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LIGHTNING TALKS

We are pleased to bring you a new format for our main stage sessions for DWIC2025. Each session will include a maximum 10-minute presentation followed by a fire-side chat and an interactive Q&A session with polling. Each session will be delivered within 30 minutes – allowing our delegation to pre-schedule the session/s that they may wish to attend without impacting on their time for bi-lateral meetings.

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  • 27 April - Sunday


  • All of our delegation are welcome to join us at the Official DWIC Welcome Drinks Reception.
    NETWORKING
    Where
    Atlantis Royal Terrace

  • 28 April - Monday


  • CHAIR: David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance

    The remainder of this decade is expected to see the Middle East each new levels for economic growth and prosperity, driven by government-led investment projects in countries – particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including Dubai.
    Much of this growth will be in sectors not traditionally associated with the region – think financial services, health, technology and tourism, as much as oil, gas and the energy sector – as economies seek to diversify and find sustainable avenues for future prosperity.
    All this growth will be fuelled by investment, whether local or global, which will require insurance for investor confidence and sustainable growth.
    This will in turn require reinsurance, as local carriers will need backing to meet demand. As towers rise, next-gen technology is implemented, and infrastructure is built, Dubai, as the region’s undisputed reinsurance hub, will play a transformational risk transfer role.
    The DIFC is an essential part in this story. A significant share of the DIFC Authority’s time is spent developing investor relationships, as sources of fresh capital, from institutional titans to high-net-worth family investment funds.

    MAIN STAGE - LIGHTNING TALKS
    Where
    Main Stage

  • CHAIR: David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance

    Natural catastrophe exposure across MEASA could present a significant avenue for growth for the DIFC. The protection gap – the difference between economic losses and insured losses – for this region is higher than most, and most cruelly revealed when a disaster strikes. Earthquakes and cyclones are not unknown in the Middle East region itself. Turkey and Syria, for instance, suffered a severe earthquake in February 2023; Oman has been battered by cyclone activity in recent years; even

    Natural catastrophe exposure across MEASA could present a significant avenue for growth for the DIFC. The protection gap – the difference between economic losses and insured losses – for this region is higher than most, and most cruelly revealed when a disaster strikes.
    Earthquakes and cyclones are not unknown in the Middle East region itself. Turkey and Syria, for instance, suffered a severe earthquake in February 2023; Oman has been battered by cyclone activity in recent years; even Dubai in 2024 suffered from the effects of sudden and heavy rains.
    The region already has some national government-led natural catastrophe backstops, such as the successful example of Oman. Looking to the way the industry interacts with such schemes globally, reinsurance providing retrocessional support to public private partnerships, such as national level natural catastrophe protection funds, is one potential avenue for regional nat cat re/insurance growth.
    Property reinsurance buying at local insurer level in MEASA markets has been characterised by proportional treaties, rather than the excess-of-loss structures that tend to go with property catastrophe risk. This might change in the wake of recent loss events, with non-proportional buying is now the direction of travel.

    MAIN STAGE - LIGHTNING TALKS
    Where
    Main Stage

  • CHAIR: David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance

    This interactive session will bring together a panel of experts and the audience to discuss how Dubai can attract, develop, and retain top global talent. The discussion will explore what makes the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) an attractive destination and how it can differentiate itself from global financial hubs like London, New York, and Singapore.
    Key topics include the role of competitive compensation, benefits, and workplace culture in talent attraction, as well as how DIFC firms can stay ahead of evolving expectations. The panel will also discuss how technology, innovation, and digital transformation can help attract top professionals, particularly in finance and fintech. Retention strategies will be a major focus, addressing challenges in maintaining high-calibre talent and ensuring long-term engagement and growth. The session will highlight successful strategies for attracting and retaining staff, as well as identifying talent gaps within DIFC and how they can be addressed.
    By bringing together diverse perspectives, this discussion aims to provide actionable insights and strategies to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global talent hub.

    MAIN STAGE - THE DEBATE HOUR
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Dubai's booming financial centre, a rock of stability at the heart of the GCC, is the natural hub from which to lead regional re/insurance business. And for no line is this more applicable than in the fiercely competitive marketplace for war, political violence and terrorism re/insurance. Typically bought on a facultative basis, the WPVT market has grown and indeed outpaced demand in the past five to ten years. The number of carriers and MGAs offering WPVT has expanded dramatically, with new entrants and plentiful capacity. Carriers can make good profits in the absence of trouble, but underwriters know a big event could wipe out years of gains. The volatile geopolitical risk environment, regionally and globally, is not short of threats, from traditional terrorism to damage caused by riots and civil unrest, as well as hybrid and conventional warfare trends, amid a new era of great power rivalries.

