First Forum to Build HR in the Insurance Sector Takes Place in Dubai

Willis Towers Watson and Emirates Insurance Association address the challenges of the Insurance sector

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 27 February 2017:  Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, and Emirates Insurance Association have hosted today the first HR forum for the Insurance sector in the Middle East.

The “Building HR in the Insurance Sector” event is a joint initiative between the two organizations and was focused on the key people and HR issues the insurance sector face on a daily basis. 

“This forum comes at a critical time of the industry,” said Dr Ahmad Waarie, Managing Director for Middle East and Head of Talent & Rewards CEEMEA, at Willis Towers Watson.

“Insurers are facing pressure from regulative reform, consolidation, marketing competitiveness and global technology trends that challenge the way the industry model functions. All these changes affect the types of skills and competencies required in the industry, as well as the business performance”, he said.

The topics discussed at the forum ranged from compensation trends and employee engagement, to industry roles and competencies, to global trends underpinning a shift to client-centric organizations - and what that means for employers and employees. 

The new Emiratization rules were also debated in a panel discussion that looked at what the rules mean, and why, how and what companies must do to adapt. A second expert panel discussed how HR can be better aligned with business priorities.

Over 50 HR leaders and CEOs from major insurance companies from across the region came together to discuss their HR priorities and share best-practice experiences on relevant HR matters, such as regulations that will affect the reform, the skills required by the industry, as well as how they can best organize themselves and prepare their business for future changes. 

“The Emirates Insurance Association is always keen on supporting and developing the insurance sector in the country and is eager to partner with subject matter experts to bring value to the association's members. We have chosen to partner with Willis Towers Watson for the first event of its kind in the region, given their expertise in HR and the need to take HR in the insurance sector to the next level,” added Fareed Lutfi, Secretary General, Emirates Insurance Association.