Sustainability is a team sport, but more and more companies in face of increasing regulatory compliance and stakeholder expectations are looking for someone to be the captain. While passion for the subject is often a common attribute of people in these roles, more traditional skills are equally if not more important for successful integration of sustainability into business as usual. Here we take a look at a selection of the components that can help make this role a success.
Services
We approach each audit with sharp thought, straight talk and common sense. In addition to verifying that financial results are fairly presented and meet...
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In-Country Value (ICV)
ICV certification guidance from Grant Thornton UAE—your partner in compliance, competitiveness and growth.
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Financial Reporting Advisory Services (FRAS)
Our team provides timely advice on the impact of accounting changes to assist businesses in the development of an appropriate implementation roadmap.
As your business grows, our advisory services are designed to help you achieve your goals. Successful growth often means navigating a complex array of...
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Consulting services
Unlock growth, drive transformation, and deliver measurable results. At Grant Thornton UAE, our consulting team partners with you to solve your most complex business challenges. We combine deep technical expertise, global frameworks, and local market insight to help you achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
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Business risk services
We assist in addressing risk in both proactive and responsive contexts. Our team can help you achieve the best balance between minimizing risk exposure, optimizing profitability and developing compliance review checklists. We deploy our diverse pool of controls professionals, compliance specialists, security professionals, and risk consultants to meet complex requirements.
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Regulatory Advisory Services
Grant Thornton UAE's extensive understanding of the overarching supervisory framework within the region equips our professionals to support financial institutions comply and abide by the set of regulatory mandates throughout the rapidly evolving ecosystem.
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Financial advisory
Grant Thornton UAE works with organisations on transactions from start to finish, assisting with strategy, identifying risks, executing deals, and helping to unlock their potential for growth and value creation.
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Technology Advisory & Cybersecurity
IT and technology are fundamental to drive the performance of businesses. Through leveraging the power of technology, Grant Thornton UAE helps organisations define and identify growth opportunities to achieve value-driven transformation and innovation.
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Forensics
Fraud and corruption pose a growing challenge worldwide. As the commercial landscape changes, an increasingly regulated environment requires stringent governance and compliance processes. Grant Thornton UAE helps organisations navigate challenges and crisis with a hands-on approach coupled with the use of technology.
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ESG Services
The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda has gained significant traction over the years, to become one of the key strategic aspects of any business. It is imperative that all organisations, irrespective of industry sector, engage with their stakeholders and prioritise ESG practices to unlock sustainable growth opportunities.
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Business Process Solutions
Our team at Grant Thornton offers comprehensive and cost effective outsourced solutions, enabling stakeholders and business owners to focus on their core business goals.
Tax policy reforms and the introduction of new tax regulations across the GCC are creating huge challenges for organisations. Grant Thornton UAE offers a...
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Corporate Tax
Our diversified team of corporate tax subject matter experts combines a perfect blend of international experience across several industry sectors, technical expertise, and commercial nuances with a commitment to deliver exceptional value to your business.
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VAT
The VAT team at Grant Thornton is well versed with the VAT Laws applicable across the region and holds valuable experience and professional accreditation in assisting clients across diverse industries to comply with the VAT obligations.
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Transfer Pricing
Grant Thornton UAE assists its clients in providing transfer pricing solutions that are implementable and operational, considering the facts and concerns of its clients.
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International Tax and Tax Due Diligence
Grant Thornton UAE supports multinational groups to optimise their tax structures. We can also assist businesses in analysing existing group transactions and inter-group supplies, as well as advising on potential implications of various taxes to facilitate an efficient Group tax structure.
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Economic Substance Requirements
Economic Substance rules were introduced in the UAE in 2019, requiring UAE businesses that undertake certain ‘Relevant Activities’ to maintain and demonstrate adequate substance.
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Customs and International Trade
The team at Grant Thornton is positioned centrally to assist the businesses with global cross-border tax structuring, planning and compliance needs.
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Excise Tax
We provide Excise Tax related advisory and compliance services to the producer, importer, and the storekeeper of excisable goods
Helping Chinese businesses navigate the Middle East with strategic advice on partnerships, market entry and cross-border operations, backed by deep regional...
