ICAI Dubai Chapter kicks off 2025 with a vision of “Harmony in Relationships”

Dubai, UAE – January 2025 The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Dubai Chapter ushered in the new year with a powerful and poignant inaugural event centered around the theme "Harmony in Relationships." The event marked not only the beginning of a new calendar year but also the dawn of a new leadership era, spearheaded by Chairman CA Jai Prakash Agarwal

Held under the esteemed leadership of the newly appointed executive team, the inaugural session set an optimistic and inspiring tone for the year ahead. At the heart of the event was the keynote address by Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consulate General of India in the UAE, who eloquently emphasized the importance of harmony—both personal and diplomatic—in shaping stronger relationships.

Strengthening Ties: India and UAE

Mr. Sivan praised the efforts of both the new ICAI leadership and the outgoing executive committee, acknowledging their tireless dedication to the chapter’s continued excellence. Drawing on the broader geopolitical and economic landscape, he highlighted the ever-growing bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, a partnership now projected to reach USD 100 billion in trade.

He lauded India’s commitment to humanitarian and global solidarity efforts, citing India’s swift assistance to Myanmar during a recent earthquake and its pivotal role in the distribution of millions of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. He also pointed out the Indian diaspora in the UAE as not only the largest outside India but also as the top contributor to UAE’s tourism sector.

The Consul General also touched upon the impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) launched in 2022, noting its growing influence in deepening economic engagement and fostering mutual prosperity between the two nations.

A Bold Vision: The Year of Growth

Taking center stage, CA Jai Prakash Agarwal addressed the audience for the first time in his new role, introducing the overarching vision for the year—“Year of Growth.” In a move that reflects both ambition and clarity of purpose, he unveiled eight strategic growth pillars, each designed to empower the community and broaden professional horizons.

What stood out was the innovative presentation of these pillars. Each one was introduced by a designated pillar champion, entrusted with steering that initiative throughout the year—an approach that underscores Mr. Agarwal's collaborative and empowering leadership style.

The eight growth pillars announced were:

 Celebrating Excellence Across Fields

The event also featured insightful conversations with industry icons who shared how the principle of Harmony in Relationships is shaping their individual journeys and industries:

A Promising Start

The 2025 inaugural event of ICAI Dubai was not just a ceremonial gathering—it was a meaningful exchange of ideas, values, and vision. With its focus on harmony, growth, and team-driven leadership, the ICAI Dubai Chapter is poised for a transformative year ahead. Under the stewardship of CA Jai Prakash Agarwal and CA Rishi Chawla with strong hands of CA Amit Khaitan and CA Aashna Mulgaonkar the chapter reaffirms its commitment to empowering professionals, strengthening community bonds, and deepening global partnerships.