Magazine

Read the latest edition of AIR and MEIR as an Interactive e-book

Sep 2026

Middle East conflict


News Snippets

From Hormuz to Singapore: How insurance markets and economies are absorbing ME geopolitics

The continued geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran have become a systemic risk event for the insurance and reinsurance sectors.
 


ME conflict creates uneven risks for GCC corporate sectors

Corporate sectors in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are unevenly exposed to Middle East war risks that are shifting from immediate operational disruption to prolonged uncertainty that could weaken confidence, delay investment, and slow the recovery to pre-war economic levels, says S&P Global Ratings (S&P).
 

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Appetite for property risk unaltered despite ongoing ME conflict

In the property insurance market, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has been primarily felt through supply chain disruption and project delays, particularly in the construction sector, according to Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) Senior Executive Officer (Middle East) and Head of Political Violence and Terrorism Mr Zouheb Azam.
 

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Saudi Arabia: GDP growth projected to slow to 1.7% in 2026 amid regional headwinds, per IMF

The Saudi economy entered 2026 with strong momentum. GDP expanded by 4.6% in 2025, supported by the unwinding of OPEC+ production cuts and robust non-oil activity driven by domestic demand. Inflation eased to below 2%, and the labour market remained strong, with unemployment among Saudis at low levels. 
 

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AI surge offsets ME energy drag as Singapore economy expands 6% in 1H2026

The Middle East conflict has had a discernible impact on some pockets of the Singapore economy. Energy-related sectors such as chemicals manufacturing recorded double-digit contractions in 2Q2026, according to Mr Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
 

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LMA excludes indemnity for Hormuz Strait transit fees amid sanctions concerns

The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) has published a new model wording for use by marine (hull) underwriters, addressing the position where a transit fee, toll or other charge is paid for a vessel to pass through Iranian territorial waters or otherwise to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
 

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