QIC Rolls Out First AI Internship Program for University Students
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has announced the launch of its inaugural AI summer internship program for university students, introduced as part of the company’s commitment to nurturing national talent and equipping the next generation with advanced capabilities in one of the fastest-growing and most transformative tech disciplines.
Following a highly competitive selection process involving hundreds of applications, students were admitted to the program based on their academic achievements, the strength of their internship project proposals, and their performance in interviews with the admissions committee. Over the next eight weeks, the interns representing four universities will participate in intensive training sessions on agentic AI tools and vibe coding, led by expert mentors from across QIC’s business units. They will also have the opportunity to translate their ideas into functional solutions using these AI approaches.
Upon the program’s completion, high-potential projects will be evaluated and selected for user testing within QIC’s digital ecosystem. The most impactful solutions may be further developed and integrated into QIC’s platforms as live services, supporting the company’s strategy to expand its tech offerings across local and regional markets.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of QIC, said: “We take pride in QIC’s position as a national leader in developing and delivering AI-driven solutions, and in our success in leveraging these technologies to establish the MENA’s first all-in-one digital ecosystem integrating insurance with everyday lifestyle services. One of the most critical needs in the regional AI landscape is the adoption of approaches tailored to the unique characteristics of our region and its markets, rather than simply following global trends. This will be a central focus throughout the program, as we leverage our expertise to empower a new generation of changemakers for the evolving digital services landscape.”
He added: “I wish all participating students a productive journey with us this summer, and I am confident that this program will serve as a formative launchpad for their professional careers, equipping them with the foundations to become future leaders who can strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for AI innovation.”
As a first-of-its-kind initiative within the insurance sector in the region, the program is a direct extension of QIC’s digital and AI strategy, which leverages artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience while driving operational efficiency. With AI adoption accelerating across the financial and broader business sectors, QIC has established dedicated internal research and development units focused on building proprietary AI solutions tailored to its operational needs and growth plans. As a result, QIC now delivers personalized customer experiences with significantly faster turnaround times. This shift to AI-powered processes has also accelerated the launch of new digital solutions within QIC’s ecosystem, which has become one of Qatar’s fastest-growing digital ecosystems in terms of both user base and service offerings.
QIC Retains Position in Top 10 Strongest Qatari Brands Ranking by Brand Finance
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has retained its position among Qatar’s strongest brands, once again securing a place in Brand Finance’s 2026 ranking of the Top 10 Most Valuable and Strongest Qatari Brands. QIC also remains the only insurer included in this prestigious ranking, further reinforcing its leadership position within the industry.
Brand Finance has upgraded QIC’s brand rating to AA- up from A- in the previous year’s report, reflecting the company’s sustained growth and strong performance over the past 12 months. The global brand valuation consultancy attributed this improvement to QIC’s strong underwriting performance, disciplined portfolio management, growth across its core regional and international markets, as well as its continued focus on digital innovation and ESG leadership.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of QIC, said, “We are proud to be recognised once again among Qatar’s top 10 strongest and most valuable brands. This achievement underscores QIC’s pivotal role within the national economy and reflects our success in reinforcing our position as a national champion that combines growth and digital innovation with a transformative approach to ESG leadership.”
Al Mannai added, “Since its founding in 1964, QIC has built an enduring legacy of trust and credibility, establishing itself as one of the most deeply rooted and widely respected brands across all segments of society in Qatar, and among the most trusted entities across the broader region. Building on this legacy, QIC remains committed to being a model national company that places customers and their experiences at the centre of everything it does, while continuously investing in best-in-class digital services and innovative insurance solutions that enable our customers to live with greater confidence and peace of mind.”
Brand Finance rankings are published annually and highlight the strongest brands across regions and global markets. The rankings are based on a comprehensive analytical framework that assesses financial performance, sustainability, market impact, as well as stakeholder perceptions and customer behaviour toward brands.
Earlier this year, QIC was named “Insurer of the Year” in the region at the MENA II Awards. The company was also awarded “Motor Insurer of the Year” in the region, and “Insurer of the Year” in Qatar for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, QIC was recognised as “Digital Insurer of the Year in Qatar” and received the “Best Insurance App in Qatar” title at The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards.