Supporting high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses of Indian origin with tailored guidance on market entry, regulatory compliance and...
The sustainability scene
Sustainability isn’t slowing down. It’s speeding up.
In a year marked by political pushback and regulatory rollbacks globally, many expected businesses to retreat from sustainability. But our International Business Report (IBR) data tells a different story for the UAE.
Sustainability is embedded at the core of UAE mid-market businesses — they see it as a path to growth, not a compliance burden. Our latest report explores how the mid-market is driving a more sustainable planet through continued investment and a clear strategic drive to make a change.
44%
Investment
of UAE mid-market firms plan to increase their sustainability investment in 2025
51%
Profitability
believe sustainability will increase long-term profitability
47%
Commitment
remain committed to sustainability and don’t intend to alter plans
Agility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mid-market isn’t just a function of size — it’s amplified by the nature of doing business here. The UAE offers a streamlined regulatory landscape, forward-thinking infrastructure, and a culture of innovation that enables firms to evolve quickly and confidently.
This environment empowers mid-sized businesses to experiment, adapt, and lead on sustainability without being bogged down by bureaucracy. It’s a place where bold ideas can be tested and scaled, making the UAE an ideal launchpad for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) driven growth.
Samer Hijazi
Partner, Audit, Grant Thornton UAE
The introduction of new federal UAE sustainability regulations has created a unique landscape for mid-market firms. These regulations, while imposing certain requirements, also provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance their sustainability practices. By complying with these regulations, firms can focus on creating high-quality, business-relevant reports that not only meet regulatory standards but also support their growth and expansion into new territories.
Kabir Dhawan
Partner, Advisory, Grant Thornton UAE
Building for the future
Sustainability is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise for UAE firms — it’s a business imperative.
Our data shows that UAE businesses are using sustainability to drive efficiency, open markets internationally and build real business resilience. By investing responsibly — and with a purpose — the mid-market is demonstrating how to create a sustainable global economy that’s not only good for business now, but fit for the future.
Read on to discover the path the mid-market is taking to reframe the sustainability story, both in the UAE and on the global stage.
1.
Sustainability: The path to growth
In a year defined by economic uncertainty and political pushback, mid-market firms are defying expectations. Our report explores how sustainability has become a strategic lever for growth, helping businesses outperform competitors and build long-term value.
2.
Keeping a cool head in a heated world
With shifting regulations and rising scepticism, many expected sustainability reporting to stall. Instead, mid-market firms are doubling down. We reveal how reporting is evolving into a tool for resilience, purpose and performance.
3.
A regulatory reset creates opportunities
Regulatory reform isn’t slowing the mid-market — it’s unlocking new possibilities. Our IBR data shows how businesses are using relaxed regulatory mandates to align sustainability with strategy, expand globally and take ownership of their journey.
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Where next for mid-market sustainability?
Sustainability isn’t without its challenges. But mid-market firms are reframing barriers as strategic questions — and finding answers. We explore how businesses are navigating cost, complexity and uncertainty to build lasting advantage.
Ready to scale sustainability?
Download the full UAE report now to see how mid-market firms are building momentum and shaping the future of sustainable business.
Learn more about our sustainability insights
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Sustainability: a team sport that needs a captain
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPORT
Navigating tariffs: Maintaining mid-market resilience amid ongoing uncertainty
In a new Grant Thornton series on trending international insights, we examine the wider impact of tariffs on the mid-market, where a dip in market confidence at the start of 2025 was just the start of more to come. The global economy may suffer further as trade tensions and uncertainty persist, but if there’s a silver lining, its likely to be found in the mid-market – the most resilient and opportunistic segment of the business landscape.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPORT
Trade in transition: Opportunity in a ‘wait and see’ world
In the next edition of Grant Thornton’s series on trending international insights, we examine how a shifting economic landscape can offer the mid-market an opportunity to grow while their larger counterparts opt to ‘wait and see.’ Our report highlights key trends such as digital trade, supply chain resilience, shifting trade agreements, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on international commerce.
