Zurich’s Dubai summit sparks a regional movement for resilience

In an age defined by volatility and ambition, the question for nations and businesses has evolved: It’s no longer, “Can we weather the storm?” but “How do we emerge stronger and lead?” To answer this question, Zurich Middle East recently hosted the ‘Building Resilient Futures Together’ event in Dubai, a city that stands as a living testament to transformation. The region’s talented professionals, engaged youth, and leading organisations came together to share their perspective: resilience is not just about overcoming challenges, but also about fostering innovation, growth, and shared progress. Achieving this requires collaboration and unity.

“Dubai really is a place where innovation, resilience, and vision have all come together to create an amazing success story,” said Tim Bailey, CEO of Life Protection at Zurich, capturing the spirit of a city and a region on the rise. Bailey’s remarks were grounded in Zurich’s longstanding commitment to the Middle East, marked by $7 billion in assets under administration and management and $280 million in claims paid in just the past two years, reflecting the life-changing impact of financial protection.

However, as Bailey cautioned, there is a pressing issue at hand: “Life insurance penetration in the UAE is a mere 0.8% of GDP, significantly below global averages. Many individuals in this region are inadequately protected and unprepared. There is a significant opportunity for us to collaborate and enhance the lives of people in the region.”

Elevating financial well-being across the GCC

This challenge and opportunity were at the heart of the event’s first panel, ‘The Role of Employers in Enhancing Financial Well-being and Building Personal Resilience in the GCC, which spotlighted the urgent need to build financial resilience at scale. Experts highlighted that while global pension assets are concentrated in a handful of countries, the GCC’s market is still in its early stages, presenting both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity. The discussion emphasised that financial resilience is cultivated through education, collaboration, and active participation from all stakeholders, including central banks, non-profits, and startups.

Panellists also noted the rising expectations of employees, who now seek the same level of personalisation and seamless digital experiences in financial wellness as they do from leading global brands. Meeting these expectations requires innovation, real-time insights, and HR-ready tools, signalling a leap forward for organisations aiming to support their workforce’s financial health.

The second panel, “Resilience Reimagined: From Workplace Culture to Personalised Care,” redefined well-being as a strategic imperative for organisations. The discussion emphasised that leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. When they model positive well-being behaviours, their teams are more likely to follow suit. Well-being was framed not merely as an individual benefit, but as a core business strategy that enables teams and organisations to thrive truly. Panellists also noted that mental health is as essential as physical health, with the ultimate goal of empowering individuals with the tools and support needed to live and work better.

The third panel, “Global Benefits Financing: A Catalyst for Corporate and Individual Resilience,” explored the evolving role of global benefits, highlighting their shift from traditional cost centres to powerful drivers of performance and resilience. The discussion emphasised that benefits, when strategically designed and tailored to local needs, can empower individuals, enhance talent retention, and strengthen organisational stability. Key themes included the importance of centralisation, consistency, and clear communication in reducing costs and boosting engagement.

Youth innovators steal the show

If the panels set the strategy, the future was on full display as six INJAZ UAE student teams wowed the audience with five-minute pitches brimming with creativity and purpose. From an AI-powered assistant for SMEs to gamified, Sharia-compliant financial literacy app, these young innovators are not just imagining a better world; they are building it. A distinguished panel of judges was tasked with choosing winners. Speak.AI claimed Best Business Idea for its ready-to-launch AI solution; Business+ took Best Product for redefining learning for Gen Z; and Fin earned Best Community Impact for empowering 150,000 youth towards a cashless future.

From conversation to action

In an interactive session, organisations were challenged to rethink financial well-being, with a spotlight on its direct impact on productivity. It was revealed that more than half of employees distracted by financial worries spend at least three hours each week managing personal finances during work hours, adding up to the equivalent of 20 working days lost per employee each year. The message was clear: financial readiness is not just a well-being initiative, but a critical driver of performance.

Later, the day’s lessons were brought to life through powerful storytelling, highlighting that in the face of adversity, we always have a choice—to give up or to fight on. The audience, especially the youth, was encouraged to embrace challenges, as it is through overcoming adversity that true greatness emerges.

In closing, Zurich’s leadership emphasised partnership and shared purpose. “Resilience is not a solo act,” said Thanos Moulovasilis, Group Head of Life Business Management. “It is only together that we can make a difference – brokers, consultants, customers and insurers, working as one.” Chief Investment Officer Stephan van Vliet added, “Dubai is uniquely positioned for expats to build a secure financial future. A strong, unified pension system could fund the region’s infrastructure and foster social cohesion for decades to come.”

As Mufazzal Kajiji, CEO of Zurich Middle East, reflected, “We’re optimistic about the future and the possibilities ahead. Our focus is on deepening our connections and working together to create positive impact across the region. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who dedicated their time, energy, and insights to this event, from our panellists and partners to the students whose innovative ideas truly lit up the room.”

Bringing a creative dimension to the event, attendees were invited to watch Jean-Baptiste, founder of Sketch & Co., who was capturing the day’s insights through live illustration. As discussions unfolded, participants could see the power of his visual storytelling in action, turning conversations into an inspiring and memorable visual journey.

In a region shaped by constant change, resilience is more than a buzzword; it’s the foundation of lasting prosperity. This event served as a springboard, launching a regional movement to make resilience the hallmark of thriving and leading in a dynamic world.