Impact of global trends on the Middle East Mr Lutfi El Zein, Chairman of Medgulf Group

Mr Lutfi El Zein of Medgulf assesses key global insurance trends, the extent to which Middle East markets are adapting to these developments, and what more they could do to catch up.

Strengthening Egypt's broker channel

The Egyptian Insurance Brokers Association is working to strengthen the profession and upgrade the marketplace, says Chairman Adel Shaker Wahba.

Understanding regulations better

The lack of attention given to regulation by the region's insurance industry prompted Mr Tayseer Treky to translate a Geneva Association report on this issue.

Africa: In pursuit of growth

Low penetration across most African markets spell many opportunities for insurers, but success will depend on their ability to devise strategies to expand their foothold in a continent of 54 immensely diverse economies.

Africa: Succeeding in Africa's insurance industry

Mr Corneille Karekezi of the African Reinsurance Corporation looks at what is needed to grow and compete sustainably in the region.

Tunisia: Moving up and on

Sentiments are positive in Tunisia as it enters a new political era with great expectations for insurance with a new five-year strategic plan.

Interview with regulator: Nurturing stronger players

The regulator is working with the sector to create a solid and sustainable industry capable of competing locally and regionally, says Mr Hafedh El Garbi, Chairman of the Comité Général des Assurances.

On track towards a brighter future

Tunis Re continues to play its role as a national and regional reinsurer, and its improved results show that the company is coping well with the challenges, says Mrs Lamia Ben Mahmoud, Chairman and CEO.

Risk management: Ebola: Lessons in risk management

The world needs to prepare for enhanced disaster risk reduction processes, says Ms Mary Rahal of Arab Re as she reflects on the lessons learnt from the Ebola virus and other outbreaks.

Strategic global view: The technology and data revolution in insurance: A brave new world?

Technology and data-driven underwriting holds great promise for both insurers and insureds. However, as long-time principles such as risk pooling and mutual risk sharing erode, governments may have to actively accompany the transition to a new...

Maritime safety regulation: Freight container securing - the next frontier

With larger container tonnage becoming commonplace, lashing and securing is an important part of the process which when it fails, can have significant consequences, says Mr Julien Horn of TT Club.

C&E: Project insurance: Key issues for underwriters

Insurers need to understand the intricacies that go with insuring a project and ensure that their risk engineers work closely with contractors to have a robust risk management plan in place, says Ms Hema Padmanabhan of Abu Dhabi National Insurance...

C&E: A changing construction landscape

Urbanisation is altering the focus of construction investments in the Middle East, presenting a number of concerns for insurers, says Mr Keith R Chapman of Willis.

Health: The evolution and future of TPAs

The focus for third-party administrators (TPAs) is no longer on getting better discounts or winning more business, says Dr Sameer Mankani of Neuron.

Translating CAT model data into financial terms for renewals

Insurers and reinsurers in the Middle East are adopting increasingly sophisticated risk modelling approaches to not only shape the most effective reinsurance programmes, but also to achieve regulatory approval and business growth by looking at the...

Pensions: Legal and tax issues in takaful pensions

Mr Abdessamad Laghmouchi of Laghmouchi Law and Mr Muktisjah Ramli of Takaful Outsource look at the opportunities in takaful pensions from legal and tax perspectives.

Pensions: Takaful solutions needed for greying Malaysians

Despite the need for a genuine retirement takaful plan, it is still one of the major missing pieces from the current Shariah-compliant product range, says Mr Nor Azman Zainal of Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad.

Conference report: Takaful players urged to go beyond comfort zones

Sluggish growth and a failure to differentiate Islamic insurance products from their conventional rivals mean that takaful operators need to move beyond their comfort zones to realise their potential, said speakers at the 10th World Takaful...

Better capabilities needed to seize bancassurance potential

Bancassurance is becoming an integral part of insurers' distribution strategies but there are still many challenges to overcome, said speakers at the 4th Middle East Conference on Bancassurance & Alternative Distribution Channels in Dubai.

MICC: The value of hard work

Young professionals should believe in their career, put in effort and persist, but more importantly, patiently await the rewards, advises Mr Fahad Al-Hesni,, CEO and Managing Director, Saudi Re.

Reinforcing mutuality to encourage takaful growth