Compliance Audit
Verifying adherence to regulations and industry standards.
AM Audit (Abdulla Al Mulla Auditing & Accounting) provides independent external audit services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Our CPA-led team audits mainland, free zone and ADGM companies under International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and IFRS, and issues the signed auditor’s report you need for Corporate Tax, licence renewal, banks and investors. As an Emirati-owned firm with more than 10 years of audit experience, we work with SMEs, family businesses, startups and groups. AM Audit is registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy as a licensed audit firm and is an approved auditor in most Dubai and Abu Dhabi free zones, including DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, ADGM and KEZAD, so your audited financial statements are accepted for licence renewal.
An external audit is an independent examination of a company’s financial statements by a licensed auditor who is not part of the business. The auditor tests the records and issues an opinion on whether the statements give a true and fair view under IFRS. That signed opinion is what authorities, banks and investors rely on.
An external audit is also called a statutory audit or financial audit. It differs from an internal audit, which a company runs for itself to test its own controls. See our internal audit services internal audit services for that.
Yes, for most companies. UAE companies may need audited financial statements under three separate rules: company law, free zone regulations and Corporate Tax. If any one of them applies to you, you need an annual external audit.
Even when no law requires it, banks, investors and buyers usually ask for audited accounts before lending, investing or acquiring.
Who | Audit required? | Basis |
|---|---|---|
Mainland companies (e.g. LLCs) | Yes, annually | Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies |
Free zone companies (FZE, FZCO, FZ-LLC) | Usually yes, for licence renewal | Each free zone authority’s regulations (e.g. JAFZA, DAFZA, DSO, DWC, DMCC) |
Taxable persons with revenue above AED 50 million | Yes | Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 |
Qualifying Free Zone Persons (0% Corporate Tax rate) | Yes, at any revenue | Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 |
Tax Groups | Yes, audited special purpose financial statements | Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 and FTA Decision No. 7 of 2025 |
ADGM and DIFC entities | Yes, in most cases | ADGM and DIFC company regulations |
For tax periods starting on or after 1 January 2025, Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 requires audited financial statements from three groups: taxable persons with revenue above AED 50 million, all Qualifying Free Zone Persons regardless of revenue, and all Tax Groups. It replaced Ministerial Decision No. 82 of 2023.
A Qualifying Free Zone Person that does not maintain audited financial statements puts its 0% Corporate Tax rate at risk. Our Corporate Tax team works alongside the audit team so your audited figures and tax return match.
External audit services in Dubai are used by companies that must file audited accounts and by those that choose to for credibility. Typical clients include:
Every AM Audit engagement follows International Standards on Auditing (ISA). A typical external audit runs in six stages:
Having these ready before fieldwork starts is the single biggest factor in how quickly the audit finishes:
Investors and acquirers rely on audited financial statements before they commit capital. We audit companies preparing for funding rounds, joint ventures and acquisitions, and give investors an independent view of revenue, assets and liabilities. Where a deeper review is needed, we combine the audit with due diligence or forensic accounting.
External audit fees in Dubai depend on the work involved, not a fixed price list. The main factors are annual revenue and transaction volume, the number of entities or branches, the state of your bookkeeping, inventory and industry complexity, and your deadline. We quote a fixed fee after a short review of your records.
The right external audit firm in Dubai is one that is approved where you are licensed and understands your industry. Check four things before appointing an auditor:
Accuracy and Reliability: We ensure that your financial statements accurately represent your business’s financial health.
Regulatory Compliance: Our audits align with relevant regulations, giving stakeholders confidence in your reporting.
Strategic Insights: Our thorough analysis provides insights for informed decision-making and future planning.
Transparent Communication: We communicate findings clearly, fostering trust among stakeholders.
CPA-led and Emirati-owned, with more than 10 years of audit experience in the UAE.
ISA and IFRS compliant work, accepted by authorities, banks and investors.
Audit and tax in one firm, so your audited accounts and Corporate Tax return are consistent.
Offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and ADGM, serving clients across all seven emirates.
Practical management letters that improve your controls, not just a signed report.
Reach out to us to discuss your External Audit Services in UAE needs
Share relevant information about your business and industry
Our experts will design a tailored plan and initiate the process
An external audit is an independent examination of a company’s financial statements by a licensed auditor who is not part of the business. The auditor tests the records and issues an opinion on whether the statements give a true and fair view under IFRS.
An audit carried out under International Standards on Auditing (ISA), the global standards issued by the IAASB. UAE authorities, banks and investors expect audits to follow ISA.
Possibly. The AED 50 million threshold applies only to Corporate Tax. Company law, your free zone authority, a Tax Group membership or Qualifying Free Zone Person status can still require an audit at any revenue level.
Most Dubai and Abu Dhabi free zones require audited financial statements to renew a trade licence. Qualifying Free Zone Persons must also keep audited financial statements under Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 to keep their 0% Corporate Tax rate.
An external audit is performed by an independent licensed auditor and ends in a signed opinion on your financial statements. An internal audit is run by or for management to test internal controls and processes. External audits are often mandatory; internal audits usually are not.
A free zone company may be unable to renew its licence, a Qualifying Free Zone Person risks losing its 0% Corporate Tax rate, and banks or investors may decline to proceed. Penalties also apply under tax law for failing to keep required records.
Verifying adherence to regulations and industry standards.
Implementing International Financial Reporting Standards
Ensure regulatory compliance and optimize inventory with expert audit and control services in Dubai, UAE. Accurate, efficient, and reliable.
Independent assessment of your organization’s internal controls
Expert analysis to uncover financial irregularities
Tailored solutions for sustaining family-owned enterprises
Accurate assessment of sales processes and performance
Approved Audit Firm for Police Report in UAE
