Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
Do I need a licence to distribute insurance digitally in the UAE?
Content reviewed 2026-08-14 · How we check sources
Short answer
Yes, if your company performs a regulated insurance distribution or insurance-related profession; moving the journey online does not remove the underlying licensing requirement. The CBUAE also has specific rules governing electronic insurance operations.
What this means
A licensed insurer, broker or other permitted intermediary can distribute through digital channels subject to the applicable rules. A pure software vendor may sit outside the distribution licence if it does not itself solicit, advise, arrange or sell insurance.
Map the customer-facing role, remuneration, policy placement and responsibility for advice or sale before deciding whether the fintech is merely technology or a regulated distributor.
Official sources
CBUAE — Insurance Rulebook ↗CBUAE — Electronic Insurance Regulations ↗Ask with your entity, activity and regulator.
Regulatory research, not legal advice. This answer has the scope and review date shown above; your institution decides applicability.