The Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, ICAI, marked CA Day with an inspiring event themed “The Story of Comebacks,” drawing senior Indian and UAE dignitaries to celebrate professional excellence, resilience, and the deepening bonds between the two nations.UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, India’s Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Deepak Mittal, and Rajya Sabha member of parliament and chartered accountant Arun Singh were among the prominent figures who addressed the gathering in Dubai . The event opened with a ceremonial cake-cutting led by chapter chairman C-A Rishi Chawla.
Sheikh Nahayan described India-UAE ties as “among the strongest and most dynamic partnerships in the world,” praising the Indian community’s contributions across every sector of UAE life. He told the gathering that while artificial intelligence will automate routine accounting tasks and reshape the profession, it will never replace, in his words, “wisdom, ethical judgement, professional responsibility or the ability to earn trust.”
MP Arun Singh drew on his own personal journey to inspire the audience, recalling how he came to Delhi from Allahabad in 1984 to pursue chartered accountancy against considerable scepticism. He lauded the Indian diaspora in the UAE for standing firm during the recent West Asia crisis, saying their decision to stay reflected confidence in the UAE and demonstrated their resilience and reliability. Singh also outlined the Modi government’s reform agenda over the past decade – citing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, GST, the Jan Vishwas Bill, and UPI – as the foundation of what he called a New India.
Ambassador Dr. Deepak Mittal painted a sweeping picture of India’s economic rise, calling it a story of resilience built on the resolve of its people. He said, “India today is the fourth largest economy, with over four-point-four trillion dollars in GDP, one of the largest foreign exchange reserves, and the fastest growing major economy – despite all the disruptions and challenges we see in West Asia and other parts of the world.” He highlighted the bilateral partnership with the UAE, noting that India and UAE have recorded over one hundred billion dollars in trade consecutively for the last two years, and pointed to the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the 2023 Bilateral Investment Treaty, UPI expansion, and the newly operationalised virtual trade corridor as milestones of a transformed relationship. Underscoring the role of Indian professionals, he said chartered accountants in the UAE have a “pivotal role” in strengthening business, governance, and investment flows across the region.
ICAI Dubai chairman C-A Rishi Chawla captured the spirit of the occasion in his address, saying “every CA has a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience – a journey of rising stronger after every challenge.” He described coming back stronger as the defining mantra of the chartered accountancy profession, and thanked dignitaries, senior members, and the wider fraternity for making the celebration meaningful, adding that together they continue to inspire generations with stories of courage and excellence.
A special address was delivered by Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, Dubai, who highlighted the importance of leadership, community service, and fostering harmony in a multicultural society. The programme also featured cultural performances as part of the “ICAI Dubai Got Talent” segment, showcasing the diverse talents of the chapter’s members.
Established in 1982, the ICAI Dubai chapter is the largest and most active among the 53 overseas chapters of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and one of the most decorated. With a membership of over 3,200 chartered accountants and a wider reach extending to more than 6,000 CAs representing over 1,550 multinational and leading companies across the UAE, the chapter has grown into a formidable pillar of the Indian professional community in the Gulf.
