Auditing · UAE
Auditing Services in the UAE
UAE businesses — particularly those in regulated free zones like DIFC, ADGM, and DMCC — face mandatory annual audit requirements alongside FTA Corporate Tax and VAT compliance audits.
Overview
Fintax Support Limited prepares IFRS audit-ready financial statements, compiles working papers for external auditors, and documents Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) compliance. We coordinate with approved audit firms across the Emirates and support FTA tax audits with reconciled schedules linking book figures to VAT 201 and Corporate Tax returns.
Key compliance areas in UAE
06 areas- Corporate Tax 9%
- FTA VAT registration
- Free Zone vs Mainland
- ESR
- WPS
- UBO reporting
Regulatory framework
Most UAE free zones require audited annual financial statements submitted within 90 days of financial year-end. DIFC and ADGM-regulated entities face additional audit requirements from their respective authorities. The FTA can conduct tax audits covering up to five years of Corporate Tax and VAT returns, with penalties for discrepancies including 14% annual interest on unpaid tax.
FTA (Federal Tax Authority)Key facts
- 90 daysAudited financial statementsafter year-end, in most free zones
- 5 yearsFTA tax audit windowCorporate Tax and VAT returns
- 14%Annual interest on unpaid tax
9 specialised services
Our Auditing services in UAE
On this page (9)
01 / 09
Statutory Audits for Free Zone Companies
Prepare for mandatory annual financial statement audits required by UAE free zone authorities including DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, and ADGM. We assemble IFRS-compliant accounts, ISA-indexed working papers, and PBC schedules so your approved external auditor can issue an unmodified opinion and you meet free zone filing deadlines — typically within 90 days of financial year-end.
IFRS audit-ready statements
DMCC & JAFZA coordination
ISA-indexed PBC schedules
Free zone filing support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Free zone requirement mapping
Confirm your authority's audit mandate, approved auditor list, filing deadline, and IFRS disclosure requirements.
- 02
Financial statement preparation
Compile IFRS accounts, related-party schedules, and going-concern disclosures aligned to ISA presentation requirements.
- 03
External auditor fieldwork support
Respond to PBC requests, provide substantiation, and resolve testing exceptions during on-site or remote audit fieldwork.
- 04
Audit report & portal submission
Coordinate signed audit report delivery and submission to DMCC, JAFZA, or your free zone compliance portal.
- 01
Free zone requirement mapping
Confirm your authority's audit mandate, approved auditor list, filing deadline, and IFRS disclosure requirements.
- 02
Financial statement preparation
Compile IFRS accounts, related-party schedules, and going-concern disclosures aligned to ISA presentation requirements.
- 03
External auditor fieldwork support
Respond to PBC requests, provide substantiation, and resolve testing exceptions during on-site or remote audit fieldwork.
- 04
Audit report & portal submission
Coordinate signed audit report delivery and submission to DMCC, JAFZA, or your free zone compliance portal.
Virtually all UAE free zones — including DMCC, JAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone — mandate annual audited IFRS financial statements prepared under International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Free zone authorities typically require submission within 90 days of financial year-end, and non-compliance can trigger license renewal delays or penalties. We prepare audit-ready working papers including adjusted trial balances, bank reconciliations, revenue cut-off testing schedules, and related-party disclosures before your approved external auditor begins fieldwork. Proper preparation reduces billable audit hours, accelerates report issuance ahead of trade license renewal, and minimises repeat findings that increase costs year over year across multi-entity free zone portfolios.
Common questions
02 / 09
Mainland Company Audits
Support mainland UAE LLCs and onshore entities with statutory audit preparation under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (Commercial Companies Law). We prepare IFRS financial statements and ISA working papers for companies exceeding the CCL Article 27 AED 50 million revenue threshold — or where DED licensing activity, lenders, or shareholders require an independent audit opinion.
CCL Article 27 threshold review
IFRS mainland accounts
DED compliance alignment
ISA working paper preparation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Audit obligation assessment
Review revenue against CCL Article 27 AED 50M threshold, DED activity requirements, and lender or shareholder mandates.
- 02
IFRS financial statement compilation
Prepare adjusted trial balance, account reconciliations, and IFRS disclosure notes for mainland entity reporting.
