Operational resilience and business continuity in the Middle East

A recent webinar hosted by Verisk in partnership with the DIFC Insurance Association brought together industry leaders to explore how insurers and brokers across the region are operating under rapidly evolving conditions.

The DIFC has established itself as a credible, well-recognised hub of specialty insurance globally, with continued investment in infrastructure, both in physical presence and digital capabilities. A strong culture of collaboration across the market between insurers, brokers, regulators, technology providers and market bodies has been critical in helping the region respond collectively to challenges and continue moving forward. One speaker highlighted the vast amount of talent present in the market as a further contribution to stability. Another, highlighted government support and responsiveness that “makes our life easier, asking what they can do to help, with logistics or support”.

In an increasingly volatile global environment, the insurance market in the Middle East is redefining what resilience looks like in everyday operations. As one speaker noted, the industry is no longer trying to avoid disruption, “it is learning to operate through it”. While 2026 is expected to be a particularly challenging year, there are opportunities to be found even in that context.
Panellists emphasised that resilience is not defined by business continuity plans, but by what happens on a “regular Tuesday”. Across the market, underwriting discipline, broker relationships, and claims handling continue largely uninterrupted, even against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty.

One of the clearest shifts in the market is the move away from purely individual judgment towards more structured, data-driven decision-making frameworks, with technology playing a central role. Pricing engines, exposure management tools, and digital placement platforms allow firms to apply consistent underwriting standards, improve visibility over risk and capacity and make faster, more confident decisions. The panel emphasised that underwriting “is not a dying skill, but that underwriters are free to look at bespoke risks where they can add value” while the technology reduces time spent on more predictable decisions and risks.

While technology adoption is accelerating across the region, panellists stressed that successful implementation depends on people and processes just as much as tools. “In building resilience and stability within business, you need people who are willing to make that happen”, as one panellist put it.

Speed, visibility and consistency remain competitive advantages, especially in a market cycle where speed of service is vital. Making sure underwriters are able to spend their time wisely, focusing on the right risks is important. Delays in underwriting decisions can disrupt entire placements, weaken broker relationships, and ultimately lead to lost business. As discussed during the session, a “quick yes or no” is often more valuable than a delayed response.

Transparency and predictability can be differentiators as well. Firms that clearly communicate their underwriting appetite and capacity are more likely to attract aligned business, while those lacking transparency risk missing opportunities. “Tried and tested” technology enables governance and speed to coexist, adding relationship frameworks and guardrails that help add efficiency to relationships. “Visibility is fundamental to keep business moving, and organisations need to understand who is writing what and what capacity exists in order to avoid missed opportunities. As the market becomes more complex, the need for visibility increases”.

Despite ongoing uncertainty, the outlook for the Middle East insurance market remains positive. Growth opportunities exist, particularly for firms that can combine discipline with agility and leverage technology to scale effectively. At the same time, broader challenges such as protection gaps in complex, multi-layered risks are prompting new conversations between insurers, governments, and businesses. “The region has a big ambition for growth, not just internally or regionally, but also internationally, and to be able to grow and compete in that stage, with maturity and confidence, companies need the right tools in place”.

Many of the current risks haven’t traditionally been fully considered or tested within contracts. Now, they’re being brought into sharp focus, which creates opportunities to speak with clients, help them clearly understand what’s already in place, what gaps might exist, and what updated requirements may now be necessary. “If you look at the situation from a broader business perspective, there’s a real opportunity to have those face-to-face conversations because that’s exactly what clients are looking for. If you step back and focus only on the numbers or focus inward, you risk missing opportunities that are emerging right now”, said one panellist.

Ultimately, the session proved that resilience is no longer a defensive concept. In the Middle East, it is becoming a source of competitive advantage, enabling firms not just to withstand disruption, but to move forward with confidence.

Find out more about our solutions in the Middle East.