World Accounting Summit returns to Middle East in May

More than 300 delegates attended the inaugural summit in 2005, which tackled the regional implications of global financial standards convergence, and the evolution of corporate governance in Middle East economies.

This year's gathering once again welcomes expert contributions from the Big Four global accounting firms, leading regional enterprises, and multinational businesses working in the Middle East.

Delegates will share new perspectives on accounting management, fresh insights and updates on industry developments, and local and international case studies of the successful implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the new global standard for accounting practice.

Shabnam Rawal, Group Director for Conferences and Training of summit organiser IIR Middle East, said: "The World Accounting Summit has broken new ground for the regional financial standards industry by gathering the world's most respected experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of accounting convergence openly, robustly and in the context of Middle East economies."

Rawal added: "The World Accounting Summit underlines the role of Middle East business as a willing partner in the task of furthering industry best practice. The region is not outside the debate."

Taking place from May 27-31 at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai, the World Accounting Summit welcomes a wide selection of industry speakers, including Robert Garnett, Chairman of IFRIC and Board Member of IASB in the UK; Richard Martin, Head of Financial Reporting at The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); Dr. Habib Al Mulla, Chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA); and Abbas Ali Mirza, Partner of Deloitte Middle East in the UAE.

This year's event will also receive heads of finance, financial controllers, standards setters and regulators, heads of accounting and administration, finance and information systems managers, and chartered accountants.

The 2006 programme will include industry specific IFRS briefings, and four interactive workshops. Delegates registering in advance for the summit will receive a free copy of the 'IFRS Workbook' written by Abbas Ali Mirza of Deloitte Middle East and Liesel Knorr, Secretary General of the German Accounting Standards Board, Germany.