- 03
External auditor coordination
Manage PBC delivery, respond to fieldwork inquiries, and resolve testing exceptions with your approved audit firm.
- 04
Report issuance & filing support
Coordinate signed audit report, board approval, and submission to DED or relevant mainland authority where applicable.
- 01
Audit obligation assessment
Review revenue against CCL Article 27 AED 50M threshold, DED activity requirements, and lender or shareholder mandates.
- 02
IFRS financial statement compilation
Prepare adjusted trial balance, account reconciliations, and IFRS disclosure notes for mainland entity reporting.
- 03
External auditor coordination
Manage PBC delivery, respond to fieldwork inquiries, and resolve testing exceptions with your approved audit firm.
- 04
Report issuance & filing support
Coordinate signed audit report, board approval, and submission to DED or relevant mainland authority where applicable.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (Commercial Companies Law), mainland UAE companies with annual revenue exceeding AED 50 million must appoint an approved auditor and prepare audited IFRS financial statements — a requirement introduced under CCL Article 27. Even below the threshold, DED licensing activities, bank loan covenants, and investor agreements frequently mandate independent audits. We prepare ISA-indexed working papers including adjusted trial balances, bank and intercompany reconciliations, revenue recognition schedules under IFRS 15, and going-concern analyses before your external auditor begins fieldwork. Timely audit completion supports DED trade license renewal, FTA Corporate Tax return substantiation, and lender covenant compliance across mainland operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates.
Common questions
03 / 09
ADGM & DIFC Regulatory Audits
Prepare for regulatory financial statement audits required of entities licensed in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). We assemble accounts compliant with ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 and DIFC Operating Law requirements, coordinate with FSRA- and DFSA-approved auditors, and manage annual filing with each financial free zone regulator.
ADGM Companies Regulations 2020
DIFC Operating Law compliance
Regulator-approved auditor liaison
IFRS & ISA alignment
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Regulatory requirement mapping
Confirm ADGM or DIFC audit mandate, filing deadline, approved auditor requirements, and entity-specific disclosures.
- 02
Regulatory financial statement preparation
Compile IFRS accounts with ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 or DIFC Operating Law presentation and note requirements.
- 03
Approved auditor fieldwork support
Deliver PBC schedules, respond to regulatory audit inquiries, and resolve testing exceptions during fieldwork.
- 04
Regulator filing & annual return
Submit audited accounts to ADGM Registration Authority or DIFC Registrar alongside annual return obligations.
- 01
Regulatory requirement mapping
Confirm ADGM or DIFC audit mandate, filing deadline, approved auditor requirements, and entity-specific disclosures.
- 02
Regulatory financial statement preparation
Compile IFRS accounts with ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 or DIFC Operating Law presentation and note requirements.
- 03
Approved auditor fieldwork support
Deliver PBC schedules, respond to regulatory audit inquiries, and resolve testing exceptions during fieldwork.
- 04
Regulator filing & annual return
Submit audited accounts to ADGM Registration Authority or DIFC Registrar alongside annual return obligations.
ADGM and DIFC are UAE financial free zones with distinct regulatory frameworks superseding mainland commercial law for licensed entities. ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 require registered companies to prepare audited financial statements and file them with the ADGM Registration Authority within prescribed deadlines. DIFC entities must comply with DIFC Operating Law and DFSA prudential requirements where applicable, filing audited accounts with the DIFC Registrar annually. Both jurisdictions require audits conducted under International Standards on Auditing by firms registered with their respective regulators — FSRA for ADGM and DFSA for DIFC-regulated entities. We prepare regulator-ready IFRS accounts, coordinate with approved audit firms, and manage submission timelines to avoid penalties, license conditions, or public register non-compliance.
Common questions
04 / 09
Internal Audit & Management Review
Evaluate internal controls, operational processes, and financial reporting workflows through structured internal audit and management review programmes for UAE entities. Internal audit identifies control weaknesses before your external auditor, free zone authority, or the FTA does — reducing fraud risk, qualified opinions, and compliance penalties across mainland and free zone operations.
Control environment assessment
Process walkthrough testing
Deficiency identification
Management action plans
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Risk assessment and scoping
Identify high-risk processes, FTA-relevant tax controls, and IFRS reporting areas based on your UAE entity structure.
