Stakeholders will convene to explore ways to accelerate the financial capability of Emiratis in the UAE.
AICPA & CIMA and PLM Financial Advisory Launch Finance Emiratisation Think Tank
AICPA & CIMA, in partnership with UAE-based PLM Financial Advisory, have launched the Finance Emiratisation Think Tank, a practitioner-led advisory board tasked with guiding and overseeing the rollout of the Emirati Finance Academy Powered by CIMA across the UAE. The Think Tank convened its inaugural board meeting this month, with a clear mandate: to support the launch and expansion of the Academy, a UAE-specific programme co-developed by PLM Financial Advisory and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The Think Tank’s key role is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to discuss strategies that accelerate Emiratisation and enhance the financial capability of Emiratis. It will produce practical studies, share best practices, and develop actionable pathways that support Emiratis’ career growth from early education through to executive leadership.
Hamad Abdullah Almas, Chair of the Think Tank and former Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said:
“The Think Tank demonstrates our commitment to advancing Emirati talent in line with national priorities. By uniting public and private organisations, we are creating practical pathways in financial education and upskilling that empower Emiratis to grow and contribute to the UAE’s long-term vision. Acting in my private capacity, I am proud to support an initiative that turns policy into meaningful, scalable opportunity.”
The Academy addresses a longstanding structural challenge highlighted by employers and government bodies. Despite increased Emirati participation across finance functions, data shows persistent under-representation at senior levels—including financial controllers, finance business partners, and CFO positions. The Think Tank aims to establish a measurable, evidence-based pathway to close this gap, ensuring Emiratis are equipped for leadership roles across the finance sector.
“Emiratisation is at a point where quality, influence, and leadership pathways matter as much as numbers. The Think Tank creates a trusted space where policymakers, employers, and the profession can tackle real finance capability gaps, supporting practical solutions that align national ambition with organisational performance and long-term economic impact,” said Nassima Kaddache, Regional Head of CIMA Middle East.
Programme Structure and Reach
The Emirati Finance Academy Powered by CIMA spans six levels:
- Financial Literacy Curriculum – for students aged 13 to 15.
- CertBA Preparation Pathway – for those approaching graduation.
- Entry Track – for university students and recent graduates.
- Work-Integrated Learning Programme – a 24-month track for early-career Emiratis in employment.
- Structured Upskilling Track – for existing finance staff.
- Strategic CFO Programme – for senior finance leaders.
In its inaugural year, the Academy aims to reach a minimum of 1,000 Emirati professionals across these levels, alongside 5,000 school-age learners.
“Launching the CIMA-powered Finance Emiratisation Think Tank is a practical step to accelerate job-ready Emirati talent aligned to the UAE’s national agenda. Working with government, universities, and employers, we will scale the CIMA Emirati Finance Academy through measurable, work-integrated pathways — delivering internationally benchmarked capability, real workplace experience, and clear progression for Emirati professionals,” said Paolo Monaco, FCMA, Programme Director of the CIMA Emirati Finance Academy and Founder of PLM Financial Advisory.
Further information is available on the Think Tank’s official page: thinktank.plmfinancial-advisory.com
Board Composition
The Think Tank is chaired and governed by a panel with extensive expertise spanning Abu Dhabi government, international banking, global accounting standards, and UAE corporate finance.
Finance Emiratisation Think Tank Board Members
- Hamad Abdullah Almas (Chair) – Former Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Muneer Alobeidli – Human Capacity & Organizational Wellbeing Strategist; Founder & CEO, Future Wellbeing; Former Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi & Central Bank UAE
- Amal Ratnayake, FCMA – Former Chair, AICPA & CIMA Global Board of Directors; Former Group CIO, OKAG Group
- Paolo Monaco, FCMA (Board Member & Secretariat) – Founder, PLM Financial Advisory; Former CFO, Al Chalhoub Group and Al Khayyat Investments
Additional Finance Emiratisation Think Tank Members
- Venkat Ramanan (Board Member & Secretariat) – Regional Vice President, AICPA & CIMA Asia Pacific
- Nassima Kaddache (Board Member & Secretariat) – Regional Head, CIMA Middle East
- Kay French – Former Managing Director, Bank of America UAE; Former Advisor to the Chairman, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
- Abdulrahman Saqr (Guest Speaker) – Human Capital and Emiratisation Professional
A further group of Emirati leaders is expected to join the Think Tank board in the coming months.
“Sustainable Emiratisation requires more than targets — it requires a true ecosystem of capability, opportunity, and financial wellbeing. As a board member of the CIMA Emiratisation Think Tank, I am committed to advancing financial inclusion and strengthening the human capability needed for Emirati talent to not only participate, but lead in shaping the future of our economy,” said Muneer Alobeidli, Human Capacity & Organizational Wellbeing Strategist and Founder & CEO of Future Wellbeing.
Next Steps
The rollout will target the UAE’s top 20 private sector employers within the year, complemented by CFO roundtables and the first in a series of thought leadership publications scheduled for the second half of 2025.
