines are
overcrowded facing intense price competition and hence, high loss ratios. The market is likely to witness
consolidation, as small players have a tough time complying with the new regulations like
actuarial reserving and minimum capital requirement amidst a recuperating economy.
Large players have an edge, due to their scale of operations and capacity to win high-risk
and high-value contracts.
Shortage of Skilled Manpower
The GCC insurers are not Shortage of skilled workforce is a challenge inhibiting the growth of many sectors in the
GCC. With dependency on human resource, the insurance industry is not immune to this
only challenged by shortage
challenge. The expansion of GCC insurance sector is dependent on the hiring of
of skilled workforce but also
executives with knowledge of insurance products, underwriting and claims management.
by high staffing cost Despite several insurance programs being offered at educational institutes, the available
pool of locals with insurance expertise is low, as the preference for other lines of education
is high. Given such a scenario, the insurance companies are largely dependent on
expatriates to fill the gap. However, with intensified nationalization efforts and the
introduction of related costs/fees, insurance companies have to bear high employee
75
Source: UAE Ministry of Finance
76
Source: World Insurance Report series, Swiss Re; Statistical organizations and insurance authorities of GCC
member countries

acquisition and salary costs. Consequently, the insurers are not only challenged by a
shortage of skilled workforce but also by high staffing cost. The shortage has also led to
high attrition rates, as competitors lure experienced professionals with attractive packages.
Demand for experienced staff is set to increase, as the industry needs skilled executives
for complying with the new regulatory changes. Inability to hire the candidates with
requisite skills could affect the operations of the insurance companies. Due to the hiring
challenge, the industry is also dependent on the expertise of reinsurance companies by
ceding them a high underwriting premium. This has exposed the local insurers to
international counterparty risk and legal complexities.
Exposure to Risky Assets
Income from investments Investment returns are an important part of insurers’ profits. Income from investments has
declined in the last couple of years due to the volatility in equity markets caused by the
has declined in the last
economic slowdown. Insurance firms in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have 71.9%, 43.5%
couple of years due to the
and 38.5% of their respective assets in the form of equity and real estate investments77.
volatility in equity markets Such a large exposure to high-risk investments has made them susceptible to market and
caused by the economic economic shocks. Moreover, the real estate investments are largely concentrated in the
slowdown domestic markets, thus vulnerable to the falling property prices. This is particularly
applicable to insurers in the UAE and Qatar, wherein the exposure to real estate is high. In
view of the prevailing weakness in the economy, the investment returns from such riskier
assets are low and thus impacting the profitability of the insurers. However, with
regulations capping investment in risky asset classes and a budding bond market, the
insurers are slowly turning to debt investments.
Operational Challenges
The GCC insurers are likely The GCC insurers are likely to face operational challenges in the short term as they adapt
to the changing regulatory environment. While the regulations are overall a positive factor
to face operational
for the companies, the transition phase is going to be cumbersome. Insurers have to
challenges in the short term
review contracts and prices of products, invest in staff training and revamp financial and
as they adapt to the other operational processes. Subsequently, the companies may witness pressure on
changing regulatory margins due to the costs incurred to remain compliant with new policies amidst slowing
environment growth in premiums. Nevertheless, in the process, the insurance industry may develop
cost-cutting measures and operational changes that would create a sustainable and
profitable business model. The forthcoming introduction of the VAT is also likely to strain
the operating environment of the insurance firms. VAT may also create an inflationary
situation and increase the overall operating costs of the companies.
77
Source: SAMA, UAE Insurance Authority, Qatar Central Bank, Capital Market Authority of Oman, Central Bank of
Bahrain, Annual Reports of Companies in Kuwait

Lack of Standardized Regulations
The regulatory landscape in The regulatory landscape in the GCC insurance sector is heterogeneous, with the policies
and requirements varying amongst the countries. While the UAE has adopted a risk-based
the GCC insurance sector is
capital practice for insurers, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are following a solvency framework.
heterogeneous, with the
Actuarial reserving has been adopted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, whereas the other
policies and requirements counterparts are yet to implement it. The degree of effectiveness also differs, with the
varying amongst the regulators being highly active in the UAE and Saudi Arabia while the effectiveness and
countries activity are low in other countries. Each country is making an attempt to improve
regulations, however, there is a dire need for the regulations to be homogenous. Many
large local insurers have a business presence across the region and foreign insurers
generally look at the GCC countries as one big market. To facilitate a level playing ground
for all the insurers, the GCC countries need to harmonize as well as modernize their
insurance regulations by adopting best international practices.
Socio-Political Risks
The diplomatic rift between The diplomatic rift between Qatar and other GCC members leading to severance of
economic and trade ties is likely to have negative implications on the insurance sector.
Qatar and other GCC
The impact is likely to be seen largely on the equity and real estate investments of Qatar-
members leading to
based insurers. As Gulf investors pull out investments from the country, the local insurers
severances of economic and are likely to see a fall in returns. Large Qatar-based firms are also in the process of selling
trade ties is likely to have off their assets in the other member countries. Moreover, restrictions on airspace and sea
negative implications on the transportation are likely to suppress economic activity in Qatar. Consequently, the overall
insurance sector scope of underwriting business may contract. While the insurers in Qatar are well
capitalized to absorb the volatility in equity and real estate markets, a prolonged conflict
with the member nations is likely to have an adverse impact on the insurance sector.
Moreover, the region is mostly perceived as one collective market by international
investors. A rift between the members and a likely split of the GCC council could affect
investor sentiments and thus foreign investments into the countries.
On the other hand, an anti-corruption drive undertaken in November 2017 has led to
geopolitical instability in Saudi Arabia. The crackdown involved arrests of more than 200
people including the members of royal family, senior officials and businessmen, alongside
freezing of over 2,000 bank accounts78. Such developments may lead to capital flight from
the country and dent consumer spending at times when the country is passing through a
low oil price environment.
78
Source: “Foreigners still net sellers of Saudi stocks in wake of corruption crackdown”, Zawya, November 26, 2017;
“The Economic Risks Of Saudi Arabia's $100B Corruption Crackdown”, Forbes, November 9, 2017

6. Trends
Growing Consolidation
The GCC insurance sector The GCC insurance sector has started showing signs of consolidation following the
strengthening regulatory landscape. The trend is gathering momentum particularly in
has started showing signs
Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to stringent reserving and solvency requirements.
of consolidation following
Additionally, slow economic activity and intense competition have left small insurance
the strengthening regulatory companies struggling for scale and profitability. At the same time, large players are
landscape scouting for valuable small insurers to gain market share and expand the business.
Foreign companies looking to enter the GCC region are also likely to undertake the
inorganic route, as the countries limit the issue of new licenses. While Saudi Arabia has
limited the grant of a new license, the UAE has stopped issuing licenses to protect the
overall industry profitability. In such a backdrop, companies with streamlined operations
and improving loss and expense ratios can be attractive targets.
The insurance regulator in Several insurers in Saudi Arabia have accumulated losses due to a history of price wars
and solvency issues. MGCI, one of the largest insurers in the GCC, is the most stressed
Saudi Arabia is likely to
with large accumulated losses79. With many other players reporting accumulated losses,
come up with new
SAMA has in the recent years worked closely with the management of such companies to
regulations to significantly help them restructure their business and become profitable. The regulator is also likely to
increase minimum capital come up with new regulations to increase minimum capital significantly and improve risk
with an aim of creating few controls. The aim is to create few strong players in the insurance market. The insurance
strong players regulator in Oman has also triggered consolidation by doubling the minimum capital
requirement. The move is likely to improve local insurers’ economies of scale and
underwriting capability. In the UAE, consolidation is likely to take place in the life segment,
as stringent regulations alongside low penetration are impacting the profitability.
Rising Consumer Awareness
The regulators have Low consumer awareness is the major factor inhibiting the growth of insurance industry in
the GCC. Nevertheless, the regulators have collaborated with insurance companies to
collaborated with insurance
educate the consumers on protection against risks. The Central Bank of Bahrain in
companies to educate the
association with the Bahrain Insurance Association conducts ‘Insurance Week’ on an
consumers on protection annual basis, to educate the locals about the significance of insurance products and
against risks services. The Capital Market Authority of Oman has also been conducting comprehensive
awareness sessions on the insurance sector. The Insurance Authority of the UAE has held
aggressive awareness campaigns across the country using multimedia and exhibitions80.
They have used visual and printed media in TV and cinemas while circulating artistic
brochures with awareness messages.
Moreover, the increased frequency of natural catastrophic events, terrorism events and
cyber threats have given rise to the demand for related insurance covers. Recently, there
have been instances of flood damage in Saudi Arabia and fire losses in high-rise buildings
in the UAE. Due to lack of risk cover, several people and businesses have suffered losses.
The Arab Spring in the past also caused massive losses to businesses and resulted in
spreading awareness about political risk insurance. Such catastrophic events have
emphasized the need for asset protection amongst the people.
79
Source: “Saudi Arabia preparing tougher rules for insurers – sources”, Reuters, October 11, 2017
80
Source: “UAE Insurance Sector, The Complete Guide”, Wealth Monitor, December 1, 2016

Improving Investments in Debt Markets
Although the trend towards The GCC insurance sector has traditionally been overweight on equity and real estate
investments, due to low interest rate environment and a less active bond market. Insurers
bond investments is moving
in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have high exposure to equity and real estate, while those in
slowly, it is likely to pick up
Saudi Arabia and Oman invest in money market instruments or fixed bank deposits.
in view of the volatility in Nevertheless, the trend seems to be changing with improving exposure to debt
equity market and a instruments. This is mainly due to increasing sovereign bond issuances and regulations
lackluster real estate sector imposing investment limits. There has been a spike in the issue of conventional bonds as
well as Sukuk by the regional governments, as they raise funds to reduce fiscal deficits
and finance development projects. The GCC bond market is valued at nearly US$ 300
billion and is estimated to expand further on account of high yields 81. In the UAE, the
Insurance Authority has set limits for exposure to different asset classes, with that in equity
and real estate limited to 30% while 100% investment is allowed in UAE sovereign
bonds82. Although the trend towards bond investments is moving slowly, it is likely to pick
up in view of the volatility in equity market and a lackluster real estate sector. During 2016,
bonds accounted for 11% of investments made by listed insurers in the UAE83.The
exposure is substantially low compared to 70% in Europe. As insurers invest in debt
securities, their investment income is likely to gain stability and provide guaranteed
returns.
Rising Potential of Bancassurance
Insurance sold through Unlike the developed economies, bancassurance accounts for a very small part of the
GCC insurance distribution. Nevertheless, insurance sold through banks is increasing with
banks is increasing with the
the banks seeking new income sources amid low interest rates and slow credit offtake. In
banks seeking new income
the UAE, bancassurance business has grown at an annual rate of 12%-15%84 and
sources amid low interest accounts for about 40% of insurance premiums sold in the country85. Although the
rates and slow credit offtake composition is low in the other GCC insurance markets, bancassurance has become an
attractive as well as profitable business for banks and insurance providers. The model
provides insurers access to a large base of customers and cost benefits, as the fees paid
to banks for selling policies is lower compared to the high cost of hiring direct agents.
Moreover, banks are able to sell the policies by bundling them with a mortgage or personal
loan. The banks are also including insurance as a part of wealth management portfolio.
Foreign insurers have tied up with international banks to lure the expatriate community,
who prefer to continue the association even after moving out of the country. Thus, foreign
insurers along with international banks dominate the bancassurance space in the GCC.
The growth is to an extent constrained by limited regulations. Thus, implementation of
favorable regulations and improvement in marketing capabilities of banks would drive
growth in the bancassurance business.
81
Source: “A clear case of growth for regional insurers”, Gulf News, July 9, 2017
82
Source: “The Insurance Authority issues Financial Regulations to Traditional and Takaful Insurance Companies”,
Insurance Authority of UAE, February 2015
83
Source: “Insurers motivated into investing in bonds”, Asia Insurance Review, May 25, 2017
84
Source: “Banks are the new insurance brokers”, The National, February 25, 2015
85
Source: “Opportunities for insurance distribution innovation in Gulf increasing, says expert”, Out-law.com

Changing Consumer Dynamics
Earlier the focus was on The GCC insurers are taking interest in improving the consumer experience. Earlier the
focus was on pricing and reducing distribution cost, however rising competition and use of
pricing and reducing
smartphones have put customers at the center. In an increasingly digital and connected
distribution cost, however
ecosphere with access to ample information, customers have become well informed and
rising competition and use demanding. Moreover, preferences have changed drastically mainly driven by the
of smartphones have put millennial generation86. Millennials represent a large part of the GCC population, with the
customers at the center median age in the region ranging between 29 and 33 years87. These young cohorts have
grown up in a digital world and are constantly connected to their peers and sharing
information. The generation prefers to go online to buy a policy, review premium/claim
statements, make inquiries and find the best insurance covers. Moreover, they desire a
personalized experience and a fast and straightforward service. Consequently, the
insurers are developing customer-centric strategies and adopting an omnichannel model88
to engage with these tech-savvy customers. The insurers are looking at establishing a
presence across multiple touch points like social media websites, mobile apps and online
websites to interact with the customers as well as build their brand image. Apart from the
technology and consumer-driven strategies, the companies are focusing on providing
quality consumer service as a means to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Moreover, the use of smartphones and need for personalized solutions have led to
innovative insurance distribution platforms like online websites of insurers, on-demand
usage-based insurtech startups, online peer-to-peer startups and insurance management
sites for small businesses. While this trend is majorly seen in developed countries, the
GCC insurers may soon familiarize themselves with the new models to expand business.
Technological Advancements
The rapidly evolving and The rapidly evolving and changing technologies are influencing the entire insurance value
chain, right from product development to distribution. Analytics, digitization, platform
changing technologies are
architecture and Internet of Things are some of the key technologies altering the insurance
influencing the entire
business models. While such developments are disrupting the operational framework, they
insurance value chain, right are also enabling insurers to generate additional premiums, optimize costs, improve
from product development efficiency, engage with customers, increase governance and identify risks.
to distribution
The abundant consumer data being generated every second by the constantly connected
digital world is helping companies decipher consumer needs, preferences and patterns.
The data is gathered through connected devices such as smartphones, smartwatches,
smart fridges, telematics in cars and sensors at home. Data from these devices combined
with analytics assist in gathering insights and pricing of premiums. For instance,
telematics89 fitted in cars is a popular tool being used by motor insurance firms to seek
real-time information on driving behavior. The data enables the insurers to offer right
priced and usage-based policies and helps consumers in improving driving behavior and
paying low premiums. Similarly, telematics and connected devices are opening new areas
of business in health insurance (by assessing fitness data from wearable devices) and
property/fire insurance (by accessing data provided by smart home devices and sensors).
86
Those born between 1982 and 2004 – as defined by Investopedia
87
Source: United Nations Population Division
88
An Omnichannel model provides a seamless experience for customers due to the integration of multiple digital
channels with back end operations like customer service centers
89
Telematics is the integrated use of communications and information technology to transmit, store and receive
information from telecommunications devices to remote objects over a network

Analytical tools such as claims and fraud analytics are also supporting insurers’
profitability.
While such technologies are largely popular in the US and the UK insurance sectors, the
adoption is in its nascent stage in the GCC. In 2016, Qatar Insurance Company was the
first to introduce telematics-enabled motor insurance by linking pricing model to driving
behavior90. The UAE Insurance Authority is encouraging innovation by considering
applications from new insurance firms that can offer innovative products and services91.
The authority also plans to launch a laboratory for innovations to facilitate technological
developments. Although the region is home to international players who have adopted
such technologies in other countries, they have refrained from bringing such developments
to the region possibly due to differences in regulatory regime and consumer preferences.
However, the low insurance penetration and less product diversification offer immense
opportunities. Presently, the technology investments are more focused on automation,
simplifying claims processing, reducing costs and enhancing customer experience.
Nevertheless, as the industry looks for sustainable business models, adoption of
technology across insurance operations will be the key to opening new frontiers for growth.
Advent of Insurance Aggregators
Insurance aggregators are Insurance aggregators are entering the market to take advantage of the expanding
entering the market to take premiums and digital consumer. The aggregators have simplified the insurance policy hunt
advantage of the expanding by offering quotes from multiple insurers at one place. By offering a user-friendly and
transparent platform, the comparison sites have helped insures expand their distribution
premiums and digital
reach. While the trend is seen in the UAE, the aggregators are looking at entering the
consumer
other GCC markets. Souqalmal.com, Comapreit4me.com, Bayzat and Nexus Advice are
the notable insurance aggregators in the UAE. According to a survey conducted by
Souqalmal.com, 90% of respondents in the UAE were in favor of renewing car insurance
policy online. While this shows the business potential, the aggregators have in actual
reported strong growth in business. Launched in March 2016, Compareit4me.com has
been able to sell insurance policies worth US$ 1.5 million per month and aims to reach
US$ 5 million per month by end-201792. The aggregator has raised US$ 9 million from
multiple funding rounds to establish insurance comparison platform across the Middle
East. Similarly, Souqalmal.com has raised US$ 10 million in Series B funding to expand its
regional presence and increase its offline service offering93.
90
Source: “QIC Insured launches “Pay How You Drive” car insurance”, Qatar Insurance Group, March 30, 2016
91
Source: “UAE:Insurance Authority emphasises innovation”, Asia Insurance Review, October 10, 2017
92
Source: “Compareit4me raises $3.5m in latest funding phase”, Gulf News, May 24, 2017
93
Source: “Souqalmal.com raises $10m in Series B funding with investment from UK's GoCompare”, The National,
October 3, 2017

7. Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Activities
The M&A activity in the The M&A activity in the GCC insurance sector has picked up in the last couple of years, as
companies are looking for strategic expansion or mergers to form stronger entities. In
GCC insurance sector has
addition to intraregional deals, the region witnessed several cross-border acquisitions,
picked up in the last
wherein overseas insurers acquired stakes in local companies to penetrate the market.
couple of years, as Regional players also made a few strategic investments in foreign companies to diversify
companies are looking for geographic presence. Based on the disclosed value of transactions, the largest deal during
strategic expansion or the period under review is the ongoing acquisition of an additional 8% interest in BUPA by
mergers to form stronger The British United Provident Association Ltd. for US$ 244 million (see Exhibit 55). Once
entities complete, the acquirer will own 34.3% interest in the Saudi Arabia based insurer. There
are two other mergers waiting for completion in the Kingdom’s insurance sector including
Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Co. with Al Ahlia for Cooperative Insurance Co. and
Allied Cooperative Insurance Group with Malath Cooperative Insurance & Reinsurance
Co. Another notable transaction in the industry was the acquisition of 67.3% interest in
Takaful International Co. BSC by Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. (BKIC) through multiple
deals during 2015-2017. The deal activity in the GCC insurance sector is expected to
spruce up, as companies seek to strengthen scale and financial position in a competitive
and stringent regulatory environment.
Exhibit 55: Major M&A Deals in the GCC Insurance Industry
Acquirer’s Target’s Consideration Percent Sales#

Acquirer Target Company Year
Country Country (US$ Million) Sought (%) Multiple (x)
The British United Bupa Arabia for
Provident Association UK Cooperative Insurance Saudi Arabia 2017 244 8% 1.5
Ltd.* Co.
Al Ahlia for
Gulf Union Cooperative
Saudi Arabia Cooperative Insurance Saudi Arabia 2017 171 N/A 3.1
Insurance Co. SJSC*
Co. SJSC
Al Ahleia Insurance Co. Kuwait Reinsurance
Kuwait Kuwait 2015 61 61.4% 0.9
SAKP Co. KSC
Gulf Insurance Group
Kuwait AIG Sigorta AS Turkey 2017 48 100% N/A
KSCP
Saudi British Bank JSC Saudi Arabia SABB Takaful Co. Saudi Arabia 2017 31 32.5% 2.5
Solidarity Group Holding Al Ahlia Insurance Co.

Bahrain Bahrain 2016 28 71.4% N/A
BSC BSC
Probitas Holdings
Saudi Reinsurance Co.* Saudi Arabia Bermuda 2017 25 49.9% N/A
(Bermuda) Ltd.
Falcon Insurance Co.
Investor Group N/A Oman 2016 6 20.4% N/A
SAOC
Bahrain Kuwait Takaful International
Bahrain Bahrain 2017 6 3.6% 3.8
Insurance Co. BSC Co. BSC
Dimah Capital Tazur Takaful
Kuwait Kuwait 2015 2 30.0% 1,220
Investment Co. KSC Insurance Co. KSCC
Qatar Insurance Co. Qatari Unified Bureau
Qatar Qatar 2016 2 5.0% N/A
SAQ* Insurance WLL
Doha Insurance Co. Qatari Unified Bureau
Qatar Qatar 2016 2 5.0% N/A
QSC* Insurance WLL
Note: *Deals pending completion (as on December 7, 2017); #Based on LTM sales as on the date of deal announcement

Exhibit 55: Major M&A Deals in the GCC Insurance Industry (Continued…)
Acquirer’s Target’s Consideration Percent Sales#

Acquirer Target Company Year
Country Country (US$ Million) Sought (%) Multiple (x)
Zurich Insurance
Cigna Corp US UAE 2017 N/A 100% N/A
Middle East SAL
Arabia Insurance Co. Falcon Insurance Co.
Lebanon Oman 2017 N/A 100% N/A
SAL SAOC
Malath Cooperative
Allied Cooperative
Saudi Arabia Insurance & Saudi Arabia 2017 N/A N/A N/A
Insurance Group SJSC*
Reinsurance Co. SJSC
Asia Capital
ACR Retakaful
Reinsurance Group Pte Singapore UAE 2017 N/A 80% N/A
Holdings Ltd.
Ltd.
Gulf Insurance Group
Kuwait Turins Sigorta AS Turkey 2016 N/A 90% N/A
KSCP
Al Manara Insurance
Chedid Capital SAL Lebanon UAE 2016 N/A 75% N/A
Services Co. Ltd.
Insurance-linked
securities and
Artex Risk Solutions
US insurance management Bahrain 2016 N/A N/A N/A
Inc.*
business of Kane
Group Ltd.
Gulf Insurance Group Egyptian Life Takaful
Kuwait Egypt 2015 N/A N/A N/A
KSCP* Co.
Legal & General Gulf
Ahli United Bank BSC Bahrain Bahrain 2015 N/A 50% N/A
BSC
International Financial First Takaful Insurance
Kuwait Kuwait 2015 N/A 49.2% N/A
Advisors KPSC Co. KSCC
Elite Insurance &
Saham Finances SA Morocco Reinsurance Saudi Arabia 2015 N/A 30% N/A
Brokerage Co.
Al Madina Insurance Co. Vision Insurance
Oman Oman 2015 N/A N/A N/A
SAOG* SAOC
Al Wathba National Vision Capital
UAE UAE 2015 N/A 100% N/A
Insurance Co. PSC Brokerage Co. LLC
Dimah Capital
Kuwait Tazur Co. BSC Bahrain 2015 N/A 20% N/A
Investment Co. KSC
Note: *Deals pending completion (as on December 7, 2017); #Based on LTM sales as on the date of deal announcement

8. Financial and Valuation Analysis
Stock Market Performance
In the last 52 weeks ended The insurance indices in the GCC mirror the industry performance and outlook in
respective countries. In the last 52 weeks ended December 7, 2017, the insurance indices
December 7, 2017, the
in the GCC have been volatile and posted mixed returns94 (see Exhibit 56). During the
insurance indices in the GCC
period, the insurance indices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait posted high returns of
have been volatile and 26.8%, 9.0% and 9.5%, respectively. The index in Bahrain gave low single-digit return of
posted mixed annual returns 3.1%. At the same time, the indices in Saudi Arabia and Qatar gave negative returns of
4.3% and 30.8%, respectively. The decline in Qatar is due to the severed diplomatic and
transport links, compelling investors to pull out investments from the country.
Exhibit 56: GCC Insurance Indices Performance
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
May-17
Jul-17
Feb-17
Aug-17
Sep-17
Nov-17
Dec-17
Jan-17
Mar-17
Jun-17
Dubai Fin. Mkt. Insurance Index Abu Dhabi Insurance Index Saudi Arabia Insurance Index
Qatar All Share Insurance Index Kuwait Insurance IXP Index Bahrain Insurance Index
Source: Bloomberg, Boursa Kuwait (as on December 7, 2017)
UAE – The Largest Insurance Market Posted Healthy Returns
Oman Insurance Co., Abu Led by favorable regulations such as mandatory health insurance, actuarial pricing and
new motor tariffs, the insurance indices in the UAE outperformed its counterparts. Oman
Dhabi National Insurance
Insurance Co., Abu Dhabi National Insurance and Arab Insurance Group outperformed the
and Arab Insurance Group
broader insurance indices in the UAE in the last 52 weeks posting respective annual
outperformed the broader returns of 28.6%, 55.0% and 51.5% (see Exhibit 57). On the other hand, Emirates
insurance indices Insurance Co. gave almost flat returns and Al Ain Ahlia Insurance posted negative returns
of 30.9%. The fall in Al Ain Ahlia Insurance corresponds to its decline in underwriting
profits and net investment income, resulting in a nearly 50% y-o-y drop in net profit during
H1 201795.
94
Source: Bloomberg
95
Source: Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Financial report

Saudi Arabia – Negative Price Returns of BUPA and MGCI Dilute the Index
Performance
BUPA and MGCI During the 52 weeks ended December 7, 2017, BUPA and MGCI underperformed the
Saudi Arabia Insurance Index, as their share prices dropped by 30.5% and 56.7%,
underperformed the Saudi
respectively (see Exhibit 58). Both the companies reported a drop in profitability during the
Arabia Insurance Index
nine months ended September 2017. MGCI has failed to meet the solvency requirements
due to accumulated losses and is restructuring its capital and business. The steep decline
in share prices of these stocks has diluted the broader insurance index. In contrast, the
share prices of Al Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance, Malath Cooperative Insurance Co.
and CCI increased by 72.9%, 5.1% and 2.8%, respectively in the last 52 weeks. The
robust increase in Al Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance is attributed to steady growth in
underwriting business and significant increase in the net income during 9M 201796. Malath
Cooperative Insurance Co. saw spikes during the second half of 2017, as the company
initiated studies to explore the feasibility of merger with Allied Cooperative Insurance
Group.
Exhibit 57: Share Price Performance of Top Five Insurers in Exhibit 58: Share Price Performance of Top Five Insurers in
the UAE Saudi Arabia
170 200
150
150
130
110 100
90
50
70
50
0
Dec-16 Feb-17 Apr-17 Jun-17 Aug-17 Oct-17 Dec-17
Dec-16 Feb-17 Apr-17 Jun-17 Aug-17 Oct-17 Dec-17
Oman Insurance Abu Dhabi National Insurance
Emirates Insurance Al Ain Ahlia Insurance CCI BUPA
Arab Insurance Dubai Insurance Index MGCI Malath Coop. Insurance
Abu Dhabi Insurance Index Al Rajhi Co. for Coop. Insurance Saudi Arabia Insurance Index
Source: Bloomberg (as on December 7, 2017) Source: Bloomberg (as on December 7, 2017)
Note: The companies are selected based on GWP in 2016; Orient Insurance is Note: The companies are selected based on GWP in 2016
excluded due to no trading activity
96
Source: Tadawul

8.1 Financial Performance
BUPA posted the highest In this section, we have analyzed the latest three-year financial performance of 19 listed
insurance companies in the GCC (see Exhibit 59). For analysis, we have selected the top
ROE in the last three years,
players in the constituent countries based on the size of premiums and assets. The
whereas Dhofar Insurance
selected companies are a mix of conventional as well as Islamic insurance providers and a
Co. gave negative returns fair representation of each GCC country according to their market size. BUPA posted the
highest ROE in the last three years, whereas Dhofar Insurance Co. (DIC) gave negative
returns.
Exhibit 59: Financial Performance of the Selected Insurance Companies in the GCC
Market GWP 2016 GWP Net Profit Cession ROE

Short
Company Name Country Cap (US$ (US$ (2-yr (2-yr Rate (3-yr (3-yr avg.
Form
Million) Million) CAGR %) CAGR %) avg. %) %)
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. UAE ADNI 408.4 646.8 -5.0% NM 47.4% -8.2%
Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Co. UAE AAIC 155.2 262.6 26.8% 2.5% 67.8% 4.1%
Al Rajhi Company for Cooperative
KSA ARCC 634.1 519.7 43.6% 138.6% 23.7% 18.9%
Insurance
Arab Insurance Group UAE ARIG 86.9 245.4 -11.8% -23.4% 15.1% 2.7%
Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. Bahrain BKIC 90.9 111.7 2.9% -17.9% 69.3% 9.5%
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative
KSA BUPA 2,122.3 2,117.0 17.6% 44.7% 10.5% 38.5%
Insurance Co.
Company for Cooperative
KSA CCI 3,088.8 2,148.1 13.9% 14.4% 20.9% 28.5%
Insurance
Dhofar Insurance Co. Oman DIC 103.9 143.5 -7.2% NM 59.2% -19.2%
Doha Insurance Co. Qatar DICO 182.1 141.6 -1.7% -3.3% 73.0% 8.9%
Emirates Insurance Co. UAE EIC 245.0 278.2 10.3% -8.2% 54.8% 8.9%
Gulf Insurance Group Kuwait GINS 432.9 704.0 7.5% -2.9% 48.3% 15.0%
Mediterranean and Gulf
Cooperative Insurance and KSA MGCI 287.0 851.8 -14.9% -40.9% 16.8% 0.0%
Reinsurance Co.
National General Insurance Co. UAE NGIN 88.2 149.8 10.5% -32.0% 41.0% 8.5%
Oman Insurance Co. PSC UAE OIC 226.3 968.1 4.6% -40.0% 58.0% 6.8%
Oman United Insurance Co. Oman OUIS 91.9 100.2 -3.4% 6.6% 45.9% 13.6%
Orient Insurance UAE ORI 90.3 702.7 19.7% 10.7% 72.0% 11.8%
Qatar General Insurance &
Qatar QGIR 1,158.6 173.0 1.1% -51.2% 68.6% 12.2%
Reinsurance Co.
Qatar Insurance Co. Qatar QIC 3,262.4 2,659.6 39.8% 1.6% 18.8% 17.1%
Takaful Emarat Insurance UAE TKFE 82.1 154.7 118.1% 44.6% 22.4% 10.2%
Consolidated 13,078.6 13.0% -0.2% 31.4%

Average 688.3 8.6% -5.9% 43.9% 9.9%
High 2,659.6 43.6% 44.7% 73.0% 38.5%
Low 100.2 -14.9% -51.2% 10.5% -19.2%

Notes: Last updated December 7, 2017; NM – Not Meaningful; Figures in red indicate below GCC average performance and those in green suggest
performance at par with or above GCC average; Figures highlighted in grey are outliers and hence excluded from the GCC average

GWP – Up
Consolidated GWP of the Consolidated GWP of the selected insurance companies in the GCC stood at US$ 13.1
billion in 2016, signifying a CAGR of 13.0% from 2014 (see Exhibit 60). Most of the
selected insurance
companies registered growth despite the economic slowdown. The trend continued during
companies in the GCC stood
9M 2017 with the peers reporting a consolidated annual growth of 12.5%.
at US$ 13.1 billion in 2016,
signifying a CAGR of 13.0% Qatar Insurance Co. (QIC) and Saudi Arabia-based BUPA and CCI are the largest listed
from 2014 insurance providers in the region, collectively accounting for over half of the sample GWP
in 2016. Owing to their scale of operations, these players outperformed the peer average
growth. However, the Takaful providers – Takaful Emarat Insurance (TKFE) and Al Rajhi
Co. for Cooperative Insurance (ARCC) – were the top performers with CAGRs of 118.1%
and 43.6%. Being an outlier, TKFE is excluded from the sample average. Investments in
strengthening distribution channels and expansion of products coupled with the mandatory
health insurance requirement in the UAE were the factors that boosted the premiums of
TKFE97. Growth in ARCC was driven by a swift increase in motor insurance premiums.
On the other hand, MGCI, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. (ADNI) and a handful of
small insurance providers reported a decline in GWP. The premiums of MGCI have
declined in the last two years. In contrast, GWP of ADNI dropped only in 2015 due to the
adoption of a strategy of underwriting only selective policies, after which the premiums
grew in 2016. Small players are facing challenges in growing their underwriting business,
given the high level of competition and economic slowdown.
Exhibit 60: Trend in GWP (2014-2016)
3,000 60%
2,500 50%
39.8%
2,000 43.6% 40%
1,500 30%
US$ Million
26.8% CAGR (2014-2016)

