05 May 2015

Edward Hobart, HM Consul General, Dubai, celebrated the accomplishments of newly-qualified ICAEW chartered accountants from across the region, including the first Emirati lady to qualify through the ICAEW Emiratisation Scholarship Scheme (IESS), during a graduation ceremony in Dubai yesterday.

Certificates were presented to 20 graduates from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia acknowledging their successful completion of the examinations required for the prestigious ICAEW ACA qualification. The qualification - which is held by board members in 83% of FTSE 100 companies - provides individuals with the opportunity to gain the depth and breadth of accountancy, finance and business skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed as a chartered accountant; preparing them to become business leaders of the future.

Amongst the graduates was Muhra Al Mulla, the first Emirati woman to successfully complete the programme through the IESS. Muhra trained for the ICAEW chartered accountancy qualification with Deloitte and now works at Mubadala Development Company as a senior auditor.

Muhra was joined by three other female graduates, heralding a significant growth in the number of ladies choosing chartered accountancy as a career across the MEASA region.

"We at Deloitte are very proud to have Muhra as an accomplished alumnus of our Professional Development Program for UAE Nationals in conjunction with the ICAEW Emiratisation Scholarship Scheme - she is a true role model for all young, ambitious Emiratis," said Anis Sadek, Managing Partner, Deloitte, Dubai.

Internationally recognised as one of the premier finance qualifications in 160 countries, the ACA from ICAEW is held by more than 144,000 professionals. Individuals who wish to qualify as an ICAEW chartered accountant must successfully complete written assessments and extensive practical work experience.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Michael Armstrong, ICAEW's regional director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said: "We would like to congratulate all the graduates for their significant achievement in becoming ICAEW qualified. They are the future business leaders of tomorrow and this qualification provides a bedrock on which they can build long and illustrious careers in accountancy and finance.

"We are also encouraged by the increasing number of women coming through ICAEW's ACA programme. These accomplished young women serve as role models in realising the profession's goal of gender diversification," he added.

Media enquiries:
Contact Jamie Douglass, ICAEW press office, on +44 (0)20 7920 8718 or email James.Douglass@icaew.com 
Raw'a Al Shamaileh, Mojo PR, on +971 (0)55 155 5753 or email rawa@mojo-me.com
Reema Aidasani, Mojo PR, on +971 (0)56 725 0908 or email reema@mojo-me.comNotes to editors:

About ICAEW
1.    ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 144,000 chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world.

Because of us, people can do business with confidence.

2.    ICAEW is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.

© Press Release 2015