Kreston Global and the host firms Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. and Kreston Menon are delighted to invite all members to Dubai, UAE for the Kreston World & EMEA Conference 2023 which will take place on 4-7 December 2023.
The conference theme will expand on two of Kreston’s core values - think internationally and ambitious and entrepreneurial - embracing the concept of The Kreston Way.
This year’s focus will be on how the Kreston Global network can empower members to develop an international strategy, nurture relationships with other members, attract new clients and develop existing ones. There will also be an update on Kreston’s strategy and a half-day dedicated to Global Group meetings to dive into more specialist topics.
In response to member firms' demand, Kreston Global's Marketing Team will host two optional training sessions on Monday 4 December before the official conference start with a welcome reception and dinner.
To encourage networking and ensure that members will also have fun together, the conference registration includes an exciting social programme for members and their companions.
Delegate rate
The delegate rate includes attendance to the conference, all social activities, and refreshments throughout. Travel, accommodation and insurance are not included and delegates will need to organise these independently.
- Early bird rate: USD 1,950 + 5% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by Friday 30 June 2023
- Regular rate: USD 2,200 + 5% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by Friday 17 November 2023
The companion rate follows the same timelines as the delegate fee and includes all social activities included in the companion programme above.
- Companion early bird rate: USD 1,100 + 5% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by Friday 30 June 2023
- Companion regular rate: USD 1,400 + 5% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by Friday 17 November 2023
Agenda
You can download the conference agenda by clicking the button below. Alternatively it can be found on Kreston Kommunity in the Event Resources section.
Venue & accommodation
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
Spread across two iconic towers, the spectacular JW Marriott Marquis Hotel is ideally placed between the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, beside the new Dubai Water Canal extension.
The hotel features an enticing array of award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges and the sublime Saray Spa and Health Club.
There is a free shuttle to/from Dubai Mall and Business Bay Metro Station is about 10 minutes walk. This metro station is directly connected to the airport (overall journey about 30 minutes).
Alternatively, you can reach the hotel by taxi in 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
We are holding a number of rooms at the JW Marquis Hotel at the preferential group rates below:
- Deluxe Single Room: AED 700.00 per night B&B
- Deluxe Double Room: AED 750.00 per night B&B
Rates are subject to 7% municipality fee, 10% service charge, 5% VAT and 20 AED Tourism Dirham fee. Car parking is complimentary to for the duration of your stay.
1. Click on booking link below
2. Select your arrival and departure dates
3. Select how many rooms you want to book and how many people will sleep in each room
4. Click on 'Check Availability' and then follow the instructions on screen (room rate will show in AED)
Please note that rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis and while a number of rooms have been pre-blocked for Kreston delegates, the unreserved rooms will be gradually released.
Host firms: Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. and Kreston Menon
Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co.
Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. is one of the leading Auditing firms established in Dubai, UAE in 1972, with over 400 long term audit clients covering a variety of sectors. The firm is on approved and empanelled, local and international banks operating in the U.A.E. With a fee income of USD 4m, it provides auditing, consultancy, tax and legal services through its 3 offices and a team of 60 plus professionals.
After such a long time waiting for this Conference, Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. partners are ready to offer you a warm welcome in the exceptional city of Dubai. They would also like to invite you to visit their office in Dubai (before or after the conference). In order to arrange your visit, please, contact Eyad, Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. partner, who will gladly assist you:
Eyad Farsakh
Prime Tower, Office 2804, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.
Tel. +971 50 6441974
Email: eyad.farsakh@kreston.ae
The Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. team is also willing to help out those who will visit these cities during this trip. In this case, we recommend contacting Kreston Awni Farsakh & Co. Coordinator office: support@kreston.ae
We stay true to our slogan, because we believe that by “knowing you” better, we will be able to build a better Kreston. We hope we can share this goal together in Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
Kreston Menon
Kreston Menon is proud to be the host firm for the Kreston World & EMEA Conference 2023. As this is the first Kreston’s World Conference being held in the Middle East, all 15 firms from the 12 countries of the region consider this as a recognition for their active role and contributions in the network.
Kreston Menon - born in the UAE in 1994 - has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status for the ninth successive year by the Superbrands Council of UAE, for their market acceptance and brand reputation in the United Arab Emirates.
Being extremely mindful of an organization’s responsibility to the society, Kreston Menon is involved in wide-ranging CSR and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives through their societal arm – Maseoul.
Kreston Menon offers Audit & Assurance, Taxation, Business Advisory, Technology Consulting and Professional Training through their 350+ professionals in 11 verticals across 9 offices in the UAE.