QIC reports 6% growth in Net Profit to QAR 217 million in Q1 2026
Qatar Insurance (QIC) the leading insurer in Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, today reported a Net Profit of QAR 217 million for the first quarter of 2026, a change of 6% from QAR 205 million for the same period in 2025. Following a meeting of the Board of Directors dated 30 April 2026, which was presided over by Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani Jasim Al Thani, Chairman of QIC Group, the Board approved the financial results.
Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Chairman of QIC Group, stated: “QIC’s financial results in Q1 2026 confirm the resilience of QIC and its strategic direction. In a turbulent first quarter marked by the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. QIC’s underwriting portfolio continued to generate consistent, stable and reliable returns due to the QIC’s robust diversification strategy of balancing our strong growth business generated in Qatar and the MENA region, with income from our international operations and our investment portfolio, which once again provided a strong contribution to QIC’s results in highly volatile financial markets. Our operations, particularly in Qatar and the MENA region, once again successfully served our policyholders, uninterrupted, in a challenging environment, benefiting from our advanced digital transformation and ecosystems. In addition, AM Best and Standard & Poor’s both affirmed their A- financial strengths ratings for QIC with stable outlook, emphasising the strength of QIC’s balance sheet and our well-diversified business profile.”
Mr. Salem Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer of QIC Group, said, “While the year started promising with declining inflation and strengthening growth, the open conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz reversed these developments, severely affecting and threatening peoples’ life and business across the MENA region, Qatar, as well as the global economy.”
Mr. Mannai added, “Despite this challenging first quarter, QIC further expanded its products and services in Qatar, the MENA region with our presence in Dubai, Oman and Kuwait, and internationally through our Antares Lloyds Syndicate along with operations in Bermuda, Europe and Asia Pacific. Whilst already benefiting from our regional spread, we further built our diversification and strengthened our resilience through a well-balanced product portfolio, generating attractive growth and returns with our personal non-life, life and medical book, and our commercial lines business in Qatar and the MENA region , and internationally in marine and other speciality lines through our reinsurance book. QIC further strengthened its investments in technology, particularly during this period of uncertainty and disruption. Our pioneering role in insurtech and fintech, along with our award-winning app for motorists, has proven invaluable in maintaining seamless services for our customers.”
Mr. Mannai continued: “In Q1 2026, QIC has again been recognised as Insurer of the Year in Qatar by the prestigious MENA II Awards. In addition, QIC has been named “Digital Insurer of the Year in Qatar” and received the award for the “Best Insurance App in Qatar” at The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards 2026, applauding our efforts to transform the insurance and digital services landscape in Qatar and for launching our all-in-one digital ecosystem, which offers insurance and non-insurance services on a single platform.”
Underwriting portfolio delivers resilient growth
A challenging first quarter required a revision of our assumptions for 2026. Following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East and the disruption of trade flows and energy supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, volatility increased once again, with growth expected to slow and inflation projected to rise. According to the IMF’s April 2026 projections, the MENA region is forecast to grow by 1.4% in 2026, down from the 3.7% growth expected for the full year as of October 2025. At the same time, inflation is expected to increase again, although its impact across the MENA region varies significantly, with oil and LNG-exporting countries experiencing a more limited effect compared to oil and LNG-importing economies, where the impact is expected to be more severe.
The global insurance markets started 2026 on a positive note. Competitive pressure intensified further in both the primary insurance and reinsurance markets, as well as in retrocession, with risk capacity widely available following the hard market years marked by tighter conditions and lower-than-average losses from natural catastrophes in 2025. QIC benefited from these market conditions in both international and regional markets. In personal and commercial insurance, QIC experienced improved reinsurance pricing and more flexible terms, while in reinsurance and international markets, the low loss environment and the favorable conditions established in prior years supported sustainable margins into 2026.
In the second part of Q1 2026, the market conditions changed dramatically with the onset of the Middle East conflict. Across the region, demand weakened, first affecting highly exposed specialty lines, including marine and aviation, as well as tourism-related activities. In addition, consumption is also seen to contract in motor insurance and some property lines as consumers cut back on spending. Despite the ongoing challenges, overall in Q1 2026, QIC generated 56% of QIC’s GWPs in its domestic and MENA operations, with 44% stemming from its international business.
