The State Of Qatar
| February 4, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
Attracting global players and established national businesses ensure Qatar is better positioned than most to ride out the global economic crisis.
The United Arab Emirates
| February 4, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
The next phase of the market’s evolution will be driven by the next steps of the new Insurance Authority.
The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
| February 4, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
The regulatory transformation of the Saudi insurance sector gathers pace as more insurers are licensed and competition intensifies, with health insurance fuelling growth.
The Sultanate Of Oman
| February 4, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
Two years on from Cyclone Gonu, the Omani insurance sector is back on solid ground.
The State Of Kuwait
| February 3, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
Government projects have fuelled growth for local insurers, but the Kuwati government will look to build on this in 2010.
The Kingdom Of Bahrain
| February 3, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
A small but sophisticated market that awaits the implementation of a compulsory health insurance scheme to fuel further growth.
IFSB Issues Takaful Guidance
| January 27, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
Islamic financial services industry set for improved “soundness” and “stability” following IFSB ruling in Kuala Lumpur.
Three Companies Mull Takaful JV
| January 27, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
Italan insurer Assicurazioni Generali, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), and broker Beema are looking into forming a joint venture in the takaful sector. QIB chairman, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani, said: “QIB is delighted to look into the possibilities of establishing strategic partnerships in the takaful business with a view to create a leading takaful player. Our plans are to launch the takaful products in the GCC countries first, giving priority to our local and regional markets, and then place a particular focus on geographic areas which are relevant to takaful.”
Al Ittihad Gets B+
| January 26, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
AM Best Co has assigned a financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and an issuer credit rating of “bbb-” to Al Ittihad Al Watani (L’Union Nationale) Societe Generale d’Assurances du Proche Orient sal (Al Ittihad) (Lebanon). The ratings of Al Ittihad reflect its improving capital position, robust underwriting performance and good business profile. Offsetting factors include its weak investment strategy and underdeveloped risk management framework.
B++ for Jordan Insurance
| January 26, 2010 by Hussain Hadi
AM Best Co has assigned a financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb” to Jordan Insurance Company Plc (JIC). The ratings of JIC reflect its strong level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, robust underwriting performance and established profile in the Jordanian insurance market. An offsetting factor is the firm’s investment strategy, which gives rise to volatile investment performance.