    BOARDROOM ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • 29 April - Tuesday


  • CHAIR: David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance

    Ransomware, outages and systemic risk fears continue to dominate the cyber threat landscape. The cyber insurance landscape has moved fast in the past 20 years, but the technology landscape is moving faster, particularly the explosive potential of Generative AI.
    Collaboration between business leaders, regulators, and industry peers is going to be important to promoting resilience to safeguard economies, organisations, and individuals while driving technological progress in the Middle East. Insurers are now in a strong position to bring about real change – helping to strengthen resilience in the region and around the world – by providing essential business continuity services and meaningful risk transfer through fit-for-purpose innovative products.

    MAIN STAGE - LIGHTNING TALKS
    Where
    Main Stage

  • CHAIR: David Benyon, editor, Global Reinsurance

    The prosperity of Dubai can contrast starkly with parts of the Middle East where the curse of war and conflict can be seen elsewhere within the Arab World. However, the international re/insurance industry plays a vital positive role in protecting business throughout this region and globally, particularly amid a new geopolitical era that seems characterised by unpredictability across large portions of the globe.
    Within this context, businesses are increasingly turning to re/insurance products for war, political violence and terrorism (WPVT) to provide greater certainty through risk transfer, whether from civil unrest risks of strikes, riots and civil commotion, or more traditional threats of war, terror and armed conflict.
    These volatile risks are presenting themselves globally, from Washington DC to downtown Beirut. Dubai, as a leader in financial services talent and an Arab-speaking regional hub for reinsurance capital, plays an indispensable role in providing risk transfer against instability.

    MAIN STAGE - LIGHTNING TALKS
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Parametric products, developing and utilising new data and indices to accelerate and automate the claims process, have made progress within the insurance industry in the past decade. But they haven’t yet moved the needle decisively, instead seen as peripheral, small limit accompaniments to bigger, slower moving placements of traditional products. What is needed to change that?
    For parametric advocates, is the route to success about focusing on proven perils and product experience – such as using plentiful meteorological data to transfer extreme weather property and agricultural risks? Or is it about innovating new data with new perils, prioritising fast-moving emerging risks and intangibles as focuses for growth, requiring deft use of limited historical data, which would make traditional underwriters turn to talk of strict limits or even exclusions?
    Parametric is an area rich with examples of product innovation, so there will be exponents for both approaches, and a market broad enough to see different strategies vying for growth.

    MAIN STAGE - LIGHTNING TALKS
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Türkiye’s reinsurance market is evolving amid economic shifts, regulatory updates, and growing catastrophe risks.
    This panel will explore the market landscape, emerging risks, and opportunities shaping the sector.
    Experts will discuss Türkiye’s exposure to natural disasters, the role of reinsurance in mitigating losses, and strategies for resilience. Additionally, the session will highlight the country’s increasing influence in regional markets and its future outlook. With a focus on innovation, capacity-building, and sustainability, the discussion will provide key insights into how Türkiye’s reinsurance market is adapting to global and local challenges.
    Turkish insurance sector sets sight on 40% growth in 2025, and our experts will discuss how to turn that into a reality.

    MAIN STAGE - THE DEBATE HOUR
    Where
    Main Stage

  • 30 April - Wednesday


  • The reinsurance landscape in Central Asia is evolving, with 'Stan’ nations emerging as key markets poised for growth. This panel will explore the current state of Uzbekistan’s insurance sector, examining regulatory developments, market penetration, and investment opportunities. A crucial discussion will focus on the potential for pooling insurance capacity within the region, fostering collaboration to enhance underwriting capabilities and financial resilience. Additionally, the absence of catastrophe (CAT) modelling and protection presents a significant challenge. Panellists will assess the impact of this gap on risk assessment and loss mitigation, considering strategies to develop localized CAT modelling solutions. As climate risks and natural disasters become more prevalent, the session will highlight the urgent need for regional and international partnerships to strengthen risk management frameworks.

    MAIN STAGE - GEO SPOTLIGHT
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Africa Regional Outlook and Opportunities session: Africa presents a dynamic and evolving landscape for the reinsurance market, with both challenges and opportunities shaping its future.
    This session will provide a regional focus on Africa, exploring key growth areas such as infrastructure development, energy, and mining, while assessing the impact of emerging risks, including climate change and natural catastrophes.
    Panellists will discuss the evolving regulatory environment, including the implications of AfCFTA and localised policies, as well as the state of the insurance market within the broader global context. With signs of market softening, increasing capacity, and rate pressures across different lines, the discussion will offer critical insights into current conditions, particularly in markets like South Africa.
    Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the industry's potential, from overcoming challenges like low insurance penetration and fragmented regulations to capitalizing on Africa’s unique advantages in risk management and economic development.

    MAIN STAGE - GEO SPOTLIGHT
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Plugging the skills gap: How the Middle East is tackling people-related risks
    The Middle East is grappling with significant people and talent risks that could impede economic growth and diversification efforts.
    A key challenge is the widening skills gap, particularly in digital and technological sectors. Rapid advancements have outpaced the current workforce’s capabilities, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.
    High turnover rates further compound these challenges. Employees are considering job changes, often due to gaps in employee benefits and dissatisfaction with current compensation structures. This creates significant risks around talent retention, as organisations struggle to maintain a stable and committed workforce.

