The Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) and Arabia Insurance, two prominent organisations in the MENA region, have announced a new partnership aimed at tackling the gender leadership gap in the insurance sector. This collaboration, which aims to elevate the role of women in the industry, was formalised in a signing ceremony on Thursday, February 20, in the Dubai offices of Arabia Insurance. The event was attended by Haifa Al Kaylani OBE, AIWF’s President & Founder, and Elie Khoury, CEO of Arabia Insurance.
The partnership will focus on creating opportunities for women in the insurance sector, with a special emphasis on leadership development and fostering a more inclusive environment. The two organisations will work together over the coming years to bridge the gender gap through a variety of initiatives. These include leadership development programmes designed to prepare women for senior roles, along with joint workshops and events aimed at knowledge-sharing and skill-building. A key part of this partnership will be a panel discussion in 2025, where the challenges facing women in insurance will be examined, and solutions will be proposed to promote their inclusion in the industry.
AIWF’s Haifa Al Kaylani highlighted the challenges women face in the insurance sector, noting that despite an increase in women holding top positions across various industries in the MENA region, female representation in insurance leadership remains notably low. She pointed to structural and cultural barriers, such as limited flexible work arrangements, the lack of professional development opportunities, and slow technological adoption, as major contributors to this disparity.
“We clearly see that the disparities in the insurance sector in the MENA region are holding women back in this important sector. In the MENA region, despite a growing number of Arab women ascending to top positions in recent years, female leadership in the insurance sector remains notably scarce compared to industries such as banking, education, and healthcare. In our view, this is due to structural and cultural barriers within the industry that currently limit opportunities for flexible work arrangements for women (especially after returning from maternity leave); leadership development and continuous professional development; and slow industry adoption of technology and AI,” said Mrs. Al Kaylani.
She went on to express her pride in joining forces with Arabia Insurance: “We are immensely proud to partner with Arabia Insurance Company and to be working together in the years ahead to attract more women to the predominantly male-led insurance industry which we believe will, in turn, boost innovation, sustainability and performance within the sector and in turn the MENA economy overall.”
On the other hand, Elie Khoury, CEO of Arabia Insurance, expressed his excitement at the partnership, stressing that empowering women and breaking down the barriers they face will lead to meaningful change. “We are deeply honored to partner with AIWF to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable insurance industry. By empowering women and addressing the barriers they face, we can drive meaningful change and contribute to the growth and sustainability of our sector and the broader economy,” he said.
Founded in 2001, the AIWF is a leading non-governmental organisation that promotes the economic empowerment of women and advances youth engagement, particularly in the MENA region. With its global presence and partnerships, AIWF seeks to support women in becoming influential leaders and change-makers in various fields, from business to government, and beyond. The forum engages with key stakeholders to help unlock the potential of women and young leaders through education, economic empowerment, and leadership development.
Arabia Insurance, established in 1944, is one of the MENA region’s oldest and most trusted insurance providers. Operating in markets such as Lebanon, Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, the company has built a strong reputation over its 80 years of service. Arabia Insurance is well-positioned to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals, families, and businesses, thanks to its deep knowledge of regional markets and cultural nuances.
