Deloitte Middle East, a leading professional services firm, recently admitted more than 55 partners, principals and directors at its annual partners meeting in Dubai.

It also reinforced the importance of the Middle East region as a priority market for the Deloitte network by hosting Steve Almond, Deloitte Global chairman, Manoj Singh, Global chief operating officer, David Sproul, managing director Regions and UK senior partner, John Levis, managing director Americas region and global chief innovation officer, as well as high ranking officials and CEOs of Deloitte’s network member firms across the world.

The keynote speaker in the event was Abdel Karim Kabariti, former Prime Minister of Jordan and chairman of the Jordan Kuwait Bank who spoke on the political landscape in the Middle East region and its implications on businesses and the economy.

“The challenge facing Arab states is to determine what can be done to ensure a more participatory, inclusionary discourse that ensures group and individual rights and rule of law. The environment is risky, but not without opportunities. I still think there is cause for optimism. We need to turn the challenges of the region into advantages,” said Kabariti.

“The private sector in the region played on numerous occasions a positive role in creating resilience in times of conflict and political tensions. It has the potential and resources to become the vanguards in pushing for better governance, and more competitive investment environments. But what is equally, if not more important, is doing more in businesses’ core mandate, that of consolidating the role of the private sector in development. This is to the private sector’s profit and to the countries,” he added.

Steve Almond, Deloitte Global chairman commented: “The GCC is the power house economy in the Middle East region and a significant source of capital to support the strengthening of the global economy with much needed infrastructure investment. The Middle East is a strategically important market for Deloitte, and we will continue to invest and grow its assurance and advisory capabilities in the region.”

Omar Fahoum, chairman and chief executive of Deloitte in the Middle East said, “The Middle East’s role and momentum in the global economy continues to expand, on a macro-economic level. For our firm and our clients, complexity, disruption, and speed of change have become the norm.”

“Our deep understanding of the region and presence since 1926, as well as the expertise we are putting forth to help our clients are the reasons behind the exceptional double-digit growth we are witnessing. This is a testament to our approach in tailoring business strategies to client needs and to the dynamic fast-paced market they operate in.”

“In the Middle East, in fiscal year 2013, we hired over 550 professionals, a large proportion of who are Arab nationals, young men and women, from all countries in the region. We are offering them training, development and career progression to become experts in their chosen fields. We also admitted and promoted over 55 partners, directors and principals with high level of technical and advisory expertise to serve and advise our clients in the region in meeting their strategies,” Fahoum concluded. – TradeArabia News Service