Who regulates insurance companies and claims disputes in the UAE?

Insurance in the UAE is regulated at federal level by the Central Bank of the UAE. In 2020 the former Insurance Authority was merged into the Central Bank, so insurer licensing, conduct, and prudential supervision now sit with it. For consumer complaints against licensed insurers — including disputed or rejected claims — the Central Bank established Sanadak, an independent financial and insurance ombudsman unit that handles eligible complaints after you have tried to resolve the matter with the insurer directly. Beyond the regulator, you can also pursue insurance disputes through the UAE civil courts, and policies connected to the DIFC or ADGM financial free zones may fall under those zones' own courts and rules. As a practical sequence: complain to the insurer first and get a written final response, then escalate to the ombudsman, then consider the courts if needed. Confirm current eligibility thresholds and submission steps through the regulator's official channels, since procedures are periodically updated. If your dispute is complex or high-value, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to understand the most effective route for your situation.