Grant Thornton UAE works directly with globally mobile families who have capital, operating businesses, and long horizons. This article is not a defense or an assessment of the UAE. It is an assessment of the risks and opportunities that exist within the UAE for families with serious capital. In this article, I will be clear about where risk exists. But I will also be clear about what the data shows, how future-focused families typically respond in periods of uncertainty, and why I believe that for families with a genuine long-term horizon, this is a compelling time to establish a meaningful presence in the UAE.
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The CRO role is expanding from regulatory compliance to strategic influence, with AI reshaping how risk is identified, measured, and governed. This article explores how the mandate is evolving and why governance is the defining challenge for risk leaders.
Contract value is often lost after signature. This article explores how Internal Audit strengthens post-award oversight to protect value, improve cost efficiency, and ensure contracts deliver as intended.
Recent insights
On 3 March 2025, the Federal Tax Authority (‘FTA’) published FTA Decision No. 2 of 2025 on FTA Policy for Issuance of Clarifications and Directives (‘Decision’). This Decision is effective from 1 March 2025. In Section IV (3) of the Decision, a mechanism was provided for issuing directives through unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (‘APAs’).
We hosted an insightful webinar on tax governance and risk management in the evolving UAE tax landscape. Our session covered critical topics such as tax governance frameworks, strategic tax policy development, compliance and reporting, transfer pricing, and VAT procedures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts during our interactive Q&A session, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the new tax era.
The Women in Business project has explored what helps, and what hinders, women in the workplace through a period that’s offered plenty of challenge. Global mid-market companies have navigated the financial crisis of 2007-08, worked through the pandemic and currently contend with the impact of geopolitical tension and conflict.
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program is a UAE government initiative aimed at generating economic benefits through redirecting government procurement expenditures and those of leading national companies to the UAE economy through the industrial and services sectors. It encompasses the total amount spent within the country on manufacturing, local products and services, and other national investments.
In our February 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
The amendments emphasise the need for public joint stock companies to establish comprehensive internal control and risk management systems that align with global standards, particularly the COSO framework, tailored to their size, nature, and operational complexity. To learn more on what steps to take for compliance, read our report:
We hosted an insightful webinar on tax governance and risk management in the evolving UAE tax landscape. Our session covered critical topics such as tax governance frameworks, strategic tax policy development, compliance and reporting, transfer pricing, and VAT procedures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts during our interactive Q&A session, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the new tax era.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has issued the Public Consultation Document (PCD) on e-invoicing, marking a major milestone in the UAE's digital transformation. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback by February 27, 2025. Read our detailed article to understand the full impact of the PCD and learn how to prepare your business for e-invoicing.
We are pleased to share the latest edition of our quarterly F&B publication, offering insights into the economic outlook and key trends in the regional F&B sector for 2025 and beyond.
In our January 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) VAT Executive Regulations (VAT ER) came into effect on 15 November 2024 and will significantly impact businesses across industries. Specific amendments were made relating to input tax apportionment and these will be crucial for businesses engaged in providing exempt supplies in the UAE.
The ISSB was launched by the IFRS Foundation at COP26 with the aim of improving the consistency and quality of sustainability reporting across the globe, by matching the importance of sustainability reporting with the current regulations around financial reporting. To reinforce this message, the ISSB sits alongside the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and is overseen by the trustees of the IFRS Foundation and the Monitoring board.
We hope you find this update useful, for any further inquiries please reach out to the team listed within the article or the webpage.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched the Standard Re. Shari’ah Compliance Function (SCF) to enhance the Islamic Finance regulatory framework. This standard sets clear expectations for Shari’ah compliance, including establishing an independent function, differentiating roles, and creating an annual compliance plan.
In our December 2024 edition of GT’s regional monthly Tax Newsletter, we provide the latest Tax news updates affecting International Tax, Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Indirect Taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
The UAE Accountability Authority (UAEAA) has issued Resolution No. (154) of 2024, mandating compliance with new auditor appointment rules as outlined in Federal Law No. (56) of 2023, and Resolution No. (159) of 2024, mandating Internal Audit Rules for UAEAA subject entities. These rules, effective immediately, align closely with the standards set by the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA).