Cigna Corporation, a Fortune 100 global health insurance and service company, has opened its regional management office for the Mena markets at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The DIFC is the leading financial hub in the $7.4 trillion Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) region. By establishing its presence at the financial hub, Cigna marks a significant new phase in its operations as it strategically expands the reach of its health services and solutions to people in the region.

The new office puts Cigna in prime position to effectively deliver personal and local health service solutions in the UAE and the wider Middle East region that is an important contributor to new growth and revenue in the area. 

Howard Gough, chief executive officer of Cigna for the Mena region and GIPMI, will be supported by Jai Verma, the global B2G segment lead, in leading Cigna’s team at DIFC to offer management assistance and specialist services to its regulated entities across the GCC.

Arif Amiri, chief executive officer of DIFC Authority, said: “We are pleased that Cigna has chosen to be a part of the DIFC community. With the healthcare industry in the GCC region projected to grow to $71.3 billion by 2020, the opening of Cigna’s new regional management office is well-timed to leverage this immense market potential.  We look forward to enabling Cigna to achieve its growth objectives across the region, with the support of our robust legal and regulatory framework that meets the requirements of global insurance companies.”

Jason Sadler, president of Cigna International Markets, said: “The UAE offers a strategic edge for global businesses with its advanced regulatory environment, unparalleled connectivity and access to several high-growth markets. At Cigna, we recognise the long-term value this creates for our business and the people we serve. Moreover, we see this as a valuable opportunity to enhance our presence in the Middle East and Africa region, which represents a crucial element in our global growth strategy. We are pleased to work with the DIFC in supporting Cigna’s ambitious plans in this exciting region.”

Howard Gough, chief executive officer of Cigna for the Mena Region and GIPMI, said: “Cigna has been present in the region for over 15 years, and continues to remain committed to delivering superior quality healthcare services for clients and customers here. We are confident that we will make a significant impact across the region through this strategic hub at DIFC.”

Operating from DIFC will allow Cigna to seamlessly manage the global health requirements of its locally regulated offices across the Mena region. Furthermore, Cigna stands to benefit from DIFC’s unmatched business environment and an exceptional geographical location in Dubai that bridges the east and the west. – TradeArabia News Service