CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, today opened its new branch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located in Dubai, the branch is within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone.

CPA Australia CEO Andrew Hunter said opening the branch is an important milestone for local members. 

“CPA Australia is very proud to be opening our new branch in Dubai. Opening the branch as a registered entity in the region will help to protect members’ interests, allows comprehensive promotion of member activities, and allows CPA Australia to build on its presence in the UAE.

“There will be more scope to engage sponsors for events, engage on a commercial basis, and optimise relationships with the business and university sectors,” Mr Hunter said.

DMCC was established in 2002 to enhance commodity trade flows through Dubai; it is now the world’s most interconnected Free Zone. Registration of the branch in the Free Zone enables access to around 15,000 DMCC member companies.

Today’s launch event was attended by Ian Halliday, Consul-General of Australia to Dubai; Ralph Khoury, FCPA, Chief Financial Officer Omnicom Media Group MENA & TBWA\RAAD Middle East, UAE Committee Chair; UAE Committee members; Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) executives; Mr. Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director, DMCC – Free Zone; Mr. Belal Jassoma, Head of Business Development, DMCC – Free Zone; Representatives from the Australian Business Council Dubai; Representatives from the United Arab Emirates universities who are CPA Australia-accredited: Curtin University Dubai; University of Wollongong Dubai; Heriot-Watt University Dubai; and University of Sharjah.