Dubai, UAE – MENA InsureLab, the first dedicated InsurTech venture builder and accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa, has officially launched its operations, with its regional headquarters based in Dubai.
With a mission to drive real-world innovation in the insurance sector, MENA InsureLab is establishing regional chapters across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Tunisia — underscoring a pan-MENA vision rooted in local market understanding.
The platform is led by seasoned innovation expert Ms. Aicha Ghaffari, who takes on the role of Managing Director. With over a decade of experience in both government and private-sector innovation programmes across the GCC, Ms. Ghaffari aims to reshape the region’s insurance landscape.
“We are not just launching another programme — we are building the operating system for innovation in insurance,” she said during the launch event. “From co-creating ventures to scaling proven models, MENA InsureLab will drive real adoption, not just exposure.”
A Platform Built to Deliver Impact
MENA InsureLab’s operating model is anchored around three core pillars:
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Venture Builder: Supporting early-stage InsurTech ideas through concept development, product validation, and team formation.
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Acceleration Platform: Helping growth-stage startups gain access to funding, regulatory support, and piloting opportunities with insurers.
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Strategic Enabler: Partnering with insurers, regulators, and investors to offer curated innovation pipelines and mechanisms for systemic modernization.
UAE Chapter to Drive Local Innovation
As part of its expansion strategy, MENA InsureLab also announced the launch of its UAE Chapter, to be led by Dr. Hisham Al Safadi — a seasoned entrepreneur and respected insurance industry veteran. With a proven track record in launching and scaling ventures across the region, Dr. Al Safadi will oversee local operations and stakeholder engagement.
His appointment marks a significant step toward anchoring the Lab’s presence in the UAE while contributing to its broader MENA-wide innovation mandate.
Signature Programmes Introduced
At the launch event — attended by senior industry executives, policymakers, and startup leaders — MENA InsureLab unveiled two flagship initiatives designed to power InsurTech adoption and scale:
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The Acceleration & Scaling Programme: A four-month accelerator providing mentorship, up to $200,000 in funding, licensing support, MVP development, and long-term scale assistance.
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The Venture Studio: Featuring the New Ventures Program for homegrown InsurTech creation, and the New Horizons Program for enabling regional market entry of global InsurTech firms.
These initiatives are supported by a hybrid model that combines regulatory dialogue, investor access, and hands-on product development — ensuring practical deployment and long-term sustainability.
Backed by Industry Leaders
MENA InsureLab’s leadership is further strengthened by the appointment of Mr. Ali AlSubaihin, former CEO of Tawuniya and current partner at Chedid Re, as Chairman. His involvement signifies strong sector alignment and a commitment to long-term industry advancement.
“Having Mr. AlSubaihin chair this platform is not just an honour — it’s a clear signal that MENA InsureLab is built on substance, strategy, and deep industry roots,” added Ms. Ghaffari.
With a multidisciplinary team, a robust advisory network, and institutional support from US-based venture capital firm Technology Innovation Capital (TIC), MENA InsureLab is poised to lead the next chapter of InsurTech innovation across the region.
Source: Middle East Insurance Review
