ICAP UAE Chapter Hosts E-Invoicing Boot Camp as UAE Advances Digital Tax Transformation.
AbuDhabi(News Desk):: The UAE Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) hosted the UAE E-Invoicing Boot Camp 2026 at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi on Thursday, August 13, bringing together finance, tax, compliance and technology professionals to discuss the UAE’s transition towards e-Invoicing and the wider digital transformation of the tax ecosystem.
The event featured Abdulla Al Bastaki, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Sector at the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), who addressed participants on the UAE’s e-Invoicing journey and the evolving digitalisation of tax administration. Representatives of the FTA also participated, providing professionals and businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with the regulatory perspective on the upcoming transition.
Discussions emphasised that e-Invoicing should not be viewed merely as another tax compliance requirement. Rather, it represents a broader transformation involving finance, technology, data management, internal controls and business processes.
The technical programme opened with Muhammad Aaliyan, Managing Partner at ADEPTS Chartered Accountants, and Vikash Bhuwania, Associate Director – Tax, Risk & GRC at ADEPTS, who examined the tax and regulatory considerations organisations need to address while preparing for e-Invoicing implementation.
The compliance perspective was presented by Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Senior Partner & Global Compliance Head at AJMS Global, who highlighted the importance of embedding regulatory requirements within business processes, governance structures and internal control frameworks.
The technology dimension was demonstrated by Sangmesh Hiremath, Co-Founder and CEO of Marmin AI, who presented the “Journey of an E-Invoice – C1 to C4 through C5” and demonstrated the Marmin platform as an Accredited Service Provider solution, giving participants a practical understanding of how e-Invoices can move through the digital ecosystem.
A key message emerging from the discussions was that successful e-Invoicing implementation will require close coordination between finance, tax, IT, compliance and senior management. Businesses will need to assess their existing systems, data quality, processes and controls well ahead of implementation.
The event was also attended by H.E. Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, who participated as Chief Guest. In his address, the Ambassador highlighted the longstanding economic relationship between Pakistan and the UAE and recognised the valuable contribution of Pakistani professionals, including Chartered Accountants, to the UAE’s economy and institutional development.
He also noted the UAE’s continuing digital transformation, linking developments such as VAT, Corporate Tax, digital government services and e-Invoicing with the country’s broader objective of building a more transparent, efficient and globally competitive economy.
For finance professionals, the Ambassador emphasised that the changing digital environment creates opportunities beyond traditional compliance. Chartered Accountants are increasingly expected to contribute to digital transformation, strengthen governance and internal controls, and support strategic business decision-making.
The event reflected the strength of the Pakistani professional community in the UAE, with more than 1,000 ICAP members currently working across the country in finance, accounting and leadership positions across various sectors.
The programme was opened by Asif Iqbal, Chairman of the ICAP UAE Chapter, followed by remarks from Yasir Gadit, ICAP Council Member and Chairman of the Overseas Chapters Committee.
Held under the theme “Prepare Today. Comply Tomorrow.”, the Boot Camp was supported by Joint Title Sponsors ADEPTS Chartered Accountants and Marmin (an AJMS Group Entity), UAE-based organisations operating across tax and regulatory advisory, compliance and technology-enabled solutions.
The programme concluded with the presentation of shields and a vote of thanks by Khushboo Mushtaq, Former Chairperson of the ICAP UAE Chapter, who acknowledged the FTA representatives, Chief Guest, speakers, sponsors, participants and members of the Chapter’s Managing Committee.
Adding a special touch to the evening, the event was held on the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day and concluded with an Independence Day celebration attended by the Ambassador, distinguished guests and members of the professional community.
The Boot Camp ultimately underscored a clear message for businesses operating in the UAE: e-Invoicing is part of a much broader digital transformation, and organisations that prepare their people, processes, systems and technology early will be better positioned for the transition ahead.
