The insurance sector is facing one of the most complex challenges in its history as geopolitical conflicts escalate and wars are no longer exceptional events but a permanent element in the global risk equation, all of which are forcing companies to reformulate their models and methods of operation. Amidst escalating tensions, there is a growing demand for specialised insurance solutions to address unconventional risks, including attacks on infrastructure, disruptions to supply chains and transport , and damage to goods. As these risks persist, insurance costs rise significantly. Increases in transport, energy, and basic commodity premiums are reflected in the prices of products and services, making the consumer part of the risk equation. Meanwhile, insurance companies bear the responsibility of managing compensation in an unstable environment. International reports from Swiss Re and Lloyd’s of London revealed a radical shift in the sector, characterized by an almost complete exclusion of damages resulting from armed conflicts from traditional policies, in contrast to the growing reliance on war risk insurance. Sensitive sectorExperts point out that the insurance sector has become one of the most sensitive sectors to the developments of wars, with a significant increase in the cost of coverage and a widening scope of risks to include supply chains, business disruption, transport and global trade. In contrast, reinsurance companies play a pivotal role: undertaking the task of distributing risks on a global scale, thereby reducing the likelihood of local insurance companies collapsing in the event of large losses. In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), CEO of Damaan Islamic Insurance Company (BEEMA) Nasser Rashid al-Misnad confirmed that the insurance sector is facing increasing challenges that have forced it to reformulate its business models and risk management mechanisms. He pointed out that wars are no longer exceptional events, but have become a permanent element in risk assessment, which has directly affected the cost of insurance and the nature of the coverage provided. Risk management within insurance companies is no longer limited to monitoring traditional indicators, al-Misnad pointed out, adding that it has become a pivotal function that drives the decision-making process through the continuous evaluation of possible scenarios and preparation for developments that may be unexpected in a highly volatile environment. The BEEMA CEO explained that the recent period witnessed a significant increase in insurance premiums, especially in the maritime transport, aviation and energy sectors, as a result of the increased likelihood of losses and the complexity of the risk environment. He pointed out that the impact of these increases extended to the cost of goods and services, making the consumer part of this equation. Al-Misnad referred to the emergence of a need for insurance products that were previously of limited use, most notably insurance against the risks of war, business disruption, and supply chains, in addition to insurance against cyber risks, which have become one of the dimensions of modern wars. Reinsurance companies form a key pillar in supporting the stability of the sector by distributing risks on a global scale, which limits the impact of large losses on local insurance companies, especially in light of the high volume of potential claims, he added. Al-Misnad noted that insurance companies today increasingly rely on scenario analysis, where different developments of conflicts and their impact on supply chains, energy and transportation are envisioned, and then the financial and operational impact of each scenario is measured, which helps to make more flexible and proactive decisions. He explained that stress tests have become an essential tool, where companies simulate harsh conditions such as a sudden surge in claims or widespread market disruptions, with the aim of ensuring their ability to continue and meet their obligations even in the most difficult circumstances. Some companies resort to what is known as reverse testing, which begins with the assumption of a severe scenario that could lead to the company’s failure, and then work backward to understand how this could happen, which helps to discover weaknesses before they occur, he added. Al-Misnad pointed out that insurance companies are moving towards developing more specialized solutions that rely on advanced data analysis and real-time risk management, enabling them to respond quickly to changes, adapt, and improve their ability to accurately price risks. On the local level, the BEEMA CEO noted that Qatar stands out as a model of economic and financial stability. The advanced regulatory environment and the role of the Qatar Central Bank have contributed to strengthening the resilience of the insurance sector, enabling it to deal with regional and international challenges efficiently. This stability is not limited to economic factors alone, but also reflects the development of risk management practices within institutions, and the keenness of regulatory bodies to promote a culture of proactive preparedness, not just crisis response. Concluding his statement to QNA, al-Misnad confirmed that the next phase will witness further expansion in specialized insurance products, and perhaps a move towards group or regional solutions to cover high risks, in light of the increasing reluctance of reinsurance companies to cover some types of risks. Economic expert Ahmed Aql supports this view, stating in an interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Qatari model for achieving economic security relies on diversifying production sources and enhancing self-sufficiency, particularly in vital sectors such as food and water. Within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, the country has succeeded in increasing self-sufficiency rates in several areas, including dairy, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and vegetables. This reduces its direct vulnerability to disruptions in global supply chains, alleviates pressure on the insurance sector, and ensures the uninterrupted supply of essential goods to the local market. Aql added that Qatar’s strategic location and its status as a major energy and trade hub have made the development of advanced insurance solutions a pressing necessity, especially in the areas of energy and critical infrastructure insurance, marine insurance related to natural gas exports, and insurance for major projects and infrastructure. He pointed out that despite this stability, the Qatari market is not without its challenges, as it remains linked to regional and international developments. The rise in global reinsurance costs is reflected in the local market, and reliance on foreign markets to cover some major risks presents an additional challenge. Marine transportAql explained that insurance for transport operations, particularly marine transport, has become more important than ever, given the length of supply chains and the increased likelihood of risks related to cargo damage or loss, or geopolitical risks. With escalating tensions in the region, risks are no longer limited to cargo alone, but have extended to the ships themselves and their crews. This has prompted insurance companies to significantly raise their premiums, in some cases by three or four times, reflecting a fundamental principle in the insurance sector, which is the cost of coverage increase with the probability of risk. Aql concluded by saying that insurance companies today operate in a complex environment, where the likelihood of large claims increases, forcing them to tighten their terms and impose additional restrictions on transport operations, especially in areas classified as high-risk. However, these challenges also open up the field for the development of more accurate and advanced insurance options, based on digital data analysis and real-time risk tracking, making the insurance industry better equipped to deal with unforeseen events. In the same vein, financial and economic analyst Nidal Khouli affirmed that the insurance sector was among the most affected by the military escalation in the Middle East. He pointed out that the Gulf region in general, and Qatar in particular, had enjoyed long periods of regional and local stability, which meant that insurance risks were primarily concentrated in areas related to natural factors and economic activities. Khouli added that the outbreak of war led to a renewed need for insurance coverage that was previously excluded or considered less important, most notably war risk insurance, maritime disruption insurance, and business interruption insurance. He explained that these products were not among the priorities of customers or even insurance companies before the war, but they have now become central to the concerns of all parties. He added that the coming period will witness a growing interest in specialized insurance products, such as business interruption insurance during conflicts, supply chain insurance, coverage related to energy supply disruptions, and insurance related to radioactive or environmental pollution, reflecting the expanding scope and increasing complexity of risks. Khouli also pointed out that if the conflict is prolonged, the need may arise to establish national insurance or funds to provide partial or compensatory coverage for sectors that may be unable to obtain coverage from international reinsurance companies, given the potential reluctance of these companies to assume high risks. He also suggested that the current phase might necessitate the establishment of regional Gulf insurance pools to bridge the coverage gap and enhance the capacity to address shared risks. On the other hand, he pointed out that cyber risk insurance has become an increasing priority, given the transformation of modern warfare into multidimensional conflicts that include cyberspace. He emphasized that this type of coverage will witness significant growth in the coming period.
admin
