The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) hosts International Conference on Cost & Management Accounting in Dubai

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), in collaboration with its Dubai Overseas Centre, successfully organised a one-day International Conference on Cost & Management Accounting at Taj JLT Hotel, Dubai. The conference, held under the theme "CMAs: Trusted Business Partners in Business Growth," brought together distinguished professionals, industry experts, and aspiring CMAs to explore the evolving role of Management Accountants in driving business success.

The event commenced at 10.30am with an inaugural function featuring a welcome address by CMA (Dr) Ashish P. Thatte, Central Council Member & Chairman, International Affairs Committee, Sustainability Standards Board, and Indirect Taxation Committee, ICMAI. This was followed by addresses from CMA Neeraj D. Joshi, Central Council Member & Chairman, Committee of Artificial Intelligence, CASB, and Management Accounting Committee, ICMAI, and CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, Central Council Member & Chairman, Professional Development & CPE Committee and Technical Cell, ICMAI.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by CMA Reji P. Jose, Chairman, ICMAI Dubai Overseas Centre.

The CCMs acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the Dubai Overseas Centre in enhancing the recognition and branding of the CMA profession in the Gulf region. They also reiterated their commitment to supporting the Centre’s future initiatives. Discussions during the event emphasised key strategies for promoting and expanding the CMA profession in the region, including:

• Strengthening industry collaborations and professional recognition

• Enhancing job opportunities for ICMAI members

• Expanding awareness through conferences, networking events, and training programs

• Collaborating with other professional bodies and regulatory authorities

• Improving student training and support services in the region

As a token of appreciation, the Management Committee members of the Dubai Overseas Centre were felicitated for their significant contributions.

The conference featured high-impact technical sessions led by esteemed professionals in the field. Eminent speakers included:

• CMA Padmanabha Acharya, Partner – Audit & Assurance, Deloitte Middle East, who delivered an insightful session on "The Changing Landscape of International Financial Reporting Standards."

• CMA Robin Singh, Director – Indirect Tax, Deloitte Middle East, provided valuable insights on "Tax Landscape in GCC" covering evolving tax regulations and compliance.

• CMA Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, Group Chief Finance and Business Transformation Officer, RMB Group, and Chairman-PD, Dubai Overseas Centre, presented a compelling discussion on "The Evolving Role of CFO as the Strategic Business Partner (CFO to CVO)."

A highlight of the event was the felicitation of CMA students who successfully cleared various levels of the December 2024 examinations. Students were honoured for passing the various levels of the CMA examination held in December 2024, with 11 students passing, including 6 who completed the CMA Final, a testament to the Dubai Overseas Centre’s commitment to fostering student training and support programs.

The conference also provided an interactive platform for attendees to engage with ICMAI Central Council Members (CCMs). Members and students had the opportunity to discuss their views on developing and promoting the CMA profession in the UAE.

The CCMs addressed key concerns, provided strategic insights, and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the professional growth of CMAs in the region.