The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Abu Dhabi Chapter successfully hosted its 36th Annual International Seminar on February 22–23, 2025, at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Themed “Futuronomics – The Evolution of Opportunities,” the seminar brought together over 700 members and delegates, making it one of the most anticipated and largest gatherings of finance professionals in the region.
The two-day seminar provided a platform for insightful discussions on global economic transformations, technological advancements, and emerging financial trends, addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of finance.
A Dynamic Lineup of Industry Leaders and Experts
The event commenced with an opening address by General Secretary CA Priyanka Birla who highlighted the importance and relevance of the seminar in current times followed by the welcome address by ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter Chairman, CA Krishnan Narayanan, who highlighted the seminar’s significance in fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration among finance professionals.
Chief Guest Milind Deora, Member of Parliament, India, delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the importance of policy innovation and technology-driven solutions in building a progressive India. His insights on global trade policies and geopolitical impacts resonated deeply with the audience.
Adding to the distinguished list of speakers was Guest of Honor, CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, President of ICAI India, who praised the ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter for its commitment to professional excellence and underscored the need for upskilling in the era of digital transformation.
The seminar featured a diverse range of technical sessions, panel discussions, and fire chat sessions, including:
Key Highlights from Day 1 – February 22, 2025
- Keynote Address by Saker Asllan, Chief Exchange Operations Officer, ADX, who provided valuable insights into the future of financial markets and the pivotal role of digital innovation in transforming capital markets.
- Dr. Apoorv Ranjan Sharma, Co-Founder & MD of 100Unicorns, discussed the evolving startup ecosystem and the investment strategies shaping new-age businesses.
- PitchTank Session – The Growth Stage Startups Edition: This exciting session featured innovative pitches from promising startups, including:
- Mr. Tarun Joshi, Mr. Piyush Jain (CarePal), Mr. Akshay Chaturvedi (LeverageEdu), Mr. Shourya Agarwal (Flam)
- Mr. Ketan Jain (Renee)
- Fire Chat Session: From Vision to Reality – Building a Progressive India: A compelling conversation with Milind Deora, moderated by CA Sridhar Iyengar, CFO – Real Estate & Infrastructure Investments, Mubadala, which explored the role of policy frameworks in fostering economic growth.
- Panel Discussion – Art of Winning Business: Lessons from the Cricketing World: Featuring:
- Shikhar Dhawan, Cricket LegendAbhinav Tandon, Global Expansion & Sports Business Specialist, Yashaa Global Capital
- Moderated by: Nagesh Surajnarayana, Head, Corporate Governance & Risk Advisory, Andersen Consulting UAE.
- Mr. Sateesh Reddy, President the Aeronautical Society of India, provided a visionary address on Evolving Defense and Space Technologies, shedding light on how cutting-edge advancements are redefining national security and aerospace innovation.
A Grand Gala Dinner & Musical Night
The first day concluded with a grand Gala Dinner and Musical Night, attended by 2,000+ guests, offering a vibrant evening of networking, entertainment, and cultural celebration.
The Gala Dinner venue was exquisite, with stunning décor that created an elegant and celebratory ambiance. Attendees were treated to an evening of fine dining and engaging conversations in a beautifully decorated setting.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular live performance by renowned Bollywood singer Javed Ali, who mesmerized the audience with a blend of sufi classics and chart-topping hits, creating a magical atmosphere.
Key Highlights from Day 2 – February 23, 2025
- Fire Chat Session – India Past 75 Years and Future 75 Years: Sachin Pilot, Former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, in conversation with CA Krishnan Narayan, reflected on India’s economic journey and the vision for the next seven decades.
- Dr. Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, delivered a session on Mindful Leadership, offering actionable insights on well-being and mental resilience for organizational success.
- Major General G. D. Bakshi, SM, VSM (Retd.), Indian Army, captivated the audience with his powerful insights on The Future of War and how emerging technologies are reshaping the defense landscape.
- CA Rahul Malodia, Business Coach & Motivational Speaker, shared an engaging talk titled From Boardrooms to Broadcasts – A CA’s Path to Empowering Millions, inspiring professionals to embrace innovation and drive change.
- Mr. Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor, CNBC Awaaz, rounded off the technical sessions with a compelling presentation on Navigating Market Volatility, offering practical strategies to manage financial risks.
Honoring the Legacy – Felicitating Past Chairpersons
The felicitation ceremony was a significant highlight of the seminar, where all past Chairpersons of the ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter were honored for their remarkable contributions. This special gesture acknowledged their visionary leadership and dedication in strengthening the Chapter’s legacy.
The event was made even more special with the presence of CA Richard D’Souza, Founding Chair, who joined from India, along with several past chairs or their family members, including CA Haresh who traveled from Canada to be a part of the celebration.
A GCC-Wide Celebration of Professional Excellence
The seminar welcomed approximately 40+ members from ICAI GCC Chapters, including their Managing Committees, underscoring the spirit of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners
The ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter extended heartfelt gratitude to its esteemed sponsors for their unwavering support in making the 36th Annual International Seminar a resounding success. Their generous contributions were pivotal in elevating the event and facilitating knowledge-sharing at the highest level.
Special thanks were extended to:
- Title Sponsors: ADX Securities, BNW Developments
- Lead Sponsors: Jedox, Lulu International
- Diamond Sponsors: 100 Unicorns, FAB, G42, Xpeng
- Gold Sponsors: Al Massar Solutions, Crowe, MICS, MMJS/KrestonMenon/Aaronz, National Bonds, Zoho
- Silver Sponsors: Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises LLC, Andersen, HLB Hamt, Windmills
- Premier Sponsors: ADNIC, ADMMI, Agthia, Bank of Baroda, BOT, Deloitte, Gargash Insurance, Ideal Capital, MCA, Premier Brains, Protiviti, UHY
- Media Partners: Financial World Magazine, Khaleej Times
Acknowledging the ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter Managing Committee
The seminar’s success was made possible by the dedication of the ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter Managing Committee:
- CA Krishnan Narayanan – Chairman
- CA Rohit Dayma – Vice Chairman
- CA Priyanka Birla – General Secretary
- CA Ajay Singhvi – Treasurer
- CA Mohammed Shafeek & CA Prasad Amara –Communication & Website
- CA Shafeekh Neelayil & CA Suma Rajesh – Membership
- CA Monish Mohan & CA Harit Kumar – Social
- CA Anu Thomas & CA Nirmal Agrawal – Media & Students Affairs
- CA Ramesh Dave & CA Ankit Kothari – Professional Development Committee
A Grand Success – Looking to the Future
In his concluding remarks, Vice Chairman CA Rohit Dayma expressed sincere appreciation to the organizing committee for their tireless efforts and dedication in delivering a world-class event.
The ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence, fostering knowledge, and creating more opportunities to support the professional growth of its members.
