MUSCAT: Total investments by insurance companies operating in Oman rose 10.3 per cent year-on-year to RO 876.3 million at the end of the first quarter of 2026, reflecting the sector's growing role as a source of long-term investment in the national economy.
According to unaudited figures released by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), national insurers accounted for RO 588.8 million of total investments, while foreign insurers held investments valued at RO 287.5 million.
Insurance companies are required to invest under the FSA's Investment of Insurance and Takaful Assets Regulations, which require at least 70 per cent of total investments to be placed within Oman.
The data showed national insurance companies allocated around 80 per cent of their investments domestically, while foreign insurers invested about 85 per cent of their portfolios in the Sultanate of Oman.
Cash and bank deposits remained the largest investment category for national insurers, accounting for RO 263.9 million, or around 45 per cent of their portfolios.
Commercial bonds represented the second-largest asset class at RO 87.2 million, followed by government bonds at RO 79.4 million and listed equities at RO 73.6 million.
Several investment categories recorded strong growth compared with the first quarter of 2025. Investments in listed shares increased 90.6 per cent, while investment funds rose 78.4 per cent. Commercial bond investments climbed 37.4 per cent and investments in unlisted shares increased 32 per cent.
The figures suggest insurance companies are continuing to diversify their portfolios while increasing exposure to domestic financial markets and investment instruments.
The sector remains concentrated among a handful of major players. Gulf Insurance Group held the largest investment portfolio at RO 106.8 million, followed closely by Dhofar Insurance with RO 106.4 million. Liva Insurance ranked third with RO 97.7 million, while Oman Qatar Insurance Company reported investments of RO 75 million.
Together, the four companies accounted for 44 per cent of the sector's total investments.
The Financial Services Authority said the figures highlight the insurance sector's growing contribution to financial market development by directing long-term capital into bank deposits, bonds, equities and other investment vehicles that support economic growth and financial stability. — ONA
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