Central Governor pledges support to upcoming major insurance conference

The meeting reviewed the vast logistical arrangements relating to the welcoming of approximately 1,200 GAIF delegates from their arrival at Bahrain International Airport in Muharraq en route to the various five-star hotels and other accommodation venues in the Central Governorate.

The Governor of the Central Governorate Shaikh Humood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa had earlier met with Steering Committee members Ashraf Bseisu and Ebrahim Al Rayes, also respectively Chairman & Deputy Chairman of the Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA) who is the host of this conference. On this occasion Shaikh Humood commented, "It is indeed a pleasure for us to play our part in hosting this main event held in Bahrain; which is testimony on the stature and positioning that our beloved country has attained as a renowned financial services and insurance center. We at the Central Governorate, will spare no effort in working hand in hand with the hosts and organize to ensure the success of this conference; reflecting on the welcoming and hospitable nature of the people of Bahrain."

Ashraf Bseisu, Chairman of the BIA, added, "The Governor has from the outset shown keen personal interest in this major kingdom event and in following through its eventual success. We have received tremendous support from Sheikh Humood and his entire team. We are coordinating very closely with them on respective logistical and other related matters."

The biennial Conference is being held under the patronage of H.H. the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, whereby Arab and international delegates spanning over 50 countries across the globe will assemble with the ultimate goal of creating a More Integrated Arab Insurance Market.

The agenda also comprises a three-day exhibition, which enables various companies to showcase their products and services. The diversity of the delegate profile—which includes insurance, financial services and other related disciplines—makes it an optimum opportunity for exposure.

The GAIF Conference is hosted by the Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA) and has secured solid local and regional backing, including the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) at the primary supporter. The event's lead Sponsor is the Arab Insurance Group (Arig) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is the Strategic Partner.

Gold sponsors include Bahrain National Insurance, Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF), Solidarity, AON Middle East, AXA Insurance, Swiss Re and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Silver Sponsors include Takaful International, Crescent Global Insurance Services, KPMG Fakhro, The Chartered Insurance Institute and Ernst & Young; Bahrain credit is a Bronze sponsor.

Other sponsors include Trust International, Arab War Risks Insurance Syndicate (AWRIS), Nasco Karaoglan, Medgulf, Standard & Poor's, Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company, Doha Insurance Company, and Willis.

Media sponsors are: Al Bayan, Al Morakeb Al Inmai, Insure, Investors Magazine, Middle East Insurance Review and POLICY Magazine.

ZAIN is sponsoring the designated wi-max zone, and Gulf Air is the official carrier of the conference.