1,000 17.6% 20%
13.9% Sample CAGR
19.7% 13.0%
500 10%
10.3% 10.5% 2.9%
1.1%
7.5%
0 4.6% 0%
-1.7%
-3.4%
-5.0%
-500 -7.2% -10%
-11.8%
-14.9%
-1,000 -20%
EIC
QGIR
DICS
DICO
QIC
OIC
ORI
ADNI
ARIG
CCI
MGCI
GINS
ARCC
NGIN
BUPA
AAIC
BKIC
OUIS
2014 2015 2016 Company 2-YR CAGR Sample CAGR
97
Source: Company press releases and annual reports

Cession Rate – Stable
The dependency on The dependency on reinsurance players continues to remain high in the GCC, with the
cession rates of the select insurance players averaging at 44.3% in 2016 (see Exhibit 61).
reinsurance players
The rate has remained almost unchanged compared to that in 2014, as half of the
continues to remain high in
companies reported an increase in ceded premiums and others reduced dependency on
the GCC, with the cession reinsurers.
rates of the select insurance
players averaging at 44.3% in Most of the insurers had cession rates above the peer average in 2016. BUPA leads the
2016 pack with the lowest cession rate of 3.4%, mainly due to the low risk involved in
underwriting health insurance, the company’s only line of business. With a similar business
line, MGCI also had a low cession rate of 7.8%. Retention rates of both the companies
have increased substantially in the last two years, indicating their growing risk-taking
capabilities. The select set of Islamic insurance providers also had cession rates below the
peer average, because of regulatory requirements as well as few re-Takaful prospects.
Most of the companies in the UAE and Qatar have low retention ratios probably because
of the availability of expertise of foreign reinsurers located in DIFC and QFC. Orient
Insurance (ORI), BKIC and Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Co. (AAIC) had high cession rates of
above 70% amongst the sample.
Exhibit 61: Trend in Cession Rate (2014-2016)
90%
80%
71.2%
70.7%
70.5%
69.4%
67.7%
62.6%
70%
57.3%
54.7%
54.5%
60%
50.4%
48.1%
43.8%
50%
Sample Avg. (2016): 44.3%
34.0%
40%
26.5%
30%
21.2%
15.1%
13.7%
20%
7.8%
3.4%
10%
0%
DICS
QGIR
DICO
EIC
QIC
ARIG
TKFE
ADNI
OIC
ORI
CCI
ARCC
OUIS
NGIN
GINS
BUPA
MGCI
BKIC
AAIC
2014 2015 2016 Sample Average (2016)

Claims Ratio – Down
Claims ratio is a key indicator of the profitability of an insurer, as it measures the total
claims paid by an insurer against the actual premiums earned. A low ratio signifies
insurers’ ability to underwrite premiums higher than the amount paid in claims. At the same
time, a high ratio reflects that the company’s premiums are not enough to cover claims.
Companies with high claims ratio could experience financial trouble, leading to losses.
Average claims ratio of the Average claims ratio of the select insurance players in the GCC stood at 71.2% in 2016
(see Exhibit 62). During the year, the overall claims incurred by the companies increased
select insurance players in
by 14.9% y-o-y, however, a faster rise in premiums led to a slight drop in claims ratio.
the GCC stood at 71.2% in
Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co. (QGIR) and ADNI witnessed a substantial
2016 drop in claims paid during 2016, resulting in low claims ratio. With a low claim ratio, ADNI
managed to report strong underwriting profit during 2016, compared to a loss in the last
couple of years. QGIR had the lowest ratio among the peers, indicating high profitability. At
the same time, DIC was the underperformer with a ratio of 110.0%. The company
undertook an internal audit of claim files to check the accuracy of outstanding reserves,
which resulted in an increase in outstanding claims98. Subsequently, the company reported
underwriting losses, particularly in motor and fire & general accident insurance
businesses.
Exhibit 62: Trend in Claims Ratio (2014-2016)
140%
110.0%
120%
89.4%
87.8%
100%
79.7%
77.0%
75.4%
76.7%
76.6%
75.6%
72.0%
80%
Sample Avg. (2016): 71.2%
57.7%
57.0%
69.2%
54.8%
66.2%
64.2%
63.3%
63.4%
60%
36.8%
40%
20%
0%
DICO
DICS
ORI
ARIG
EIC
QIC
QGIR
OUIS
ADNI
OIC
GINS
ARCC
NGIN
AAIC
BKIC
CCI
BUPA
MGCI
TKFE
2014 2015 2016 Sample Average (2016)
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Alpen Capital
98
Source: Company annual report

Net Underwriting Profit – Up
Consolidated net Consolidated net underwriting profit of the selected insurance companies grew at a CAGR
of 21.5% from US$ 1.1 billion in 2014 to US$ 1.6 billion in 201699. The top three providers
underwriting profit of the
accounted for 67.6% of the underwriting results during the year. The increase in profits is
select insurance companies
mainly attributed to the improvement in claims ratio and low expenses. Adoption of risk-
grew at a CAGR of 21.5% based pricing model, implementation of mandatory health covers and strategies to boost
from US$ 1.1 billion in 2014 business have enabled insurance companies to report strong profits, despite the economic
to US$ 1.6 billion in 2016 slowdown.
The highest annualized average growth in underwriting profit was registered by TKFE at
51.6% (see Exhibit 63), as the company’s profits doubled in 2015 led by a significant
increase in underwriting activity. On the other hand, the underwriting results of BKIC and
MGCI declined during the period on account of increase in claims incurred. While BKIC
witnessed a decline in 2016, MGCI reported a significant drop in 2015 after which it
improved drastically in 2016. ADNI reported a turnaround in 2016 after posting
underwriting losses in the previous two years. DICS was the only company to report
underwriting losses in 2016, reflective of its high claim ratio.
Exhibit 63: Trend in Net Underwriting Result (2014-2016)
600 60%
500 50%
51.6%
400 40%
28.5%
300 25.5% 25.8% Sample CAGR 30%
23.3%
21.5%
CAGR (2014-2016)
200 22.6% 20%
12.7% 20.3%
8.9% 17.9%
US$ Million
100 10%
NM
NM 7.0%
0 2.9% 2.4% 3.5% 0%
-100 -5.3% -10%
-200 -22.8% -20%
-300 -30%
QGIR
DICO
DICS
ARCC
EIC
QIC
ADNI
ORI
OIC
CCI
TKFE
ARIG
GINS
BUPA
MGCI
AAIC
OUIS
BKIC
2014 2015 2016 Company 2-YR CAGR Sample CAGR
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Alpen Capital

Note: National General Insurance Co. has been excluded, as its CAGR is extraordinary at 194.4%
99
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon; National General Insurance Co. has been excluded, as the CAGR in
underwriting profits is extraordinary at 194.4%

Investment Mix and Return
Return on investments is an important source of income for the insurance companies,

given the low profitability in core business and a competitive environment. Insurance
companies in the region, particularly the UAE and Qatar, have invested in high-risk asset
classes of equity and real estate to earn high returns. However, the trend is changing as
the regulator in the UAE has capped the limit in each investment avenue. Moreover, with
rising interest rate and sovereign bond issuances, insurance companies are being
attracted to the fixed income market.
As of end-December 2016, As of end-December 2016, shares and bonds100 accounted for 56.8% of the total
investments made by the select insurance companies (see Exhibit 64). The composition
shares and bonds accounted
has declined from 60.4% in the previous year, as the investments in cash and bank
for 56.8% of the total
deposits increased. The drop underlines the strategy to shift investments in safe havens
investments made by the and protect earnings from the market volatility. Real estate accounted for 14.0% of the
selected insurance total investments by end-2016, which has also declined. At more than 70%, ARCC, Arab
companies Insurance Group, BUPA, CCI, Emirates Insurance Co. and Oman United Insurance Co.
had high exposure to shares and bonds. QGCI has invested US$ 1.7 billion or 76.2% of its
investments in the real estate market. ARCC and BUPA have substantially increased their
investments in shares and bonds, while Orient Insurance and TKFE have reduced it
significantly and shifted them to deposits.
Exhibit 64: Investment Mix of Select Insurance Players
100%
15.3% 15.2% 14.0%
80%
60%
56.9% 56.8%
60.4%
40%
20%
25.8% 27.2%
22.4%
0%
2014 2015 2016
Deposits Shares and Bonds Real Estate Others*
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Company Reports, Alpen Capital

* Includes investments in affiliates
Excluding cash and bank deposits, the overall investments by the selected set of
companies have grown at an annual average rate of 13.9% between 2014 and 2016 to
US$ 12.5 billion. Nearly 70% of the investment is represented by the top four insurance
100
The split into equity and fixed income is not available consistently across the companies

players, QIC, QGIR, CCI and BUPA. Investments made by ARCC, BUPA, QIC and TKFE
have increased substantially, as the companies looked to expand their investment income.
Return on investments of the Return on investments of the peers averaged 5.6% in 2016 (see Exhibit 65), higher than
the three-year average of 4.5%. During the year, BKIC and TKFE reported high and
peers averaged 5.6% in 2015,
volatile return on investments at 16.7% and 13.4%, respectively. Net investment income of
higher than the three-year
BKIC grew substantially in 2016, as the company restructured its investment portfolio and
average of 4.5% booked profit on the sale of some of the investments. The company also reported a profit
from associates as compared to a loss in the previous year. The increase in returns of
TKFE is because of high investment income from fixed deposits, the sale of investments at
fair value and a substantial increase in fair value of investments. Ten of the selected set of
companies underperformed the peer average, while others reported returns above the
industry average. Returns of most of the companies have been low due to volatile equity
market and lackluster real estate environment.
Exhibit 65: Trend in Return on Investments (2014-2016)
20%
16.7%
13.4%
15%
12.4%
10%
8.1%
7.3%
7.4%
6.6%
5.8%
5.7%
Sample Avg. (2016): 5.6%

4.2%
3.4%
5%
3.2%
3.1%
2.7%
2.1%
1.7%
1.5%
1.0%
0.3%
0%
-5%
DICS
QGIR
DICO
EIC
TKFE
ORI
QIC
ADNI
ARIG
OIC
BKIC
OUIS
GINS
CCI
NGIN
ARCC
MGCI
AAIC
BUPA
2014 2015 2016 Sample Average (2016)
Return on Average Equity
The average ROE of the The average ROE of the select peers remained volatile during 2014 and 2016, with returns
improving to 12.2% in 2016 after a fall in 2015 to 9.1% (see Exhibit 66). Net profit of most
select peers remained
of the peers dropped in 2015 due to weak investment income, changes in technical
volatile during 2014 and
reserving and intense competition. Nevertheless, the industry returned to profits in 2016
2016, with returns improving driven by the boost in health insurance premiums in the UAE and adoption of actuarial
to 12.2% in 2016 after a fall in pricing in Saudi Arabia. The returns during 2016 varied drastically among the peers,
2015 to 9.1% ranging between 3.5% and 34.2%. BUPA gave the highest return on the back of high
retention rates. However, the return has dropped in line with the increase in claims. ROE
of QGIR also dropped drastically from 2014 as its net profit has almost halved due to low

income from investments. DICS was excluded from the analysis, due to negative returns
led by high claims ratio and resultant underwriting losses.
Exhibit 66: Trend in Return on Average Equity (2014-2016)
60%
50%
34.2%
40%
28.0%
23.0%
30%
14.7%
14.6%
14.0%
13.6%
20%
11.7%
10.8%
Sample Avg. (2016): 12.2%
8.4%
8.5%
7.3%
6.7%
6.4%
5.5%
4.2%
3.7%
3.5%
10%
0%
-10%
-20%
-30%
DICO
EIC
QIC
ADNI
ORI
OIC
ARIG
QGIR
CCI
ARCC
OUIS
GINS
NGIN
BUPA
BKIC
MGCI
AAIC
TKFE
2014 2015 2016 Sample Average (2016)

Note: Excluded DICS from the above chart as it is an outlier with negative returns
8.2 Valuation Analysis

In this section, we have analyzed the valuation ratios of the select insurance companies in
the GCC. We have used the P/E, P/B and Market Capitalization/GWP multiples to
measure the attractiveness of the stocks.
The GCC-based insurance The GCC-based insurance companies are trading at an average P/E multiple of 12.0x and
P/B multiple of 1.7x101 (see Exhibit 67). Among the selected set of companies, QGIR and
companies are currently
TKFE have exceptionally high PE multiples. The high ratio of QGIR is mainly due to the
trading at an average P/E
drop in profits led by losses in last two quarters from the natural catastrophes in the
multiple of 12.0x and P/B Americas. Excluding these outliers, QIC commands the highest P/E multiple of 18.3x on
multiple of 1.7x the back of the results of its subsidiary QGIR. On the other hand, Orient Insurance Co. has
the lowest P/E at 0.9x. Due to an exceptionally low multiple, the company is excluded from
the industry average P/E multiple. Barring this, Arab Insurance Group has the lowest P/E
multiple of 7.9x. Measured by P/B multiple, the insurance companies in Saudi Arabia
appear pricey at above 3.0x. Orient Insurance Co. is trading at a significant discount to the
peer average. Orient Insurance with the lowest valuation ratios appears attractive,
considering its three-year average ROE of 11.8%.
101
Source: Bloomberg (as on November 8, 2017)

The select peers average market capitalization to GWP multiple stood at 0.75x, which has
declined in the last two years. The drop is mainly due to the constrained underwriting
business activity. Most of the companies are trading below or near to the average
valuation multiples. At current multiples, the companies in Saudi Arabia are more
aggressively valued than the insurance companies in other GCC countries. Valuations
could be beneficially impacted in view of the underpenetrated insurance market coupled
with the underwriting potential arising from revenue diversification efforts and changes in
insurance regulations.
Exhibit 67: Key Valuation Ratios of Insurance Companies in the GCC
LTM Current Market Cap

Company Name /GWP in 2016
P/E Ratio P/B Ratio
(x)
(x) (x)
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. 8.9 0.8 0.63
Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Co. 11.6 0.5 0.59
Al Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance 14.3 4.3 1.22
Arab Insurance Group 7.9 0.3 0.35
Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. 13.3 1.0 0.81
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. 15.8 3.5 1.00
Company for Cooperative Insurance 15.2 3.9 1.44
Dhofar Insurance Co. NM 2.4 0.72
Doha Insurance Co. 8.7 0.7 1.29
Emirates Insurance Co. 8.6 0.9 0.88
Gulf Insurance Group 13.2 1.6 0.61

Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance NM 5.7 0.34
and Reinsurance Co.
National General Insurance Co. 9.5 0.7 0.59
Oman Insurance Co. 10.1 0.4 0.23
Oman United Insurance Co. 11.9 1.3 0.92
Orient Insurance 0.9 0.1 0.13
Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co. 66.4 0.7 6.70
Qatar Insurance Co. 18.3 1.3 1.23
Takaful Emarat Insurance 57.0 2.3 0.53
Average 12.0 1.7 0.75
Median 11.8 1.0 0.68
High 18.3 5.7 1.44
Low 7.9 0.1 0.13
Source: Bloomberg
Notes: Last updated December 7, 2017; NM – Not Meaningful; Figures in red indicate below GCC average performance and those in green suggest
performance at par with or above GCC average; Figures highlighted in grey are outliers and hence excluded from the GCC average

Country Profiles
Country Profiles

UAE
Key Growth Drivers Macro-economic Indicators

UAE
 Demography: Growing population and high per capita income
Indicators Unit 2016 2017F 2021F
are fueling demand for vehicles, housing and healthcare and
GDP growth at
hence, the need for related insurance covers. Between 2016 % -2.6 8.6 5.4
current prices
and 2021, IMF has projected the population to grow at a GDP per capita, at
US$ 35,383.9 37,346.1 41,182.1
current prices
CAGR of 3.0% and GDP per capita at 3.1%.
Population mn 9.9 10.1 11.4
 Infrastructure Developments: At the end of September
2017, there were over 11,000 active construction projects Inflation % 1.8 2.1 2.3
worth US$ 805 billion in the UAE. The projects span across Insurance
% 2.9 2.9 3.9
penetration
various sectors, as the country progresses towards economic
Insurance density US$ 1,038.7 1,087.6 1,589.0
diversification and hosting the World Expo 2020 event. The
completion of such projects will translate into a wide base of Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
insurable assets.
 Regulations: The sector is transforming with implementation Key Players
of new regulations such as mandatory health insurance, risk-
Company GWP in 2016
based capital requirement, investment limits and new vehicle (US$ mn)
insurance tariff. Such laws are aiding growth in premiums as Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. PSC 646.8
well as improving asset quality, profitability and governance. Al Buhaira National Insurance Co. PSC 191.5
The Insurance Authority has launched a Strategic Plan 2017- Al-Sagr National Insurance Co. 103.1
2021, aimed at ensuring growth, enhancing competitiveness, Dubai Insurance Co. PSC 109.0
modernizing legislation and training nationals in the sector.
Emirates Insurance Co. PSC 278.2
National General Insurance Co. PSC 149.8
Recent Industry Developments
Oman Insurance Co. PSC 968.1
 In November 2017, Orient Insurance Co. in association with
Orient Insurance PJSC 702.7
Allianz Partners launched an international health insurance
Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Co. PSC 114.9
product. The plan is designed for the expatriate community in
Union Insurance Co. PSC 238.8
Dubai to cover medical expenses for day care as well as
inpatient treatments undertaken across the globe.
Forecast of Insurance Industry
 During a Mediclinic Healthcare Management Conference held
in Dubai in October 2017, the Director of health funding in 20
18.1
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) stated plans to implement an
emergency insurance for visitors and expansion of residents’ 15
essential basic packages in 2018.