    Participants:
    Dubai Airports
    RAKINSURANCE
    ADNOC Group
    RAK Ceramics
    Deutsche Bank
    Gulf International Bank
    Revantage [Blackstone]
    Vision Invest
    DP World
    IRM

    DWIC will play host to the first SR.500 'invite-only' session.

    BOARDROOM ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

PETER ENGLUND

PETER ENGLUND

Senior Executive Officer – Middle East, Zurich Insurance Company
BELHASSEN TONAT

BELHASSEN TONAT

Senior Executive Manager - P&C, Munich Re Underwriting Agents
ATINC YILMAZ

ATINC YILMAZ

Regional CEO, Howden Türkiye & Central Asia Board Member Of Türkiye Insurance Brokers Association
OWAIS ANSARI

OWAIS ANSARI

Chief Executive Officer, Munich Re [Mena Region]
OLIVIA DARLINGTON

OLIVIA DARLINGTON

Partner, Clyde & Co

MATTHEW HILL

MATTHEW HILL

CEO, Chartered Insurance Institute [CII]
ANDY WOODWARD

ANDY WOODWARD

Regional Head Middle East & Turkey, Lloyd’s
ABDESSAMAD EL ANGOUDI

ABDESSAMAD EL ANGOUDI

Head of Agriculture for EMEA and International Parametric Expert, GALLAGHER RE
WEBSTER TWAAMBO

WEBSTER TWAAMBO

Managing Director, Finsbury Re
GREG CARTER

GREG CARTER

Managing Director, Analytics - EMEA & AP, AM Best

BRANDAN HOLMES

BRANDAN HOLMES

VP - Senior Credit Officer, Moody's
SIMBA MAKWEMBERE

SIMBA MAKWEMBERE

Managing Director, Maksure Risk Solutions
ALYA AL ZAROUNI

ALYA AL ZAROUNI

Chief Operating Officer, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
OYBEK N. KHALILOV

OYBEK N. KHALILOV

CEO, Mosaic Insurance Group, Chairman at Insurance Association of Uzbekistan
CHRIS MACKINNON

CHRIS MACKINNON

Regional Director, APMEA, Lloyd

BLANCA BERRUGUETE

BLANCA BERRUGUETE

EMEA HEAD OF CLIENT MANAGEMENT, DESCARTES
DAVID BENYON

DAVID BENYON

Editor, Global Reinsurance & DWIC Conference Chair
PHIL STORY

PHIL STORY

SEO, ITA (MIDDLE EAST) AND Chairman, DIFC Insurance Association
UGUR GULLEN

UGUR GULLEN

Chairman of Turkiye Insurers and Reinsurers Association & Board Member of Ak Sigorta Insurance Company
CLEMENT OWUSU

CLEMENT OWUSU

Group Chief Commercial Officer, Waica Reinsurance Corporation Plc

PAMELA THOMSON HALL

PAMELA THOMSON HALL

CEO of International, Head of Risk & Broking International, WTW
ANVAR UMAROV

ANVAR UMAROV

Head Of Reinsurance and International Relations Department, Uzbekinvest Export-Import Insurance Company JSC
MARIA KUZNETSOVA

MARIA KUZNETSOVA

SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EMRGENT RISK SOLUTIONS
NEERAJ YADVENDU

NEERAJ YADVENDU

Head of Middle East, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
 

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

SR.500 DUBAI
Wednesday 30 April 2025, 12:00 – 14:00, Boardroom, Atlantis the Palm

StrategicRISK.500 is an exclusive ‘off the record’ members-only forum for a carefully selected group of the most senior risk management professionals and insurance buyers from the biggest companies across the globe.
Through a series of closed-door roundtable sessions, SR.500 will examine the rapidly evolving risk landscape and learn how some of the biggest companies are innovating to better build resilience.

Topic | Plugging the skills gap: How the Middle East is tackling people-related risks
The Middle East is grappling with significant people and talent risks that could impede economic growth and diversification efforts.

A key challenge is the widening skills gap, particularly in digital and technological sectors. Rapid advancements have outpaced the current workforce’s capabilities, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.

High turnover rates further compound these challenges. Employees are considering job changes, often due to gaps in employee benefits and dissatisfaction with current compensation structures. This creates significant risks around talent retention, as organisations struggle to maintain a stable and committed workforce.

Our SR.500 roundtable presents a valuable opportunity for senior risk management professionals and insurance buyers to engage in in-depth discussions on effective strategies to mitigate people and talent risks.

Participants:

DUBAI AIRPORTS
RAKINSURANCE
ADNOC GROUP
RAK CERAMICS
DEUTSCHE BANK
GULF INTERNATIONAL BANK
REVANTAGE [BLACKSTONE]
VISION INVEST
DP WORLD
IRM

If you would like to learn more about being an SR.500 partner please contact dan.king@nqsm.com