For the past 53 years, the UAE has come alive every 2nd December with vibrant colours, cultural celebrations, and a spirit of unity, marking This day stands as a tribute to the vision, resilience, and progress that continue to define the nation.
As we celebrate the 54th UAE National Day in 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at its history, reflect on its significance, and explore the path ahead.
UAE National Day marks the birth of a sovereign nation, when the seven emirates united with a shared vision after the British withdrawal from the Gulf region. On 2nd December 1971, the UAE was officially founded under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Since then, the nation has achieved remarkable milestones across sectors such as economy, architecture, finance, and science, becoming a global hub for trade, tourism and innovation. Guided by Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership, the UAE has continued to evolve while upholding the values of unity, tolerance, justice, compassion, and coexistence. You can read more about how these values shine through in our Emirati Women’s Day reflections here.
UAE’s national day celebrates the shared roots and values that bring communities together to honour the nation’s remarkable journey. From traditional activities like the Al Ayyala dance, falconry, and Emirati cuisine to modern festivities such as fireworks, parades, and community events, the national day inspires everyone to come together in celebration.
Check out how everyone at Salama comes together to mark the UAE National Day here.
Today, with over 200 nationalities calling the UAE home, UAE National Day serves as a powerful reminder of how diversity strengthens unity. As we mark the 54th National Day, we not only celebrate how far we have come, but it also gives us the opportunity to look ahead to a future built on sustainable progress, harmony, and shared purpose.
With a focus on strengthening communities and supporting families across the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 as the Year of the Family. This initiate aims to reinforce familial bonds, promote values of unity, empathy, and cooperation, enhance policies supporting housing, education, and well-being and address emerging challenges faced by families in the UAE.
As we celebrate the 54th UAE National Day, a day rooted in unity and progress, the Year of Family provides each one of us the opportunity to spotlight the vital role families play in sustaining cultural identity and national prosperity, ensuring these values are passed on to future generations. At Salama, we focus on strengthening families in this wondrous nation, by empowering them with long-term financial protection also becomes essential. Learn more about our Life Takaful solutions here.
]]>Dubai, UAE – November 12, 2025 – Islamic Arab Insurance Company (SALAMA) today announced its financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, highlighting continued balance-sheet strengthening, improved comprehensive income, and steady underlying profitability in line with its transformation and recapitalisation strategy.
SALAMA recorded a net profit of AED 11.1 million for the period, compared to AED 30.4 million in the same period last year. Last year’s result included a one-off foreign-exchange gain of AED 19.4 million, as disclosed in the company’s financial statements. Excluding this non-recurring item, the underlying net profit shows a stable year-on-year improvement, highlighting the resilience of SALAMA ’s core business amid continued portfolio optimisation and disciplined underwriting efforts.
The company’s other comprehensive income improved sharply to AED 16 million, compared to a loss of AED 33.8 million in the prior year, driven by stronger investment performance and enhanced operational efficiency.
Total liabilities declined to AED 2.83 billion from AED 2.97 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to AED 302.2 million, up from AED 284 million at the end of 2024, reinforcing SALAMA’s solvency position ahead of its planned Mandatory Convertible Sukuk (MCS) capital raise of up to AED 175 million.
Takaful revenue stood at AED 768.7 million, compared to AED 802.8 million last year, in line with SALAMA’s strategy of prioritising quality and profitability over volume expansion.
Mr. Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi, Chairman of SALAMA, commented:
“The first nine months’ results underscore SALAMA’s resilience and the success of our efforts to strengthen the company’s financial foundations. The improvement in comprehensive income and equity is an encouraging sign that our strategic transformation is gaining traction.”
Mr. Mohamed Ali Bouabane, Group Chief Executive Officer of SALAMA, added:
“Our underlying profitability has improved when excluding last year’s one-off foreign-exchange gain, reflecting the positive results of our disciplined underwriting, expense control and portfolio rebalancing. We remain focused on restoring consistent underwriting profits and optimising our operations to create long-term value for policyholders and shareholders. The upcoming MCS issuance is a key milestone that will enable us to complete our capital restoration and accelerate the next phase of growth.”
