Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring sustainable healthcare for its employees, Almarai, a leading food and beverage manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East, has announced a cooperation agreement with the General Organization for Social Insurance to launch the “Health Insurance Extension” service. This initiative will enable Almarai employees to continue enjoying health insurance benefits even after retirement.

Ayman Algeer, chief human resources officer at Almarai, said that the agreement reflects Almarai’s commitment to fostering partnerships in line with its vision to enhance employee services through innovative and sustainable solutions at every stage of their professional and personal lives. He highlighted that Almarai is the first company in the Kingdom to launch such an initiative, which delivers significant long-term benefits for its employees and their families.

“The health insurance extension service allows Almarai employees to benefit from sustainable health coverage at affordable costs during the post-retirement phase. It ensures that employees continue to be covered within the Almarai insurance policy at an appropriate cost, along with the convenience of flexible payment of the insurance policy amount in installments spread over 12 months,” Algeer said.

“This eases the financial burden of treatment and medical care costs for employees after retirement. The service will be delivered taking into consideration the interest of all parties, as it requires Almarai to confirm the continued inclusion of the subscriber (retiree) in its health insurance policy and ensure that social insurance deducts the value of the policy on a monthly basis from the retirement benefits,” he added.

The partnership with GOSI reflects Almarai’s ongoing commitment to supporting social responsibility programs and initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Almarai views investment in its employees as a vital aspect of community investment, which serves as a cornerstone of its operations. This collaboration exemplifies the company’s dedication to its societal role in creating a positive impact within the communities it serves. By partnering with national institutions and various organizations both within and beyond the Kingdom, Almarai contributes to enhancing the quality of life for its employees.

Tawuniya Insurance Company, an insurer in the MENA region, in collaboration with notable global and local partners including Google, Plug and Play, Monsha’at, and Code, has launched an innovative, intensive 12-week virtual accelerator program — InsurAi — to nurture technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa. The initiative underscores Tawuniya’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the vibrant startup ecosystem in the region.

The program, which started on Dec. 7, is inviting applications from technology startups eager to elevate their business models through expert guidance and potential funding opportunities. Focused on artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, the initiative will select 10 promising startups to connect with global experts, elevate brand positioning, and advance in their spheres. On the final Demo Day, slated in the middle of 2025, the winning startup will receive $100,000, with $75,000 and $50,000 awarded to the second and third places, respectively. 

This initiative aligns with Tawuniya’s strategic objective to champion cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer experiences and streamline insurance processes.

Abdullah Alshargi, group CTO at Tawuniya, said: “Our collaboration with global leaders like Google and Plug and Play, along with government entities Monsha’at and Code, underscores our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and entrepreneurial spirit within the MENA insurance market. This program is more than a competition; it’s a gateway for startups to innovate and potentially lead with their solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to harness the significant potential of local talents, fostering digital transformation and innovation across the region.”

This accelerator program is powered by a robust partnership between Tawuniya and industry giants. Google brings its cutting-edge technology and vast expertise in digital innovation while Plug and Play, renowned for their global accelerator programs, will administer the accelerator, ensuring participants receive top-tier mentorship and support. Monsha’at and Code, as governmental entities, will bolster the program’s reach and effectiveness through strategic community outreach and essential resources aimed at fostering SMEs and startups within the region. This collective effort is designed to create a dynamic environment that propels technological and entrepreneurial growth.

As Tawuniya continues to lead in digital transformation within the insurance sector, this program further solidifies its role as a pillar of support for technological advancements and entrepreneurship in the region.