Kreston Menon would like to invite you to visit their Dubai Head Quarters, before or after the conference. You may please coordinate with the dedicated Guest Relations Coordinator, Mary Joy:
Mary Joy Juario
Level 15, Lake Central, Marasi Drive Business Bay, Dubai
Mobile: + 971 55 196 5572
Tel: + 971 4 276 2233
Email: mary@krestonmenon.com
Sustainability
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Following this principle and in line with our purpose, Kreston Global aims to minimise negative impacts from event-related activities and have started a journey to “carbon net zero”.
Our first steps have been to start measuring events emissions to set achievable and yet ambitious goals, and to develop a sustainable procurement policy that includes ESG criteria that suppliers must comply with. Actions we have already undertaken are:
- seeking to completely remove single use plastic
- seeking to use recyclable materials for staging and branding and reduce waste
- using the event attendee app instead of printed agenda
- reusing roll-up banners and creating recyclable new ones where needed
- replacing plastic name badges with recyclable ones
- buying lanyards made of recycled materials and reuse them for different events
- travelling by train whenever possible and encouraging members to use greener transport options when available
- offset event emissions
- started a Kreston ESG advisory committee to inform members and the Kreston Team on best practice
With regards to the World & EMEA Conference 2023, we have replaced in-person site visits with virtual ones and asked all suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability (see below). We will reuse existing roll-up banners and lanyards, have selected reusable carpet for all stages, and opted for a more sustainable programme (i.e. no desert activities). After the event, we will measure the conference's emissions and seek to offset what we could not reduce through our partnership with Treedom.
JW Marriott Marquis sustainability actions:
- Installed multiple sub-meters to monitor consumption more accurately and act upon findings
- Installed low flow showerheads in all guestrooms to reduce water consumption and energy used to heat the water
- Installed automatic taps in back of house areas with low flow restrictors/aerators
- Enabled low use monitoring and smart sleep mode for all elevators
- Eco set point adjustments in guestrooms during low occupancy periods
- Smart plant maintenance system (Transcendent) ensuring best efficiency during operation
- Installed smart technology to kitchen hoods to reduce electricity consumption
- LED lighting retrofits throughout the property
- Enhancements to BMS to give even greater controllability to all systems
- ISO 14001 Environmental management System initiatives for sustainable resourced purchasing and waste segregation and recycling
- MESH program throughout Marriott to monitor and work towards their Sustainability Program Serve 360. These readings are validated annually by Schneider Electric and reviewed and accredited by Lloyds of London.
- Purchasing paper from responsible source (FSC certified Paper)
- Installed Occupancy sensor in wash rooms
- Installing LED smart TV in guest rooms
The hotel has partnered with a local charity to minimise food waste and support the local community. Every day surplus food from the hotel, including from Kreston's conference, is collected and distributed to food banks and individuals.
Hotel footprints
Carbon Footprint: 50.32 kg per room night
Water Footprint: 495.29 litres per room night
Destination Management Company sustainability policy:
Pure Arabia has created a Sustainability Team to ensure that their team and suppliers meet their sustainability requirements. The team is:
- Using double sided copying and printing, formatting material to minimize the amount of paper used, limiting the use of paper that is difficult to recycle, such as glossy paper, goldenrod and florescent
- Minimizing print material by using electronic and on-line advertising and promotion whenever possible
- Printing all material using Energy Star certified printers and with vegetable-based inks
- Use mailing labels with water-based adhesives
- Ensure appropriate recycling receptacles are in place and well identified
AV sustainability policy:
Encore Middle East have been be awarded a silver CSR rating by the international evaluation platform EcoVadis and they are actively reducing carbon footprint across their facilities, fleet and venues. They provide sustainable staging and branding solutions and are committed to responsible sourcing policies, safe disposal procedures and are pursuing recycling opportunities at our major offices and venues. Click here to know more.
UAE sustainability polices:
In January 2012, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Green Economy initiative under the slogan: A green economy for sustainable development. Under this initiative, the UAE seeks to become a global hub and a successful model of the new green economy, to enhance the country's competitiveness and sustainability and preserve its environment for future generations.
Find out more on strategies and conventions related to green development and environment affairs from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
FAQ
How much is the delegate rate and what does it include?
- Member early bird rate: USD 1,950 + 5% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for by 30 June 2023)
- Member regular rate: USD 2,100 + 5% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for between 1 July and 17 November 2023)
The fee includes two full-days conference and social activities. It does not include travel and accommodation. If you are unable to attend any of the socials the fee will remain the same.
Can I bring family members?
Yes, companions are welcome and we have organized some activities for them on 5 and 6 December included in their fee: Visit to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall with lunch on 5 December, and tour of Museum of Future with lunch on 6 December.- Companion early bird fee: USD 1,100 + 5% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for by 30 June 2023)
- Companion regular fee: USD 1,400 + 5% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for between 1 July and 17 November 2023)
What is the cancellation policy?