QIC continues to pursue its priorities of strategically enhancing its current well balanced and diversified risk profile with disciplined growth coupled with strong underwriting performance in select lines of business. With a digital edge over its peers, QIC continues to invest in and expand its award-winning personal lines business in the MENA region. This segment also demonstrated its robustness during the first quarter, as consumers reduced their movements and increasingly relied on the fully digitized ecosystem offered by QIC’s all-in-one app.
For Q1 2026 QIC reported an Insurance Service Result of QAR 130 million, a significant increase of 70% year-on-year.
QIC retains a solid investment performance despite elevated volatility
QIC’s well diversified investment portfolio again proved its merits and resilience in Q1 2026. In an exceptionally volatile market environment, QIC’s high-quality book generated solid investment income of QAR 238 million, compared to QAR 216 million for the period in the prior year. The Return on Investment for Q1 2026 came in at 5.3%, compared to 4.9% in Q1 2025. The book, which is mainly composed of a stable and conservative combination of bonds, cash, equities and real estate, amounted to Assets under Management of QAR 18 billion on 31 March 2026, up from QAR 17.7 billion at the end of Q1 2025.
Strong earnings
QIC achieved a Net Profit for Q1 2026 of QAR 217 million, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Parent amounted to QAR 205 million. Earnings per Share for the period were QAR 0.030.
Financial strength ratings and outlook reconfirmed
On 29 January 2026, and 25 March 2026, respectively, AM Best and S&P Global Ratings affirmed QIC’s A- financial strength rating, with stable outlooks.
Advancing the future of digital services at the Web Summit Qatar 2026
From 1 to 4 February 2026, QIC’s Diamond Sponsorship of the Web Summit Qatar 2026 attracted a record number of tech leaders to its pavilion and generating significant interest in its vision for the future of digital services in the region. Participating for the third time in the largest global tech event hosted in Doha, tens of thousands of visitors explored QIC’s strategy to establish the region’s first insurance-powered digital ecosystem and learned about the company’s evolution from a leading insurer into a fully integrated digital ecosystem for everyday life.
QIC’s pavilion hosted more than 20 seminars and panel discussions featuring 50 speakers, including company executives and leading regional and global experts. The sessions highlighted current and future trends in innovation and investment in digital services in Qatar, the MENA region, and globally. During the Summit, QIC signed 14 strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding with prominent national and international corporations. These partnerships focused on accelerating the adoption of AI-powered solutions across financial institutions in Qatar, leveraging QIC’s expertise in developing new FinTech and InsurTech solutions, and fostering national talent in these fields.
Underscoring resilience at the 2026 Energy Summit
Also in February, QIC supported as Diamond Sponsor the 2026 Marsh Energy Industry Summit, held under the theme “Resilience in a Volatile World,” in Doha, convening senior leaders from across the energy value chain, alongside experts in insurance, risk advisory, and strategic consulting from Qatar and the wider region. The summit provided a high-level platform to examine the structural shifts reshaping the global energy landscape — from geopolitical realignments and macroeconomic uncertainty to cyber threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and accelerating technological transformation.
In his keynote opening address, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani Jasim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Insurance, emphasized that volatility is no longer cyclical but structural, requiring institutions to embed resilience at the core of strategy, governance, and capital allocation. His Excellency highlighted that resilience today is not reactive, but deliberate, built on long-term planning, cross-sector integration, and trust among market participants and called for deeper collaboration among energy leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, insurers, and technology partners to collectively address systemic risks and reinforce investor confidence in an increasingly complex global environment.
Outstanding accomplishments honoured
In Q1 2026 the string of awards recognising QIC for its outstanding accomplishments continued. For the fifth consecutive year, QIC was crowned “Insurer of the Year” in the region by the prestigious MENA II Awards, organised by the Intelligent Insurer. In addition, the company was acknowledged “Motor Insurer of the Year” in the region. The awards are testament to the success of QIC’s strategy, the uniqueness of its vision, and its leadership position as an innovation hub in the region. Moreover, they highlight QIC’s leading role in reshaping the insurance landscape across the MENA region.
Also, in Q1 2026 QIC received the accolade as “Digital Insurer of the Year in Qatar” and as “Best Insurance App in Qatar” at The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards 2026, recognising QIC’s achievements in redefining the insurance and digital services landscape in Qatar, by building the first all-in-one digital ecosystem that combines both insurance and non-insurance daily services on a single platform.