SALAMA remains committed to its vision of being the region’s most trusted Takaful provider combining financial strength, innovation and delivering superior claims service to serve the evolving needs of its customers and stakeholders.
]]>Every November, men worldwide put down their razors for No-Shave November. However, beyond the beards and moustaches, this global movement conveys a powerful message: raising awareness about men’s health and sparking long-overdue conversations about mental, physical, and holistic wellbeing.
The Movember movement began in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when 30 men decided to grow moustaches to start conversations about men’s physical and mental health. What began as a small initiative has now grown into a global movement, championing a mission to change the face of men’s health, encouraging men to talk, move, and care.
Today, men’s health needs attention. On average, men die 4.5 years earlier than women – largely due to preventable causes. Movember reminds us that small actions and open conversations can make a big difference. It gives each one of us the opportunity to take the right steps, offer the right support, and prioritise men’s wellbeing beyond November.
Visit our social media channels today to learn more and show your support for this global movement.
When it comes to health behaviour, a noticeable gap exists. Many men face social pressure, stigma, and limited resources, preventing them from seeking help or prioritising regular health check-ups or mental health support.
That is why it is important to break the stigma by using something as simple as a moustache as a conversation starter about mental and physical health. Movember also encourages early diagnosis and regular screenings, helping men to take charge of their wellbeing.
Check out our social media for more eye-opening facts about men’s health.
Taking care of health doesn’t necessarily mean making drastic changes. Small and simple habits can make a lasting difference.
Here are some ways, highlighted by the Movember initiative, to help men live healthier and longer lives:
Movember reminds us that connection and prevention go hand-in-hand. A quick chat, a check-up, or sharing your own story could encourage someone else to do the same.
As an organisation that sees first-hand how unexpected events affect people and families, we believe in the value of being proactive about wellbeing. Health isn’t just about treatment – it’s about prevention, awareness, and support.
Having a comprehensive health insurance plan in place ensures access to regular health check-ups, preventive care, and diagnostic tests – further protecting your peace of mind.
While Movember shines a spotlight on men’s health, the message goes beyond the month. It’s a reminder to keep prioritising conversations around men’s mental health, positive masculinity, and overall wellbeing, all year round.
Join the movement. Share your Movember look, tag us, and help spread awareness about men’s health and stand a chance to win an exciting prize.
Together, let’s all make one small change for ourselves, our families, and our communities starting this Movember.
]]>Dubai, UAE – October 23, 2025 – Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) (DFM: “SALAMA”), has announced the appointment of Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi as Chairman of the Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the company’s transformation and growth journey.
Mr. Alzaabi brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors with a strong background in human capital development, entrepreneurship and institutional transformation. His appointment follows shareholder approval of Salama’s recapitalisation plan, aimed at enhancing solvency, strengthening regulatory capital and supporting sustainable long-term growth in line with the Central Bank of the UAE’s requirements.
Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi, Chairman of Salama Board, said:
“Salama has a proud heritage as one of the UAE’s leading Takaful providers. As we look ahead, our priority is to sustain healthy underwriting performance, ensure efficient use of capital and uphold the highest service standards for our policyholders. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management to accelerate Salama’s strategic ambitions and reinforce its market leadership.”
Mohamed Ali Bouabane, Group CEO, added:
“Mr. Alzaabi’s proven track record in governance and transformation will further strengthen Salama’s foundations. Under his leadership, we will continue to focus on profitable growth, capital optimisation and operational excellence to deliver consistent value to our shareholders and customers. We thank H.E. Fahad AlQassim for his leadership and contribution to Salama’s progress.”
Mr. Alzaabi previously served as Senior Vice President at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he launched the Dubai Startup Hub and has held senior roles at the Emirates Institute of Finance, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Tanmia.
]]>Dubai, UAE – October 17, 2025 – Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) (DFM: “SALAMA”), one of the UAE’s leading Takaful providers, has announced that the Company’s shareholders have approved a capital reduction and subsequent capital increase as part of a comprehensive plan to restore solvency and reinforce its financial position in line with regulatory requirements of the Central Bank of the UAE.
