Zain Bahrain, a leading telecom firm in the kingdom, said it has launched mobile and tablet insurance service, a first-of-its-kind in the GCC region.

The insurance programme is managed by Mapfre Asistencia, a global assistance company, which is represented locally by Gulf Assist, and powered by Solidarity - a Sharia-compliant insurance provider, said a report in Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The SmartInsure Service, will provide comprehensive coverage that will span a period of 12 months for all mobile phones and tablets sold from Zain's retail network and a range of retailers in the kingdom.

"Gadget insurance is a growing trend among telecommunication companies across the globe and Zain Bahrain has partnered with leading providers to cement that need and offer mobile and tablet insurance service for its customers and the community at large," remarked Zain Bahrain general manager Mohammed Zainalabedin.

Gulf Assist general manager Enrique Ballesteros said the SmartInsure service would cater to a growing consumer need - the need to protect their gadgets.

Solidarity deputy general manager Jawad Mohammed said the cover provides protection against damages via accidental damage, sand, water, humidity, impact and so on.-TradeArabia News Service