Life and pensions specialist Friends Provident International has been granted a United Arab Emirates federal insurance license, allowing the company to establish a new office in Dubai.

The new license was obtained through the help and co-operation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry. As a result, Friends Provident International (FPI) is able to broaden its activities within the region and increase support to intermediaries and distributors.

At present, FPI has a marketing office located in the Dubai airport free zone but, with full approval now received, plans are underway to create a new operating center within the central business district of Dubai.

Paul Tunnicliffe, director of international operations at FPI, said: Securing a license in the Middle East and gaining approval for a branch office is an integral part of FPI’s expansion plans and further strengthens our commitment to international business and the region.

Matt Waterfield, general manager for FPI’s Middle East office, added: The UAE is central to our strategy for the Middle East. Securing the UAE license and establishing offices within the central business district of Dubai is further evidence of Friends Provident’s commitment to the region. We now have a robust platform from which to deliver new products and services which will add value to distributors and customers alike.