At the General Assembly held on 16 October 2025, shareholders approved a capital reduction to offset accumulated losses and cancel treasury shares. Following completion and final approval by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Salama will proceed, through a special purpose vehicle, with the issuance of up to AED 175 million in Mandatory Convertible Sukuk (MCS) to a select group of strategic investors. The Sukuk will be mandatorily converted / exchanged into new shares under the approved terms.
This capital restructuring marks a critical milestone in Salama’s ongoing efforts to reinforce solvency, ensure full regulatory compliance and provide a stable foundation for future operations.
Mohamed Ali Bouabane, Group Chief Executive Officer of Salama, commented:
“The approval of our capital restructuring plan marks an important step toward strengthening Salama’s balance sheet and meeting all regulatory capital requirements. The continued support of our shareholders and strategic investors reflects strong confidence in the company’s fundamentals and long-term stability.
Looking ahead, our focus will remain on generating tangible value for shareholders by maintaining strong underwriting discipline, optimising our expense base, strategically deploying capital and delivering superior claims service ensuring Salama remains a simpler, leaner and more resilient organisation.”
The new capital will strengthen Salama’s solvency position and ensure compliance with capital requirements of the Central Bank of the UAE, while supporting its well-diversified portfolio across product lines and geographies providing stability and multiple avenues for sustainable growth.
Salama reported steady financial improvement in the first half of 2025, with total equity rising to AED 351.84 million, a 5.2% increase compared to the previous year. The Company also achieved a net profit of AED 8.25 million and Takaful revenue of AED 515.36 million as of 30 June 2025, demonstrating disciplined operations and improved financial performance.
S&P Global Ratings recently affirmed Salama’s long-term issuer credit and insurer financial strength rating at ‘BBB-’ with a Developing outlook, highlighting the Company’s improving fundamentals and progress toward a stronger capital position.
]]>Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a symbol – it’s a powerful call to action. It’s a time to reflect, make informed choices, and strengthen our support systems. While the Pink Ribbon unites us in solidarity, it also reminds us to go beyond gestures by seeking trusted information, building sustainable habits, and embracing a holistic approach to wellbeing – supported by the right level of care.
This Pinktober, let’s stand together.
Join us in raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and contributing to a movement that transforms lives. Together, we can make real, informed changes with compassion and care.
Small daily habits can make a big impact – from maintaining regular health check-ups to staying physically active and emotionally connected. One of the most effective habits is regular cancer screening, which plays a critical role in early detection.
Globally, early detection through mammography has contributed to a 40% drop in breast cancer deaths since 1990. Yet in the UAE, 68% of women and men rarely or never undergo mammography, highlighting the urgent need to turn awareness into action.
(Yes, men can be affected too.)
Emotional wellbeing matters just as much. Mental health check-ins, open conversations, and access to psychological support are essential – especially for those navigating a diagnosis or recovery. Emotional resilience plays a vital role in both healing and long-term wellbeing.
Learn how Salama supports mental wellbeing.
In today’s digital world, misinformation can be as harmful as the disease itself. A recent study shows that 93% of cancer patients are exposed to misinformation, often without realising it – leading to delays in treatment and, in some cases, worsening outcomes. Delays of over three months can lead to a 2.3x increase in complications.
With AI-generated content and unverified sources on the rise, it’s more important than ever to rely on trusted information, from authorities like the WHO, DHA, DOH, and certified medical professionals.
To help separate facts from fiction, read these tips to empower yourself with accurate and meaningful awareness about breast cancer.
At Salama, prevention, protection, and compassion are central to our mission. Our health insurance packages support preventive healthcare, including early detection through DHA’s Basmah Patient Support Programme, offered to Dubai residents under the Essential Benefits Health Plan.
We go beyond policies by engaging with our communities through live awareness sessions, educational content, and frontline support. Our claims team who work closely with the DHA and promote evidence-based care, are at the heart of this effort.
Plans like MediShield are designed to champion preventive care while ensuring accessible coverage for all.
Explore our health insurance plans from Salama.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than an annual observance, it’s a movement. One that encourages us to turn:
At Salama, togetherness is at the heart of who we are. Across the UAE, Egypt, and our subsidiaries, we stand united in our mission to protect, inform, and care.
See how our teams wore pink in solidarity — turning awareness into action here.
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