All In Good Hands
Pushing the GAIF agenda forward
AROPE stands strong in challenging market
The evolving role of TPAs
Trade Credit & Political Risk
Demand to increase as risks become more complex
Jordan
Time to shift course
Fruitful term ahead for the sector
Africa
Economic expansion to drive insurance growth
Takaful in Africa: Innovations crucial in speeding up growth
Demand rises for international private healthcare
Mobile health and telemedicine years ahead in maturity
Motor
The road ahead for autonomous vehicles in the UAE
Telematics gains foothold in MENA
Pensions
Overhaul of old systems for the new generation
Healthcare
Oman: Mandatory health insurance is on its way
AI in insurance: Balancing the promise with ethical dilemmas
Running the digital race
GCC takaful still lagging
MENA
Call for nominations for 6th Middle East Insurance Industry Awards
Higher medical inflation in MEA compared to global average
External collaboration and scaled innovation can fuel growth in the Middle East: MetLife's LumenLab
Bahrain: CBB issues draft rules for insurance aggregators
Bahrain: Regulator grants licence to Cigna Life
Bahrain: Arig to cease underwriting despite positive 1Q2019 results
Egypt: Digital health platform achieves milestone for its remote medical advice campaign
Egypt: Govt denies privatising new health insurance system
Iran: Economic council backs proposal for universal insurance fund for Nat CATs
Jordan: Over 80,000 subscribers benefit from SSC unemployment insurance
Kuwait Re's 1Q net profit up 61% to $5.4m
gig-Kuwait partners Beyontec to drive digital operations
Lebanese Association of Actuaries organised inaugural workshop to promote actuarial profession
Morocco: 3 universities to offer degree in insurance techniques and consultancy
Oman: Dhamani is not a 'socialised' health insurance scheme - CMA
Qatar: QIC posted 15% increase in net profit in 1Q2019
Qatar: QGIRC's board approves future growth plans
Saudi Arabia: SAMA and CMA sign agreement to establish FinTech centre
Saudi Arabia: New centre for motor insurance dispute resolution launched
Saudi Arabia: Tawuniya to develop its first shared-value insurance product
UAE: Insurance Authority mulling raising foreign ownership limit to 100%
UAE: Insurance Authority supports protection for the energy sector
UAE: DIFC to replace gratuities with low-cost savings scheme by Jan 2020
UAE: Insurance House raises $4.4m through perpetual bonds
UAE: Vast majority of residents fail to insure their homes
UAE: ADNIC achieved 43% growth in GWP in 1Q2019
Global
Lloyd's plans to cut cost long overdue
Aon reports risk readiness drops to lowest level in 12 years
Central banks call for greener financing to combat climate change losses
Takaful
Global: IFSB admits a supervisory authority and one market player into its membership
Malaysia: Zurich Malaysia and Alliance seal 15-year bancassurance & bancatakaful deals
Malaysia: Syarikat Takaful's bancassurance partnerships expected to boost earnings
Malaysia: Takaful industry eyes low-income group
Qatar: Pioneer Islamic bank launches takaful product for low-income workers
Saudi Arabia: MedGulf inks multi-year deal with external shariah auditor
UAE: AMAN Insurance develops five-year plan, elects new board of directors
UAE: Leading takaful operator saw 37% increase in net profit for 1Q2019
People on the move
COUNTRY PROFILE - Jordan
COVER STORY - Trade Credit & Political Risk
Against the bleak geopolitical and economic environment lie bright prospects for specialists of trade credit & political risk insurance as businesses find a growing need to protect and secure themselves against adverse political and commercial...
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TAKAFUL
The GCC listed takaful operators delivered a below-par performance last year, largely due to a slowdown in Saudi Arabia, indicating that the industry urgently needs to address market challenges while developing a clear and effective strategy to...
As business winds down for Eid and the summer break, we bring you a bumper issue with a burst of stories dancing like daffodils in the wind every which way, including an interview with Brian Duperreault, easily the biggest star in the insurance...
Under the leadership of CEO Brian Duperreault, AIG has shown signs of improvement in the first quarter of 2019, with its flagship general insurance unit posting its first underwriting profit since the financial crisis. Now into his third year at the...
Mr Chakib Abouzaid will assume his role as secretary general of the General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF) in early July, succeeding Mr Abdul Khaliq R Khalil who held the position for almost two decades. Middle East Insurance Review catches up...
AROPE chairman and CEO Fateh Bekdache provides an insight into the realities of operating in the Lebanese insurance market and talks about the company’s plans to offer new solutions, optimise customer experience and gain a competitive edge...
Jordan’s insurance sector is paying a hefty price for the tough economic conditions the country has been facing over the past few years. However, the challenging status quo could push insurers to find better means and be more innovative in...
The Jordan Insurance Federation (JIF) foresees a rewarding stage ahead with a new insurance law in the making and the sector’s regulatory tasks to be transferred to the Central Bank of Jordan. Mr Majed Smairat, newly re-elected chairman of the...
The dynamics of the African continent – the improving economic indicators, favourable demographics and continued urbanisation – are expected to benefit the insurance industry, says Ms Prisca Soares of African Insurance Organisation (AIO).
The industry should stay on top of emerging trends and adopt modern technology to overcome challenges and improve its performance, says Mr Omar Gouda of Africa Retakaful.
Now Health International managing director Zahir Sharif and general manager, Middle East & Africa Sonja de Pattenden discuss the prospects of private medical insurance in Africa as the continent sees an increase in expatriate numbers and the...
While many innovations are met with a certain degree of uncertainty and scepticism, autonomous vehicle technology brings more long-term benefits than potential drawbacks, says Mr Ravi Suri of KPMG Lower Gulf.
Insurers in the region are gradually becoming more receptive to IoT and telematics solutions, which would help increase the efficiency and enhance the perception of insurance in society, says Mr Geoffrey Farrugia, CEO of Aktuaris.
The region’s pension systems have recently come under scrutiny as the global trend of underfunded state schemes is threatening to impact Arab countries sooner rather than later. But change is underway with the UAE leading the charge.
BSA’s Anand Singh outlines some important points on how Oman’s new Unified Healthcare Policy – compulsory for all residents including expatriates – will be implemented in the sultanate.
AI and its applications promise to make insurance more relevant, appealing and affordable to customers. But challenges such as discrimination and the abuse of personal data need to be acknowledged by even the most vocal proponents of AI. Proactively...
Insurance intermediary Oasis Insurance Group has unveiled its new e-commerce platform focused on the UAE market. Its managing director Sridhar Subbaraman tells Middle East Insurance Review why digital distribution is the way to go.
Nominations are now open for the 6th Middle East Insurance Industry Awards (MIIA). The deadline for third-party nominations is 12 June and for self-nominations is 30 June.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region has typically seen higher medical inflation compared to the global average, according to an annual global medical trend survey by Mercer Marsh Benefits.
Customer-centricity and fostering constructive collaboration with industry players are crucial elements for innovation and the growth of any business, said Mr Zia Zaman, chief innovation officer, MetLife Asia and CEO of Lumenlab.