The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) hosted the 5th CFO Conference Middle East 2025 in Dubai, gathering senior finance leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss how agility, technology, and sustainability are transforming financial leadership.
Global finance dialogue
Held under the theme “Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge,” the event drew more than 500 participants and featured keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on innovation, resilience, and cross-border collaboration in finance.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, delivered the keynote address on “UAE and GCC’s Roadmap to Transformative Growth.” He outlined the UAE’s economic diversification goals and highlighted regional efforts to foster trade, sustainability, and innovation.
Leadership insights
ICAP President Mr. Saif Ullah reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to professional excellence and global connectivity, emphasizing the role of CFOs in driving innovation amid disruption. Mr. Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, Government of Pakistan, called for financial agility and data-driven policymaking to strengthen Pakistan’s economic competitiveness.
ICAP Vice President Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui thanked speakers, sponsors, and delegates for their participation, noting ICAP’s focus on supporting finance professionals to adapt to global change with “agility, purpose, and integrity.”
Mr. Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), spoke on “Shaping the Future of Finance Leadership,” urging finance professionals to continuously upskill and embrace technology. Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), discussed enhancing collaboration between South Asian and Middle Eastern institutions.
Panels and discussions throughout the day covered themes such as inclusive finance, sustainability, and regulatory transparency. Sessions included “Rewiring Finance,” “Next-Gen Finance,” and “Banking Beyond Boundaries.” Speakers from PwC Middle East, Mashreq Bank, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), and other regional institutions explored strategies for digital transformation, ESG integration, and building investor confidence.
Regional collaboration
The session “Accountancy Without Borders” examined how ICAP can align its educational framework with global standards to meet emerging business needs. Meanwhile, the “Power Talk” on “Financing the Future” discussed green finance opportunities and the growing role of CFOs in advancing ESG-focused investments.
Closing the conference, Mr. M. Ali Latif, Council Member and Chairman OCC ICAP, and Ms. Khushboo Mushtaq, Chairperson of ICAP UAE Management Committee, expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners. Platinum sponsors included Mashreq Bank and ADX, with PwC Middle East as Knowledge Sponsor, ADEPTS as Silver Sponsor, and several Bronze Sponsors such as Ruya Bank, Deloitte, and UBL.
The annual conference underscored Dubai’s growing role as a regional hub for financial innovation and professional collaboration.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