11.0
US$ billion
 In July 2017, the Insurance Authority of the UAE increased the 10.2
10
ceiling of foreign ownership in a local insurance company to
49% from 25% earlier. This amendment was undertaken to
5
develop the local insurance market.
 In April 2017, a senior official of DHA divulged plans to
implement a Refined Diagnostic Related Group payment 0
2016 2017F 2021F
model in Dubai from 2018. The model is a new billing system
Source: Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
to ensure easy and transparent insurance payments.
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, UAE Insurance Authority, BNC Network

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia
 Demography: With an insurance density of US$ 313, half of
the average in the world, the Kingdom has a large base of
uninsured people. This coupled with rising urbanization and a GDP growth at
% -1.2 5.0 4.3
current prices
growing proportion of tech-savvy youngsters, working women
GDP per capita, at
US$ 20,365.0 20,957.2 22,636.7
and expatriates present a vast opportunity for insurers to current prices
expand conventional and Islamic insurance business. Population mn 31.7 32.4 35.0
 Economic Diversification: With a slowdown in oil prices and Inflation % 3.5 -0.2 2.1
ensuing impact on economic activity, the government is Insurance
% 1.5 1.4 2.1
focusing on revenue diversification and encouraging private penetration
investments. This is likely to result in an increase in Insurance density US$ 313.0 303.0 466.6
construction and business activities across the region and Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
create demand for insurance products. Note: F – Forecast
 Regulations: SAMA has been actively and strictly managing

Key Players
the domestic insurance industry, while issuing regulations on
actuarial-led pricing, reserve setting and expansion of health GWP in 2016
Company
(US$ mn)
insurance coverage. This has enabled growth in premiums
AXA Cooperative Insurance Co. SJSC 307.7
and improvement in profitability. The regulator plans to
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co.
increase capitalization levels and improve risk controls in a bid 2,117.0
SJSC
to encourage consolidation. This is likely to enhance the ability Company for Cooperative Insurance SJSC 2,148.1
of insurers to undertake high-risk underwriting projects. SABB Takaful Co. SJSC 58.0
Saudi Re for Cooperative Reinsurance Co.
262.8
Recent Industry Developments SJSC
The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative
 In November 2017, Capital Market Authority approved the 851.8
Insurance and Reinsurance Co.
request of Saudi Re for Cooperative Reinsurance Co. SJSC United Cooperative Assurance 218.5
(Saudi Re) to reduce its capital from SAR 1 billion to SAR 810 Walaa Cooperative Insurance Co. SJSC 271.0
million. Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
 In October 2017, Allianz SE through its subsidiary, Allianz

Forecast of Insurance Industry
Europe BV, entered into an agreement to acquire 18.5%
20
interest in Allianz Saudi Fransi Cooperative Insurance Co. The
transaction value is estimated at US$ 21.7 million, 16.4
representing 3.7 million shares at a price of US$ 5.9 per 15
share. The deal once closed will increase the total

US$ billion
9.9 9.8
shareholding of Allianz Group to 51% and enable it to expand 10
operations in Saudi Arabia.

 In September 2017, Saudi Re entered into a shareholding
5
agreement to acquire 49.9% interest in Probitas Holdings
(Bermuda) Ltd. for US$ 25 million.
0
 In December 2016, SAMA instructed insurance companies to 2016 2017F 2021F
provide a discount to policyholders of motor insurance based Source: Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
on the number of years of no claims. Note: F – Forecast
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, SAMA, Zawya

Qatar

Qatar
 Demography: The country’s population has grown at a fast
Indicators Unit 2016E 2017F 2021F
pace of 8.6% between 2011 and 2016 to 2.6 million and is
GDP growth at
expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% until 2021. The growth is % -5.4 6.8 6.5
current prices
driven by increasing number of expatriate workers moving in GDP per capita, at
US$ 59,513.9 60,811.9 77,311.2
current prices
for job prospects. Rising population, comprising the young and
working, will continue to drive the demand for health, motor, Population mn 2.6 2.7 2.8
property and other retail insurance products. Inflation % 2.7 0.9 2.3
 Per capita income: The IMF has projected Qatar’s GDP per
Insurance
capita to increase at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2016 and % 1.9 1.9 2.1
penetration
2021. Efforts to diversify revenue and a gradual recovery in oil Insurance density US$ 1,121.5 1,146.0 1,628.1
prices are likely to result in an increase in disposable income
Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
of one of the world’s wealthiest countries. This will add to the Note: F – Forecast
demand for general insurance products.
 Infrastructure Developments: Strategic plans to diversify Key Players
economy have given rise to construction activities related to

infrastructure, commercial and retail projects and hosting of Company GWP in 2016
(US$ mn)
FIFA World Cup in 2022. Such projects are likely to increase
Al Khaleej Takaful Group QSC 82.8
the base of assets available for underwriting.
Doha Insurance Co. QSC 141.6
 Regulations: In 2016, Qatar Central Bank issued new
Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co.
regulations for insurers on licensing, controls, accounting, risk 173.0
SAQ
management and actuaries reports. The new laws also Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ 2,659.6
stipulated minimum capitalization levels and limits on risky Qatar Islamic Insurance Co. QSC 64.5
asset classes. Such regulations will improve solvency of the Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
companies and build a sustainable industry.

 In November 2017, Qatar Insurance Co. managed to renew its Forecast of Insurance Industry
branch license in Abu Dhabi. This development is a respite 5

4.6
from the company’s earlier claim, about a couple of months
back, of closing down the branch due to failure in obtaining 4
license amidst the diplomatic rift. 3.1

2.9
3
US$ billion
 In March 2017, Qatar Reinsurance Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of

Qatar Insurance Co., raised US$ 450 million through an issue
2
of perpetual bonds at an initial coupon rate of 4.95% per
annum. The funds will be utilized for financing future growth. 1
 In March 2016, Qatar Central Bank ordered listed insurance
companies to hold a capital of more than US$ 27.4 million or a 0
2016 2017F 2021F
risk-based capital.
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Qatar Re, Qatar Central Bank, Media Reports

Oman

Kuwait
 Demography: The country is set to witness the region’s
fastest growth in population, as IMF has projected a CAGR of
3.1% between 2016 and 2021. An expanding consumer base, GDP growth at
% -5.1 8.5 4.8
current prices
alongside rising urbanization rate, is lending a push to the
GDP per capita, at
US$ 16,535.1 17,406.0 18,826.4
underwriting business of personal insurance lines. current prices
 Mandatory Health Insurance: Oman is set to implement Population mn 4.0 4.1 4.7
mandatory health insurance for the private sector in a phased
Inflation % 1.1 3.2 3.2
manner starting January 2018. The Minister of Health stated
that presently only 9% of nationals and 10% of expatriates in Insurance
% 1.8 1.7 2.4
penetration
the private sector are insured. Thus, the implementation is
Insurance density US$ 298.3 295.3 453.1
likely to swell the size of insurance business in the country.
 Regulations: In addition to the health insurance plan, the Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
regulator has stipulated an increase in minimum capital
requirement and need for listing on stock exchange. Key Players
Moreover, the regulator has been increasing the insurance
awareness amongst the people. Such moves will strengthen
Company GWP in 2016
the financials and lead to advancement of the sector. (US$ mn)
 Construction Activities: Substantial construction projects are Dhofar Insurance Co. SAOG 143.5
underway in Oman as part of its revenue diversification plan. National Life & General Insurance Co. SAOC 262.8
Logistics, ports, tourism and railways are the areas witnessing Oman United Insurance Co. SAOG 100.2
most of the construction activity, augmented by increasing Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG 38.7
investments by private sector. The insurance sector stands to Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
benefit from the expanding scope of insurable assets.

 In November 2017, Dhofar Insurance Co. held a board
Forecast of Insurance Industry Size
meeting to bring down its accumulated losses by restructuring
its capital. The company plans to halve the paid-up capital to 2.4
2.1
US$ 26 million and float rights issue of 20 million shares and
2.0
US$ 12.9 million mandatory convertible bonds.
 In October 2017, the Capital Market Authority of Oman 1.6
US$ billion
introduced the agricultural insurance policy. To be 1.2 1.2

1.2
implemented in three phases, the policy will also cover
livestock, fisheries, poultry, date farming and bee-keeping in 0.8
the later stages.

0.4
 In October 2017, the OMR 4 million (US$ 10.4 million*) IPO of
Oman Qatar Insurance Co. was oversubscribed by 1.4 times. 0.0
2016 2017F 2021F

* Converted at exchange rate of 2.589
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Times of Oman

Kuwait

Bahrain
 Demography: Population in Kuwait is projected to grow at a
CAGR of 2.8% between 2016 and 2021 (Source: IMF). A
growing consumer base coupled with rapid urbanization and GDP growth at
% -3.3 6.7 6.8
current prices
high per capita income will drive demand for housing,
GDP per capita, at
US$ 26,244.8 27,236.7 31,516.6
automobiles and healthcare. This creates an environment current prices
conducive for growth of the insurance industry. Population mn 4.2 4.3 4.8
 Economic Diversification: Kuwait has embarked on a
Inflation % 3.5 2.5 2.7
revenue diversification plan, which will see high participation
of the private sector in infrastructure and housing projects. Insurance
% 1.0 1.0 1.1
penetration
The country is likely to develop infrastructure projects worth
US$ 15.6 billion in 2017-18 and plans to provide 12,000
housing units annually through 2030. Such projects are set to Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
offer significant underwriting opportunities for insurers.
 Regulations: Even though not much active like its regional
Key Players
counterparts, the regulatory framework in Kuwait’s insurance
sector is set to change. The much delayed draft of a new
Company GWP in 2016
insurance law is likely to complete by end of the year and may (US$ mn)
include requirements for higher capital and establishment of Al-Ahleia Insurance Co. SAKP 202.3
an independent regulator. A favorable framework will provide Gulf Insurance Group KSCP 704.0
a boost to the country’s insurance sector. Kuwait Insurance Co. SAKP 120.9
Kuwait Reinsurance Co. KSCP 111.6
Recent Industry Developments Warba Insurance Co. KSC 115.2
 From October 1, 2017, the Health Ministry in Kuwait increased Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
the fees for health care services offered to foreigners and
people not covered under health insurance scheme.
 In June 2017, the Members of Parliament have proposed
introduction of mandatory health insurance for visitors to cover Forecast of Insurance Industry Size
their treatment costs. This was in view of several foreigners 2.0

coming into the country to avail the inexpensive treatments. 1.7
 In May 2017, the country’s largest insurance firm, Gulf 1.6
Insurance Group, fully acquired AIG Sigorta AS, a Turkey-

1.2
1.2 1.1
US$ billion
based non-life insurance company, for a sum of US$ 47.9

million. The target reported GWP of US$ 86.8 million in 2016.
0.8
0.4
0.0
2016 2017F 2021F

Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Kuwait Infrastructure Week, Middle East Insurance
Review

Bahrain

Oman
 Demography: Bahrain’s population and GDP per capita at
current prices are forecasted to grow at annualized average
rates of 2.0% and 2.3%, respectively, between 2016 and 2021 GDP growth at
% 2.4 6.3 3.8
current prices
(Source: IMF). The growing base of consumers and increase
GDP per capita, at
US$ 24,146.2 25,169.6 27,096.5
in their disposable income is likely to foster demand for current prices
insurance products. Population mn 1.3 1.3 1.5

 Infrastructure Developments: Construction activity in
Inflation % 2.8 0.9 1.5
Bahrain continues to expand supported by public as well as
private investments. Ongoing projects span across rail, road, Insurance
% 2.3 2.3 2.7
penetration
affordable housing, tourist attractions, utilities, logistics and
manufacturing activities. Such developments in a bid to
diversify the economy bode well for the growth of the Source: IMF – October 2017, Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
insurance industry.
 Takaful Insurance: Representing 22.2% of the insurance
Key Players
sector in 2016, the Takaful insurance segment in Bahrain has
grown swiftly. The increase was particularly in family Takaful,
Company GWP in 2016
due to rising awareness and demand for investment-linked (US$ mn)
products. The insurance regulator is likely to come out with Al Ahlia Insurance Co. BSC 35.9
new regulations for the Takaful segment, which is likely to Arab Insurance Group BSC 245.4
enhance the industry growth. Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. BSC 111.7
 Mandatory Health Insurance: The country is considering Bahrain National Holding Co. BSC 75.4
implementation of a compulsory national health insurance Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon
scheme in years to come. Once implemented, the scheme will
provide a significant boost to the overall insurance premiums.

 In June 2017, BKIC acquired 36.3% stake in Takaful Forecast of Insurance Industry Size
International Co. (TIC) to take its total holding to 67.3%. 1.2
Subsequently, TIC’s financials were consolidated with that of 1.1
1.0
BKIC, resulting in a significant increase in the latter’s GWP.
 In March 2017, Arab Insurance Group received a license from 0.8
0.8
0.7
Dubai Financial Services Authority to open a reinsurance unit,
US$ billion
0.6
Arig Insurance Management, in DIFC.
 In December 2016, Solidarity Group Holding acquired 71.4% 0.4
interest in Al Ahlia Insurance Co. for US$ 27.8 million. The
deal is likely to strengthen the group’s Takaful insurance 0.2
business in Bahrain as well as the wider region.

