FEATURED ARTICLE

ACCA Feature - The future of accounting talent in the Gulf

11 Aug 2026 2 min read

In an ACCA feature on the growing accounting talent challenge across the Gulf, Dr Osama El-Bakry, Head of Audit and Assurance, Grant Thornton UAE provides insights into the factors driving demand for finance and audit professionals, the changing skills required by the profession, and the role of technology and talent development in supporting the future workforce. 

The article highlights:

  • How rapid economic growth, regulatory developments and increasing compliance requirements across the GCC are driving demand for qualified accounting and audit professionals.
  • How evolving reporting, governance, tax and compliance requirements are reshaping the skills required within the profession and positioning accountants as strategic business advisers rather than solely technical specialists.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence and automation in transforming routine accounting and audit processes, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value, judgment-led work and deeper business insights.
  • The importance of investing in talent development, professional training and future workforce pipelines to address long-term skills gaps and support the continued growth of the profession across the Gulf

This article feature highlights the need for organisations to take a proactive approach to workforce development by investing in skills, embracing innovation and creating sustainable talent pipelines, helping ensure the profession remains equipped to support the region's evolving economic and regulatory landscape.

Experts / Authors

  • Dr. Osama El-Bakry Dr. Osama is the Head of Assurance at Grant Thornton. He has 2 decades of professional experience in auditing, accounting, risk management and other service lines such as due diligence, transaction deals and fraud and dispute investigations within the Middle East and Wider Gulf Region. View Profile
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