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This checklist, developed by Grant Thornton UAE and based on ThoughtLab’s AI maturity framework, guides asset and wealth management leaders through seven pragmatic steps to advance AI maturity. Covering strategy, innovation culture, IT platforms, talent, advanced tools, data management, and governance, the article addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for UAE and GCC firms. It highlights the importance of aligning AI adoption with business goals, regulatory requirements, and local market realities, empowering organisations to move from pilots to enterprise-wide transformation and realise tangible ROI from AI investments.

Grant Thornton UAE’s latest insights reveal how asset managers in the UAE and GCC can move beyond compliance and use data as a growth engine. The article outlines three key strategies: building a single, trusted data environment, applying AI to drive revenue, and personalising the investor experience. With a focus on local market drivers such as regulatory change and high mobile adoption, GTUAE experts explain how firms can optimise existing systems, upskill teams, and deliver better outcomes for clients.

The Discovery series 2025 highlights how women are driving change in the UAE’s financial services sector. Featuring key data, sector ambitions, and interviews with senior leaders in risk, audit, and compliance, this report offers insights into diversity, governance, and the future of finance.

2025 ICFR Benchmark Survey for UAE insurance sector: universal ICFR adoption, third-party risk management, resource gaps, spreadsheet reliance, and practical steps for audit readiness. Data-driven insights and roadmap for resilience from Grant Thornton UAE.

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.

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 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).

This study evaluates banks' procurement practices exploring amongst other: governance practices, automation levels and risk management effectiveness of the procurement function.

Following the UAE’s Mutual Evaluation, The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and it’s MENA chapter placed the UAE on the list of “Jurisdictions Under Increasing Monitoring” or the “Grey List” in March 2022.

Spurred on by government initiatives and the emergence from COVID-19, the GCC IPO markets are now seeing unprecedented levels of activity, captivating institutional and retail investors alike.

VAT in the UAE approaches its 5th birthday on 1 January 2023 – but what’s next for VAT and the wider tax landscape?

The logistics sector within the MENA region is well-positioned to benefit from post-COVID 19 economic recovery. Our team of subject matter experts provide a global and regional economic outlook and give insights into what the logistics sector can expect in 2022 in our latest Logistics Sector Focus.

Despite a difficult climate due to the pandemic across geographies and industries, Grant Thornton sees signs of optimism in both the resilience of the MENA markets and a strong recovery in economic and transactional activity.

Grant Thornton UAE is pleased to present our annual Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Benchmarking survey regarding compliance with UAE Insurance Authority Circular No. 21 of 2019 in the UAE Insurance Industry.

The disappearance of LIBOR will not only impact UK but it is expected to have worldwide repercussions

The DEWS (DIFC Employee Workplace Savings) Plan is a progressive End-of-service Benefit Plan introduced within the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to restructure the current End-of-service Gratuity Plan into a funded and professionally managed Defined Contribution Plan.