0.0
 In October 2016, Al Salam Bank entered into a strategic 2016 2017F 2021F
agreement with TIC to distribute the company’s Islamic Source: Swiss Re, Alpen Capital
insurance products through the bank’s branches in Bahrain.
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Central Bank of Bahrain

Company Profiles
Company Profiles

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. PSC (Publicly Listed) UAE
Current Price (US$) 1.09

Company Description
Price as on December 07, 2017
Incorporated in 1972, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. PSC (ADNIC) provides life
Stock Details
and non-life insurance services in the areas of property, motor, personal accident,
aviation, engineering and construction. The company has four branches and 11 Bloomberg ticker ADNIC UH
service as well as sales centers in the UAE. ADNIC also has recently opened a 52 week high/low 1.09/0.65
representative office in the UK to provide reinsurance services in commercial Market Cap (US$ mn) 408.4
sectors. Enterprise value (US$ mn) 367.9

Shares outstanding (mn) 375.0
Business Segments/Product Portfolio Source: Bloomberg
 Commercial: This segment contributed 50.4% to the company’s GWP during 9M
Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
2017. The products offered under this segment include:
o Aviation: Insurance plans covering all risks in the aviation sector such as AED US$
hull war, hangar keepers’ liability and loss of license. 3M 20.6 5.6
o Engineering & Construction: Includes covers for contractors against 6M 65.7 17.9
loss/damage of plant, equipment, machinery and sabotage, among others. Source: Bloomberg
o Energy (Oil & Gas) Onshore & Offshore: Offers plans providing coverage Share Price Chart
of construction activities and operational assets against various internal and
160
external risks. 140
o Property: Plans covering properties against risks related to fire, burglary, 120
100
terrorism and political violence.
80
o Marine Hull: Insurance plans for all types of vessels such as general 60
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
cargo, oil tankers, LPG carriers and tugs. Jun-17
o Marine Cargo: Plans providing insurance for cargo against risks of loss or ADNIC UH Equity ADX Index
damage during transit by air, sea and land. Source: Bloomberg

 Consumer: Accounting for the remaining 49.6% of the GWP during 9M 2017, this
Valuation Multiples
business segment includes insurance plans related to home, life, medical, motor,
personal watercraft, personal accident, travel and wedding. The key products are 2016 LTM
o Medical: Offers various medical insurance plans to corporations and P/E (x) 6.0 8.9
individuals for covering medical expenses. P/B (x) 0.6 0.8

o Life: Provides term-life and personal accident coverage. Market Cap/GWP 0.4 0.6
o Motor: Offers comprehensive and third party liability insurance products for Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
vehicles of individuals as well as corporate. Source: Bloomberg
Recent Developments/Future Plans Shareholding Structure
Abu Dhabi Investment Council 23.80%

 In October 2017, ADNIC opened a representative office in London to offer
Al Otaibah (Khalaf Bin Ahmed) 10.11%
reinsurance services in the industrial sectors in the UK. The business will be
conducted under ADNIC International Ltd. This expansion is the first step towards Al Nahyan 5.30%
the company’s strategy to develop cross-border business. Al Dhabi Investment, LLC 5.12%
Others 55.67%
Total 100.00%
Source: Company website Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon

Financial Performance
2015 2016 Change Change

US$ Million 9M 2016 9M 2017
YE Dec YE Dec y-o-y (%) y-o-y (%)
Gross Written Premium 623.7 646.8 3.7 480.0 540.0 12.5
Net Written Premium 349.9 294.5 -15.8 215.7 205.7 -4.6
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) -62.3 93.3 -249.7 68.7 65.1 -5.3
Margin (%) -10.0 14.4 14.3 12.1
Net Profit / (Loss) -91.1 55.8 -161.3 39.1 48.6 24.4
Margin (%) -14.6 8.6 8.1 9.0
Return on Equity (%) -23.3 13.6 13.0 13.2
Return on Assets (%) -6.0 3.4 3.2 3.7

Al Ahlia Insurance Co. BSC (Publicly Listed) Bahrain

Company Description
Last traded on September 11, 2017
Founded in 1976, Al Ahlia Insurance Co. BSC (AAIC) provides various insurance
Stock Details
plans such as home, motor, medical and commercial lines. The company operates
through a network of six branches in Bahrain. AAIC is a subsidiary of Solidarity Bloomberg ticker AHLIA BI
Group Holding BSC, a group of companies offering Islamic insurance products in 52 week high/low 0.58/0.58
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Luxemburg and Jordan. Market Cap (US$ mn) 35.8
Enterprise value (US$ mn) 0.2
Business Segments/Product Portfolio Shares outstanding (mn) 61.9

Source: Bloomberg
 Individual & Family:
o Home Protection Plan: Covers risks to property from fire, lightning and Average Daily Turnover
explosion, earthquake and volcanic eruption, among others.
BHD US$
o Motor Insurance: Provides covers against car repairing, third party
3M 35.9 95.2
damage and death or injury in an accident.
6M 28.7 76.1
o Personal Accident: Provides insurance against death and permanent,
Source: Bloomberg
partial or total disability caused due to an accident.
o Medical Insurance: Offers various health insurance plans such as Elite Share Price Chart
Gold, Elite, Riaya and Himaya for corporates and individuals.

o Travel Insurance: Provides cover for hospitalization, medical evacuation,
etc. in case of an unexpected illness/injury while travelling.
o Yachts & Pleasure Boats: Provides insurance against destruction of boats
in events like sabotage and terrorism.
 Commercial & Corporate:
o Property/General Accident: The policies offered include fire, special perils
and theft insurance, which covers building/premises, fixtures, fittings, etc. Source: Bloomberg
o Engineering: Covers risk related to loss or property damage, boiler

Valuation Multiples
explosion, machinery breakdown and others.
2016 LTM
o Marine: Offers plans to cover cargo and hull against any loss or damage
P/E (x) 467.1 NM
during shipment of goods or accidental loss.
P/B (x) 1.1 1.0
o Medical & Life: Offers group medical insurance, group life assurance and
Market Cap/GWP 1.2 1.0
credit life assurance plans.
o Motor: Provides comprehensive and third party liability insurance to both Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
corporate and individuals. Source: Bloomberg
o Miscellaneous Insurances: AAIC also offers policies related to glass Shareholding Structure
insurance, sabotage & terrorism and deterioration of stock.
Solidarity Group Holding BSC 71.46%
Taqi Mohamed ALBaharna 5.75%
Recent Developments/Future Plans
Others 22.79%
 In July 2017, AAIC proposed to acquire 100% of Solidarity General Takaful BSC
Total 100.00%
against a share swap ratio of 2.5:1. For the merger, AAIC shall convert into a
Source: Bahrain Bourse
Takaful provider. The merger is expected to complete in December 2017.
Source: Company website


US$ Million H1 2016 H1 2017
Net Written Premium 14.7 22.6 54.0 11.8 8.9 -24.0
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 3.8 3.7 -1.7 2.9 -0.04 -101.3
Margin (%) 13.0 10.3 15.0 -0.2
Net Profit / (Loss) -1.7 0.1 NM 1.7 0.2 -85.8
Margin (%) -5.7 0.2 8.7 1.2
Return on Equity (%) -4.4 0.2 9.3 1.3
Return on Assets (%) -2.2 0.1 4.4 0.6

Al Buhaira National Insurance Co. PSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1978, Al Buhaira National Insurance Co. PSC (Al Buhaira) offers
Stock Details
insurance services in various areas such as engineering, liability, group life, medical,
home, marine, aviation, motor and property. The insurance business is conducted Bloomberg ticker ABNIC UH
through nine branches in the UAE. Additionally, the company invests in economic 52 week high/low 0.65/0.59
projects through a wholly owned subsidiary, Al Buhaira Economic Investments Market Cap (US$ mn) 149.7
Establishment. Enterprise value (US$ mn) 222.7

 General Insurance: This is the major business segment of the company,

accounting for 98.1% of the GWP during 9M 2017. Products offered include:
Note: The information on average daily
o Property: Plans providing covers for property from the risk of accidental
turnover is not available
physical loss or damage caused by fire, flood, lightning, flood, terrorism and
sabotage among others.
o Motor: Provides coverage to motor from personal accident, third party Share Price Chart
property damage, natural disaster, car replacement in case of an accident 110
and other such risks for corporate and individual.

100
o Aviation: Coverage from risk of loss/damage to the hull of the aircraft, hull
90
war and personal accident cover for the third parties and passengers.
o Marine: Covers marine cargo from the risk involved during transportation. 80
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
o Medical: Includes health risk covers for individual and corporate.
o Engineering: Includes plans covering risks of contractors, erection, plant & ABNIC UH Equity ADX Index
machinery, machinery breakdown and deterioration of stock, among others. Source: Bloomberg
o Energy: Provides a range of insurance covers across upstream and Valuation Multiples
midstream activities in the oil & gas sector.
2016 LTM
o Others: The other insurance products offered include third-party liability,
P/E (x) 13.8 13.9
worker’s compensation, fidelity guarantee, personal accident, travel, home,
yacht and contingency risks. P/B (x) 0.9 0.8
 Life Assurance: This segment comprises the business of group life insurance Market Cap/GWP 0.8 1.1
policies for organizations. Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A

 Investments: This segment includes the investments made by the company in Source: Bloomberg
term deposits with banks, properties and equity securities.
Shareholding Structure
Investment Group Pvt. Ltd 27.71%

Al Thani Abdullah 13.46%
Al Qassimi Faisal 12.34%
Al Nabulsi Suha Elmi Fawzi 9.29%
Others 37.20%
Total 100.00%


Gross Written Premium 168.8 191.5 13.4 167.5 116.6 -30.4
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 4.2 5.8 37.9 5.3 5.3 1.2
Margin (%) 2.5 3.0 3.2 4.6
Net Profit / (Loss) 9.3 11.6 25.2 12.4 11.5 -7.6
Margin (%) 5.5 6.1 7.4 9.9
Return on Equity (%) 5.7 6.8 9.2 8.8
Return on Assets (%) 1.9 2.4 3.2 3.0

Al-Sagr National Insurance Co. (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1979, Al-Sagr National Insurance Co. (ASNIC) is engaged in the
Stock Details
provision of life and non-life insurance services. The operations are carried out
primarily in the UAE through a network of seven branches and a head office. Bloomberg ticker ASNIC UH
Additionally, ASNIC conducts insurance activities in Jordan through its subsidiary 52 week high/low 1.24/1.24
Jordan Emirates Insurance Co. (94.0% stake) and in Saudi Arabia via its affiliate Al Market Cap (US$ mn) 284.9
Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co. (26.0% stake). ASNIC is the insurance arm of Gulf Enterprise value (US$ mn) 253.8
General Investment Co., a UAE-based investment holding company. Shares outstanding (mn) 230.0
Source: Bloomberg
Business Segments/Product Portfolio

 General Insurance: ASNIC earned 96.0% of GWP during the nine months ended Note: The information on average daily
September 2017 from general insurance plans. The products offered include, turnover is not available
o Property Insurance: Offers cover against all risks related to a property,
including risks of fire & allied perils, burglary, business interruption, etc.
o Engineering Insurance: Plans covering risks of material damage, loss of Share Price Chart
profit due to machinery breakdown and other risks of contractors. 110
o Liability Insurance: Includes workmen’s compensation, public liability,

100
products liability and professional liability insurance plans, which covers risk
90
of accidental loss or damage to third party and injuries to employees.
o Marine Cargo: Plans to insure cargo from the risk of physical loss or 80
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
damage during transit by land, sea or air.
o Marine Hull: Plans to insure various types of vessels from the risk of loss ASNIC UH Equity DFM Index
or damage caused by perils of sea. Source: Bloomberg
o Motor Insurance: Offers third party liability and comprehensive motor

Valuation Multiples
insurance policies.
2016 LTM
o Medical Insurance: Offers health insurance plans to individual and
P/E (x) 50.6 188.1
corporate to cover hospitalization charges, doctor’s fees, physiotherapy and
P/B (x) 2.3 2.3
other such medical expenses.
o Travel: Insurance against personal accident and loss of baggage during
Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
travelling or cancelled/delayed flight.
Source: Bloomberg
o Miscellaneous: The company also provides insurance plans of personal
accident, neon sign, plate glass, money, fidelity guarantee and credit. Shareholding Structure
 Life Insurance: The company offers life policies to individuals.
Gulf General Investment 47.09%
Abdullah Omran Taryam 9.47%
Near East Investment Co. LLC 8.75%
 In September 2017, A.M. Best maintained its rating of ‘B+’ (Good) on the financial Enmaa Al Emarat for General
7.50%
Trading Co.
strength and ‘bbb-’on long-term issuer credit of ASNIC. The outlook was revised to
Others 27.19%
stable from negative, following the reduced ownership of Gulf General Investment
Total 100.00%
Co. to below 50%, providing independence to the Board for decision making.
Source: Company website, Dubai Financial
 Market, Thomson Reuters Eikon
Source: Company website, Bloomberg


Gross Written Premium 104.8 103.1 -1.5 82.7 85.8 3.8
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 17.9 10.7 -40.0 10.9 14.0 28.1
Margin (%) 17.1 10.4 13.2 16.3
Net Profit / (Loss) -28.5 5.7 -120.1 8.6 4.6 -46.5
Margin (%) -27.2 5.6 10.4 5.4
Return on Equity (%) -21.3 4.8 8.2 5.0
Return on Assets (%) -7.9 1.7 3.2 1.8

Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. BSC (Publicly Listed) Bahrain

Company Description
Last traded on November 28, 2017
Formed in 1975, Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co. B.S.C. (BKIC) deals in life as well as
Stock Details
non-life insurance business through its three branches and an office in Bahrain and
one office in Kuwait. BKIC also offers Islamic insurance products through its Bloomberg ticker BKIC BI
subsidiary, Takaful International Co. BSC (TIC). BKIC is a 56.1% subsidiary of Gulf 52 week high/low 1.46/1.27
Insurance Group KSCP (GIG), one of the largest insurance groups in Kuwait. BKIC Market Cap (US$ mn) 90.9
is amongst the founding members of United Insurance Co. and Gulf Assist in Enterprise value (US$ mn) -26.8
Bahrain. Shares outstanding (mn) 71.5

Source: Bloomberg
 Fire and General Insurance: BKIC offers covers for risks related to fire, accident
BHD US$
and engineering, medical, group life and special contingency. The company
3M 0.2 0.5
derived around 47% of its revenue during 9M 2017 from this segment. The
6M 0.1 0.3
products offered include:
Source: Bloomberg
o Home Insurance: Covers loss to property by accidental fire, domestic
explosions, storm, flood, theft, falling of aircraft, etc. Share Price Chart
o Life Insurance: Includes a decreasing term life insurance and a level term
life insurance (based on fixed sum and time).
o Travel Insurance: Coverage against risks during travel including medical
expense, accident, loss of cash and trip cancellation.
o Health Insurance: Medical insurance covers for treatment required during
a hospital stay, day visit and critical illness.
 Motor: The company provides car insurance for third party liability, accidental
collision or overturning, fire, external explosion, theft, etc. This segment Source: Bloomberg
contributed 48% to the company’s topline during 9M 2017. Valuation Multiples

 Marine and Aviation: Under this segment, the company offers cover against risks
2016 LTM
of marine cargo, hull and aviation.
P/E (x) 15.0 13.3
 Family Takaful: Offers Islamic insurance policies to cover risks of group life,
P/B (x) 1.3 1.0
education, protection, savings and others. During 9M 2017, this segment
accounted for 2% of the company’s revenue.
Source: Bloomberg, Alpen Capital
 In October 2017, A.M. Best affirmed the company’s financial strength with ‘A’
(Excellent) rating and a stable outlook. Gulf Insurance Co. 56.12%
 During H1 2017, BKIC increased its stake in TIC by acquiring an additional 26.3% Warba Insurance Co. KSCP 13.33%
stake for a sum of about US$ 10 million. With a 67.3% interest, the full Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait 6.82%
consolidation of TIC helped BKIC strengthen its financials as well as market Others 23.73%
position. Total 100.00%

Source: Bahrain Bourse


Net Written Premium 32.4 32.7 1.1 25.9 43.3 67.3
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 8.0 4.7 -41.8 4.8 4.0 -16.8
Margin (%) 7.9 4.2 5.9 3.6
Net Profit / (Loss) 7.2 7.6 5.6 7.0 6.2 -11.9
Margin (%) 7.1 6.8 8.7 5.6
Return on Equity (%) 7.8 8.4 10.4 9.1
Return on Assets (%) 2.5 2.8 3.7 2.3
Key Comments
 During the nine months ended September 2017, BKIC reported GWP of US$ 111.2 million, an increase of 37.9% y-o-y mainly led by the
consolidation of Takaful International Co. from the second quarter. The consolidation was a result of BKIC’s stake increase in Takaful
International Co. through the inorganic route.
 However, an increase in net claims and substantial rise in unearned premium reserves resulted in a 16.8% y-o-y drop in underwriting profit
to US$ 4.0 million during 9M 2017.
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Company Filings

Dhofar Insurance Co. SAOG (Publicly Listed) Oman

Company Description
Incorporated in 1989, Dhofar Insurance Co. SAOG (DIC) is engaged in the provision
Stock Details
of insurance and reinsurance services in life and non-life segments. The company’s
general insurance product range includes covers related to construction, energy, Bloomberg ticker DICS OM
motor, travel, engineering and health. DIC conducts business through 44 branches 52 week high/low 0.54/0.52
across Oman. Market Cap (US$ mn) 103.9

The company reports revenue under two main segments – General Business and Source: Bloomberg
Life, of which 89.6% of the company’s GWP during 9M 2017 is contributed by the Average Daily Turnover
General Business segment. Below are the key product categories offered by DIC.
OMR US$
 Construction Insurance: Includes plans for general contractors, specialty 3M N/A N/A
contractors and design professionals. 6M 1.7 4.4
 Energy Insurance: Includes insurance related to property, boiler, machinery, Source: Bloomberg
environmental and management liability.
 Engineering Insurance: Comprises covers related to all risks of contractors, Share Price Chart
electronic equipment and loss due to machinery breakdown. 120
 Health Insurance: Includes various medical insurance plans for inpatient and
100
outpatient treatments.
 Life Insurance: Coverage against risk of death.
80
 Marine Cargo Insurance: Includes insurance for cargo, hull & machinery, yachts
May-17
Nov-16
Jul-17
Nov-17
Jan-17
Mar-17
Sep-17
& pleasure crafts and other marine liabilities.
DICS OM Equity MSM 30 Index
 Motor Insurance: Includes third party liability for damage or loss due to accident.
Source: Bloomberg
 Oil and Petrochemical Insurance: Includes insurance for onshore and offshore
property and mobile drilling units. Valuation Multiples
 Personal Accident Insurance: Includes covers for risk of death and permanent
2016 LTM
disability due to various accidents.
P/E (x) NM NM
 Property Insurance: Coverage against fire & allied perils, terrorism, all risk
P/B (x) 2.3 2.4
related to property and comprehensive machinery (fire) for insured assets.
 Travel Insurance: Insurance protection during leisure holidays, business trip and
long stay abroad.
 Workmen’s Compensation Insurance: Plans for employers to insure their Source: Bloomberg
employees against risk of death and permanent or temporary disability. Shareholding Structure
Dhofar Intl. Dev. & Invst. Hldg. 35.05%

