UAE Central Bank approves three new regulations in insurance licensing, brokerage, telemarketing

Dubai: The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has approved three new regulations covering insurance licensing, insurance brokerage, and telemarketing, marking a key step in strengthening oversight of the financial and insurance sectors.

The approvals aim to enhance consumer protection, improve market efficiency, and align regulatory frameworks with Cabinet Resolution No. (56) of 2024 concerning telemarketing regulations.

The new rules form part of broader efforts to modernise regulation across banking and insurance, while supporting financial stability and sustainable sector growth.

The Board approved the issuance of the Insurance Licensing Regulation, Insurance Brokers’ Regulation, and Telemarketing Regulation.

These regulations are designed to update licensing requirements, strengthen supervision of insurance intermediaries, and regulate telemarketing practices across the financial sector.

The Central Bank said the measures support a more transparent and efficient market structure, while safeguarding consumer rights.

The decisions were taken during a CBUAE board meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE. The meeting was held on Tuesday at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Both Vice Chairmen of the Board of Directors, Abdulrahman Al Saleh and Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, attended the meeting, along with the Governor of the Central Bank, Khaled Mohamed Balama.

Board members Younis Haji Al Khoori, Sami Dhaen Al Qamzi, and Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Rumaithi were present, alongside Assistant Governors Ahmed Saeed Al Qamzi, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, and Ibraheem Al Sayed Al Hashemi, Assistant Governor – Executive Office and Secretary General of the Board of Directors.

The Board reviewed CBUAE achievements during 2025 and assessed progress on transformational projects in banking operations and support services, including the International Central Securities Depository project and the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System.

The Board also approved the Central Bank’s estimated budget for 2026.

Members were briefed on developments in Emiratisation within the financial sector and the results of the “Ithraa” Emiratisation Programme for banking, financial, and insurance activities from 2023 to 2026. The programme achieved 95 percent of its targets, with 9,754 UAE Nationals recruited.

The Board also reviewed updates on the “Jisr” platform for central bank digital currencies, its interlinking with the UAE’s Instant Payment Interface, and the domestic card scheme “Jaywan,” aimed at facilitating cross-border payments and reducing transaction costs.

Reports from Central Bank departments were discussed, with decisions taken to support priorities for the next phase and further strengthen the UAE’s financial system.