The UAE insurance industry has demonstrated marked operational resilience following the December 19, 2025 rainfall event, reporting a controlled 20% increase in claims notifications compared to normal periods. Industry executives attribute this manageable surge to comprehensive preparedness measures implemented after the unprecedented April 2024 floods.
According to Anas Mistareehi, CEO of eSanad, the December event primarily tested operational readiness rather than insurers’ financial stability. “All stakeholders, including insurers, brokers, and policyholders, were notably better prepared both technically and procedurally,” Mistareehi stated, highlighting improved customer awareness and more efficient claims processing systems.
The nature of claims revealed distinct patterns across sectors. Motor insurance generated the highest volume of claims, with repair facilities operating near capacity due to water-related vehicle damage. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, noted these primarily involved vehicles stalled in floodwaters or suffering water ingress. Conversely, property claims were fewer in number but higher in severity per incident, with no widespread structural damage reported.
Ralph J. Kabban, CEO of United Insurance Brokers, emphasized that international reinsurance arrangements would help mitigate financial exposure for local insurers. The industry’s improved response capabilities were bolstered by enhanced drainage infrastructure, swift municipal action, and greater public awareness of emergency procedures.
The December event stood in stark contrast to the catastrophic April 2024 rains, which represented a once-in-decades weather phenomenon. Industry leaders unanimously agreed the recent rainfall was shorter in duration, more geographically contained, and better anticipated, resulting in only a fraction of the losses experienced during the previous extreme weather event.