- Agenda -


Walk Together, Not Alone

· Expand your network with over 1,500 international, regional, and local executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the MENA region.· Connect with 900+ decision-makers from the insurance industry across 60+ countries.· Broaden your professional horizon by engaging with a diverse group of experts and peers.

Meet and Converse with Industry Leaders

· Engage with 350+ CXOs from the insurance sector.· Connect directly with over 70% of decision-makers attending the event.

Learn from the Best to Become the Best

· Discover the latest trends, future opportunities, and cutting-edge solutions in digital insurance.· Hear from global and regional pioneers, as well as leading players in digital insurance.· Gain insights into top digital transformation practices and key lessons learned.

From Talk to Action

· Hear real-world digital transformation stories from insurers that you can apply to your own organization.· Take home practical knowledge, successful use cases, and valuable insights to drive tangible results in your office.



08:00-09:00

Registration & Morning Hour

09:00-09:10

Opening Address by Digital Insurance

09:10-09:20

Welcome Address & Chairman's Address

Lead through Change

09:20-09:50

Panel: The Future of Digital Transformation: Unlocking Opportunities and Innovation in the MENA Insurance Market

Moderator:· Mr. Frederik Bisbjerg, CEO | Senior advisor | Shaping the Future of InsurancePanelists:· Mr. Frederik Bisbjerg, CEO | Senior advisor | Shaping the Future of InsurancePanelists:· Mr. Ayman Y. AL-Ajmi, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Braxtone Group· Ms. Ebtehal Tantawy, Chief Officer, Enterprise Project Management, AXA Egypt· Dr. Nasser Aljehani, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Tawuniya· Mr. Mohamed Seghir, Chief Executive Officer, HAYAH Insurance Company· Mr. Ahmed Alzarooni, Chief Support Officer (Acting) /Customer Experience, Daman - National Health Insurance Company
09:50-10:20

The CEO Panel: Lead the Change and Drive Growth in the Digital Age

Moderator:· Mr. Philip Story, Chairman, DIFC Insurance Association & Senior Executive Officer & Head of Distribution EMEA, Investors Trust AssurancePanelists:· Mr. George Kabban, CEO, United Insurance Brokers (DIFC)· Mr. Amol Shah, Chief Transformation Officer, RAKINSURANCE· Mr. Khaled Abd El Sadek, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mohandes Insurance· Mr. Mohammad Danish Eqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Uganda & Chairman - Data & Analytics Committee (IAM Africa Regions), Standard Bank Group
10:20-10:50

Reimagining Insurance: Embracing Digital Transformation for a Smarter, More Resilient Future

Open for Presenting Sponsor
10:50-11:20

Networking Coffee Break

11:20-11:50

The CIO/CTO/CDO Panel: Building a Digital-First Enterprise and Unlocking the Power of AI

Powered by Dark Horse Digital SolutionsModerator:· Mr. Narendra Shukla, MD & CEO, Dark Horse Digital SolutionsPanelists:· Mr. Arsalan Iqbal, Head of Technology, GIG Gulf· Mr. Anup Dhingra, Managing Director - FINPRO® India, Middle East, Africa (IMEA), Marsh· Mr. Rakesh Sudhakaran, Chief Commercial Officer, SALAMA - Islamic Arab Insurance Company· Open for CIO/CTO/CDOs only
11:50-12:20

Accelerating Digital Transformation in MENA’s Insurance Industry: Strategies for Innovation, Agility, and Customer-Centric Growth

Kept, not Available
12:20-14:00

Networking Luncheon

14:00-14:05

Chairman's Address

Mr. Abdullah Faisal Biary, Chief Information Security Officer, United Cooperative Assurance
14:05-14:35

Panel: Regulation and Digital Transformation: Shaping the Future of Insurance in MENA

14:35-15:00

Green Insurance & ESG: Preparing for Climate Risk in MENA

Kept, not available
15:00-15:25

Generative AI & Hyperautomation: Redefining Insurance Operations and Customer Experience

Kept, not available
15:25-15:55

Panel: Execution Excellence in Large-Scale Change: Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Modern Insurance Technologies in MENA

