We celebrated a momentous milestone with the successful inaugural Middle East Conference 2024, held in Riyadh and Dubai.
Drawing over 300 industry leaders, aspiring professionals, and experts from around the globe, this conference marked a significant leap forward for the actuarial profession in the region. The event provided an unparalleled platform for dynamic discussions, insightful sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, reflecting the diverse and comprehensive nature of the gathering.
In Riyadh (11 to 12 May), attendees included CEOs and senior actuaries from major insurance companies, professionals from consultancy and wider financial services sectors. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Pakistan, India, Poland, the UK, and beyond, the diverse audience underscored the global interest and reach of the conference.
A notable highlight of the Riyadh conference was the dedicated student event on day one, aimed at inspiring and engaging the next generation of actuaries. The event drew a large and enthusiastic audience, with a significant majority of women attendees, offering invaluable insights into the actuarial profession and access to a range of resources on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Day two of the Riyadh conference commenced with an update from IFoA President Kalpana Shah, followed by a keynote speech from His Excellency Mr Abdullah Al-Homid, Insurance Control Core Deputy at the Insurance Authority (IA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the evolving landscape of the insurance industry.
In Dubai (15 to 16 May), the conference opened with a new qualifiers’ ceremony, celebrating 14 new Fellows and their guests. IFoA President Kalpana Shah provided an update for attendees, followed by a keynote address from Ian Johnston, Chief Executive at the Dubai Financial Services Authority, delving into key topics shaping the future of the actuarial profession and the insurance industry.
A highlight of the Dubai conference was the presentation of the Finlaison Award to Sundeep Raichura, Group CEO of Zamara Holdings Limited, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the actuarial profession. Throughout both events, attendees participated in insightful panels and workshops, addressing current challenges and future trends in the industry.
The success of both conferences was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including The Financial Academy (The Knowledge Partner), Milliman (Platinum), Lux Actuaries & Consultants (Gold), NITAQ (Gold), SHMA Consulting (Gold), Munich RE (Silver), and RGA (Silver), whose contributions were instrumental in bringing these important events to life.
Looking ahead, the IFoA is committed to fostering continued collaboration and engagement in the Middle East, with plans for more events. Find more about future events and networking opportunities.
