ACE American Insurance Company, a principle operating company in the ACE Group, has announced that it will establish a representative office in Dubai, UAE.

The move by ACE highlights the increasing amount of attention Dubai has received from the insurance industry over past few months and years.

In some recent moves beyond establishing regional offices, insurance broker Marsh earlier this month received the first license to provide captive insurance management in Dubai, and last month broker Aon announced that it was opening its regional headquarters in the city.

ACE said it will use its Dubai location to “conduct market research and development activity in the UAE, with a view to developing its property-casualty business in the country.”

The office, ACE said, will also act as a liaison office for ACE's multinational clients in Dubai. It will operate under a National Agency agreement with Omeir investments and is expected to be operational by the end of September 2008, the company added.

ACE has also appointed Mark Quinn to serve as country manager for the UAE. Mr. Quinn previously served as senior vice president, global property with ACE USA.