Middle East: Accounting and Audit

In the UAE, the requirement for companies to undergo auditing is primarily influenced by their legal structure, size, and activity. While not all companies are required to be audited, there are specific regulations...

Most businesses operating in the UAE start managing their finances with a basic setup at the outset. They hire an accountant to work on invoices, payroll, VAT, vendor payments, reconciliations, and reporting. For the initial few months, the system works fine. However, as businesses grow, the department notices a surge in transactions. There are more employees, multiple bank accounts, and tighter deadlines to manage.

Rita Abou Samra and Aishwarya More examine the latest 2025 compliance reforms introduced by DIFC and ADGM, highlighting key amendments to the DIFC Data Protection Law and ADGM's new auditor registration framework. The analysis explores expanded individual rights, broader application of data protection regulations, and the practical steps businesses must take to ensure compliance with these new governance requirements.

In today’s complex business world, companies are under more and more pressure from all types of investors, auditors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders in relation to carrying amounts stated in their accounting statements. When it comes to the issue of goodwill, the above-mentioned problem becomes especially acute since usually the asset constitutes one of the biggest assets recorded in a company’s financial statement and also involves much judgement on the part of accountants. It should be noted that unlike other assets, goodwill cannot be depreciated using IFRS guidelines.

Most businesses operating in the UAE start managing their finances with a basic setup at the outset. They hire an accountant to work on invoices, payroll, VAT, vendor payments, reconciliations, and reporting. For the initial few months, the system works fine. However, as businesses grow, the department notices a surge in transactions. There are more employees, multiple bank accounts, and tighter deadlines to manage.

Rita Abou Samra and Aishwarya More examine the latest 2025 compliance reforms introduced by DIFC and ADGM, highlighting key amendments to the DIFC Data Protection Law and ADGM's new auditor registration framework. The analysis explores expanded individual rights, broader application of data protection regulations, and the practical steps businesses must take to ensure compliance with these new governance requirements.