Regional initiative brings finance leaders together to examine AI adoption, resilient operating models and the expanding strategic role of finance.
Deloitte Middle East has launched Finance Day 2026, a regional initiative running from 28 October to 18 November, bringing together chief financial officers, finance executives, business leaders and industry specialists across the GCC. The programme will examine how technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving business priorities are reshaping finance functions and their contribution to organisational strategy.
Moving beyond traditional financial reporting and technical discussions, this year’s initiative will focus on helping organisations extract greater value from financial information, improve performance through technology and align finance operations more closely with business objectives.
AI will be a central theme, with discussions shifting from experimentation to practical implementation. Deloitte will explore how AI can support financial analysis, reporting, workflow efficiency and access to information, while addressing the operational requirements and challenges involved in integrating the technology into finance functions.
“The future of finance is about combining strong financial expertise with a deeper understanding of the business.”
— Anwar Hadidi, Audit & Assurance Growth Leader and KSA Audit Leader, Deloitte Middle East
Padmanabha Acharya, Partner and UAE Audit Leader at Deloitte Middle East, said the initiative would provide a platform for finance leaders to exchange practical perspectives on translating emerging priorities into business outcomes. He noted that AI’s value depends on how effectively it is implemented and integrated into existing finance processes.
The programme will also examine how finance functions can build resilience through effective operating models, talent development and stronger collaboration across organisations. As finance teams take on a greater role in business planning and performance management, reliable information and skilled professionals will remain essential to sound decision-making.
Midhat Salha, Partner and Audit Leader for Qatar, Kuwait and Oman at Deloitte Middle East, emphasised that resilient finance functions depend on strong foundations, including capable teams, dependable information and effective collaboration. These elements enable finance leaders to support organisational performance and long-term growth.
Through a series of dedicated events across multiple GCC markets, Deloitte Finance Day 2026 aims to strengthen engagement among regional finance professionals and encourage knowledge-sharing on the changing expectations placed on finance leadership.
