Providing an excellent opportunity for members of the accounting community in the UAE to interact and exchange their experiences, the Dubai Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is hosting a two-day event in the city from the evening of June 19, 2008, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its parent organization.

The event to be held at The Crown Plaza Hotel Ballroom including 400 members of the Dubai Chapter of ICAI are expected to attend the gathering.

Key speakers of the event include Captain G.R. Gopinath, The Founder of Air Deccan; Mr. Yogesh Shetty, CEO of Delhi Daredevils Franchisee, GMR Holding, the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Delhi franchise; Mr. Manish Tripathi, Mumbai Dabbawalas on his Six Sigma Experience; Speakers from Barclays Bank Standard Chartered Bank and Deutsche Bank; Professor Khawaja from Pakistan, Mr. B.S. Raghavan, IAS retired, former Policy Advisor, Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations & Mr Rajesh Bahl, CFO Reliance Life Insurance.

Commenting on Dubai Chapter hosting the event, V.P. Nagarajan, Chairman of Dubai Chapter of ICAI, said, 'It is indeed a proud moment for all the members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India as the organization celebrates its 60th birthday. The Dubai Chapter of ICAI is particularly happy to celebrate the occasion as it has been the most active chapter of the organization in promoting high quality accounting standards in the UAE, on par with global standards. The visionary leadership of Dubai and the UAE have presented excellent business opportunities to those living here. In the process the UAE, particularly Dubai has become truly International in outlook. This has not only presented an excellent opportunity for various professions to become truly international in outlook, but it has also compelled them to be so since the UAE demands quality in whatever they do. We at the Dubai Chapter of ICAI strive to bring our members abreast of the happenings in our profession.'

'The two-day event will provide a platform for ICAI members to exchange their ideas and share their experiences amongst them, as well as with the business community in Dubai. As the region is on its way to introducing Value Added Tax (VAT) and implementing more stringent accounting standards, such interactions and gatherings play a vital role in promoting the interests of the accounting community,' he added.

Mr. Nagarajan has held various positions with the Dubai Chapter over the last several years. He also mentioned that the Council of the Institute has permitted Student Practical Training to be imparted overseas and once it is made to facilitate a wider cross-section of the Practicing Members of ICAI to enroll students, it will be a boon to the student community here who no longer need to go to India to pursue the course.

The ICAI is the second largest Accounting body in the world with 140,000 members. The Dubai Chapter of ICAI currently has over 1,000 members who are actively involved in enhancing and updating professional knowledge in the region, and towards this end, conducts many high-profile lectures and seminars.

The ICAI was founded in 1949 and the Dubai Chapter of the organization was formed in 1982. The ICAI currently has 17 overseas chapters.