Rakhyout 15.06%
 DIC in its board meeting held during November 2017 decided to restructure its Qatar General Insurance &
6.45%
Reinsurance Co. QPSC
capital to reduce its accumulated losses. For the same, the company intends to
Abu Nahl 6.31%
halve the paid-up capital to US$ 26 million and float a rights issue of 20 million
Others 37.13%
shares and US$ 12.9 million mandatory convertible bonds.
Total 100.00%
Source: Company website, Thomson Reuters Eikon Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon


Gross Written Premium 170.1 143.5 -15.6 118.6 93.7 -21.0
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 4.6 -8.8 -290.8 4.7 6.6 39.5
Margin (%) 2.7 -6.1 4.0 7.0
Net Profit / (Loss) -26.1 -17.8 -31.9 -16.8 -2.1 -87.7
Margin (%) -15.4 -12.4 -14.2 -2.2
Return on Equity (%) -33.5 -33.1 -27.6 -4.8
Return on Assets (%) -7.3 -6.1 -7.0 -1.0

Doha Insurance Group QPSC (Publicly Listed) Qatar

Company Description
Formed in 1999, Doha Insurance Group QPSC (DIC) offers insurance and re-
Stock Details
insurance services in the areas of motor, travel, aviation, fire and health, among
others. The company operates the business through its head office and four Bloomberg ticker DOHI QD
branches in the country. 52 week high/low 5.27/3.22

Market Cap (US$ mn) 182.1
Business Segments/Product Portfolio Enterprise value (US$ mn) 60.5
 Personal: Shares outstanding (mn) 50.0

Source: Bloomberg
o Car Insurance: Provides third party liability and comprehensive motor
insurance plans, which covers risk of theft, physical damage to the car and Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
injury to other people in the event of an accident. DIC provides roadside
QAR US$
assistance in case of a breakdown and warranty solution for vehicles.
3M 25.1 6.8
o Yacht Insurance: Covers risk of damage or loss caused to a boat or its
6M 47.4 12.8
machinery and trailer.
Source: Bloomberg
o Travel Insurance: Covers risks related to accidents and loss of baggage
and credit cards while travelling. Share Price Chart
 Corporate: 120
o Aviation Insurance: Provides coverage to commercial aviation operations, 100
individual aircraft owners and commercial businesses. 80
o Engineering Insurance: Insurance coverage for businesses dealing in 60
heavy equipment and machineries against risks related to loss or damage. 40
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
o Fire Insurance: Offers a range of fire insurance plans for residential,
DOHI QD Equity QSE Index
industrial, commercial and SME properties. Plans include burglary and
theft, workmen’s compensation, business interruption and personal Source: Bloomberg
accident.
Valuation Multiples
o Health Insurance: Provides health insurance plans for employees of an
2016 LTM
organization to cover from risks of accidental death and disability.
P/E (x) 12.6 8.7
o Marine Insurance: Offers marine cargo and hull & machinery insurance
P/B (x) 0.9 0.7
plans that provide cover from risks of damage to shipment from maritime
perils. Market Cap/GWP 1.8 1.2
o Motor Insurance: Provides insurance covers for bus, minibus, coaches Dividend yield (%) 3.3 N/A
and car fleet of corporate. Source: Bloomberg

o Travel Insurance: Offers insurance policies related to risks of accidental
death, passport loss, emergency medical expense and delayed departure
Lamak Allahadows 7.55%
while travelling.
Others 92.45%
o
Recent Developments/Future Plans Total 100.00%
Source: Bloomberg
 In September 2017, A.M. Best affirmed the company’s financial strength as well as
long-term issuer credit with a rating of ‘A-‘ (Excellent).



Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 13.6 14.8 8.7 11.6 5.5 -52.2
Margin (%) 10.0 10.4 10.4 4.6
Net Profit / (Loss) 30.5 19.8 -34.9 8.3 9.5 15.3
Margin (%) 22.5 14.0 7.4 7.9
Return on Equity (%) 10.3 6.7 3.8 4.4
Return on Assets (%) 6.9 4.6 2.5 2.7

Dubai Insurance Co. (PSC) (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1970, Dubai Insurance Co. (PSC) (DIC) provides insurance and
Stock Details
reinsurance services through two offices in the UAE. The company offers general
insurance, individual life and group life insurance products. The company also Bloomberg ticker DIN DB
invests in properties and securities through its wholly owned subsidiary Vattaun Ltd. 52 week high/low 1.01/0.79
 General Insurance: Accounting for 44.7% of the GWP during 9M 2017, the
Source: Bloomberg
general insurance segment offers:
o Marine Insurance: Plans offering covers for cargo and hull against the loss
or damage in transit or due to perils of sea. AED US$
o Motor Insurance: Provides comprehensive motor insurance plans for 3M 13.1 3.6
trucks and vehicle fleet of corporates. For individuals, the company offers 6M 6.6 1.8
third party liability as well as comprehensive car insurance policies. Source: Bloomberg
o Property Insurance: Includes various plans to protect property against fire
Share Price Chart
& allied perils, burglary, lightning, business interruption and sabotage &
130
terrorism.
o Specialty Lines: Provides insurance products like cyber liability, jewelers
100
block, public offering security and warranty/indemnity.
o Liability: Offers insurance covers for public, product and third party
70
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
liabilities.
o Other Personal Lines: The company also offers insurance related to DIN DB Equity DFM Index
home, travel and pleasure craft for individuals.

Source: Bloomberg
 Medical & Life Insurance: Contributing 55.3% to the company’s Insurance
Premium during 9M 2017, this segment includes policies related to life and Valuation Multiples
medical insurance for individuals and groups. 2016 LTM

 Investment: This segment includes the investments and cash management P/E (x) 8.3 10.5
Recent Developments/Future
operations of the company. Plans
P/B (x) 0.6 0.7
 In June 2017, DIC’s credit rating was upgraded by A.M. Best from ‘B++’ (Good) to Market Cap/GWP 0.72 0.73
‘A-‘ (Excellent) based on its technical performance, strong capitalization and Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
improving enterprise risk management. Source: Bloomberg
Al Rostamani (Abdul Wahed) 16.99%

Barrah Investment Co. 16.47%
Mohammed & Obaid Al Mulla 8.45%
Bati Obeid Bati Al Mulla 8.27%
Al Futtaim (Abdullah Hamad
7.20%
Majed)
Others 42.62%
Total 100.00%


Net Written Premium 29.9 25.6 -14.4 21.2 26.2 23.7
Margin (%) 6.5 6.0 5.8 4.6
Net Profit / (Loss) 9.1 9.5 4.6 9.2 7.9 -14.1
Margin (%) 9.2 8.7 9.9 7.2
Return on Equity (%) 7.0 7.2 9.1 8.0
Return on Assets (%) 4.1 3.5 4.5 3.3

Emirates Insurance Co. PSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Formed in 1982, Emirates Insurance Co. PSC (EIC) is engaged in the provision of
Stock Details
insurance and reinsurance services across various business lines. The reinsurance
business is operated by Emirates International, the international division of EIC Bloomberg ticker EIC UH
located in Dubai International Financial Center. The insurance activities are carried 52 week high/low 1.63/1.42
out by EIC through its head office and six branches in the UAE. Market Cap (US$ mn) 245.0
 Underwriting of General Insurance Business: This segment contributed 94.9% Source: Bloomberg
to the company’s GWP during the nine months ended September 2017. The
business segment comprises of the below plans.
AED US$
o Commercial: The insurance plans offered include property, engineering,
3M 0.3 0.1
employee benefits, motor, financial, liability, package, marine & aviation, oil
6M 9.8 2.7
& gas and terrorism/political violence.
Source: Bloomberg
o Individuals: The company offers individual insurance plans related to
motor, home, healthcare and yacht & pleasure craft. Share Price Chart
o Emirates International: This division provides reinsurance services in
areas of marine, energy, property & engineering facultative and non-marine
treaty.
 Investments: Under this business segment, the company reports the investments
in marketable equity securities, funds, properties, bonds, term deposits with banks
and other securities.
Recent Developments/Future Plans Source: Bloomberg
 In October 2017, the company’s financial strength was rated ‘A-‘ by S&P Global
Valuation Multiples
Ratings based on its strong financial risk profile, capital and earnings.
2016 LTM
 In July 2017, the company’s financial strength was affirmed the rating of ‘A-‘
P/E (x) 9.0 8.6
(Excellent) by A.M. Best on account of its strong risk-adjusted capitalization and a
good track record of technical and operating performance. P/B (x) 0.7 0.9
Dividend yield (%) 9.6 N/A

Source: Bloomberg
Al Mazuri Investments 15.12%

Al Dhabi Investments 12.81%
Abu Dhabi Investment Council 11.81%
Others 60.26%
Total 100.00%


Margin (%) 13.2 12.2 10.3 12.3
Net Profit / (Loss) 24.4 23.7 -2.7 18.0 22.5 25.0
Margin (%) 9.5 8.5 7.8 9.2
Return on Equity (%) 8.5 8.5 8.4 10.7
Return on Assets (%) 4.4 4.1 4.0 4.6
Key Comments
 EIC reported a GWP of US$ 243.8 million during 9M 2017, translating into an increase of 5.7% y-o-y. While the company witnessed
increase in premiums in most of the business lines, the motor segment was the key contributor to growth.
 Further, the company was able to reduce its loss ratio by improving claims management in the domestic business. Consequently, the
underwriting profit expanded by 26.5% y-o-y to US$ 30.1 million during the 9M 2017.
 EIC registered a marginal increase in operating expenses during the period on account of enhanced information technology security,
increase in employees, provision for government fees and increase in bank charges due to rise in usage of credit cards by customers.
 Nevertheless, buoyed by the expansion in underwriting business, the company reported a 25.0% y-o-y growth in net profit to US$ 22.5
million during 9M 2017.

Gulf Insurance Group KSCP (Publicly Listed) Kuwait

Company Description
Founded in 1962, Gulf Insurance Group KSCP (GIG) provides life as well as non-life
Stock Details
insurance services both in the Takaful and conventional form. The group conducts
business in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Bloomberg ticker GINS KK
Algeria and Turkey through a network of over 50 branches and over 1,000 52 week high/low 3.15/1.65
consultants. The business operations are conducted through 6 associates and 10 Market Cap (US$ mn) 432.9
subsidiaries, of which the ones in the GCC include Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Enterprise value (US$ mn) 492.6
Co., BKIC, Alliance Insurance PSC and Buruj Cooperative Insurance Co. Shares outstanding (mn) 187.0
Source: Bloomberg
Business Segments/Product Portfolio Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
 General Risk Insurance: GIG provides general insurance covers to individuals KWD US$
and businesses. The products offered include marine and aviation, motor vehicles, 3M 757.4 2,507.8
property, engineering and general accidents plans for individuals and businesses. 6M 5,173.4 17,128.4
The plans provide financial protection against possible losses to an asset or Source: Bloomberg
damage due to an accident. Motor insurance is the largest business contributing
Share Price Chart
62.5% to the segment revenue during 9M 2017, followed by general accident at
160
14.4%. Overall, the general risk insurance segment accounted for 49.3% of the
140
group revenue during 9M 2017. 120
100
 Life and Medical Insurance: Under this segment, the group provides medical 80
insurance, long-term life covers and savings plans. Products offered include whole 60
40
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
life insurance, term insurance, unitized pensions, pure endowment pensions,
group life and disability, credit life (banks), group medical and unitized pensions.
GINS KK Equity Boursa Kuwait
Medical insurance is the key business, accounting for 43.2% of the group’s
Source: Bloomberg
revenue in 9M 2017.
Valuation Multiples
2016 LTM
 In July 2017, S&P Global Ratings revised its rating on GIG to ‘A-‘ from ‘BBB+’ P/E (x) 10.0 13.2
with a stable outlook. The upward revision was basis the group’s capability to P/B (x) 1.5 1.6
generate income from diverse sources and pay off its obligations competently.
 In June 2017, A.M. Best affirmed the group and its subsidiary, Gulf Insurance and
Reinsurance Co., with ‘A’ (Excellent) rating for its financial strength and ‘a’ for Dividend yield (%) 6.0 N/A
long-term issuer credit. Source: Bloomberg
 In May 2017, GIG acquired 100% stake in AIG Sigorta AS, a Turkish non-life Shareholding Structure
insurer, for a sum of US$ 47.9 million. With five regional offices of the target, the
Kuwait Project Co. Holding KSCP 44.04%
acquisition helped GIG expand presence in Turkey. Company Fairfax Middle East Ltd. 41.43%
Others 14.53%
Total 100.00%
Source: Boursa Kuwait


Margin (%) 6.6 6.3 7.8 2.4
Net Profit / (Loss) 46.9 39.7 -15.2 35.1 26.5 -24.5
Margin (%) 7.6 5.6 7.1 3.3
Return on Equity (%) 16.2 14.0 16.0 12.3
Return on Assets (%) 4.5 3.9 3.8 2.3

National General Insurance Co. PJSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Formed in 1980, National General Insurance Co. PJSC (NGI) provides life and
Stock Details
general insurance services across the UAE. The company carries out insurance
Bloomberg ticker NGI UH
activities through its head office and eight branches in the UAE. Additionally, the
52 week high/low 0.65/0.45
company has partnered with Hannover Re, Generali, CCR Re and SCOR for
reinsurance activities. The major shareholders of the company are Emirates NBD
and Commercial Bank of Dubai, which are amongst the largest banks in Dubai.
Source: Bloomberg
 General: Contributing 89.6% to the company’s GWP during 9M 2017, the general
segment offers insurance covers in various areas as mentioned below. AED US$
o Medical: Offers various health insurance plans for individuals and group to 3M N/A N/A
cover expenses in case of medical treatments. 6M 0.6 0.2
o Motor: Provides motor insurance policies to cover against damage due to Source: Bloomberg
flood, storm, theft and accident.

Share Price Chart
o Property: Offers various plans to protect property against fire and perils,
business interruption, burglary, etc. The plans include office multi cover, all
risks of property and strata insurance policies.
o Engineering: Covers risks related to contractor’s plant & machinery, boiler
and pressure vessel, electronic equipment and other operations of
contractors.
o Casualty: Offers insurance plans like workmen’s compensation,
professional indemnity, haulers and directors & officer’s liability. Source: Bloomberg
o Others: The company offers many other insurance policies related to
Valuation Multiples
personal accident, fidelity guarantee, medical malpractice, travel, credit,
jewelers block, computer crime and cyber liability. 2016 LTM
 Life Assurance: This segment includes plans on savings & investment, P/E (x) 9.7 9.5
protection, mortgage/loan, personal accident and life assurance for individuals and P/B (x) 0.8 0.7
corporates. Market Cap/GWP 0.5 0.6

 In March 2017, the company’s financial strength was rated ‘A-‘ (Excellent) by A.M. Shareholding Structure
Best based on the enhanced risk-adjusted capitalization and underwriting Emirates NBD PJSC 36.72%
performance. Commercial Bank of Dubai 17.75%

Mohammed Saleh Ali Naqi Alzarouni 10.95%
Dubai Investments PJSC 8.46%
Mohammed Omar Bin Haider 8.07%
Others 18.05%
Total 100.00%
Source: Dubai Financial Market, Thomson
Reuters Eikon


Margin (%) 4.4 3.2 3.6 5.5
Net Profit / (Loss) 6.4 7.7 21.0 5.8 7.0 20.7
Margin (%) 4.8 5.2 5.0 5.7
Return on Equity (%) 5.3 6.4 6.2 7.7
Return on Assets (%) 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.7

National Life & General Insurance Co. SAOC (Privately owned) Oman
Company Description
Founded in 1995, National Life & General Insurance Co. SAOC (NLGI) offers life and general insurance products including medical,
individual life, motor, fire and accident, among others. The insurance business is conducted through a network of 16 branches and
a head office in Oman and two branches in the UAE. The company is a subsidiary (97.9%) of Oman International Development and
Investment Co. SAOG, a large investment holding company having presence across diversified sectors.
 Life Insurance:
o Corporate: The company offers group life, group medical, workmen’s compensation and group credit life insurance plans
to corporate clients.
o Individual: Offers various plans related to medicine, credit life, education savings, wedding savings, saving plus, money
back, term assurance, mortgage protection, domestic help and supplementary benefits.
 General Insurance:
o Corporate: The company’s general insurance product range includes motor fleet, fire, engineering, liability, marine,
accident, air-craft and other aviation insurances, yacht & pleasure crafts, bankers blanket bond, property, office,
computers/electronics equipment, money, jewelers block, factory/plant erection, machinery, boiler explosion, workmen’s
compensation, group personal accident, marine cargo, professional indemnity, general & products liability and directors &
officers liability insurance plans.
o Individual: For individuals, the company offers motor, home and travel insurance plans.
While above are the products, the company’s main business segment is Life and Medical, accounting for 90.3% of the company’s
GWP during the first half of 2017.
 In November 2017, NLGI entered into an agreement to acquire Inayah TPA LLC, a third-party medical claims administrator
based in the UAE. The acquisition will provide NLGI with in house claims processing ability and thus save on costs related to
claims management.
 In November 2017, NLGI received the license to conduct insurance business in Kuwait.
 To adhere with the regulations stipulating local insurance companies to go public, NLGI came out with an IPO in October 2017.
The issue offering 66.2 million shares, 25% of its paid-up capital, to raise US$ 55 million closed on November 22, 2017. The
offer proceeds will be available entirely to the selling shareholders and the stock will list on December 6, 2017 on Muscat
Securities Market.
 During H1 2017, the company earned GWP of OMR 68.4 million (US$ 177.6 million*), an increase of 21.0% y-o-y. Net
underwriting profit of the company went up substantially from US$ 9.7 million in H1 2016 to US$ 23.8 million in H1 2017. The
jump was on account of claim control measures and change in insurance premium pricing by improving the underwriting process
of loss making schemes. As a result, the company’s net profit also grew multifold to US$ 12.2 million during the half-year period.
 In April 2017, A.M. Best rated the company’s financial strength ‘B++’ (Good) and long-term issuer credit ‘bbb’. The rating has
remained unchanged with a stable outlook. The rating was based on an increase in capital base after an OMR 16 million (US$
41.6 million*) rights issue in 2016.

