DUBAI, 4th June, 2017 (WAM) -- Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI), a Fortune 100 global health insurance and service company, opened its regional management office for the Middle East and North Africa markets at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), on Sunday.

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.

Cignas mission is to help the people we serve - to improve their health, well-being and sense of security. The new office puts Cigna in a 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.

Headed by Jai Verma, Senior Executive Officer and Global B2G Segment Lead, Cignas team at DIFC will 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 part of the DIFC community. With the healthcare industry in the GCC region projected to grow to US$71.3 billion by 2020, the opening of Cignas 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."Commenting on Cignas move to centralise its regional management at the DIFC, 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 Cignas ambitious plans in this exciting region."

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.