RSM, the world’s sixth largest network of accounting, tax and advisory firms, brought together managing partners from member firms in the Middle East to discuss growth opportunities in the region. Representatives from Morocco and Europe were also present.

Managing Partners from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen met over two days in Dubai on the 6th and 7th October to take part in technical workshops and discussions about the development of the network’s business and client services in the Middle Eastern region. 

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, said: “Our regional conferences are hugely important to member firms, which are increasingly servicing clients on a cross-border basis. The conferences allow the firms the opportunity to meet face-to-face to exchange ideas, ensuring a consistency to client service which sets us apart.

“I was delighted to attend the two-day event in Dubai. The economy is recovering from the 2009 debt crisis, bringing with it renewed international interest in the Emirate and a revival in cross-border trade, which RSM member firms are well-placed to advise on.”

Mr. Shehab Gargash, Founder and Managing Director of Daman Investments, was the keynote guest speaker at the event and spoke about his favourite subject ‘The inevitable phenomenon of Dubai’. His talk tracked the journey of Dubai’s commerce from 1950 to the present day and focused on how and why the Emirate was founded and, prospered, and its competitive advantage within the region because of the fact that Dubai is efficient in the midst of an inefficient neighbourhood. 

Dahman Awadh Dahman, Managing Partner of RSM member firm in U.A.E, RSM Dahman, added: “This region has weathered the economic storm well and although further unexpected events would be very challenging, the region appears to be stabilising.  With some countries in a re-development phase, it is a very interesting period of opportunity for us in the region.”