Speakers

Jonathan Barber, IFA Executive Director - UK

Jonathan joined the IFA in 2012 and has over 25 years’ experience working with accountants in business and practice, from SMEs to Big 4 firms. He is passionate about the vital role SMEs and SMPs play at every level of the economy. Jonathan holds a Business Studies degree from Leeds Business School.

Saqib Iqbal, ACA-FCCA-FFA, IFA UAE Regional Ambassador

Saqib is a senior finance executive with over 15 years of experience in finance, VAT, and compliance. A proven leader, he has delivered 300+ lectures and training sessions and holds multiple professional designations. He is passionate about corporate reporting, business analysis, financial modelling, and education.

Adnan Manzoor, Tax Partner, SA Consultants

Adnan Manzoor is Tax Partner at SA Consultants in Dubai, bringing over 16 years of experience in taxation, accounting, audit and advisory services. An ACCA member with a degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, he specialises in UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and regulatory compliance. Adnan has held several senior tax positions since 2016, developing extensive expertise in tax advisory, compliance management and team leadership.

Mayank Sawhney, Managing Director, MaxGrowth Consulting

Mayank Sawhney is Managing Director of MaxGrowth Consulting, with over 25 years of experience in taxation, corporate finance and business advisory across the GCC, Middle East, Africa and India. He specialises in UAE Corporate Tax, VAT, international tax structuring, transfer pricing, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and IFRS advisory. A CFA charterholder, Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, Mayank is also a TADAT Tax Assessor and member of the ICAI UAE Tax Committee.

Dr. Alicja Reuben, Transfer Pricing Lead, PB First Global Tax

Dr. Alicja Reuben is Transfer Pricing Lead at PB First Global Tax in Dubai, with over 12 years of international experience across the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Holding a PhD from Columbia University, she has previously held senior transfer pricing roles at Big Four firms and served on the faculty at New York University Abu Dhabi. Alicja has led major transfer pricing engagements across the GCC and delivered specialist training to tax professionals and authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Nadia Al Amri, Founder, ACCU Group

Nadia Al Amri is Founder of ACCU Group and Director of Accutax Consultancy in the UAE, specialising in international taxation, legal consulting, finance and business advisory. She advises organisations across real estate, private equity, fintech and international trade on tax compliance and strategic structuring. An entrepreneur, angel investor and international speaker, Nadia is passionate about supporting startups, mentoring emerging leaders and championing women in finance and technology. She regularly speaks on taxation, AI, fintech, governance and business growth.

Muhammad Omer, Managing Director, SA Consultants

Muhammad Omer is Managing Director of SA Consultants and an experienced business leader and strategic advisor, with extensive experience across the GCC and Asia. He specialises in tax planning, regulatory compliance, business development and operational improvement, supporting organisations in achieving sustainable growth. His expertise spans business planning, digital transformation, process optimisation and financial performance, with experience across sectors including hospitality, transportation, infrastructure, energy and construction.

Nizar Lallani, Managing Director, Antal International UAE

Nizar Lallani is Managing Director of Antal International UAE, bringing extensive experience in finance, commercial leadership and executive recruitment. He began his career at PwC, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1992, before holding senior roles with Gillette and Al Futtaim Panasonic in Dubai. In 2005, he founded Antal International UAE, establishing a successful executive search business specialising in finance leadership across the GCC. Nizar is a strong advocate for integrity, credibility and sustainable business success.

Khaled Diab, CEO, Nefsy

Khaled Diab is CEO of Nefsy, bringing extensive senior leadership experience in strategic planning, organisational development and business transformation. He has advised organisations across a range of industries, helping them improve operational efficiency, navigate change and achieve sustainable growth. His expertise includes strategic business planning, process optimisation, change management and organisational development, with a focus on delivering measurable results and long-term business value.