Insurance

The wide array of local and international insurance companies that operate out of Manama have flourished in a regulatory environment that has allowed them to serve the small domestic market while simultaneously extending their operations regionally. A history of sound prudential oversight has protected them from the series of economic shocks that have created a challenging economic environment since 2011, during which time they have continued to post year-on-year expansions in written premiums.

While low oil prices mean that adverse conditions are likely to persist in 2017, the promise of new mandatory lines maintains the possibility of renewed growth in the sector.