Moderator:· Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh, Chief Executive Officer, State Bank of IndiaPanelists:· Mr. Carlos Piedade, Head of Digital Strategy and Transformation, Emirates Insurance Company· Dr. Erdoğan Çiftcioğlu, Vice Chairperson, Koru Sigorta· Mr. Makoto Okubo, General Manager, International Affairs, Nippon Life Insurance Company· Mr. Wael El-Bsat, Executive Director, Business Transformation & Innovation, Tawuniya· Mr. Simon S. Price, Digital Transformation Leader· Mr. Varghese Skariah, Group Data Director, LIVA Group
15:55-16:25

Networking Coffee Break

16:25-16:55

Panel: Operational Excellence: Refining Operation in Insurance through Digital Transformation and Process Optimization

Moderator:· Mr. Mohamed Atef, Chief Financial Officer, Liva Insurance OmanPanelists:· Mr. Rizwan Munir, Director Partnerships & Ecosystem, Tawuniya· Mr. Shammi Kapoor, SVP & Head - Operations, CS and Health Claims, Magma General Insurance· Ms. Khadijetou Mohamed El Maouloud, Head of Information Systems Department, CNASS· Mr. Dilshan Perera, Chief Transformation Officer, HNB General Insurance· Mr. Martin Sebastian, Chief Information Officer, Watania Takaful· Mr. Sreedhar Suragouni, Chief Operations and Technology Officer, Sukoon Insurance
16:55-17:35

Panel: InsurTech on the Global Stage: What’s Next for Innovation and Scale in MENA?

· Dr. Goetz Friedrich Kuras, Senior Advisor to HE the Governor of GOSIThis panel is not open
17:35-18:05

"Digital Insurance Award 2026 (MENA Region)" Ceremony - Celebrating Global Excellence in Insurance Digital Transformation

Moderators:· Ms. Vidya Veerapandian, Founder- FWD and Co- Founder- FS Brew· Mr. Renjit Philip, Managing Partner- FutureU & Co-founder, FS Brew Podcast

As one of the leading global events for the insurance industry, Digital Insurance is dedicated to fostering the advancement of digital transformation within the sector. This platform highlights the significant achievements insurers, reinsurer, brokers, insurtechs, and all other digital partners have made, which have driven insurance digital transformation, by honoring the trailblazing pioneers, innovators, and leaders. In 2026, Digital Insurance is proud to introduce the "Digital Insurance Award 2026 (MENA Region)", a prestigious global recognition celebrating the leaders at the forefront of insurance digital transformation in the MENA region.
18:05-18:10

Closing Remark of Day 1


14:00-14:05

Chairman's Address

Innovate in Africa

14:05-14:25

Country Case Study – Egypt: Digital Insurance in Action

14:25-14:50

Country Case Study – Kenya: Digital Transformation in Insurance

Dr. Dipankar Acharya, Chief Executive Officer, APA Insurance
14:50-15:15

Country Case Study - South Africa: Using AI and Data to Transform Insurance Outcomes

Ms. Chuma Qwalela , Head of Strategy and Business Integration, Rand Mutual - RMA
15:15-15:40

Country Case Study – Entry Strategies for Foreign Insurers to Ethiopia: Joint Ventures, Subsidiaries, or Tech Partnerships

Mr. Shiferaw Lencho, Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation
15:40-16:10

Networking Coffee Break

16:10-16:40

Panel: Winning Customer Trust in Digital Africa: Opportunities & Strategies

Panelists:· Mr. Shiferaw Lencho, Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation· Dr. Ravi Seshadri, Strategic Advisor- Insurance and InsurTech, APAC & MENA· Ms. Elsa Tchicanha, Chief Transformation Officer, SanlamAllianz Angola Seguros
16:40-17:10

Panel: AI-Powered Africa: Smarter Risk, Better Coverage

17:10-17:40

Panel: Africa’s Digital Insurance Ecosystem: Partnerships that Scale

Panelists:· Ms. Oulfa Maazouz, Middle East Distribution Manager, Zurich Global Employee Benefits· Mr. Mohammad Danish Eqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Uganda & Chairman - Data & Analytics Committee (IAM Africa Regions), Standard Bank Group
17:40-17:45

