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Statutory and internal audit services for Dubai businesses
Audit Services

Audit Services for Dubai Businesses

Statutory audits, internal audits, and compliance reviews by licensed auditors. Supporting free zone requirements, bank applications, and corporate tax readiness.

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Audit services in Dubai are a practical necessity for the majority of UAE-registered companies. Most Dubai free zones require annual audited financial statements as a condition of licence renewal — and the list of zones with this requirement covers the most commercially significant jurisdictions, including DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, DAFZA, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Beyond regulatory compliance, a professional audit builds credibility with banks, investors, and business partners, and provides the most reliable evidentiary foundation for your corporate tax return. UAE audits must be conducted by auditors licensed by the relevant free zone authority and prepared in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and IFRS. We coordinate statutory and internal audit services through licensed audit professionals, ensuring your company meets every applicable requirement efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact us to discuss your audit requirements.

Audit Process: Step by Step

1

Auditor Selection and Engagement

We help you identify an approved auditor for your free zone or sector, considering firm size, specialisation, and fee competitiveness. We manage the engagement letter process and confirm the audit scope and timeline.

2

Audit Preparation

We prepare a complete audit-ready file including IFRS financial statements, supporting schedules for all balance sheet accounts, a full transaction listing, bank reconciliations, and explanatory notes. This is delivered to the auditor at the start of fieldwork.

3

Auditor Fieldwork

The auditor conducts their risk assessment, testing of transactions and balances, review of accounting policies, and verification procedures. We act as the primary point of contact for all auditor queries, providing additional documentation promptly.

4

Draft Report and Management Review

The auditor issues a draft audit report and management letter. We review these with you, explaining any findings or adjustments proposed, and assist with resolving any outstanding matters before the audit is finalised.

5

Final Audit Report Issuance

The auditor issues the final signed audit report and audited financial statements. These are prepared in the format required by your free zone authority for licence renewal submission.

6

Free Zone Submission

We assist with submitting the audited financial statements to your free zone authority within the required deadline, and address any follow-up queries from the zone.

What Auditors Require

  • IFRS-compliant financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, notes)
  • Supporting schedules for all balance sheet line items
  • Bank statements and bank reconciliations for the full audit period
  • Sales invoices, purchase invoices, and expense receipts
  • Fixed asset register with additions, disposals, and depreciation
  • Payroll records and WPS transfer confirmations
  • VAT returns and FTA correspondence for the audit period
  • Loan agreements, lease contracts, and other material contracts
  • Details of related party transactions and balances

Indicative Audit Costs in Dubai

All figures are indicative estimates based on general market conditions and may vary depending on jurisdiction, business activity, service provider, and specific requirements. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Item Cost
Statutory audit — small company (turnover below AED 1 million) typically AED 3,000–6,000
Statutory audit — medium company (turnover AED 1–10 million) typically AED 6,000–15,000
Statutory audit — larger company (turnover above AED 10 million) typically AED 15,000 and above
Internal audit engagement from AED 5,000 depending on scope
Special purpose / due diligence audit from AED 5,000 depending on scope
Audit preparation and liaison service included in our accounting retainer or from AED 2,000 as a standalone

Statutory Audits

Annual financial statement audits by licensed auditors for free zone compliance, bank requirements, and corporate tax purposes.

Internal Audits

Review of internal controls, financial processes, and risk management to strengthen operations and identify weaknesses.

Compliance Audits

Sector-specific compliance reviews including AML/CFT requirements for regulated businesses in financial services, gold trading, and similar activities.

Due Diligence Reviews

Financial and operational due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and investment decisions.

Audit Preparation

Pre-audit review of your accounting records to ensure they meet audit standards before your external auditor is engaged.

Frequently asked questions

Is an audit mandatory for all Dubai companies?
Not universally — but most free zone companies are required to submit annual audited accounts as a condition of licence renewal. Mainland DED companies do not face a universal audit requirement, but banks and the FTA frequently expect audited accounts for credit applications and tax compliance. We advise based on your specific jurisdiction and circumstances.

Which free zones require audited accounts?
DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Healthcare City all require annual audited financial statements. Requirements vary by zone in terms of approved auditor lists, submission deadlines, and the format of accounts required. We have detailed knowledge of requirements across all major Dubai free zones.

How long does a statutory audit take?
A standard statutory audit for a small to medium company typically takes 2–4 weeks from when the auditor receives complete, well-organised records. Poor record-keeping or missing documents can extend this significantly. Our audit preparation service ensures your records are ready before the auditor starts, keeping the process efficient.

Can I choose my own auditor?
Most free zones maintain an approved list of auditors — your appointed auditor must be registered with the relevant zone authority. We work with several approved audit firms across the major free zones and can recommend a firm appropriate to your company's size and sector.

How do well-maintained accounts reduce audit costs?
Auditors charge for their time. If your accounting records are complete, reconciled, and IFRS-compliant when auditors begin, they can complete fieldwork in a fraction of the time compared to working through disorganised records. Investing in good monthly bookkeeping consistently results in a lower total annual accounting and audit cost.

Do I need a statutory audit for corporate tax filing?
UAE corporate tax does not universally mandate a statutory audit, but audited financial statements provide the strongest evidential basis for your tax return and significantly reduce the risk of queries or penalties from the FTA. For free zone companies claiming QFZP status, audited accounts are particularly important. Our accounting services maintain IFRS-compliant records throughout the year.

What is the difference between an internal audit and a statutory audit?
A statutory (external) audit is an independent examination by a licensed external auditor resulting in an audit opinion for regulatory or compliance purposes. An internal audit is a review of your internal processes, controls, and risk management conducted for management's benefit. Both serve different purposes and are not substitutes for each other.

How much does a company audit cost in Dubai?
Audit fees depend on the size, complexity, and quality of accounting records. Small companies with clean records can expect audit fees from approximately AED 3,000. Larger or more complex businesses will pay proportionately more. Maintaining clean monthly accounts throughout the year is the most effective way to control audit costs.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.