Life & Style | Education
UAE nationals - The insurance sector is looking for you
The insurance sector in the UAE has until now not hired a single Emirati. According to the Emirates National Development Programme's statistics, the industry has failed to meet its emiratisation quota.
- Staff report
- Published: 00:00 January 20, 2007
- The insurance industry is now pushing to get more UAE nationals to enter. Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
The insurance sector in the UAE has until now not hired a single Emirati. According to the Emirates National Development Programme's statistics, the industry has failed to meet its emiratisation quota.
The Higher Colleges of Technology two weeks ago announced the launch of the Advanced Diploma in Insurance and Management in an attempt to boost the presence of Emiratis in the sector.
The 18-month course begins next month, initially, at the Dubai Women's College (DWC). It is open to UAE national men and women diploma holders interested in joining the industry.
The programme is benchmarked against the UK Chartered Institute of Insurance (CII).
Pushing for nationalisation
"Increasing the number of UAE nationals in the insurance business has been on the table for some time. By introducing this course we are moving forward to achieving a governmental goal," said Graham Spriggs, curriculum developer, insurance programme, at DWC.
Spriggs was speaking at a meeting held to introduce the course to representatives from the Insurance Business Group.
Company representatives said the programme is a step towards attracting Emiratis to the industry.
"Now there will be commitment towards meeting our emiratisation goals. There is commitment from the college, the students and employers," said Dr Abdul Zahra Abdullah, general manager of the National General Insurance Company.
The industry is now pushing to get more UAE nationals to enter. According to Omar Hussain, managing director of the Arab Orient Insurance Company, the number of nationals working in insurance has been far below expectations.
"I think some companies are not offering interesting packages to Emiratis and because of that I think there has been a lack of interest on their behalf," he said.
However, he said, companies have been working recently on improving the offers, packages and salaries.
Hussain added that career prospects in the sector are very good, and all that is needed is dedicated employees.
Commitment and attitude are the two main words insurance managers cited repeatedly when they spoke about the qualities they were looking for in employees.
"That's all that matters. Come with that and we can train you to do everything," said Mustafa Vazayll, managing director of Gargash Insurance Services. "This industry needs UAE nationals to grow. We simply need them."
Marketing problem
Another issue most employers agree on is that the sector has not done enough to market itself to Emiratis.
"Companies should explain to UAE nationals the job prospects in the sector. They should show them where they can start and how they can advance,' said Abdullah.
One of the issues Abdullah pointed out was that the insurance sector is no different from banking.
"We always say banking and insurance. It is true that in terms of better positions, banking is the place to be because they pay more. Still, in the long run, people in insurance and banking will be paid the same," he said.
Meherdad Faqihi, manager of the regional office of the Iran Insurance Company, also said UAE nationals are attracted more to the banking industry than the insurance sector.
"There are so many laws governing the insurance sector.... [They] can some times limit the big salaries or providing career opportunities to future employees. For example, the number of branches foreign companies are allowed to open in the country is limited," he said.
Taking part in open days, career weeks and holding conferences and symposiums are ways to educate UAE nationals about the sector, employers added.
In addition introducing education programmes that specialise in insurance is another key solution.
"The programme offered by the HCT is a great step. I have seen such programmes start in Iraq 33 years ago when I was there. Graduates have done brilliantly," said Abdullah.
Advanced Diploma in Insurance and Management
- The programme is open to UAE national men and women.
- Students will not pay any tuition fees as the programme is supported by the UAE insurance industry.
- The programme is open to UAE nationals already employed in the insurance industry or those who wish to be considered for placement by the college with a sponsoring employer.
Upon completion of the programme students will receive:
- A Higher Colleges of Technology Advanced Diploma in Insurance Services and Management
- An Internationally recognised qualification certificate from the Chartered Insurance Institution (CII).
- To apply contact Graham Spriggs at: graham.spriggs@hct.ac.ae
- For more information log on to: www.dwc.hct.ac.ae/insurance_diploma
Share this article
More from Education
More from Life & Style
Your access to everything education.
Popular in Life & Style
-
Horoscopes
Daily Horoscope
Shelly von Strunckel reveals whats in the stars today
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Lounging in luxury off Shaikh Zayed Road
Interchange Two Lounge, affectionately known to its clients as I2
-
Riding the wave: Fjords of Musandam
John DeSouza goes to Oman to tell you all you need to know about this hotspot
-
Beat workday tension
Release your body's build-up of stress with these simple yoga moves