Source: Company website, IPO Prospectus, A.M. Best, Muscat Daily

Oman Insurance Co. PSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Dubai, Oman Insurance Co. PSC (OIC)
Stock Details
offers life and general insurance plans across different categories such as motor,
health, personal accident, aviation and marine. The company operates through a Bloomberg ticker OIC UH
network of 13 branches in the UAE and one each in Oman and Qatar. OIC is the 52 week high/low 0.56/0.35
insurance arm of Mashreq Bank PSC. Market Cap (US$ mn) 226.3
 General Insurance: Accounting for 52.8% of the GWP during nine months ended Source: Bloomberg
September 2017, this business segment comprises of the below products.

o Property: Includes plans insuring properties from fire and general
AED US$
accidents.
3M 69.7 19.0
o Motor: Includes third party liability and comprehensive covers for
6M 42.8 11.6
individuals and car fleet insurance for corporate.
Source: Bloomberg
o Marine: Offers plans covering marine cargo, hull and energy insurance.
o Aviation: Includes plans related to aircraft hull, crew person accident, Share Price Chart
airline fleet, airport operator’s liability and cargo.
160
o General accident: Includes insurance plans against accidents affecting 130
areas of travel, home, businesses and engineering activities. 100
 Life Insurance: This business segment contributed 47.2% to the company’s GWP 70
during 9M 2017. The plans reported under this segment include, 40
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
o Individual Life: Offers term insurance, critical illness, unit linked and whole Jun-17
plans for individuals. The company also offers investment-linked products OIC UH Equity DFM Index
including workplace savings & retirement plans. Source: Bloomberg
o Group Life & Personal Accidents: Includes life and accident plans for
Valuation Multiples
large corporations, SMEs and banks.
2016 LTM
o Medical: Provides various health insurance plans for individuals as well as
P/E (x) 8.2 10.1
businesses.
P/B (x) 0.3 0.4
Recent Developments/Future Plans Market Cap/GWP 0.18 0.23
 In September 2017, the company’s financial strength rating was reaffirmed to ‘A-‘ Dividend yield (%) 7.1 N/A
with a stable outlook by S&P Global Ratings. The rating was based on the Source: Bloomberg
company’s leading market position, improved operating performance and wide

distribution network.
 In September 2017, OIC started offering individual life insurance policies online. Mashreq Bank 63.94%
For convenience of choice, the company introduced term insurance and critical Others 36.06%
illness plans. Total 100.00%

Source: Dubai Financial Market


Margin (%) 0.9 3.0 2.8 2.3
Net Profit / (Loss) 22.0 22.0 -0.1 22.3 22.5 0.9
Margin (%) 2.5 2.3 2.9 2.9
Return on Equity (%) 4.2 4.2 5.7 5.7
Return on Assets (%) 1.3 1.2 1.6 1.5

Oman United Insurance Co. SAOG (Publicly Listed) Oman

Company Description
Established in 1985, Oman United Insurance Co. SAOG (OUIC) is primarily engaged
Stock Details
in the provision of insurance and reinsurance services. The business is conducted
through its head office, 12 branches and 24 agencies in Oman. Additionally, the Bloomberg ticker OUIS OM
company carries out repairs and maintenance of automobiles. 52 week high/low 1.09/0.79

The company has two reporting segments - General and Life. The General segment,
Source: Bloomberg
accounting for 84.3% of revenue during 9M 2017, includes insurance of motor, fire,
marine cargo and hull, accident, workmen compensation, engineering and aviation. Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
The life business segment includes individual life plans, group life and medical plans. OMR US$
It contributed 15.7% to revenue during 9M 2017. Below are the details of services 3M 21.0 54.5
offered under these segments. 6M 14.4 37.3
 Personal Insurance: Insures personal properties such as car, boat and personal Source: Bloomberg
possessions. The plans are offered for car, home, domestic servants, personal
accident/travel. Share Price Chart
 Small Business: Covers shop, office, hotel and tradesman for risks related to 140
damage and burglary. 120
 Corporate Insurance: Covers auto dealerships, property owners, contractors, 100
clinics & medical facilities, professionals, marine & transit and other enterprises for 80
risks related to damage, loss of rent, business interruption, etc. 60
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
 Bancassurance: Offers group plans such as life, home & car policies for
OUIS OM Equity MSM 30 Index
employees of a large government or private organization or customers of a bank.
 Life & Medical: Offers individual and group plans, which covers life as well as Source: Bloomberg
medical in case of any accidents.

Valuation Multiples
Recent Developments/Future Plans 2016 LTM

P/E (x) 7.9 11.9
 In May 2017, S&P Global Ratings confirmed a ‘BBB’ rating for the financial
P/B (x) 1.1 1.3
strength of OUIC. However, the outlook was revised to negative from stable due to
the Sovereign downgrade. Market Cap/GWP 0.8 0.9
Dividend yield (%) 9.3 N/A
Source: Bloomberg
Sayyid Salim Bin Nassir Al

35.00%
Busaidi & Family and Group
Others 65.00%
Total 100.00%
Source: Company Website


Margin (%) 19.6 20.1 19.4 21.8
Net Profit / (Loss) 8.6 10.5 22.5 11.1 8.4 -25.1
Margin (%) 8.6 10.5 13.6 10.4
Return on Equity (%) 12.6 14.6 21.0 15.4
Return on Assets (%) 3.4 4.1 5.8 4.0
Key Comments
 Despite an increase in underwriting profit during the 9M 2017, OUIC reported a decline in net profit by 25.1% y-o-y to US$ 8.4 million. The
decline is attributed to a fall in net investment income, as the company’s investments are largely exposed to the volatility in Muscat
Securities Market and Qatar Stock Exchange.

Orient Insurance PJSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1980, Orient Insurance PJSC (ORI) provides life and general insurance
Stock Details
services through 10 branches and a head office in the UAE, two branches in Oman
and one in Bahrain. In addition to these, the company has one subsidiary each in Bloomberg ticker ORIENT UH
Syria, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Turkey conducting conventional and Takaful insurance 52 week high/low 18.05/18.05
activities. ORI is a part of the Al-Futtaim Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate with Market Cap (US$ mn) 90.3
business operations in more than 30 countries. Enterprise value (US$ mn) 35.4
ORI reports its insurance business under two segments, Life Insurance and General
Insurance. The general category accounted for 90.2% of the company’s GWP during
Note: The stock is not traded due to closed
9M 2017. Below are the various insurance plans offered by the company to shareholding
individuals and corporate consumers.
 Commercial Insurance: The insurance plans offered to organizations are in the

Share Price Chart
areas of property, engineering, public & product liability, marine, money, fidelity
guarantee, jewelry, contingency, workmen’s compensation, group life, credit,
group medical, motor fleet and professional indemnity.
 Personal Insurance: For the individuals, ORI offers policies related to life, travel,
motor, personal accident, guaranteed asset protection and medical
(individual/family).
Apart from these, the company is also engaged in cash management and
investment activities. Source: Bloomberg
Recent Developments/Future Plans Valuation Multiples
 In July 2017, A.M. Best affirmed the rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) for the financial 2016 LTM
strength of the company, based on technical performance, strong risk-adjusted P/E (x) 1.1 0.9
capitalization and domestic business performance. P/B (x) 0.13 0.14

 S&P Global Ratings have also confirmed the rating of ‘A’ for the long-term Market Cap/GWP 0.13 0.10
counterparty and insurer financial strength of the company. Dividend yield (%) 30.2 N/A
Source: Bloomberg
Al-Futtaim Development Services 90.00%

Al-Futtaim Private Co. LLC 5.00%
Al-Futtaim Private Ltd. 5.00%
Total 100.00%
Source: Dubai Financial Market, Bloomberg


Margin (%) 6.8 6.3 5.9 5.2
Net Profit / (Loss) 71.9 82.4 14.6 68.6 81.6 18.9
Margin (%) 11.3 11.7 12.1 10.3
Return on Equity (%) 10.8 11.7 12.9 16.0
Return on Assets (%) 5.4 5.1 5.7 5.9

Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ (Publicly Listed) Qatar

Company Description
Established in 1964, Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ (QIC) provides insurance,
Stock Details
reinsurance, real estate and financial advisory services. The company conducts its
business through 30 subsidiaries based out of Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, the Bloomberg ticker QATI QD
UK, Switzerland, Bermuda, Singapore, Malaysia and Malta. QIC earns more than 52 week high/low 21.26/9.94
70% of its GWP from international operations conducted through its fully-owned Market Cap (US$ mn) 3,262.4
subsidiaries, Qatar Reinsurance Co. Ltd., Antares Holdings Ltd. and QIC Europe Enterprise value (US$ mn) 2,239.2
Ltd. Shares outstanding (mn) 277.3

Source: Bloomberg
 Direct Insurance: This is the principal business of QIC, under which the company
QAR US$
offers insurance products such as medical, car, home, travel, boat, personal
3M 4,034.9 1,092.7
accident, energy, marine & aviation and property. The business is conducted
6M 3,722.4 1,008.0
through eight branches in Qatar, four in Oman, two in the UAE and one in Kuwait.
Source: Bloomberg
 Reinsurance: This business is led by Qatar Reinsurance Co. Ltd., established in
2009 and headquartered in Bermuda. The subsidiary is a global multiline Share Price Chart
reinsurer. The business is conducted through branches in Dubai and Zurich, a

services firm in Doha and representative offices in London and Singapore.
 Specialty Insurance: Operated by Antares Holdings Ltd., a specialist insurer and
reinsurer operating in the Lloyd's London Insurance market. The business was
acquired by QIC in 2014 and is now expanding in Asia.
 Life & Medical: Managed by the company’s subsidiary – Q Life & Medical – this
business comprises life and medical insurance solutions offered in Qatar.
Source: Bloomberg
 Asset Management: Managed by a subsidiary – QIC Asset Management, this is
the investment division of QIC handling proprietary investments and other funds of Valuation Multiples
third party clients.
2016 LTM 2017E
 Real Estate: QIC Real Estate is the company’s real estate arm, engaged in the
P/E (x) 18.9 18.3 22.1
trading of and investments in real estate assets across the GCC.
P/B (x) 2.5 1.3 1.5
Recent Developments/Future Plans Market Cap/GWP 2.1 1.1 N/A
Dividend yield (%) 1.8 N/A 1.8

 Oman Qatar Insurance Co. (QIC’s subsidiary conducting direct insurance
Source: Bloomberg
business in Oman) made a public issue of 25 million shares during September 6
to October 5, 2017. The IPO was oversubscribed 1.4 times and the stock started Shareholding Structure
trading on Muscat Securities Market from October 19, 2017. Government of Qatar 13.96%
 In June 2017, the Board of QIC decided to initiate a stock split in the ratio of 1:10 Qatari Royal Family & Associates 10.89%
to increase the liquidity and thereby the nominal value of shares. Others 75.15%
 In June 2017, QIC’s financial strength rating of ‘A’ was confirmed by S&P Global Total 100.00%
Source: Company Presentation
Ratings with a stable outlook.



Gross Written Premium 1,916.4 2,659.6 38.8 1,884.2 2,203.0 16.9
Net Written Premium 1,589.6 2,296.1 44.4 1,587.1 1,734.8 9.3
Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 254.3 231.7 -8.9 150.9 -27.7 -118.4
Margin (%) 13.3 8.7 8.0 -1.3
Net Profit / (Loss) 286.7 284.0 -0.9 195.2 83.7 -57.1
Margin (%) 15.0 10.7 10.4 3.8
Return on Equity (%) 18.1 14.7 13.9 4.6
Return on Assets (%) 5.3 3.9 4.1 1.4
Key Comments
 During the nine months ended September 2017, QIC reported a 16.9% y-o-y increase in GWP to US$ 2,203.0 million. The growth was
primarily driven by increase in premiums in the international subsidiaries.
 However, the company booked a net underwriting loss of US$ 27.7 million during 9M 2017 on account of insured market losses from the
natural catastrophes in Americas. Qatar Reinsurance Co. Ltd. and Antares Holdings Ltd. had a sizeable exposure to such events, leading to
a net loss of US$ 174 million. The performance during the period was also affected by the UK government’s decision to cut the Ogden
discount rate, which had an impact on the UK motor insurance market.
 With an increase in net investment income and cost control measures, the company managed to reduce the impact on net profit. During 9M
2017, the company’s net profit dropped by 57.1% y-o-y to US$ 83.7 million.

Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Co. PSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Founded in 1974, Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Co. PSC (RAK) provides life
Stock Details
assurance, saving plans and non-life insurance products. The business is conducted
through its head office and three branches in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai and Abu Bloomberg ticker RAKNIC DH
Dhabi. RAK is a subsidiary (79.2%) of National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah PJSC (or 52 week high/low 1.12/1.00
the RAK Bank), in which the government of Ras Al Khaimah owns a 52.8% stake. Market Cap (US$ mn) 110.5

Source: Bloomberg
 Underwriting: This segment comprises the insurance activities of the company.
Below are the plans offered under this segment for corporate and individuals. Average Daily Turnover
o Group Life and Medical Insurance: This is the largest product line AED US$
contributing 72.3% to the company’s GWP during 9M 2017. Products 3M 112.5 30.6
offered include individual and group life and health plans. 6M 57.1 15.6
o Engineering, Fire, General Accidents and Others: Accounting for 21.4% Source: Bloomberg
of the GWP during 9M 2017, this business segment includes insurance
Share Price Chart
plans related to all risks in engineering projects, buildings, home and travel.
o Motor: Offers both comprehensive and third party liability insurance
products to individuals. This product line accounted for 5.3% of the
premiums earned by RAK during the nine months ended September 2017.
o Marine: Offers insurance plans for marine hull, cargo and individuals. This
product contributed less than 1% to the company’s GWP.
 Investments: The company earns income from investments into marketable
equity securities, term deposits with bank, properties, trading and other securities.
Source: Bloomberg
 In May 2016, RAK in partnership with International Medical Group launched 2016 LTM
MediGlobal, a new health insurance product for the expatriates in the UAE. It will P/E (x) 19.5 11.9
cover three plans – MediElite, MediSelect and MediEssentials. P/B (x) 1.9 1.7
 In February 2016, RAK and Aster DM Healthcare introduced ARISE - a family Market Cap/GWP 1.0 0.9
protection plan covering life and hospitalization needs of non-residents Indians in Dividend yield (%) 2.4 N/A
the UAE. While the plan will initially be provided in the UAE, the company plans to Source: Bloomberg
launch it in other GCC markets going ahead.
National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah 79.23%

Al Naeem (Ahmed Isa Ahmed) 12.76%
Others 8.01%
Total 100.00%
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Bloomberg
Source: Company website, Media reports


Margin (%) 10.4 5.8 4.6 6.4
Net Profit / (Loss) 6.3 6.4 1.3 2.2 4.9 125.4
Margin (%) 5.7 5.5 2.5 5.1
Return on Equity (%) 10.1 10.0 4.5 10.2
Return on Assets (%) 3.9 3.4 1.6 3.1

Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG (Publicly Listed) Oman

Company Description
Formed in 2014, Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG (TAOI) provides general and family
Stock Details
Takaful insurance plans in Oman through a network of six branches. TAOI offers a
range of insurance lines such as motor, marine cargo, hotel, health and property. Bloomberg ticker TAOI OM
52 week high/low 0.47/0.42
Business Segments/Product Portfolio Market Cap (US$ mn) 42.9
 Group Family Takaful Plan: Provides coverage against risk of death or disability.
 Group Health Takaful Plan: Provides coverage from risk of illness, accident, etc.
Source: Bloomberg
 Group Creditor Takaful Plan: Provides debt protection in case of death or
disability of the creditor seeking bank finance. Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
 Motor Insurance Takaful: Offers comprehensive as well as compulsory third
OMR US$
party motor insurance that covers risks of damage, burglary or accidental collision.
3M 13.2 36.1
 Property All Risk Takaful: Covers property from fire and natural disasters.
6M 9.2 23.9
 Fidelity Guarantee: Covers employer from risk of loss of money/goods due to
Source: Bloomberg
betrayal or dishonesty of employees.
 Erection All Risk Takaful: Coverage against damage to plant & machinery at the Share Price Chart
time of installation, commissioning and testing.

 Contractor’s Plant & Equipment Takaful: Covers contractors from loss or
damage to their property due to accident or other external factors.
 Contractor’s All Risk Takaful: Covers contractors from damage to civil works.
 Personal Accident Takaful: Provides protection to business from accidental
damage to third parties.
 Workermen’s Compensation Takaful: Protects business against employee’s
Source: Bloomberg
death, injury or illness due to work related exposure.
 Marine Cargo Takaful: Covers freight from risk of damage while transportation. Valuation Multiples
 Domestic Helper Takaful Plan: Coverage against risk of death, permanent
2016 LTM
disability, illness and medical expenses of a domestic helper.
P/E (x) 6.4 7.8
 Travel Takaful Plan: Covers risk related to loss of money, personal belongings,
P/B (x) 1.3 1.1
documents, etc. while travelling.
 Fire and Perils: Covers property against losses/damages caused due to fire, Market Cap/GWP 1.2 1.1
lightning, earthquake, storm, flood and aircraft damage. Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
 Money: Coverage against theft or loss of money while travelling, damage to safes Source: Bloomberg
and strong rooms. Shareholding Structure

 Public Liability: Covers the legal liability claims against insured by a third party
Oman Int. Dev. & Investment Co. 17.35%
during business activities. Al Khonji Holding LLC . 15.01%
 Hotel Takaful: Covers hotels and resorts from risk of material damage, accidental Bank Alkhair BSC 15.00%
breakage of glass, business interruption, money insurance and others. Oman Investment Corp SAOC 10.00%
Oman National Investment Dev. 10.00%
Others 32.64%
Total 100.00%


Net Underwriting Profit / (Loss) 2.7 -2.1 -176.6 1.0 -4.0 -519.8
Margin (%) 13.6 -5.4 3.0 -12.0
Net Profit / (Loss) 4.4 7.1 61.9 5.5 3.9 -29.4
Margin (%) 22.0 18.5 17.3 11.7
Return on Equity (%) 16.5 22.0 21.4 14.0
Return on Assets (%) 13.2 14.1 12.6 10.4
Key Comments
 During the nine months ended September 2017, the company’s net profit decreased by 29.4% y-o-y to US$ 3.9 million due to the reduction
of wakala fee rates.

The Mediterranean and Gulf Coop. Ins. & Reins. Co. (Publicly Listed) Saudi Arabia

Company Description
Incorporated in 2006, The Mediterranean and Gulf Cooperative Insurance and
Stock Details
Reinsurance Co. (MGCI) is engaged in the provision of cooperative insurance and
reinsurance business in Saudi Arabia. The company conducts its business through Bloomberg ticker MEDGULF AB
four branches and several point of sales spread across the country. MGCI is a 52 week high/low 19.48/3.37
subsidiary of Medgulf Group, one of the largest insurance and reinsurance Market Cap (US$ mn) 287.0
companies in the Middle East. The parent has operations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Enterprise value (US$ mn) 266.8
Bahrain, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and the UK. Shares outstanding (mn) 40.0
Source: Bloomberg

 Medical: The company offers group and individual health plans covering
SAR US$
hospitalization, surgical operations, consultations, medicines and lab tests. This is
3M 9,046.7 2,411.8
the key business segment, accounting for 68.7% of the company’s GWP during
6M 7,481.5 1,994.6
9M 2017.
Source: Bloomberg
 Motor: The company provides both third party liability and comprehensive motor
insurance covers. This business line contributed 18.1% to the company’s GWP Share Price Chart
during 9M 2017. 130
 Others: Accounting for 13% of the GWP during 9M 2017, this business segment 100
includes premiums from other general insurance and group life covers. The other 70
general insurance products offered by the company include covers related to 40
aviation & air transportation, employer’s liability, engineering, risk of infidelity act 10
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
for employers, marine shipping & craft hulls, money, personal accident,
MEDGULF AB Equity Tadawul All Share
professional liability and property among others.
Source: Bloomberg
 In October 2017, SAMA issued a letter to MGCI to comply with the solvency 2016 LTM
margin requirement by December 31, 2017, failing which the operations will be P/E (x) 39.8 NM
suspended. After multiple discussions with the regulator where MGCI disclosed its P/B (x) 2.8 5.7
inability to meet the deadline, the management has submitted a revised business Market Cap/GWP 0.8 0.4
plan to improve the solvency gradually by exiting unprofitable accounts and
reinsurance of medical business. The plan is pending for approval by SAMA.
Source: Bloomberg
 In September 2017, the regulator approved a reduction of MGCI’s share capital by
60.0% to SAR 400 million (US$ 106.6 million*) in order to reduce the accumulated Shareholding Structure
losses and comply with the regulatory requirements. Consequently, the Mediterranean & Gulf Insurance
40.50%
& Reinsurance Co.
accumulated losses reached 19.5% of the capital.
The Saudi Investment Bank 19.00%
 SAMA permitted MGCI to issue new motor insurance policies with effect from
Others 40.50%
March 5, 2017. The company was prohibited from issuing new motor insurance
Total 100.00%
policies in November 2016 due to non-compliance in settling claims.



Gross Written Premium 1,067.0 851.8 -20.2 702.9 577.7 -17.8
Margin (%) 2.1 11.8 11.6 5.9
Net Profit / (Loss) -69.7 18.0 -125.9 14.8 -120.0 -909.3
Margin (%) -6.5 2.1 2.1 -20.8
Return on Equity (%) -25.0 7.3 7.5 -84.6
Return on Assets (%) -4.7 1.3 1.3 -12.7
Key Comments
 During 9M 2017, the company’s GWP and underwriting profit declined by 17.8% and 58.2% y-o-y due to drop in business activity and net loss
ratio.
 The company increased the doubtful debt provisioning during the period towards receivables from policyholders, reinsurance and related
parties. Moreover, MGCI reported a drop in net investment income and wrote off a discontinued ERP system during 9M 2017.
 Consequently, the company reported a net loss of US$ 120.0 million during 9M 2017 as compared to a profit of US$ 14.8 million during 9M
2016.

Union Insurance Co. PJSC (Publicly Listed) UAE

Company Description
Formed in 1998, Union Insurance Co. PJSC (UIC) is engaged in the provision of life
Stock Details
and non-life insurance services in various areas such as motor, health, travel, home
and marine. The company has eight offices, including the head office, in the UAE. Bloomberg ticker UNION UH
For reinsurance activities, UIC has partnered with international reinsurers such as 52 week high/low 0.51/0.46
Generali, Hannover Re, Lloyds, QBE Europe, SCOR and Swiss Re. Market Cap (US$ mn) 161.3
 General Insurance: Contributing 76.5% to the company’s GWP during 9M 2017, Source: Bloomberg
the General Insurance segment offers several plans for individuals and corporate.
o Motor: Plans providing cover for vehicles in the event of personal accident,
AED US$
repair at garage and emergency medical expenses.
3M 35.6 9.7
o Health: Provides health insurance plans for individuals and corporates to
6M 18.1 4.9
protect against chronic conditions, work related accidents, dental treatment
Source: Bloomberg
and inpatient and outpatient treatments.
o Property: Provides policies to insure property from the risk of fire & Share Price Chart
lightning, storm, flood, aircraft damage and others.
120
o Engineering: Provides insurance against machinery breakdown,
110
deterioration of stocks, electronic equipment and all other risks of 100
contactors. 90
o Marine: Offers insurance for marine cargo, hull and other liabilities. 80
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
o Aviation: Coverage against risk of crew personal accident, aircraft hull & Jun-17
liability, loss of license, hangar keepers & premises liabilities. UNION UH Equity ADX Index
o Others: The company also offers insurance in the areas of energy, travel, Source: Bloomberg
home and income protection.
Valuation Multiples
 Life Assurance: This segment accounted 23.5% of the GWP during 9M 2017.
This segment offers various individual and group life insurance policies. 2016 LTM
P/E (x) N/A 181.4

P/B (x) 2.1 2.0
 In January 2017, A.M. Best maintained its rating of ‘B++’ (Good) on the company’s Market Cap/GWP 0.7 0.6
financial strength to reflect its technical profitability, risk-adjusted capitalization and Dividend yield (%) N/A N/A
solid business profile. Source: Bloomberg
 In December 2016, UIC appointed Etisalat to manage its core IT network
infrastructure.
 In November 2016, UIC entered into a strategic partnership with Migration Cover, Invest AD 22.12%
Al Sari Family 15.85%
a company offering specialty insurance products for expats, Visa holders and
Al Hosani (Salem Abdulla Salem) 15.48%
migrants. Through this collaboration, UIC will launch Expat Protect, a Falcons Gulf Gen. Trading Co. 14.32%
comprehensive insurance product covering repatriation, employment advocacy Gulf General Investment Co. 8.79%
Others 23.44%
and travel needs of expatriates in the UAE.
Total 100.00%


Margin (%) 5.1 4.4 9.5 3.4
Net Profit / (Loss) -1.8 -2.8 59.5 -2.7 1.7 -162.8
Margin (%) -1.0 -1.2 -1.5 0.8
Return on Equity (%) -1.9 -3.3 -4.1 2.7
Return on Assets (%) -0.7 -0.8 -1.1 0.5
Key Comments
 During the nine months ended September 2017, UIC reported a net profit of US$ 1.7 million as compared to a loss of US$ 2.7 million during
the same period last year. The turnaround is attributed to the company’s stringent policy, selectivity in businesses and controls in
underwriting operations.
Source: Thomson Reuters Eikon, Company Press Release

United Cooperative Assurance Co. (Publicly Listed) Saudi Arabia
Company Description Current Price (US$) 3.29

Incorporated in 2008, United Cooperative Assurance Co. (UCA) offers insurance and
Stock Details
reinsurance services across various business lines such as aviation, engineering,
motor and health. The company operates through its seven branches in Saudi Bloomberg ticker UCA AB
Arabia. 52 week high/low 4.35/3.07

 Motor: Accounting for 33.2% of the GWP during 9M 2017, this segment includes
Source: Bloomberg
comprehensive and third party liability motor insurance products.
 Medical Insurance: Plans covering medical costs, medicines and all other Average Daily Turnover (‘000)
medical supplies and services. This segment contributed 6.4% to the company’s SAR US$
GWP during 9M 2017. 3M 4,401.2 1,173.4
 Energy: Under this segment, the company offers various insurance products
6M 5,687.9 1,516.4
across the oil & gas operations. During 9M 2017, this segment contributed 16.5% Source: Bloomberg
to GWP.
 Engineering: Offers plans covering all risks of contractors, plant & machinery, Share Price Chart
engineering and machinery breakdown. During 9M 2017, the segment contributed 140
29.5% to GWP.
 Others: The other insurance plans offered by the company include, 100
o Aviation: Plans to protect the operation of aircraft and risks involved in

60
aviation.
Aug-17
Oct-17
Apr-17
Dec-16
Dec-17
Feb-17
Jun-17
o Trade Credit: Plans offered to suppliers (service providers, manufacturers,
UCA AB Equity Tadawul All Share
trading companies) for coverage against risk of non-payment of accounts
Source: Bloomberg
receivable.
o General Accidents: Offers fidelity, money, personal accident and other Valuation Multiples
such plans.
2016 LTM
o Marine: Offers marine hull and cargo insurance plans that cover risks of
P/E (x) 6.4 8.5
damage to hull/machinery and other marine related risks.
P/B (x) 1.7 1.4
o Property: Offers property insurance against fire, special perils and
business interruption.
 SAMA lifted the ban on the company for issuing new motor insurance policies Shareholding Structure
effective September 7, 2016. The prohibition was imposed from June 21, 2016 U.C.A Insurance Co. 32.50%
due to non-compliance with the regulatory requirements on settlements of motor Others 64.50%
insurance claims and customers' complaint processing. Total 100.00%
Source: Company website, Bloomberg


Margin (%) 4.6 28.4 33.5 35.4
Net Profit / (Loss) -14.1 26.6 -288.4 23.6 15.9 -32.7
Margin (%) -4.2 12.2 13.2 12.5
Return on Equity (%) -23.6 29.2 31.4 19.3
Return on Assets (%) -3.3 5.7 6.2 4.5

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GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 1

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 2

1.1 Scope of the Report .....................................................................................................................8

1.2 Sector Outlook..............................................................................................................................8

1.3 Key Growth Drivers ......................................................................................................................8

1.4 Key Challenges ............................................................................................................................9

1.5 Key Trends ...................................................................................................................................9

2. THE GCC INSURANCE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW .............................................................. 10

2.1 Country-wise Insurance Market Overview ..................................................................................15

3. THE GCC INSURANCE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK ................................................................ 29

3.1 Forecasting Methodology ...........................................................................................................29

3.2 GCC Insurance Market Forecast ................................................................................................30

3.3 Country-wise Market Size Forecast............................................................................................32

7. MERGER AND ACQUISITION (M&A) ACTIVITIES ........................................................... 49

8. FINANCIAL AND VALUATION ANALYSIS........................................................................ 51

8.1 Financial Performance ...............................................................................................................53

8.2 Valuation Analysis ......................................................................................................................60

COUNTRY PROFILES ........................................................................................................................ 62

COMPANY PROFILES ........................................................................................................................ 69

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 3

Insurance penetration: Gross written premium measured as a percentage of gross

Insurance density: Gross written premium measured per capita

Cession rate: The percentage of written premium transferred to a reinsurer by a primary

Retention rate: The percentage of written premium retained by a primary insurer

Claims ratio: Net claims incurred as a percentage of net earned premium

Expense ratio: Underwriting and administrative expenses as a percentage of net earned

Investment returns: Calculated by dividing gross investment income over investments in

Bancassurance: Involves the distribution of insurance products through the banking

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 4

Chief Executive Officer

National Life & General Insurance Co. SAOG, Oman

Chief Executive Officer

Oman Insurance Co., UAE

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 5

Group Chief Executive Officer

Solidarity Group, Bahrain

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 6

Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG, Oman

Alpen Capital (ME) Limited

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 7

1.1 Scope of the Report

1.2 Sector Outlook

1.3 Key Growth Drivers

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 8

1.4 Key Challenges

1.5 Key Trends

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 9

Life and Non-life Insurance

Source: Swiss Re Source: Swiss Re

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 10

16.5 85.8% 86.3%

3.1 3.2 13.4% 14.2% 13.7% 12.8% 12.4% 12.4%

Life Insurance Non-life Insurance Life Insurance Non-life Insurance

Source: Swiss Re Source: Swiss Re

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 11

2.0% 1.9% 7.0%

Source: Swiss Re, IMF Source: Swiss Re, IMF

High Density due to a Low Base of Population

GCC Insurance Industry | December 13, 2017 Page | 12