Registration & Morning Hour

Opening Address by Digital Insurance

Welcome Address & Chairman's Address

Dr. Bassel Hindawi, Senior Advisor and Board Member

Lead through Change

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

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· Mr. Hasheer P. Kottal, Senior Vice President, Bancassurance, Mashreq Bank· Mr. Anuj Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf General Cooperative Insurance Company (GGI)

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

Open for Presenting Sponsor

Networking Coffee Break

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· Mr. Prashant Vinod, Ex-Executive Director - Digital Hub, Tawuniya

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

Kept, not Available

Networking Luncheon

Chairman's Address

Mr. Abdullah Faisal Biary, Chief Information Security Officer, United Cooperative Assurance

Implementation of Value Based Healthcare Insurance

Dr. Ahmed Aldammas, Executive Director Data Management Cybersecurity and Risk, The Council Of Cooperative Health Insurance

Green Insurance & ESG: Preparing for Climate Risk in MENA

Kept, not available

Generative AI & Hyperautomation: Redefining Insurance Operations and Customer Experience

Kept, not available

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

Networking Coffee Break

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

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

"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.

Closing Remark of Day 1

Chairman's Address

Innovate in Africa

Country Case Study – Ghana: Perspectives on Insurance Digitization in Ghana with Case Studies

Dr. Nashiru Iddrisu, CEO, KEK RE Africa

Country Case Study – Kenya: Digital Transformation in Insurance

Dr. Dipankar Acharya, Chief Executive Officer, APA Insurance

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

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

Mr. Shiferaw Lencho, Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation

Networking Coffee Break

Panel: Digital Transformation in the African Insurance Sector: Opportunities, Challenges, and Key Technology Trends Shaping the Future

Moderator:· Mr. Malik Khan, Head of Business Agility- EMEA Business Transformation, MetLifePanelists:· Mr. Mohammed LAOUBI, Head of Information, CNAC· Mr. Chimwemwe Kanyenda, Chief Operating Officer, Nico Life Insurance Company· Mr. Jérôme Katz, Chief Executive Officer, MUA Tanzania· Dr. Nashiru Iddrisu, CEO, KEK RE Africa

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

Moderator:· Ms. Muriel Moucachen Nassif, Chief Strategic Partnership, MSH InternationalPanelists:· 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

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· Mr. Arijit Chakraborty, SVP & CEO of Chubb Digital Partners, Chubb

Closing Remark of Day 1

Registration & Morning Hour

Mastering Data & AI

Chairman's Address

Mr. Rakesh Sudhakaran, Chief Commercial Officer, SALAMA - Islamic Arab Insurance Company

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)

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

Data and AI in Action- Demo 1

Kept, not Available

Data and AI in Action- Demo 2

Mr. Ahmad Halabi, Managing Director, Resecurity

Beyond Hype: Building Enterprise-Grade Generative AI in Insurance

Networking Coffee Break

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

Mr. Frederik Bisbjerg, CEO | Senior advisor | Shaping the Future of Insurance

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

Panelists:· Mr. Khurram Muhammad, Executive Vice President- Head of IT, Salaam Takaful· Mr. Abdullah Muidh Alghamdi, Director of Information Technology, Damanat· Mr. Jochen A. Haug, Transformational Insurance Leader· Mr. Alibek Tnaliyev, Senior Vice President Business Development MENA Region, Qatar Insurance Group· Mr. Vivek Kolhatkar, Senior Vice President, Union Insurance Company

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)· Mr. Koy Nien Lee, CEO, Protego & Executive VP, Head of Bancassurance, RAKBANK· Dr. Ahmed Aldammas, Executive Director Data Management Cybersecurity and Risk, The Council Of Cooperative Health Insurance· Ms. Valerie Hawley, Executive Director- Sorbonne Center of Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD)· Mr. Syed Nayyar Hussain, Senior Executive Director – Strategy & New Initiative, Salaam Family Takaful

Networking Luncheon *

Chairman's Address

Mr. Simon S. Price, Digital Transformation Leader

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

Mr. Shammi Kapoor, SVP & Head - Operations, CS and Health Claims, Magma General Insurance

From Insight to Action: Embedding AI into Core Insurance Processes

How AI is Reshaping Enterprise Software and IT in Insurance

Mr. Arsalan Iqbal, Head of Technology, GIG Gulf

Networking Coffee Break

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

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

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

Moderator:· Ms. Vidya Veerapandian, Founder- FWD and Co- Founder- FS BrewPanelists:· Ms. Mini George, Executive Director-IT, Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC)· Mr. Shoaib Soofi, Global Head of Product Review, MetLife

Closing Remark of Day 2

Registration & Morning Hour

Being Customer Centric

Chairwoman's Address

Ms. Shima Ara, Deputy CEO, Saman Insurance Co.

