GCC Insurance Bodies Meet in Abu Dhabi Under Bahrain’s Presidency

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Abu Dhabi: Bahrain’s Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) led high-level discussions on the future of civil retirement and social insurance systems in the Gulf as it chaired the 63rd meeting of the GCC Technical Committee, hosted in the United Arab Emirates from January 19 to 21, 2026.

 The meeting was convened under Bahrain’s presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council for 2026 and brought together representatives of civil retirement and social insurance authorities from across GCC member states. According to official statements, the sessions focused on strengthening coordination among national insurance bodies and advancing long-term regional cooperation.

 Key agenda items included reviewing the 2026–2030 work programme for the Committee of Heads, assessing progress on the GCC extension of social insurance protection system, and discussing recent developments in the electronic linkage initiative, which aims to improve data exchange and service efficiency between member states.

 Participants also examined proposals for joint awareness campaigns, plans for capacity-building and professional training, and the development of specialised training packages tailored to social insurance and pension systems. Opportunities for international engagement and cooperation were also explored, reflecting the GCC’s efforts to align its systems with global best practices.

 Alongside the main sessions, an introductory workshop was organised to highlight services linked to the extension of protection system. The session focused on improving understanding of cross-border insurance coverage, addressing operational challenges, and enhancing awareness of applicable laws and procedures within GCC countries.

 Bahrain’s delegation was led by Mohamed Saleh Mohamed, Executive Director of the Financial Affairs Directorate at the SIO, alongside Faisal Abdullah Al Huwaihi, Director of the Communication and Awareness Directorate, and Abdulrahman Hafidh Saif. Officials emphasised that the discussions reinforce Bahrain’s role in promoting integrated and sustainable social protection frameworks across the Gulf.

 The meeting concluded with agreement to continue technical coordination and follow-up on approved initiatives ahead of upcoming GCC ministerial-level discussions, according to official GCC and national insurance authority sources.