QBE opens in Dubai

QBE has opened its first office in the Middle East, within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The insurer said the opening marks a further expansion of QBE’s business interests in the region. The new office will be managed by Khalil Eid, who has been appointed general manager and senior executive officer, and is licensed to sell the complete range of specialist products from QBE’s eight underwriting divisions: Casualty, Reinsurance, Property, Motor, Marine & Energy, Specialty, Affinity and Credit Lines and Aviation.

Steven Burns, chief executive officer, said “We are delighted to be able to announce the opening of our Dubai office. This is further evidence of QBE’s ambition to expand its global footprint and establish a strategic presence in the region.

“The appointment of Khalil Eid in Dubai will allow QBE to build on its existing contacts and success within the area. Khalil brings fifteen years of experience to the role, and is a former board member of the Emirates Insurance Association. He has the knowledge, contacts and expertise to help us build further profitable relationships in this region.”

Khalil Eid, of QBE’s Dubai office, said “I am pleased to be joining a truly global insurance player in QBE. Our decision to establish a branch in the DIFC in Dubai is a long term commitment to further develop our franchise in the Middle East. I look forward to continuing to grow our relationships with Middle Eastern business over the coming months and years."

Abdulla Al Awar of the DIFC Authority, added: “We are very happy to welcome QBE Insurance to the growing community of financial services companies in DIFC. The Middle East is a region of tremendous opportunity for the global insurance industry.

"We at the Dubai International Financial Centre are supporting this by offering the world-class regulations, infrastructure and services necessary for insurance providers to establish successful businesses. Whether they are looking to tap the growth in the region or seeking a base for their global operations, DIFC provides a highly productive platform for their growth.”