AM Best is maintaining its stable outlook for the insurance markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Other positive factors supporting AM Best’s segment outlook include opportunities for insurance sector growth, as increasing insurable risks remain an important feature of the market. The ratings agency also outlined near-term headwinds for the segment, including GCC insurers’ vulnerability to second-order effects from the Middle East conflict, such as higher inflation. Given the uncertainty and potential volatility in the region, AM Best continues to monitor the situation and its impact on the GCC insurance markets.