Press releases

Deloitte announce new leadership appointments in the Middle East 

  • Muhammad Bahemia is appointed Deloitte Middle East Tax Leader
  • Akbar Ahmad is appointed Deloitte Middle East Audit & Assurance Leader

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 27 March 2023: Deloitte announced two major leadership appointments in the Middle East today. Muhammad Bahemia has been named the new Tax Leader, succeeding Nauman Ahmed, while Akbar Ahmad will take over as the Audit & Assurance Leader, succeeding Herve Ballantyne, effective April 1st.

Mutasem Dajani, CEO of Deloitte Middle East said, “Nauman Ahmed and Herve Ballantyne played an instrumental role in driving Deloitte’s substantial growth across both their business lines, from talent and offerings to client base. As a result, today with the new appointed leaders we believe we are best equipped to support clients to seize opportunities and navigate challenges across our dynamic and complex market." 

With over 31 years of experience in the industry, Muhammad Bahemia is a seasoned tax professional with extensive knowledge and expertise in tax law and regulations. Prior to his new role, he served as Tax COO and Business Tax Leader, where he provided strategic tax advice to some of Deloitte Middle East’s flagship clients.

Commenting on his appointment, Muhammad said, "It’s a great honor to lead the Deloitte Tax practice which boasts incredible talent and great professionalism. Our team brings an unparalleled level of insight to the table with vast knowledge and expertise, which perfectly reflects Deloitte's ongoing commitment to deliver excellence.”

Akbar Ahmad brings extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge gained over 27 years of serving some of Deloitte’s most prominent clients in the UK and the Middle East. In his previous role as the Clients & Industries Leader, he was responsible for developing and delivering the organization’s strategic objectives, where he demonstrated his exceptional leadership qualities. 

"I am excited and proud to lead our Audit & Assurance Business which have a critical role to play in the economic diversification and transformation being delivered in the region. The focus and expectations of the markets on the provision of high-quality corporate reporting has never been greater. We are committed to developing world class talent, leveraging leading-edge technology, to deliver high quality services in an efficient and effective way that uphold integrity and drive value.” said Akbar Ahmad.  

To learn more about Deloitte, please visit: www.deloitte.com

Press contact

Bassel Barakat
Senior Manager
External Communications | PR and Media
Tel: +971 (50) 158 0505

Click here for the Arabic version

About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) LLP:

Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) LLP (“DME”) is the affiliate for the territories of the Middle East and Cyprus of Deloitte NSE LLP (“NSE”), a UK limited liability partnership and member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”).

DME is a leading professional services firm established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926. DME’s presence in the Middle East region is established through its affiliated independent legal entities, which are licensed to operate and to provide services under the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant country. DME’s affiliates and related entities cannot oblige each other and/or DME, and when providing services, each affiliate and related entity engages directly and independently with its own clients and shall only be liable for its own acts or omissions and not those of any other affiliate.DME provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory and tax, services through 29 offices in 15 countries with more than 5,900 partners, directors and staff. 


About Deloitte:

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL, NSE and DME do not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. Our professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 415,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com. 

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