Supporting popular motor sports
QIC was honoured to sponsor this year’s Toyota GR Yaris Cup Qatar, the car racing championship organized by Al Abdulghani Motors, which took place from 30 January to 18 April at Lusail International Circuit. Conducted over four thrilling rounds, QIC joined the championship with its own branded car, driven by Qatari racing driver Khalid Al Maraghi, the car featured QIC App branding elements and bore the number 1, reflecting the app’s pioneering position as Qatar’s first platform offering both insurance and non-insurance services, enabling customers to cover a wide range of their daily needs digitally on a single interface.
QIC’s “Coins” Loyalty Program Surpasses 300 Million Points Earned in Its First Year
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, announced that its “Coins” loyalty rewards program has surpassed 300 million points earned, marking a significant milestone achieved within just one year of its launch.
Active membership in the program exceeded 60,000 members during its first 12 months, reflecting the strong trust it has earned among QIC customers, as well as the value it delivers in enhancing their experience across the company’s digital platforms and insurance offerings.
Since its launch in early May 2025, QIC’s Coins loyalty program has successfully redefined the insurance experience in Qatar by transforming everyday transactions into rewarding interactions. Customers are able to earn and redeem Coins throughout their journey with Qatar’s largest and longest-established insurer. The experience begins with welcome Coins upon account creation on QIC App and extends to purchasing and renewing insurance policies, as well as booking a range of non-insurance services for daily life available through the application.
Over its first year, the program focused on expanding its partner ecosystem and diversifying redemption options. It successfully established new partnerships and significantly broadened the range of available redemption choices within a few months. Today, these options span dozens of institutions and companies, including travel agencies, car care centers, hotels, fitness centers, entertainment venues, electronics retailers, and more.
In terms of redemption activity, travel services ranked as the most popular choice among program members during the first year, followed by fuel vouchers in second place, and at-home car wash services in third.
Commenting on the program’s first anniversary, Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of QIC, said: “The Coins loyalty program was established as a testament to our commitment to rewarding the trust our customers place in QIC. It has rapidly gained significant momentum among both clients and partners, a success clearly evidenced by robust membership growth, high engagement in earning and redemption, and the strategic expansion of our partner ecosystem. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to evolving the program by diversifying redemption opportunities across lifestyle, travel, and mobility sectors, while delivering increasingly personalized experiences tailored to the unique needs of every member.”
It is worth noting that QIC’s success in delivering an integrated customer experience, combining exclusive insurance products, innovative digital solutions, and its Coins loyalty program, has earned it the title of “Insurer of the Year” in the region at the MENA II Awards 2026. The company has also been named “Motor Insurer of the Year” in the region, in addition to winning the “Insurer of the Year” in Qatar title for the fifth consecutive year.
QIC Sponsors Toyota GR Yaris Cup 2026
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has announced its sponsorship of the Toyota GR Yaris Cup Qatar 2026, the car racing championship organized by Al Abdulghani Motors and scheduled from 30 January to 18 April at Lusail International Circuit.
The championship’s second edition will be contested over four thrilling rounds, beginning with the opening phase on 30–31 January. The second round will take place on 12–13 February, while the third one will be held on 27–28 February. The season will conclude with the fourth and final round on 17–18 April, with the fans witnessing the crowning of this year’s champion.
As part of this sponsorship, QIC unveiled its branded car for the championship, which will be competing for the 2026 title, driven by Qatari racing driver Khalid Al Maraghi. The car features QIC App branding elements and bears the number 1, reflecting the app’s pioneering position as Qatar’s first platform offering both insurance and non-insurance services, enabling customers to cover a wide range of their daily needs digitally on a single interface.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rashid Al-Buainain, QIC’s Chief Administrative Officer, said: “Our sponsorship of the competition reflects QIC’s longstanding commitment to supporting the development of the national sports scene, including motorsports that enjoy strong popularity across the community. We have consistently been at the forefront of national companies supporting sports and athletes in Qatar, and we are proud of being part of the success of numerous championships over the past decades.”
Al-Buainain added: “The Toyota GR Yaris Cup Qatar is more than a racing tournament. It is a unique platform that promotes sportsmanship and fair competition among youth, while inspiring ambition, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. On this basis, I am confident that this year’s edition will once again be a true source of inspiration for fans, and a chance for motorsport enthusiasts to experience excitement, challenge, and speed.”
QIC App Launches New “Events” Feature to Enhance User Experience
Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has introduced the new “Events” feature on QIC App, in line with the company’s vision to redefine Qatar’s digital services landscape through constantly upgrading customer journeys on one of the country’s fastest-growing platforms.
The new feature allows users to stay up to date with the latest events in Qatar, offering an integrated browsing experience that eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps and platforms to discover local happenings. QIC App’s Events feature provides a constantly updated selection of entertainment, sports, cultural, artistic, and recreational activities suitable for all ages and preferences, while enabling users to instantly book their tickets via trusted partners. The feature is expected to be further enhanced in the coming weeks to include overseas events, particularly in popular destinations among Qatar-based travelers. This will enable users to enjoy a seamless digital journey in discovering and booking their next events while traveling, making their trips more enjoyable and worry-free.
Commenting on the new service, Mr. Ahmed Al Jarboey, QIC Chief Operating Officer – Qatar Operations, said: “The introduction of this new feature aligns with our strategy to build the region’s first insurance-powered digital ecosystem, allowing customers to conveniently access their everyday services through a single interface. What sets this function apart is its ability to address a broader range of daily needs for individuals and families. In addition to services related to cars, travel, and lifestyle, our app has now become a reliable go-to platform for those seeking seamless access to their favorite events throughout the year.”
Al Jarboey added: “We are proud to see QIC App being one of the fastest-growing platforms in Qatar and the only one that combines insurance and non-insurance services. Our flagship digital channel has also contributed to enhancing insurance inclusion in Qatar, making it easier for a wider segment of society to effortlessly access the best coverage solutions. As a result, more people in the country are now empowered to live with greater confidence and peace of mind, insured by QIC. This keeps us committed to continuously enhancing QIC App with innovative features, including AI-powered ones, and delivering the best digital experiences for our customers and partners at both local and regional levels.”
QIC App’s innovation and impact have been recognized with multiple prestigious accolades, including the “Innovators Award” by Global Finance Magazine in 2025. It was also named “Most Innovative Mobile App in Qatar” at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025, “Best Insurance App in Qatar” at the Global Brands Magazine Awards 2025, and “Mobile App of the Year in Qatar” at the Insurance Asia Awards 2024. These awards highlight the app’s success in earning users’ trust and loyalty, reshaping Qatar’s mobile landscape through innovative solutions. Thanks to this trust and loyalty, QIC App is now one of the highest-rated financial services platforms in the country, with a 4.9 rating across App Store and Google Play.
To download QIC App, visit app.qic.online. For more information about QIC, visit qic.online.
Qatar Insurance’s Salem Al Mannai Named Among Forbes Middle East’s Top CEOs 2025
Forbes Middle East has named Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of Qatar Insurance (QIC), as one of its “Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East,” notably, the only leader from the region’s insurance sector to earn a place in this year’s ranking.
The 2025 list highlights CEOs who are redefining the region’s power corridors through business performance and contributions to national development, industry transformation, and global competitiveness. This year’s edition emphasizes the Middle East’s accelerating focus on diversification, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, areas in which QIC has made notable progress under Al Mannai’s leadership.
Commenting on the recognition, Al Mannai said: “This ranking reflects the momentum we have built as a company and as a team. At QIC, we are shaping an insurance model that is digitally advanced, globally relevant, and anchored in sustainable impact. The achievements behind this recognition belong to our people, whose dedication continues to push the boundaries of what insurance can become, and in supporting Qatar’s and the region’s long term development goals.”
QIC has strengthened Qatar’s position as a regional innovation hub by leading and organizing two major industry events in Doha: the MENA Insurtech Summit, now in its fourth edition, and the inaugural MENA Fintech Summit. Together, these platforms brought global and regional leaders to Qatar and showcased QIC’s commitment to advancing the country’s innovation agenda, diversification goals, and international relevance.
QIC’s sustainability achievements further contributed to Al Mannai’s recognition. The insurer became the first in the Middle East to sign the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative’s Principles for Sustainable Insurance and currently holds MSCI’s highest ESG rating of AAA. These efforts are supported by a dedicated ESG Committee that drives climate-risk transparency, responsible underwriting, and sustainable investment. QIC’s climate commitments also include the One Million Tree Initiative, an ambitious nationwide reforestation project launched in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.