- 02
Control documentation and testing
Document key controls, perform walkthroughs, and test operating effectiveness over the review period.
- 03
Findings report delivery
Present internal audit findings to management and the board with severity classifications and root causes.
- 04
Remediation tracking
Monitor corrective actions through follow-up testing before statutory audit or FTA compliance review fieldwork.
- 01
Risk assessment and scoping
Identify high-risk processes, FTA-relevant tax controls, and IFRS reporting areas based on your UAE entity structure.
- 02
Control documentation and testing
Document key controls, perform walkthroughs, and test operating effectiveness over the review period.
- 03
Findings report delivery
Present internal audit findings to management and the board with severity classifications and root causes.
- 04
Remediation tracking
Monitor corrective actions through follow-up testing before statutory audit or FTA compliance review fieldwork.
Internal audit and management review services evaluate whether your UAE organisation's controls over financial reporting, FTA tax compliance, and operations are designed and operating effectively. We apply COSO principles and the Three Lines Model referenced by ISA 315 when external auditors assess control environments during UAE statutory audits. Our engagements cover entity-level controls, IFRS 15 revenue recognition walkthroughs, VAT input and output tax controls, WPS payroll processing, procurement and disbursement cycles, and IT general controls across mainland and free zone entities. Findings are classified by severity with remediation plans — the same discipline external auditors apply when evaluating deficiencies during DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM, or DIFC audit fieldwork. Remediation before your statutory audit reduces qualified opinion risk and repeat findings that increase audit costs annually.
Common questions
05 / 09
FTA Corporate Tax Compliance Audit
Prepare for Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Corporate Tax audits and compliance reviews under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. We reconcile accounting records to Corporate Tax computations, assemble transfer pricing files and related-party schedules, and support your business during FTA audit proceedings — linking book figures to EmaraTax return submissions.
Corporate Tax reconciliation
Transfer pricing documentation
EmaraTax return substantiation
FTA audit representation support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Tax record reconciliation
Reconcile IFRS accounts to Corporate Tax computations, identifying permanent and temporary differences per FTA guidance.
- 02
Documentation assembly
Compile transfer pricing files, related-party agreements, qualifying free zone income schedules, and supporting invoices.
- 03
Pre-audit readiness review
Simulate FTA information requests and identify gaps in records, registrations, or EmaraTax filing history.
- 04
FTA audit response & representation
Deliver structured response packages and support your team during FTA audit proceedings and follow-up queries.
- 01
Tax record reconciliation
Reconcile IFRS accounts to Corporate Tax computations, identifying permanent and temporary differences per FTA guidance.
- 02
Documentation assembly
Compile transfer pricing files, related-party agreements, qualifying free zone income schedules, and supporting invoices.
- 03
Pre-audit readiness review
Simulate FTA information requests and identify gaps in records, registrations, or EmaraTax filing history.
- 04
FTA audit response & representation
Deliver structured response packages and support your team during FTA audit proceedings and follow-up queries.
The Federal Tax Authority administers UAE Corporate Tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, applying a 9% rate on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. The FTA may conduct tax audits covering up to five years of returns, requesting reconciliations between IFRS accounting records, EmaraTax Corporate Tax submissions, and supporting documentation for transfer pricing and related-party transactions. Qualifying free zone persons must separately substantiate qualifying income treatment. We prepare comprehensive audit response packages including book-to-tax reconciliations, transfer pricing master and local files, related-party transaction registers, and fixed asset tax depreciation schedules. Proactive preparation reduces FTA assessment adjustments, penalty exposure under Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023, and 14% annual interest on unpaid tax liabilities identified during audit.
Common questions
06 / 09
ESR Audit Support
Document Economic Substance compliance and support audit-ready ESR reporting under Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020. We prepare substance evidence, relevant activity assessments, and financial data reconciliations for the annual ESR notification and report — coordinating ESR documentation alongside your IFRS financial statement audit.
Relevant activity assessment
Substance documentation
ESR financial data reconciliation
Ministry of Finance filing support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Relevant activity identification
Assess whether your UAE entity conducts relevant activities triggering ESR notification and report obligations.
- 02
Substance test documentation
Compile employee records, lease agreements, board minutes, and expenditure evidence demonstrating UAE substance.