Owing to the financial commitments that Kreston Global has undertaken for the event, no refunds will be given for cancellations of event registrations. You are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance to provide coverage in the event that you need to cancel your attendance.
Can I share a room with a colleague?
Yes, you can select a twin room when booking your room using the hotel booking system.
Is accommodation included in the rate?
No. You need to book your room directly with the hotel of your choice. If you want to reserve a room at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai you can benefit from Kreston’s special rates as specified on this website (see venue & accommodation).
Do I need to arrange my travel to/from Dubai?
Yes, this is your responsibility to book your flight and to arrange transportation between the hotel and the airport.
From the airport you could also take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Business Bay and then walk for 10 minutes. Trains run frequently from DXB Terminals 1 and 3, from 5 AM till midnight, Monday to Thursday; 5 AM -1 AM on Friday, and 8 AM till midnight on Sunday.
Alternatively, the hotel can arrange transfer from/to the airport from AED 297 each way.
Do I need a visa to enter the UAE?
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. Some other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival while others need to apply for a visa in advance. Find out if you need a visa to enter the UAE on the UAE Government portal.Please be aware that travel insurance is MUST for all visitors to the UAE that require a visa and is strongly recommended for all visitors.
What are the current Covid-19 rules in UAE?
All delegates should check the Covid-19 requirements relevant to their own travel arrangements.Helpful information about Dubai
Dubai's climate is sub-tropical and average temperatures in December will vary between 26C during the day and 16C at night.Dubai has a relaxed dress code but we suggest to bring a jacket for evening activities including the gala dinner which will be outdoors.
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles and the plus is type G so you might need an adapter and US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Tips are not generally expected, but they are appreciated. An additional 10% is acceptable in hotels and restaurants.
What is the Attendee App mentioned in the registration form?
This app will be released closer to the event and will replace the usual conference agenda. It will include a profile for each attendee, the conference agenda, information on social activities, the EventStream for live posts and much more. It will also allow us to send you alerts to remind you of meeting points, timings etc.After the conference you will be able to export from the app all contacts you connected with. The app will stay live until April 2024.
Dress code
Monday 4 December - Welcome reception: casualTuesday 5 December - Conference: smart casual
Dubai Marina cruise: casual
Gala dinner: cocktail dress or smart casual (no jeans please) - Please bring a jacket as both gala dinner and afterparty will be outdoor
Will I be able to see the delegate list before the conference?
Yes, you will find all attendees in the event Attendee App and you will be able to connect with them, message, schedule meetings etc.
Will presentations and photos be available after the conference?
Yes, all presentations will be available on Kreston Kommunity shortly after the conference.
Will there be the possibility to attend online?
Not on this occasion.
Can I get a CPE/CPD certificate after the conference?
Yes, of course. Please send your request to events@kreston.com.Contact us
Events team
For logistics, registrations, special requests, visa letter, etc.
Finance team
For payments, invoices and credit notes.
Social activities
Networking and building relationships are at the heart of Kreston and we have organised social activities to make sure that members have the opportunity to have fun together. We would love to see you there.
Welcome reception and dinner
As usual, we will open the conference with welcome reception and dinner. This will be the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and hear the Chairman's welcome.
There will also be the opportunity for some amazing fully branded photos.
Dubai Marina cruise and dinner
We will sail around Dubai Marina on a traditional dhow boat to enjoy the spectacular views of Dubai's landmarks. Refreshing drinks and international buffet dinner will be served during the cruise.
Gala dinner & afterparty
The gala dinner & afterparty will be hosted at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. We will enjoy a welcome drink to savour the view, followed by dinner under the iconic clubhouse structure. Expect some entertainment and loads of fun at the afterparty at the Cielo Lounge rooftop with panoramic untouched views.
Old Dubai city tour
The tour will focus on 'Old Dubai' and will include: Jumeirah Mosque, Al Bastakiya, and Souqs (textile, spice and gold). We will also visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn more about the UAE's culture and heritage and have the opportunity to ask questions. Here we will also enjoy a traditional lunch.
Companions' programme
Visit to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Located on level 124 of the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa's observation deck is a must do of any visit to Dubai.
After the observatory there will be a guided tour of the Dubai Mall. The second largest mall in the world is renown for its luxury shops, art collection and unforgettable experiences.
Lunch will be also be organised to enjoy Middle Eastern dishes with exceptional views of the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa.
Museum of Future tour with lunch
Opened in 2022, the Museum of Future is already one of Dubai's most famous landmarks and has been recognised by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. It explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology and incorporates elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions.