We Stand in Solidarity with You as We Honour Leadership in Resilience!

These are challenging and unprecedented times. 28 February 2026 flipped the Middle East and the world into a time of profound geopolitical uncertainty, rattling and questioning things that had been taken for granted, shaking the foundation of peace, security and life in general.

But when uncertainty is the only certainty, leadership matters most. Resilience is the response and distinguishing mark and the insurance industry finds itself on the front lines of resilience.

As we at Middle East Insurance Review launch the 13th edition of the Middle East Insurance Industry Awards 2026 (MIIA), and whilst these Awards reward the achievements of the year preceding the war, we are reminded that in times of uncertainty, these Awards are grounded in the simple belief that excellence in insurance becomes even more essential and the promise for the future in the face of disruption carries more weight than ever.

Today, we are proud to open nominations to recognise an industry that is not only weathering this moment, but actively shaping a stronger, more resilient future for the Middle East. Let us take our hats off to all the insurance leaders across the region who are navigating complexity on an unprecedented scale. The industry is doing what it has always done best—adapting, protecting, and enabling recovery. While the region faces a devastating war, its insurance leaders continue to build the bridge to the future—to enable businesses and communities to rebuild, and economies to grow.

The Awards are not about overlooking the challenges. They are about recognising the critical role this industry plays in helping societies move forward. These laurels honour those who protect what matters most!

The MIIA trophy still remains the trophy to win and we are truly humbled to walk in solidarity with the MENA market, now and always, through good times and bad.

To mark 20 years of MEIR serving the market, this year we have tightened the categories to ensure more relevance. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the industry for its confidence and faith in MEIR for two decades. We all share one common goal—to reach for growth, new milestones and improve industry practices.

We thank our dedicated panel of 16 judges. You have continued selflessly to play such an integral part in this cause. You are the pillars adding prestige, integrity, insight and weight to these Awards. We attribute the success of these Awards to you.

The sanctity of the MIIA trophy has remained a solid constant via a stringent and watertight process, strictly and meticulously maintained by the auditor, EY. We have ensured compliance, policing conflict of interest issues, which has safeguarded the objectivity and fairness of the process.

Our valued sponsors are key to the sustainability of the Awards. Thank you for your faith and commitment over the years. Our appreciation also goes to all the supporting organisations who have walked with us all this time.

So let the competition begin. We remind all nominees to be prepared to present themselves in front of the judges should they make the cut as finalists, and to add to the spirit of the competition, please ensure you are present at the Awards ceremony. To respect the time of the judges and to honour the symbol of the MIIA trophy, we appreciate all finalists' attendance so that the trophy is handed proudly to the rightful winners. So, do mark the date for the Gala Awards night in Dubai! We hope to especially be celebrating peace in November with you, amidst the glitz and glamour of the night!

These Awards are more than the acknowledgment of achievement; they are a serious and earnest tribute to an industry that underpins confidence and hope for a peaceful and brighter future. No matter what the future holds, the industry brings resilience to risks, vigilance to volatility and opportunity to uncertainty!

Till we meet in November, we at MEIR wish you safety, health and peace. May we raise and clink glasses in celebration of new beginnings as we celebrate calm for 2026!