- 03
ESR report data preparation
Prepare financial data schedules reconciled to audited accounts for inclusion in the annual ESR report.
- 04
Filing & audit coordination
Submit ESR notification and report to the Ministry of Finance and align timing with your financial statement audit.
- 01
Relevant activity identification
Assess whether your UAE entity conducts relevant activities triggering ESR notification and report obligations.
- 02
Substance test documentation
Compile employee records, lease agreements, board minutes, and expenditure evidence demonstrating UAE substance.
- 03
ESR report data preparation
Prepare financial data schedules reconciled to audited accounts for inclusion in the annual ESR report.
- 04
Filing & audit coordination
Submit ESR notification and report to the Ministry of Finance and align timing with your financial statement audit.
UAE Economic Substance Regulations under Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020 require entities conducting relevant activities — including banking, insurance, fund management, shipping, headquarters, intellectual property, and distribution — to demonstrate adequate economic substance in the UAE. Licensees must file an annual ESR notification and, where applicable, an ESR report with the Ministry of Finance containing financial data reconciled to audited IFRS accounts. Non-compliance can result in penalties, information exchange with foreign tax authorities, and suspension of trade license renewal. We assess relevant activity classification, document substance through employee, expenditure, and premises evidence, and prepare ESR report financial schedules aligned to your statutory audit timeline — ensuring consistent figures across ESR filings and external audit working papers.
Common questions
07 / 09
Inventory & Fixed Asset Verification
Support external auditors with physical inventory counts, fixed asset verification, and depreciation schedule reconciliation for UAE entities. We coordinate stocktake procedures, asset tagging, and IFRS-compliant valuation schedules — addressing common audit focus areas for trading, manufacturing, and real estate companies across mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
Physical inventory counts
Fixed asset register verification
Depreciation schedule reconciliation
Cut-off & valuation testing
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Pre-count planning
Design stocktake procedures, freeze inventory movements, and prepare count sheets aligned to auditor requirements.
- 02
Physical verification execution
Conduct inventory counts and fixed asset walkthroughs with auditor observation and variance documentation.
- 03
Reconciliation and adjustment
Investigate count variances, update registers, and post adjusting entries for inventory and asset discrepancies.
- 04
Auditor schedule delivery
Provide indexed inventory and fixed asset schedules reconciled to the trial balance for audit fieldwork testing.
- 01
Pre-count planning
Design stocktake procedures, freeze inventory movements, and prepare count sheets aligned to auditor requirements.
- 02
Physical verification execution
Conduct inventory counts and fixed asset walkthroughs with auditor observation and variance documentation.
- 03
Reconciliation and adjustment
Investigate count variances, update registers, and post adjusting entries for inventory and asset discrepancies.
- 04
Auditor schedule delivery
Provide indexed inventory and fixed asset schedules reconciled to the trial balance for audit fieldwork testing.
Inventory and fixed assets represent high-risk audit areas for UAE trading, manufacturing, logistics, and property entities subject to mandatory IFRS audits under DMCC, JAFZA, mainland CCL Article 27, or ADGM and DIFC requirements. External auditors apply ISA 501 and ISA 540 substantive procedures including physical observation of inventory counts, fixed asset existence verification, and depreciation recalculation under IAS 16 and IAS 2. We plan and execute stocktake procedures, coordinate auditor attendance at year-end counts, verify asset existence against registers, and reconcile carrying values to IFRS-compliant depreciation schedules. Proper verification reduces audit scope limitations, accelerates fieldwork for UAE warehouse and retail operations, and ensures asset values support accurate FTA Corporate Tax computations and balance sheet presentation.
Common questions
08 / 09
Bank & Investor Due Diligence Audits
Prepare IFRS financial statements and agreed-upon procedures reports for UAE bank lending, investor due diligence, and acquisition transactions. We assemble audit-ready accounts, covenant compliance schedules, and quality of earnings analyses so lenders and investors receive reliable financial information — whether for Emirates NBD facilities, private equity investment, or cross-border M&A.
Bank covenant compliance schedules
Quality of earnings analysis
Agreed-upon procedures reports
Due diligence data room preparation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Requirement scoping
Review lender or investor information requests, covenant definitions, and due diligence scope with your advisory team.