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

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

Building a comprehensive social safety Net - through digitisation & innovation to reach the last mile in Society. From India Perspective

Mr. Manoj Kumar Jain, Managing Director, Shriram Life Insurance

Networking Coffee Break

Being Customer Centric-Demo 1

Role of Finance Transformation in Operational Excellence

Mr. Sanjeev Aggarwal, Chief Financial Officer, Solidarity Bahrain BSC

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

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)· Mr. Sebastian Fuchs, Managing Director, AutoData Middle East

Networking Luncheon *

Chairman's Address

Mr. Uddalak Chatterjee, Senior Vice President and Head -Branch Operations, Bajaj Life Insurance

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

Ms. Farzanah Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO, Green Delta Group

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

Mr. Troy Barnes, Transformation Practitioner and Thought Leader

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· Mr. Turki ALMulhem, Chief Motor Insurance Officer, Walaa Insurance Company

Networking Coffee Break

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

Digital Bancassurance Transformation in Iran and Middle East

Dr. Vahid Nowbahar, Head of Bancassurance Expert Desk, Insurance Research Center (Central Insurance of I.R. Iran)

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

Moderator:· Mr. Akhshy Thiagarajan, Insurtech Ecosystem BuilderPanelist:· 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· Mr. Bharath Venepally, Head Of Partnerships, Bancassurance & Affinity, LIVA Group· Mr. Aditya Kaul, Head of Partnerships & Strategy, Chubb Digital Partners, Chubb

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· Mr. Prakashan Kodakkadan, Chief Underwriting Officer, Alliance Insurance PSC· Mr. Koy Nien Lee, CEO, Protego & Executive VP, Head of Bancassurance, RAKBANK

Closing Remark of Day 2

Registration & Morning Hour

Committing to Innovation

Chairman's Address

Mr. Makoto Okubo, General Manager, International Affairs, Nippon Life Insurance Company

Developing the Case for Transformation in Insurance

Mr. Joshua Carless, General Manager, Strategy, QBE Insurance

The Future of InsurTech: How GAIP Is Shaping a Sustainable, Collaborative & Globally Connected Insurance Ecosystem

Dr. Aftab Hasan, Founder & Chairman, Global Association of InsurTech Professionals (GAIP) & Founder & Chairman, Risk Exchange DIFC Limited

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 1

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 2

Revolutionizing Insurance: Demo 3

Networking Coffee Break

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

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

Moderator:· Ms. Sadia Noori, CMO & Marketing LeaderPanelists:· Mr. Rahul Prasad, Chief Executive Officer, HDFC International Life and Re· 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· Mr. Anand Dev Dhand, Head - Global Alliances and International Markets, LeadSquared

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· Mr. Vijay Raghushankar, Head of Techno-Marketing - Medical Business, Al Sagr National Insurance Company (ASNIC)· Dr. Rohit Tiwari, Experienced Digital Leader

Networking Luncheon *

Chairwoman's Address

Dr. Amany Elmahy, Chief Executive, Misr Insurance Company & Chief Country Officer, AIWA under AIO

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

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

Mr. Makoto Okubo, General Manager, International Affairs, Nippon Life Insurance Company

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

Panelists:· Ms. Sadia Noori, CMO & Marketing Leader· Ms. Chuma Qwalela , Head of Strategy and Business Integration, Rand Mutual - RMA· Mr. Khurram Muhammad, Executive Vice President- Head of IT, Salaam Takaful· Mr. Ashish Mahajan, Ex-Head of General and Motor Takaful, SALAMA - Islamic Arab Insurance Company· Dr. Einas Hamouda, Head of Claims Employee Benefits, Sukoon Takaful

Networking Coffee Break

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· Dr. Birendra Yadav, Deputy Vice President, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company· Mr. Saurabh Mahajan, VP-Digital Solutions, Prudential Financial· Mr. Aon Raza, Head of Transformation, Al Wathba Insurance

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· Mr. Sherwyn Rodricks, A Risk & Compliance Management Leader· Mr. Ridwan Asad, Director Digital, Data, AI, Strategy, Performance Management & Digital Transformation Tech & Digital, Tawuniya

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

Moderator: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· Ms. Shauna Vistad, Senior Vice President, Medical Investigations and Audit, Daman - National Health Insurance Company· Ms. Nazrin Veerankutty, Senior Manager-Business Transformation, Zurich Middle East

Closing Remark of Day 2