2014 Annual Deloitte Middle East Tax conference and handbook

21 May, 2014– Deloitte hosted its eighth annual Middle East Tax Conference, in a two-day event which gathered over one hundred Deloitte clients and partners to address recent developments in the Middle East, including the emerging markets. Discussions on emerging markets such as Iraq, Libya, and Mauritania were also discussed in-depth during the conference.

“This year’s conference introduced wider taxation issues for Middle Eastern domiciled businesses, as well as inbounds. We discussed tax structuring in the macro environmental context of BEPS, as well as the economic progress, tax incentives and exemptions of key countries in the region,” said Nauman Ahmed, Deloitte Middle East tax practice leader. “One key plenary session looked at tax structuring from an international perspective, with insights from our Deloitte colleagues globally – an example of the experience and insight led focus of our flagship conference.”

Over the two days conference, participants came together to gain insight into broader themes which are affecting taxation globally, including regulatory and economic considerations that senior tax executives needs to be aware of when considering how tax is aligned to their organization’s business model.

A number of breakout sessions were also held at this regional Deloitte Tax Conference, covering a diverse range of timely topics, including among others country-specific updates, transfer pricing, financial services tax, changing business and tax landscapes.

“We are seeing an increased focus by tax authorities on cross border trade - a trend which has resulted in the further development of domestic laws, as well as an increase in the level of international treaties agreed within the region,” explained Alex Law, partner, international tax services at Deloitte Middle East. “This is providing significant opportunities for investors who are looking to do business in the Middle East and our conference will help senior tax executives to understand the relevant fiscal and taxation policies across the region and tailor these insights to their businesses.”

During the event, Deloitte released its 2014 Annual Middle East Tax Handbook, highlighting the most current tax rules and regulations impacting the region.

To download the Deloitte 2014 Annual Middle East Tax handbook, click on: ME Tax Handbook 2014

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities.  DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients.  Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a more detailed description of DTTL and its member firms.   

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte’s more than 200,000 professionals are committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.)

Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) and is the first Arab professional services firm established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926.

Deloitte is among the region’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through 26 offices in 15 countries with more than 3,000 partners, directors and staff. It is a Tier 1 Tax advisor in the GCC region since 2010 (according to the International Tax Review World Tax Rankings). It has received numerous awards in the last few years which include Best Employer in the Middle East, best consulting firm, and the Middle East Training & Development Excellence Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).