- 02
Financial package preparation
Compile IFRS accounts, management accounts, and normalised earnings schedules for data room submission.
- 03
AUP or audit coordination
Coordinate with external auditors on agreed-upon procedures or expedited audit timelines for transaction deadlines.
- 04
Query resolution & closing support
Respond to lender and investor follow-up queries and support financial closing conditions through report issuance.
- 01
Requirement scoping
Review lender or investor information requests, covenant definitions, and due diligence scope with your advisory team.
- 02
Financial package preparation
Compile IFRS accounts, management accounts, and normalised earnings schedules for data room submission.
- 03
AUP or audit coordination
Coordinate with external auditors on agreed-upon procedures or expedited audit timelines for transaction deadlines.
- 04
Query resolution & closing support
Respond to lender and investor follow-up queries and support financial closing conditions through report issuance.
UAE banks, private equity firms, and international investors routinely require audited or reviewed IFRS financial statements as conditions for lending, investment, or acquisition transactions. Emirates-based lenders typically mandate debt service coverage and leverage covenant testing on audited accounts, while investors request quality of earnings analyses and agreed-upon procedures under ISA 4400 on revenue, working capital, and related-party balances. We prepare transaction-ready financial packages including normalised EBITDA schedules, covenant compliance calculations, and indexed data room documentation for due diligence. Whether supporting a DMCC trading company refinancing, a mainland LLC Series A investment, or ADGM fund acquisition, our preparation accelerates external auditor fieldwork and reduces transaction timeline risk from incomplete financial records.
Common questions
09 / 09
Audit Preparation & Readiness Review
Conduct a pre-audit readiness assessment before your external auditor begins fieldwork — identifying IFRS compliance gaps, incomplete reconciliations, and missing PBC schedules across UAE mainland and free zone entities. Our readiness review reduces audit delays, scope limitations, and fee overruns for DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM, DIFC, and CCL Article 27 mainland audits.
Pre-audit gap analysis
Working paper assembly
Issue identification & remediation
Timeline & fee optimisation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Engagement letter review
Analyse your external auditor's scope, PBC list, and timeline against your entity's UAE regulatory obligations.
- 02
Readiness assessment
Evaluate trial balance completeness, IFRS compliance, reconciliations, and prior-year audit finding status.
- 03
Remediation and preparation
Resolve identified gaps, compile indexed working papers, and draft IFRS disclosure notes for auditor review.
- 04
Fieldwork handover
Deliver complete PBC package to your external auditor and support initial fieldwork queries through report issuance.
- 01
Engagement letter review
Analyse your external auditor's scope, PBC list, and timeline against your entity's UAE regulatory obligations.
- 02
Readiness assessment
Evaluate trial balance completeness, IFRS compliance, reconciliations, and prior-year audit finding status.
- 03
Remediation and preparation
Resolve identified gaps, compile indexed working papers, and draft IFRS disclosure notes for auditor review.
- 04
Fieldwork handover
Deliver complete PBC package to your external auditor and support initial fieldwork queries through report issuance.
Audit preparation and readiness review is the most effective way to control external audit costs and meet UAE regulatory filing deadlines — whether for DMCC and JAFZA free zone submissions, ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 filings, DIFC Operating Law requirements, or mainland CCL Article 27 audits. We assess your records against ISA PBC expectations and IFRS disclosure requirements before your approved auditor begins fieldwork, identifying unreconciled accounts, missing related-party schedules, inadequate going-concern documentation, and FTA tax reconciliation gaps. Remediating issues pre-audit reduces billable hours, prevents scope limitations that delay report issuance, and ensures consistent figures across your statutory audit, ESR report, and EmaraTax Corporate Tax return — protecting trade license renewal timelines across the Emirates.
Common questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Question not listed?
Ask about auditing in UAE. We reply within 24 hours.
Get started
Tell us what you need
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
Request an Audit Consultation
Provide your audit requirements in UAE and we'll match you with the right compliance support.
UAE
Explore more in UAE
Discover our other financial services available in this region.
Auditing · UAE
Need auditing support in UAE?
Not sure which of these you need? Tell us about your business and an adviser who files with FTA (Federal Tax Authority) will reply within 24 hours with what's needed and when.
Talk to a financial expert
Free 30-minute consultation · reply within 24 hours