France's APRIL Group expands Gulf broking push into Abu Dhabi and Qatar through local partners
France's APRIL Group is extending its partnership with Hayah to Abu Dhabi and entering Qatar with Seib Insurance, Middle East Insurance Review reported. The wholesale broker launched operations in Dubai in 2024.
GCC desk AI-assisted summary · Source checkedReported by Middle East Insurance Review on Summary published 20 October 2026
Illustration. Not a photograph of the event.
Lyon-based APRIL Group is widening its Middle East footprint, Middle East Insurance Review reported, citing a company statement. Its APRIL International arm is taking its partnership with Hayah to Abu Dhabi. It has also teamed up with Seib Insurance, which the report describes as a leading local insurer and reinsurer, to enter Qatar.
The group started operating in Dubai in 2024. Its model pairs its health and mobility insurance expertise with the market knowledge of local partners. Chief executive Eric Maumy said the region has "significant long-term potential". APRIL says it works with 30,000 partner brokers and operates in 25 countries.
Two Singapore-registered vessels were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, raising marine insurance risk concerns, Asia/Middle East Insurance Review reported.
India's shipping minister said on 16 October that a projectile struck the crude oil tanker MT ST 3 in the Strait of Hormuz, and that its 15 Indian crew are safe. Singapore's maritime authority said that a projectile damaged the container ship GFS Giselle on 14 October, one day after the strike on GFS Pride, which later sank. Brokers quote war-risk premiums of 6% to 10% of hull value for tankers.
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia extended cancellations of flights to Saudi Arabia as disruptions linked to the Riyadh situation continued, Gulf News reported.