Closing Remark of Day 1


08:00-09:00

Registration & Morning Hour

Mastering Data & AI

09:00-09:10

Chairman's Address

Mr. Rakesh Sudhakaran, Chief Commercial Officer, SALAMA - Islamic Arab Insurance Company
09:10-09:40

Next-Generation AI Innovation in Insurance Policy Design

Dr. Amir Safari, Acting-Director General, Innovation and Development of Modern Businesses, Central Insurance of Iran (Insurance Regulatory and Supervisory Authority)
09:40-10:10

Data and AI in Action - Story - Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Insurance with AI-Powered Process Optimization

Ms. Zein Shiyyab, Chief Corporate Services and Technology Officer, Trust Holding
10:10-10:20

Data and AI in Action- Demo 1

Kept, not Available
10:20-10:30

Data and AI in Action- Demo 2

Mr. Ahmad Halabi, Managing Director, Resecurity
10:30-10:40

Beyond Hype: Building Enterprise-Grade Generative AI in Insurance

10:40-11:10

Networking Coffee Break

11:10-11:35

Decluttering AI in insurance for practical applications - how to make money with AI

Mr. Frederik Bisbjerg, CEO | Senior advisor | Shaping the Future of Insurance
11:35-12:05

Panel: Mastering and Scaling AI Adoption in Insurance: Strategic Insights for CIOs and Tech Leaders

12:05-12:35

Panel: Rewrite the Rules: Mastering the Forces of Generative and Agentic AI to Redefine Insurance Innovation

Panelists:· Prof. Jihad Faitrouni, Chief Executive Officer, Unlimited Insurance Services (UIS)
12:35-14:00

Networking Luncheon *

14:00-14:05

Chairman's Address

Mr. Simon S. Price, Digital Transformation Leader
14:05 - 14:35

Blockchain and Smart Contracts in MENA: Transforming the Future of Insurance

Mr. Shammi Kapoor, SVP & Head - Operations, CS and Health Claims, Magma General Insurance
14:35 - 15:05

From Insight to Action: Embedding AI into Core Insurance Processes

15:05-15:35

How AI is Reshaping Enterprise Software and IT in Insurance

Mr. Arsalan Iqbal, Head of Technology, GIG Gulf
15:35 - 16:05

Networking Coffee Break

16:05-16:35

The Practitioner-CEO: Connecting AI / ML Strategy to P&L Reality in Emerging Markets

Mr. Mohammad Danish Eqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Uganda & Chairman - Data & Analytics Committee (IAM Africa Regions), Standard Bank Group
16:35-17:05

Panel: The Future of Life Insurance: Embracing AI, Automation, and Personalization

Moderator:· Mr. Renjit Philip, Managing Partner- FutureU & Co-founder, FS Brew PodcastPanelists:· Mr. Aman Pal Singh, Founder & CEO, B4E Insurtech· Mr. Cagdas Cimentepe, Head of Underwriting and Claims, ANADOLU HAYAT EMEKLİLİK· Mr. Ehab Hatem, Head of Omnichannel, Misr Life Insurance· Ms. Priya Krishnamoorthy, Founder, LA AEONIA & Independent (Non Executive) Director, Ageas Federal Life Insurance· Mr. Simon S. Price, Digital Transformation Leader· Mr. Sandeep Kushwaha, Senior Vice President and Head of Analytics, Bandhan Life
17:05-17:35

Data Visionary Panel: Leveraging Data to Drive Success, Streamline Processes & Unlock Possibilities

Moderator:· Ms. Vidya Veerapandian, Founder- FWD and Co- Founder- FS Brew
17:35-17:40

Closing Remark of Day 2


08:00-09:00

Registration & Morning Hour

Being Customer Centric

09:00-09:10

Chairwoman's Address

Ms. Shima Ara, Deputy CEO, Saman Insurance Co.
09:10-09:40

Redefining Insurance Customer Relationship and Experience in the Age of Digital Transformation- Trends and innovations

