Review E-INVOICING EXCHANGE SUMMIT Dubai 2025

The Future of E-Invoicing: Insights from Dubai

100 experts from 20 countries convened in Dubai from February 10 to 12, 2025, for this year's E-Invoicing Exchange Summit. Amidst dynamic developments in electronic invoicing and VAT reporting in the Middle East, the event served as a premier platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices.

Recent public consultations on E-Invoicing in the UAE were central to discussions, emphasizing the need for businesses to prepare for significant transformations. A key takeaway: E-Invoicing should be approached not merely as a tax or IT project but as a holistic business efficiency initiative that optimizes the entire supply chain. The summit placed special emphasis on global compliance updates, with experts shedding light on regulatory developments and their impact on regional businesses.

Discussions also explored various E-Invoicing models worldwide, such as the clearance model and the decentralized CTC model to be adopted in the UAE. Companies were advised to evaluate their system landscapes and strategically invest in suitable technology solutions to ensure compliance and efficiency. A compelling presentation showcased the E-Invoicing implementation journey in Malaysia, from the tax perspective and to leveraging E-Invoicing as a catalyst for digital transformation. Businesses that have structured their invoices for tax compliance are encouraged to automate invoice distribution via Peppol, unlocking full benefits of efficiency and interoperability.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their unwavering support and dedication. The event featured excellent presentations and provided invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration. 

With the expected go-live of phase 1 of E-Invoicing reporting in Q2 2026, the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit will return to the region in March 2026. We look forward to welcoming you.

To access the presentation slides, click here and stay informed with our E-Invoicing News.

Agenda E-Invoicing exchange summit Dubai 2025

Workshop - February 10

12:30 - 13:30
Registration and Welcome Lunch

13:30 - 16:30

WORKSHOP

GENA Academy Essentials: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About E-Invoicing, but Were Afraid to Ask

Delve into the enigmatic world of E-Invoicing, where seemingly humble administrative documents wield unparalleled influence. This session will unravel the complexities of E-Invoicing, covering essential topics including:
+ Terms and Abbreviations: Decipher the jargon and acronyms.
+ E-Invoicing as a Business Process: Explore how E-Invoicing transcends mere paperwork to become a cornerstone of modern business operations.
+ Why Small Businesses are the Elephant in the Room: they aren't at the table, yet they dominate the debate.
+ Why Governments Care (A Lot): Understand why tax and other regulators simply cannot leave the invoice alone.
+ Supporting Characters: Meet the other crucial actors that contribute to the E-Invoicing ecosystem.
+ Models and Frameworks: Discover the diverse array of business and regulatory models and frameworks that shape E-Invoicing.
+ Regional, Sectoral, and Cultural Differences: how regional, sectoral, and cultural factors influence its implementation and adoption.
+ Global interoperability: The GENA/Peppol incubation project

Workshop conducted by Alex Pavel Head of Middle East Chapter and Michel Gilis Chair Interoperability Working Group, GENA - Global Exchange Network Association

17:00 - 20:00

ICEBREAKER RECEPTION supported by Avalara

Your networking experience starts right here. All participants and speakers are invited to attend the Icebreaker Reception and to pick up their badges for the two conference days.


Conference day 1 - February 11

08:30 - 09:30
Registration and Welcome Coffee in the Exhibition

09:30 - 09:45

Welcome and Opening

Johannes researches, organizes and runs knowledge and networking platforms that help the industry to benefit from new technologies and cope with changing legal and regulatory frameworks. His events make sure that all stakeholders learn, discuss and network with like-minded experts, practitioners and thought leaders. His main focus lies on E-Invoicing since 1999, carrying out the E-Invoicing Exchange Summits in Europe, Asia and the US, the E-Rechnungs-Gipfel in Germany, and the Swiss Payment Forum in Zurich.
Read more on LinkedIn

Johannes von Mulert Founder and Chairman E-Invoicing Exchange Summit

09:45 - 10:15

Figures, Data, Facts: The Latest Developments in E-Invoicing Globally

This session will explain the current and future adoption rates for E-Invoicing as well as the main influencing factors and the effects it has on all stakeholders such as companies, service providers, tax authorities and associations.

Marcus Laube CEO, billentis

10:15 - 11:00

Mastering E-Invoicing Now: Actionable Steps for Compliance and Efficiency

This session will discuss the state-of-play for E-Invoicing mandates and what lessons can be learnt from regions that have already implemented E-Invoicing. Learn how E-Invoicing can help you transform your AR and AP functions with discussion of the typical challenges of E-Invoicing implementation projects and the obvious and not-so-obvious mistakes in early stages of implementation.

Alex Baulf Vice President, Global Indirect Tax & E-Invoicing, Avalara


11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break and Exhibition

11:30 - 12:15

Global And Regional Compliance Update

Ellen Cortvriend Partner, Global E-Invoicing and E-Reporting CoE Lead, PwC Belgium and
Hafez Yamin ITX Digital Solutions Partner, PwC Middle East

12:15 - 13:00

Accelerating Peppol Implementation: Understanding the Options for Implementing Peppol

Sam Hassan CTO, Link4


13:00 - 14:30
Lunch Break and Exhibition

14:30 - 15:00

DBNAlliance Exchange Framework: Driving Interoperability And Enabling Seamless Global Trade

+ The DBNAlliance Open Exchange Framework 
+ Targets for 2025
+ Global coverage and interoperability

Dolf Kars Chairman, DBNAlliance

15:00 - 15:30

Managing Tax Compliance Risks Globally Post-E-Invoicing

+ How the E-Invoicing system will reshape VAT/GST reporting, improve tax compliance, and drive operational efficiency for individual businesses and the nation's economy
+ Learn how as VAT processes become more automated, integrating compliance controls into ERPs will become essential for seamless, real-time tax management

Archit Gupta Co-founder and Group CEO, Cleartax


15:30 - 16:00
Coffee Break and Exhibition

Malaysia

16:00 - 17:00

The E-Invoicing Implementation Journey in Malaysia

+ How the introduction of E-Invoicing supports the National Digital Agenda
+ Adopting the CTC Model
+ MyInvois Portal and Key Features
+ E-Invoice guidelines and resources provided to assist taxpayers
+ Incentives introduced to ease the burden of taxpayers

Dr. Rasyidah Che Rosli Director of E-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Department, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia

E-Invoicing for Business Digitalisation in Malaysia

Saiful Izwan Mohd Shazali Director National e-Invoicing & Standardisation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)


17:00 - 18:00
Networking in the Exhibition

18:00 - 22:00

Networking Dinner

All participants and speakers are invited to enjoy dinner and refreshments in a casual atmosphere. Use this perfect opportunity to intensify your business contacts and grow your network.



Conference Day 2 - February 12

08:30 - 09:00
Morning Coffee and Exhibition

09:00 - 09:45

Convergence of Digital Real-Time Controls & Business Automation

+ In the digital world, tax and compliance are moving upstream, becoming the highest CFO priority
+ Understanding and embracing impacts on already established business processes, such as AR and AP automation, trade and overall supply chain
+ The importance of multistakeholder collaboration

Nazar Paradivskyy VP Regulatory Affairs, Pagero and Qamar Al Hkim Senior Regulatory Associate & Team Lead, CTC & e-invoicing compliance, Thomson Reuters

09:45 - 10:30

National E-Invoicing and Tax Reporting Solution in Serbia

+ eFaktura World: a solution for different government models
+ Benefits for E-Invoicing
+ Benefits for governments of using information extracted from E-Invoicing
+ Automated VAT reporting
+ Anti-fraud system with AI
+ Use case Serbia

Mirko Golijanin Managing Director Serbia, Unifiedpost Group and​
Vojislav Simić Consultant of the Ministry of Finance in the field of E-Invoicing


10:30 - 11:15
Coffee Break and Exhibition

11:15 - 12:00

Roundtable Sessions

Discuss the most pressing business-relevant topics with your peers and gain valuable information.

1. Streamlining Compliance for UAE E-Invoicing with SAP Document and Reporting Compliance

Ahmed Khalifa Localization Expert and Product Manager, responsible for the E-Invoicing solutions for the MENA region, SAP Globalization, UAE

2. Challenges & Options for Implementing E-Invoicing

Manjeet Yadav Founder & Managing Partner, Suma Technology Services

3. Latest Insights into the B2B E-Invoicing Mandate in Germany

Marcus Laube Secretary General, GENA - Global Exchange Network Association


12:00 - 12:45

UAE E-Invoicing: Adopting a Future-Proof E-Invoicing Model

+ Centralized vs Decentralized e-invoicing - different schools of thought
+ Beyond compliance - how can taxpayers practically improve their business processes
+ Preparatory steps – what can you do today in preparation for the UAE mandate

Johan Borendal Vice President Strategy, Sovos

12:45 - 13:30

Polish Approach to E-Invoicing And How the Administration Can Use Data From E-Invoices

+ E-Invoicing model
+ Basic assumptions of the system
+ Functionalities
+ Integration with PEPPOL
+ Data analytics

Krzysztof Rogowski Head of Data Analysis Department and Krzysztof Sledzikowski Data Analyst, Data Analysis Department, National Revenue Administration, Poland

13:30 - 13:45
Wrap up and outlook

13:45 - 14:45
Lunch Break and Exhibition

14:45 - 15:30

Service Provider Community Meeting

GENA Local Chapter Middle East

+ Discussing E-Invoicing Requirements ind UAE and Middle East
+ Networking with the community 

Marcus Laube Secretary General and Alex Pavel Head of Middle East Chapter, GENA - Global Exchange Network Association


15:30 - 16:00
Farewell Coffee Break and Exhibition
16:00
End of E-Invoicing Exchange Summit Dubai 2025

Industry Partners

Avalara empowers organizations of all sizes and numerous business sectors to automate work in their finance departments, boost efficiency of their administrative operations, and achieve compliancy (...)


When Tony Alvarez and Bryan Marsal joined forces in 1983, it was with the intent of seamlessly linking operations , performance improvement and value creation to best help companies (...)


When Binary Semantics took its first step in 1986, it was with an unwavering vision to harness technology's power to help companies turn areas of stagnation into growth. This pioneering spirit (...)


cbs is a global consulting practice that originated in Germany with over 3000 international projects over the last 25 years. We advise the world’s most notable companies: renowned, highly innovative customers (...)


Our mission at ClearTax is to simplify finances, save money and time for millions of businesses. We are a tax & technology company that builds (...)


Comarch is a global provider of advanced, software-defined technologies that help companies from all industries optimize their key business processes. The company’s vast portfolio includes systems (...)


Edicom is a global leader in E-Invoicing, EDI, and VAT compliance solutions. With nearly twenty-five years of experience, over 15,000 clients, and projects in 80 countries Edicom can manage any B2B or B2G communications project. (...)


GENA stands as an international trade association, embodying a vibrant and expansive community of Service Providers originating from various sectors, including network services, business outsourcing, financial services, (...)


Link4 is a trusted global e-Invoicing and compliance service provider, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements seamlessly. Headquartered in Australia, Link4 operates across New Zealand, Singapore, (...)


Pagero is the fastest growing global business network, offering cloud-based e-invoice and e-order services. Pagero brings companies together digitally regardless of size, volume, location and ERP system. (...)


Peppol integrates business processes by standardising the way information is structured and exchanged. Whether you are sending invoices or handling other business transactions, (...)


PwC's Global e-Invoicing and e-Archiving Network brings together process, technology, tax, legal and accounting experts making your E-Invoicing business case reality!  For over 15 years now, PwC has been at the forefront of e-Invoicing (...)


Skill Quotient Technologies is an innovative IT company working on cutting-edge technologies for SMARTeIS e-invoicing Solutions, Cyber Security Services, Application Testing Services, (...)


As the world’s largest provider of enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, (...)


Sovos is a global provider of tax, compliance and trust solutions and services that enable businesses to navigate an increasingly regulated world with true confidence. Purpose-built for always-on compliance (...)


Suma Technology Services LLP, led by e-invoicing veteran Manjeet Yadav, is dedicated to provide seamless and compliant e-invoicing solutions and consulting services ​​​​​(...)


Unifiedpost is a leading cloud-based platform for SME business services built on "Documents", "Identity" and "Payments". Unifiedpost operates and develops a 100% cloud-based platform for administrative and financial services (...)


Media

Fintech News Middle East and Africa provide a source of timely, deep insights and the latest local and global news about Fintech. Launched in 2015, the Fintech News Network team works very hard to deliver fintech-centric content in various forms to an audience looking for updates on fintech events and webinars, stunning opinions from highly-reputable digital finance innovators, analysis on fintech applications from active insiders, breaking news on fintech topics and fintech market alerts.
www.fintechnews.ae and www.fintechnews.africa


The Invoicing Hub is your free and trusted source of fresh information on e-invoicing. The Invoicing Hub publishes authentic and objective news, including details on the many B2G & B2B e-invoicing and e-reporting mandates. The Invoicing Hub  also offers detailed and practical country-specific overviews complemented by links to official and useful resources, as well as comprehensive ecosystem listings.
​​​​​​​www.theinvoicinghub.com


VATupdate.com collects and publishes VAT-related news from all around the world. The website exists since 2018 and is made by and for VAT-enthusiasts. The website continuously provides updates on VAT regulations, VAT rates, case-law, events, job opportunities, tax technology and tools, and trends and developments (such as VAT e-invoicing requirements).
Besides the core members in the Netherlands and Belgium, the VATupdate Team consists of various independent contributors from all over the world. News items are posted on the website, but also on LinkedIn, Twitter and in the weekly newsletter.
www.vatupdate.com


Stay informed Subscribe to our Newsletter

TAKE A LOOK AT THE REVIEW

To top