Professional & Regulatory Bodies

The national professional body for accountants and auditors in the UAE, supporting the profession, CPD and registration of practising auditors.

A global professional accountancy body offering the ACCA qualification in accounting, audit and finance, with a large membership across the UAE and the Gulf.

A leading global chartered accountancy body awarding the ACA qualification, with an established Middle East presence.

Awards the CGMA designation and specialises in management accounting, business strategy and financial management.

Awards the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, widely held by finance professionals in the UAE.

The body behind the US CPA qualification, held by many auditors and finance leaders working in the UAE.

The UAE's federal tax authority — administering Corporate Tax, VAT and Excise Tax, tax agent registration and the EmaraTax platform.

Responsible for federal fiscal policy, double-taxation agreements, transfer pricing and the UAE's OECD Pillar Two commitments.

The committee, formed under the Ministry of Justice, that hears objections and appeals against Federal Tax Authority decisions.

The federal ministry overseeing the Commercial Companies Law, commercial agencies, intellectual property and AML supervision of accountants and auditors.

Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism — issues and renews mainland trade licences and maintains the commercial register in Dubai.

Licenses and regulates economic activity and mainland business registration in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The federal regulator of the UAE's onshore securities and commodities markets, and of auditors of public joint-stock companies.

A leading financial free zone in Dubai with its own civil and commercial laws, courts and companies registrar.

The independent conduct and prudential regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC.

Abu Dhabi's international financial free zone, applying English common law, with its own registration authority and FSRA regulator.

The UAE's central bank — responsible for monetary policy, financial stability and the licensing and supervision of banks and exchange houses.

The Dubai securities exchange where listed shares, sukuk, bonds and funds are traded.

The securities exchange of Abu Dhabi, listing equities, sukuk and exchange-traded funds.

The DIFC-based international exchange for equities, sukuk and derivatives serving the region.

Receives suspicious transaction and activity reports from the regulated sector — including accountants and auditors — through the goAML system.

Sets the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS and IFRS for SMEs) that UAE companies are required to apply.

The umbrella body coordinating the UAE's chambers of commerce and representing the private sector on national policy.

Supports and represents the Dubai business community, issuing certificates of origin and business services.

Represents and supports businesses in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi with advocacy, networking and trade services.