Overall, the insurance sector's performance reflects stable growth and increasing confidence. According to a Central Bank report, total written premiums increased by 15.5% compared to 2024, reaching approximately 75.2 billion dirhams. The number of insurance policies issued rose to 17.8 million, and total compensation paid increased by 11%, reaching around 46.2 billion dirhams in 2025, compared to 41.6 billion dirhams in 2024. The retention ratio improved to reach 56.6%, indicating companies' ability to retain a larger portion of risks without reinsurance. The Central Bank stated that the national economy achieved exceptional economic performance, with real GDP growth reaching 5.6% in 2025. This growth was driven by the increasing contribution of non-oil sectors, the success of economic diversification strategies, and proactive monetary policies that reduced inflationary pressures to stable levels of 1.3%, supporting the national economy's competitiveness. This is outlined in the Central Bank's annual report, released yesterday, which reflects a sustainable financial future and confirms the continuation of real GDP growth in 2026, underscoring high confidence in the country's financial system. The report confirmed that the localization policy remained a top priority in 2025, contributing to national employment goals and increasing the percentage of Emirati citizens in licensed financial institutions. Overall, the sector exceeded its set targets, achieving an overall performance rate of 160%. The localization rate in key positions increased by 13.9% compared to 2024, reaching 41.2% by the end of December 2025, against a sectoral target of 45% by the end of 2026. At the leadership level, the localization rate among executives directly reporting to CEOs increased by 19.09% compared to 2024, approaching the 2026 target of 30%. The representation of Emirati citizens in decision-making committees and internal voting reached 30.77%, exceeding the 2026 target. Various financial sectors showed significant progress. In the insurance sector, the localization rate in key positions reached 35.36%, reflecting the continued integration of citizens into core roles. Five banks committed to employing 1,700 Emirati citizens in the Al Ain region for the period 2025-2026. By the end of 2025, 632 individuals were hired, with a further 238 expected to join in 2026. Additionally, 252 citizens were employed in other financial institutions, particularly in exchange and insurance companies. At the sector level, financial institutions surpassed the cumulative target of employing 10,300 citizens, achieving progress ahead of the 2027 deadline. The 'Itreah' program also continued to support employment in key roles through structured training tracks, with 3,614 citizens participating by the end of the year. The banking sector achieved regional leadership with assets exceeding 5.4 trillion dirhams, supported by a 17.9% growth in the credit portfolio and a 16.2% increase in deposits, confirming the sector's financial strength and its high ability to meet the growing demand for credit in a conducive business environment. The UAE's insurance sector demonstrated strong growth in 2025, with insurance premiums and the number of policies increasing significantly, alongside a rise in paid compensation. Furthermore, the retention ratio improved, reflecting the strength of companies and their ability to manage risks internally. At the same time, technical provisions and total assets increased, indicating the sector's financial resilience and continued expansion of investments. Total assets of insurance companies reached approximately 166.7 billion dirhams by the end of 2025, compared to 155.5 billion dirhams at the end of 2024, reflecting the expansion of balance sheets and increased investment in the sector.
