MANAMA: The Bahrain Chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully concluded its flagship event, the Annual Dinner and Members’ Recognition Ceremony 2026, at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Manama, Bahrain.
The event, themed “Sustainability and Innovation: How Finance and Other Professions
Shape the Future,” was well received and attended by ICAP members, international dignitaries, professionals from allied fields, and media representatives.
In his welcome address Mr. Muhammad Haroon Ashraf, Chairman, Bahrain Chapter of ICAP, highlighted that Sustainability and Innovations are the basic requirements of any organisation that wants to survive, compete and retain trust and congratulated the recipients of Recognition Awards. He also encouraged members to participate actively in Chapter initiatives, emphasizing collective engagement as the key to taking the Chapter to new heights of excellence.
The Chief Guest, H.E. Shaikh Ebrahim Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the AAOIFI Board of Directors, highlighted the long-standing professional and brotherly ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Pakistan, particularly in the field of chartered accountancy. He shared his personal association with Pakistani professionals dating back to 1979 and recalled his multiple visits to Pakistan, reflecting the depth of bilateral professional collaboration.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. M. Ali Latif, Chairman, Overseas Coordination Committee (OCC), ICAP, lauded the Bahrain Chapter’s Managing Committee for their dedication and tireless efforts in organizing a memorable and impactful event. He paid tribute to the members being recognized, stating that the shields presented were not merely symbols of appreciation, but representations of years of professional integrity,
perseverance, and service to the profession and community, which have elevated ICAP’s global standing. A key takeaway from the event was climate change poses escalating environmental, social and economic risks, particularly for the Middle east, making sustainability an urgent business priority. Sustainability and ESG reporting are becoming central to investors trust, regulatory compliance and long-term value creation, driven
by global standards such as IFRS S1and S2, GRI and CSRD. Digital innovation and data driven platforms are enabling organizations to operationalize sustainability, enhance transparency and transform environmental challenges into growth opportunities. This theme was echoed by distinguished speakers, including Mr. Noor Ur Rehman Abid, Founder of Diya Pakistan and Former Managing Partner at Ernst and Young, and Mr.
Abbas Radhi, Chairman of the Bahrain Accountants Association (BAA).
Mr. Radhi emphasized the importance of close collaboration between ICAP and BAA, noting that such cooperation would pave the way for training the next generation of accountants. He stated that AI should be viewed not as a threat, but as a complementary tool for professional development. He also highlighted Bahrain’s long-standing role in benefiting from professional accountants from Pakistan and India. “Integrity, perseverance, and dignity,” he stressed, would remain the defining attributes of the accounting profession.
The event also featured an insightful presentation by Ms. Zainab Imran, Climate Change and Sustainability Expert, titled “Innovation and Sustainability: Circular Economy in Smart Cities,” . which underscored the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals.
The highlight of the evening was the Members’ Recognition Ceremony, where ICAP members were honored for their long-standing association and remarkable professional contributions. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Shields were awarded by H.E. Shaikh Ebrahim Khalifa Al Khalifa and Mr. M. Ali Latif, recognizing excellence, commitment, and service to the Institute.
The ceremony concluded with a dinner, providing an opportunity for networking and fellowship among members and guests, reinforcing the strong sense of community within the ICAP Bahrain Chapter.