Mr. Soumendu Das, AVP- Underwriting, Saudi Arabian Insurance Company- Dubai Branch
09:40-10:05

Customer-Centric Motor Insurance in MENA: Personalizing Coverage Based on Driving Behavior

10:05-10:30

Seamless Protection: How Personalization and Super Apps Are Shaping Embedded Insurance

10:30-11:00

Networking Coffee Break

11:00-11:10

Being Customer Centric-Demo 1

11:10-11:30

Connected Health: Designing Seamless, Data-Driven Experiences for the MENA Customer

11:30-12:00

Panel: From Core Systems to Customers: bridging the gap with digital platforms

Panelists:· Ms. Zein Shiyyab, Chief Corporate Services and Technology Officer, Trust Holding· Mr. Troy Barnes, Transformation Practitioner and Thought Leader· Mr. Harprem Doowa, Founder, Eazy Digital· Mr. Ayman Hossameldin, Business Development Manager, Zurich Middle East
12:00-12:30

Panel: Reimagining Insurance Operations: How Digital, Tech & AI Are Transforming Underwriting, Claims & Fraud Management

Moderator:· Mr. Renjit Philip, Managing Partner- FutureU & Co-founder, FS Brew PodcastPanelists:· Dr. Partha Panda, Senior Vice President - Head of Claims (Medical, Life, Motor & Commercial), Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)· Mr. Michel Medawar, Head of Information Technology Department, Arab Reinsurance Company· Mr. Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures· Dr. Ahmed Fagha El Meky, Director of Operations, CNASS· Dr. Asif Syed, Chief Underwriter & Head of Claims, Munich Re Underwriting Agents (DIFC)
12:20-14:00

Networking Luncheon *

14:00-14:05

Chairman's Address

Mr. Uddalak Chatterjee, Senior Vice President and Head -Branch Operations, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
14:05-14:35

From Friction to Delight: How Insurers can Use Design Thinking to Improve Customer Interactions

Ms. Farzanah Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Green Delta Group
14:35-15:05

AI-Powered Claims Automation: Streamlining the Insurance Process with Real-Time Data

Mr. Troy Barnes, Transformation Practitioner and Thought Leader
15:05-15:35

Panel: Building a Customer-Centric Culture: The Key to Success in a Digital-First Insurance World

Moderator:· Mr. Muhammad Junaid Khan, Vice President - Partnerships, Watania TakafulPanelists:· Mr. Muhammad Zeeshan Haider, Head of Marketing & Communications, Al Wathba Insurance· Ms. Sonal Dawda, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance (P.S.C.)· Dr. Dipankar Acharya, Chief Executive Officer, APA Insurance· Dr. Ravi Seshadri, Strategic Advisor- Insurance and InsurTech, APAC & MENA
15:35-16:05

Networking Coffee Break

16:05-16:35

The Blended Model of Distribution: A 'High Touch' model enabled by 'High Tech'

Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Chief Distribution Officer - Proprietary, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance
16:35-17:05

Panel: LeveragingTechnologies and Partnerships in Distribution: the Future of Selling

Panelist:· Mr. Rizwan Munir, Director Partnerships & Ecosystem, Tawuniya· Ms. Kausar Raza, Senior Vice President, EFU General Insurance· Mr. David Howard, Head of Propositions and Partnerships, Corporate Life & Pensions, Zurich Middle East
17:05-17:35

Panel: Building an Insurance Brand for the Future: Marketing to Gen Z and Millennial Consumers in MENA

Moderator:· Mr. Muhammad Zeeshan Haider, Head of Marketing & Communications, Al Wathba Insurance· Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Chief Distribution Officer - Proprietary, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance
17:35-17:40

Closing Remark of Day 2


08:00-09:00

Registration & Morning Hour

Committing to Innovation

09:00-09:10

Chairman's Address

Mr. Makoto Okubo, General Manager, International Affairs, Nippon Life Insurance Company
09:10-09:40

Developing the Case for Transformation in Insurance

Mr. Joshua Carless, General Manager, Strategy, QBE Insurance
09:10-09:40

TBA

Kept for Sponsor, not Available
10:10-10:20

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 1

10:20-10:30

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 2

10:30-10:40

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 3

10:40-11:10

Networking Coffee Break

11:10-11:35

Digital Insurance in Iran- A Case Study on Day Insurance's Digital Transformation Journey

Mr. Sadegh Kian, Deputy CEO for Technology and Smart Systems, Day Insurance
11:35-12:05

Panel: Building a Digital Insurance Ecosystem: Collaboration Between Insurers, Insurtechs, and Tech Vendors

Moderator:· Ms. Sadia Noori, CMO & Marketing LeaderPanelists:· Ms. Melek Yılmaz, CTO- Insurance Digital Transformation Executive· Mr. Vipin Jain, SVP and Head Product and Strategy, TATA AIG General Insurance Company· Mr. Hamid Reza Parvazi, Head of Digital Business Development Committee, Iran Insurers' Syndicate· Mr. Danish Kazi, Head of Accident & Health, Sukoon Insurance
12:05-12:35

Panel: The Future of Insurance in the Age of Digital Assets: Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation

Moderator:· Mr. Mohamed Aly Soliman, Chairman of the Blochchain and Fintech Working Party, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries & Actuary Crypto Assets & Digital Money, Bank of EnglandPanelists:· Mr. Shammi Kapoor, SVP & Head - Operations, CS and Health Claims, Magma General Insurance· Mr. Cagdas Cimentepe, Head of Underwriting and Claims, ANADOLU HAYAT EMEKLİLİK· Mr. Bharat Kansal, Marsh Multinational Leader - UAE, Senior Vice President, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage
12:35-14:00

Networking Luncheon *

14:00-14:05

Chairwoman's Address

Dr. Amany Elmahy, Chief Executive, Misr Insurance Company & Chief Country Officer, AIWA under AIO
14:05-14:35

Navigating the Climate Crisis: Safeguarding the Himalayan Region through Innovation and Insurance in a Dynamic World

Dr. Indra R. Subedi, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer (CSPO), IME Life Insurance
14:35-15:05

Responsible Innovation: Policy Priorities and the Insurance Industry’s Paradigm Shift

Mr. Makoto Okubo, General Manager, International Affairs, Nippon Life Insurance Company
15:05-15:35

Panel: Shaping the Future of Digital Takaful: Innovation, Inclusion & Growth

· Ms. Sadia Noori, CMO & Marketing Leader· Ms. Chuma Qwalela , Head of Strategy and Business Integration, Rand Mutual - RMA
15:35-16:05

Networking Coffee Break

16:05-16:35

Panel: Building the Digital Health Insurance Ecosystem: From Coverage to Care

Moderator:· Ms. Vidya Veerapandian, Founder- FWD and Co- Founder- FS BrewPanelists:· Dr. Mina Abdallah, Executive Healthcare and insurance Leader, Director of Revenue and Funder Relations, Al Salama Hospital· Mr. Omer Ehtesham, Senior Executive Leader, Bupa Arabia
16:35-17:05

Panel: Cybersecurity Challenges in MENA’s Digital Insurance Landscape and Key Technological Trends Shaping Cyber Defense

Panelists:· Mr. Shaker (Faisal) Al-Sehly, Chief Risk Officer (CRO), SALAMA Cooperative Insurance· Dr. Tim Nedyalkov, Global Cybersecurity and AI Security Expert· Mr. Adnan Abu AlHaija'a, Chief Risk Officer (CRO), RAKINSURANCE· Mr. Robert Storer, VP, Head of Middle East, Cyber, Mosaic Insurance· Mr. Manny Gawad, Deputy Chief Information Officer, SALAMA Cooperative Insurance
17:05-17:35

Panel: Women in Technology: Navigating Power Dynamics: Strategies for Success

Panelists:Ms. Zein Shiyyab, Chief Corporate Services and Technology Officer, Trust HoldingPanelists:· Ms. Melek Yılmaz, CTO- Insurance Digital Transformation Executive· Ms. Chuma Qwalela , Head of Strategy and Business Integration, Rand Mutual - RMA
17:35-17:40

Closing Remark of Day 2