A decade of rewarding excellence

The Middle East Insurance Industry Awards (MIIA) turns 10 this year. We at Middle East Insurance Review (MEIR) are truly delighted that these awards have reached such a milestone. It is an honour and pleasure to have hosted these awards, a celebration of excellence, innovation and achievement.

Over the past decade, these awards have become likened to the Oscars of the insurance industry, and have recognised the most outstanding companies, individuals and initiatives that have propelled the Middle East insurance industry to new heights. It is therefore especially exciting this year, not only as a celebration of how the industry has evolved in the past decade, but also of what the insurance industry has conquered over the last 10 years.

The MENA insurance industry has witnessed some of its biggest achievements as well as some of its toughest challenges in the last decade. We have seen many regulatory changes to enhance transparency, improve governance and strengthen solvency standards. In addition, geopolitical issues, emerging risks, market consolidation, a crippling pandemic, fluctuating market conditions and digital transformation have changed the trajectory of the region. With these, the industry has evolved significantly and become more dynamic, innovative and customer centric.

It has shown such great potential, with its young and dynamic population, growing economies, as well as the impressive creation of some of the most sophisticated financial hubs, beating many from around the world.

MEIR is indeed proud to open nominations for the 10th Middle East Insurance Industry Awards 2023. We at MEIR stand with the industry and created these awards as a catalyst to help raise benchmarks of excellence such that stronger, more resilient and customer-centric ecosystems can be created. We look forward to these awards contributing in their own humble way, to the vibrant and prosperous MENA insurance industry.

This year will be a litmus test of the industry’s further evolution. We look forward to seeing what the nominations will bring. And in line with the evolution of the industry, we have decided to create a new category, ‘MGA of the Year’ to showcase the rise of MGAs in the region and how they can be positioned to innovate insurance. This is a new category to watch.

At this juncture, we would like to thank the 18 judges who have continued to serve diligently towards this cause, despite their busy schedules. It is their prestige, integrity, insight and market intelligence, that add weight to these awards. Their contribution, advice and support have made the MIIA trophy the trophy to win.

The strict standards, clearly defined criteria, as well as transparent auditing have made the MIIA trophy the most respected throughout the region. The judges truly go above and beyond with the sheer volume of reading they have to do to ensure a worthy winner is picked.

We would also like to thank our kind sponsors who have helped us sustain these awards. Without them, these awards would not have been possible.

As introduced last year, we will be giving company-specific finalists the chance to pitch their case directly to the judges, via an interview process. This will give the judges a chance to see first-hand the passion, drive and commitment of nominees, adding further strength and transparency to the whole process.

So send in your nominations – make yours count. As we will be expecting a surge of entries, do ensure you follow the criteria closely to prevent disqualification. Judges will be looking out for your write-ups on what you have done during the qualifying period for the industry so ensure you use the opportunity wisely. Both self nominations and third-party nominations carry equal weight. If you feel a company is worthy of being considered, do send in your suggestions as well.

We at MEIR take this opportunity to wish you all the very best. The competition begins now. We hope to see you on stage receiving your trophy in Dubai in November.

Ms Sheela Suppiah
CEO
Asia Insurance Review, Middle East Insurance Review