The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), today, held a breakfast briefing to discuss ways in which to attract and retain UAE Nationals into the finance industry. The event was held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The speakers comprised industry experts who shared experiences and advice on ways to attract, retain, develop and provide industry specific qualifications to UAE Nationals wishing to pursue a career in financial services. Speakers included: Mr Khaled Al Zaabi, Manager, Supervision - DFSA; Ms Jeanette Vinke, Senior Lecturer Finance and Accounting - American University of Sharjah; Mr Anis Sadek,  Managing Partner Deloitte & Touche (ME), Dubai office; Mr Ahmed Al Maqtari, Managing Partner - Al Maqtari Auditing; Mr Peter Beynon, Regional Director - ICAEW Middle East and Mr Mohammed Zamani, Associate - KPMG. The sessions were moderated by Mr Richard Dean from Dubai Eye.
 
The briefing was well attended by delegates from the accountancy and finance industry from across the region.

Mr Michael Ridgeway, General Counsel, DFSA, and Dean of the Tomorrow’s Regulatory Leaders (TRL) Programme said: “The TRL Programme is our UAE National recruitment, training and development programme, which is now in its seventh year. The goal of this programme is to equip and shape the next generation of financial services regulators. Today’s event brought together several unique perspectives and creative ideas regarding ways to improve the development and retention of UAE National employees in all organisations, including our own.”

Speaking at the event, Mr Anis Sadek said: “Today’s event was very successful in that it shed light on many important issues related to Emiratisation goals in the financial sector. Deloitte Middle East is fully committed to invest in building local market capabilities, as well in attracting, retaining and developing UAE National talent to lead our various service lines and industries.”

Mr Peter Beynon, Regional Director - ICAEW Middle East, said: “Although great progress is being made with Emiratisation, there are challenges. The financial sector is one of the areas where bright, hardworking UAE Nationals can find rewarding careers.  The ICAEW was encouraged by the issues raised today in that delegates openly expressed views, offered advice and shared experiences.”