Read our insights

Getting started with decarbonisation requires moving from strategy to action. This article outlines five key steps: securing leadership buy-in, measuring emissions, setting credible targets, embedding carbon into core decisions, and building long-term capability. With tightening disclosure rules and UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 11/2024, organisations must act now to reduce risks and unlock value. Grant Thornton helps businesses integrate climate goals into operations and ensure compliance while driving efficiency and growth.

The UAE’s business landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation from an era when customs duties were the primary regulatory touchpoint to today’s sophisticated tax ecosystem. The next significant milestone is the rollout of e-invoicing - a move that signals not just a VAT-related change but a broader shift toward digitalisation and real-time tax transparency. This evolution underscores the UAE’s commitment to aligning with global best practices while challenging businesses to rethink their operational and technological readiness.

Discover how recent amendments to the UAE VAT Executive Regulations set the stage for the country’s e-invoicing mandate. Learn about key regulatory changes, industry implications, and how Grant Thornton UAE can help your business prepare for digital VAT compliance.

In 2023, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued its first two international IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS), IFRS S1 ‘General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information’ and IFRS S2 ‘Climate-related Disclosures’.

Grant Thornton International’s latest Women in Business research reveals that 44.6% of mid-market businesses globally now have a female CFO, marking a major step toward gender parity in finance leadership. This article explores the factors driving this shift—including macroeconomic disruptions and increased female participation in education—and how the rise of female CFOs can catalyze broader change across the C-suite. It highlights the potential for CFOs to mentor other women, influence boardroom dynamics, and transition into CEO roles, ultimately reshaping leadership across mid-market businesses.

Our strategic union marks a new chapter, as we now stand alongside New York, widely regarded as the asset management capital of the Western hemisphere; Cayman Islands, the funds capital of North America; Ireland, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, all funds capitals in Europe; the Channel Islands, the offshore financial services hub of Europe; and the Netherlands and Liechtenstein—both key financial centres in their own right. Read the full article to learn more:

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) continues to demonstrate a robust approach to regulation and supervision across the financial services sector in the UAE. Over the past twelve months, CBUAE enforcement actions have appeared in the headlines more frequently, sending a strong message to the market and emphasising the importance of compliance and consequences of non-compliance. Read the full article to learn more:

At a recent panel hosted by Grant Thornton UAE, “The 3 C’s of successful AML program remediation”, I had the privilege to moderate and explore with fellow panellists how LFIs can rise to the challenge with strategic intent and operational precision. The discussion brought together regulatory veterans, banking executives, and remediation experts to explore what truly drives success in AML compliance program remediation. The consensus? It’s not just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about building something better—with competence, clarity, and collaboration as the foundational elements. Read the full article to learn more:

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) recently issued guidance on Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) to inform taxpayers about its purpose, the circumstances under which it can be applied, the required documentation for submitting a MAP request, and the procedural steps involved.

The Ministry of Finance has announced significant updates to the existing Cabinet Decision in relation to Qualifying Investment Funds and Qualifying Limited Partnerships, with the release of Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 which has replaced Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023.

The transfer pricing provisions in the UAE Corporate tax law impose an obligation on UAE taxpayers to determine the pricing of related party transactions in accordance with the Arms’ Length Principle (‘ALP’). Failure to comply with the ALP will warrant Transfer Pricing (‘TP’) adjustments.

The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Public Clarification VATP040, which provides further guidance regarding specific amendments introduced by Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024 to the UAE VAT Executive Regulations.​ This alert does not encompass all amendments; rather, it focuses on the key clarifications issued by the FTA that present new interpretations or significant updates beyond prior knowledge. Read the article to learn more:

The GCC region is undergoing a major digital transformation in tax administration, with e-invoicing systems leading the way and the UAE is at the forefront of this change. Recently, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) released a Public Consultation paper on e-invoicing, with Grant Thornton actively participating to provide valuable feedback.

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’).

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.

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.