Leading hospital and health insurance group PureHealth has announced the strategic expansion of its insurance arm, Daman, marking its transformation from a health-focused provider into a comprehensive, multi-line insurer with entry into the high-growth property and casualty (P&C) segment.

As part of this evolution, Daman will adopt a new legal name: The National Insurance Company – Daman, reflecting its broadened scope and strengthened position within the UAE’s dynamic insurance landscape.

The transition reflects Daman’s broader mission to meet the evolving protection needs of individuals and businesses across the emirates by offering them a broader suite of insurance services.

As the insurance arm of PureHealth and the UAE’s leading health insurer, Daman’s expansion into the P&C segment supports its vision to become a comprehensive insurance provider and aligns with the group’s commitment to deliver holistic care and coverage throughout all stages of life.

Expansion part of PureHealth’s broader strategy

Shaista Asif, group CEO of PureHealth, stated: “Daman’s evolution reflects PureHealth’s broader strategy to create a fully integrated healthcare and insurance platform that drives better customer service and long-term value creation. Expanding into the Property and Casualty segment enhances portfolio diversification, supports risk management across sectors, and reinforces our commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s economic and social development priorities.”

Khaled Binshaiban Almheiri, chairman of The National Insurance Company – Daman, commented: “For nearly two decades, Daman has set the benchmark for health insurance in the UAE. This evolution marks a pivotal chapter – expanding our focus to offer a broader range of insurance solutions while maintaining the same rigour, trust and customer-first mindset our members know and value. By protecting individuals, businesses and assets, we are proud to play a central role in supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable wellbeing and long-term economic resilience.”

Daman provides health coverage to more than three million members

Daman currently provides health coverage to more than three million members across a network of over 3,000 healthcare providers in the UAE. Backed by a resilient operational backbone, Daman brings together AI-powered underwriting, industry-leading efficiency in claim settlement, and a multilingual service delivery infrastructure to seamlessly support its expansion into new insurance verticals, without compromising its longstanding reputation for excellence.

As per the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the total number of written insurance policies for all types of insurance within the UAE increased to 14.6 million policies year-on-year in 2023, compared to 8.4 million policies in 2022, due to a higher number of property and liability insurance policies.

The UAE’s P&C insurance market is poised for further accelerated growth, which is projected to reach nearly $16.8bn by 2031, according to Verified Market Research.

In response to this growing demand, the company will continue to operate under the well-established Daman brand, introducing new P&C products in phases while ensuring uninterrupted service for existing members.

Daman was named the best perceived health insurance brand in the UAE, according to the UAE Healthcare 2024 report from Brand Finance – a recognition that reflects its commitment to excellence and mission to cultivate a healthier community.

This strategic growth plan reinforces PureHealth’s broader vision to advance the science of longevity and deliver the promise of holistic care, from prevention to protection, through a connected health and insurance ecosystem.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved 400 new government jobs in the emirate, which will be filled after the Eid Al Adha holiday.

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According to a WAM report, priority will be given to university graduates who have already been qualified and trained through government human resources programmes.

The Sharjah Ruler also approved the implementation plan for the Sharjah Programme to Qualify and Train Job Seekers. The initiative will run from July 1 to December 31, 2025, with a total budget of Dhs55.8m.

The programme aims to enhance employment opportunities and support national talent.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Energy Council, chaired the council’s second meeting on Monday morning. The meeting reviewed key topics concerning the energy sector in Sharjah, focusing on current strategies and public policies across the energy and water sectors, as well as development plans to increase capacity while maintaining global sustainability and environmental standards.

Council members were briefed on the latest developments in the energy sector and the performance of relevant entities. Highlights included projects to diversify energy sources, advance systems and technologies in line with international standards, and support carbon reduction and neutrality goals.

The council also reviewed the outcomes of recent work visits to countries leading in sustainable energy and water practices. Discussions included future project proposals aimed at expanding clean energy sources and optimising the use of natural resources without harming the environment.

Succession and wealth planning are complex topics for any business owner — but for female entrepreneurs in the Middle East, the journey can come with added challenges. From family dynamics to access to quality advisors, the road to securing long-term financial stability often requires both professional and personal resilience.

Tim Denton TEP is the SEO of the DIFC Private Banking office for Habib Bank AG Zurich and also the head of the bank’s Wealth Structuring practice. He has been involved in wealth structuring for over 25 years, with 21 of those spent in Dubai. A qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Denton is a longstanding member of STEP Arabia and currently serves his second term as its Chair.

What are the challenges to planning for entrepreneurs in general?

One of the biggest challenges at the outset is persuading an entrepreneur, who will typically be fairly young for such conversations, that they need to consider succession planning. It’s not just about the possibility of them meeting an untimely end while running their business, but also the suitability of the current holding structure if the business grows or an exit is planned, either via a private sale or IPO.

What are the additional challenges for female entrepreneurs?

For female business owners, a significant challenge can be accessing good advisors and high-quality information. Being given the space by parents or male siblings to make independent decisions, without needing to follow ‘family guidance’, can also be difficult.

At HBZ, we’ve run a successful week-long ‘G3’ event for several years, bringing together the 30-40-year-old family members of our clients. We’ve seen excellent female participation. Sessions on business structuring are always lively, and the closed-door discussions with a family dynamics specialist have been especially appreciated.

What are the benefits of UAE common law foundations?

Recent changes in the UAE through common law foundations in the DIFC and ADGM have been a major step forward in succession planning. The vision of the UAE’s rulers in enabling such legislation is to be applauded — transforming a once difficult area into one with robust, accessible options.

These foundations are like incorporated entities but with no shareholders. No one owns the foundation, so if someone passes away, assets are unaffected. Entrepreneurs can hold their businesses under a foundation and clearly outline what should happen after their death — ensuring continuity without court processes.

The vast majority of wealth structuring discussions I have with clients now involve UAE foundations.

What about liquidity planning and financial protection for families?

Entrepreneurs must also consider how their family would be left financially if they pass away. Many businesses are closely tied to the founder and may fail without them. High-value life insurance (or Jumbo insurance) offers an affordable solution, providing funding and protecting both family members and business partners.

It allows a business to buy out a deceased partner’s shares — a win-win for both parties.

Any closing thoughts?

There is good advice available and some great solutions — but don’t wait until your business is ‘big enough’. The cost of delay could be much higher.

In recent months, WhatsApp has rolled out several new features aimed at enhancing communication and privacy for its users. The most notable update is the launch of WhatsApp for iPad, marking a significant step in the platform’s multi-device evolution.

Read-Starting July 1: WhatsApp Business rolls out major pricing changes

The new iPad app enables users to make video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, share their screen, and seamlessly switch between the front and rear cameras. Optimised for iPadOS, the app supports multitasking features like Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over, allowing users to chat while browsing or collaborating on group plans. WhatsApp for iPad is also compatible with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, further streamlining productivity, a WhatsApp blog said.

This version of WhatsApp is powered by the platform’s multi-device technology, which ensures messages, calls, and media stay synced across iPhone, Mac, and other devices—all while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Additional privacy controls, such as chat lock, allow users to safeguard conversations, even on shared devices.

Voice chat for group conversations

Another recent enhancement is the introduction of voice chat for group conversations. Originally available only to large groups, the feature is now accessible in group chats of all sizes. Users can initiate a voice chat by swiping up from the bottom of a group chat and holding for a few seconds.

Voice chats differ from traditional calls in that they don’t ring or notify members—participants can join or leave at their convenience. The session remains pinned at the bottom of the chat, making it easy to manage call controls and see who’s participating. As with all WhatsApp communication, voice chats are protected with end-to-end encryption.

Advanced Chat Privacy

In April 2025, WhatsApp introduced a new layer of user protection called Advanced Chat Privacy. This setting, available in both private and group chats, helps prevent content from being taken outside the app. With the feature enabled, users can block chat exports, disable auto-download of media, and restrict the use of messages in AI functions—enhancing confidence in private discussions.

Aldar has unveiled Fahid Island, a new Dhs40bn coastal wellness destination in Abu Dhabi, marking one of the emirate’s most ambitious mixed-use residential masterplans to date.

Located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Fahid Island spans 2.7 million sqm and features 11km of coastline, including 4.6km of pristine beaches and lush mangrove forests.

Designed as a wellness-oriented sanctuary, the island integrates residential, leisure, education, and hospitality components, with every location no more than five minutes’ walk from the water.

The project includes more than 6,000 residential units, ranging from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas.

The first release, Fahid Beach Residences, will consist of seven beachfront buildings, each housing 65 residences.

Wellness is the cornerstone of Fahid Island

Aldar said the development will feature a 10km landscaped Berm Park, with running tracks and three cycling routes connecting to Abu Dhabi’s wider cycle loop.

The island is also home to a 2km waterfront promenade, Coral Drive retail boulevard, and curated wellness, dining, and hospitality offerings.

“Fahid Island is the latest chapter in our journey — building on the success of Saadiyat and Yas Islands to offer a new benchmark in premium waterfront living, wellness, and sustainable design,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of Aldar.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group CEO of Aldar, added that the project supports Abu Dhabi’s thriving real estate market. “With a gross development value of over Dhs40bn, Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi and will ensure the emirate consolidates its position as one of the world’s most desirable destinations to reside, invest, and visit.”

Natural green spaces, eco-friendly mobility solutions

In line with Aldar’s commitment to sustainability, 30 per cent of the island’s area is dedicated to natural green spaces.

Fahid Island has received Fitwel certification — making it the world’s first certified wellness island — and holds LEED City and Communities Platinum precertification. It is also targeting an Estidama 3-Pearl rating.

The island will also feature a leading international educational institution to support Abu Dhabi’s ambitions of becoming a regional education hub.

Masterplan design features include pedestrian bridges, walkable streetscapes, shaded rest areas, and eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Prominent international architects, including Kengo Kuma, Koichi Takada, ACME, and NAGA Architects, have contributed to the island’s residential concepts.

Fahid Island adds to Aldar’s expanding portfolio of lifestyle destinations and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global destination for wellness, culture, and investment.