HDI Global SE intends to place its Bahrain operation into full runoff by mid-2019, The Insurance Insider reported.

A spokeswoman said a transfer team in Bahrain will be in charge of existing contracts and offer runoff claims services until mid-2019. HDI Global, which had 11 employees in Bahrain in 2017, ceased underwriting new and renewal business Sept. 1.

The move comes as more and more Middle East and North African businesses prefer Dubai over Bahrain, according to the report.