Dubai, UAE - Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI), a Fortune 100 global health insurance and service company, today opened its regional management office for the Middle East and North Africa markets at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The DIFC is the leading financial hub in the US$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.

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 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.

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 Cignas 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 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.

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 Middle East and North Africa region. Furthermore, Cigna stands to benefit from DIFCs unmatched business environment and an exceptional geographical location in Dubai that bridges the east and the west.   

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About Dubai International Financial Centre
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, providing a world-class platform connecting the regions markets with the economies of Europe, Asia and the Americas. It also facilitates the growth in South-South trade and investment. An onshore, international financial centre, DIFC provides a stable, mature and secure base for financial institutions to develop their wholesale businesses.

The Centre offers all the elements found in the worlds most successful financial industry ecosystems, including an independent regulator, an independent judicial system with a common-law framework, a global financial exchange, inspiring architecture, powerful, enabling support services and a vibrant business community. The infrastructure within the district features ultra-modern office space, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, art galleries, residential apartments, public green areas and hotels.

For further information, please visit our website: www.difc.ae, or follow us on Twitter @DIFC.

About Cigna 
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI), is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. With a heritage of over 200 years, Cigna is committed to its promise of being together all the way in providing healthcare, clinical management and wellness programs to employers, groups, individuals and governments around the world.

Cigna has operated in the MENA region for over 15 years through local partners. In 2017, Cigna entered in to a reinsurance agreement with Zurich Insurance Middle East (ZIME), where Zurich is the local insurer and Cigna is the reinsurer and international service provider. This new service model enables Cigna to own the end-to-end customer experience and offer market-compliant insurance solutions across the region.

Across the MENA region, Cigna serves over 130,000 customers and enjoys 800 employer relationships. Cigna maintains global sales capabilities in 30 countries and jurisdictions, employing 41,000 people that service more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna, visit https://www.cigna.com/  


For DIFC media enquiries, please contact:
Hajar Al Ketbi
Dubai International Financial Centre 
Vice President - Public Relations & Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 4 362 2440
Email:    Hajar.Alketbi@difc.ae   

Joudi Issa
Brunswick Gulf
Tel: +971 4 560 9600
Email: DIFC@brunswickgroup.com   

For Cigna media enquiries, please contact:
Lianne Braganza-DSylva
Head of Marketing & Communications, MENA
Tel: +971 52 690 0081
Email: Lianne.Braganza@cigna.com   

Gaurav Ghose
APCO Worldwide
Group Account Director
Tel: +971 55 242 6701
Email: gghose@apcoworldwide.com  

Press Release 2017