Audit Services in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Farahat & Co. is a leading audit firm in Abu Dhabi, providing audit services to businesses of all sizes across the UAE. While audits are often required by regulatory authorities, they also help businesses improve financial transparency, strengthen internal controls, and support better decision-making. Audited financial statements may also be required by banks, investors, and buyers when reviewing a business or supporting an important transaction.
Our audit services are tailored to each client’s reporting requirements and business structure. Through the review of financial statements, related records, and internal systems, we help identify irregularities early, improve reporting quality, and give management a clearer understanding of the company’s financial position. Our certified auditors follow applicable auditing standards and a structured approach to provide reliable reporting, practical observations, and support aligned with UAE compliance expectations.
How Our Abu Dhabi Audit Team Can Help
- Independent audit of financial statements as per applicable standards
- Review of internal controls, risk areas, and reporting gaps
- Audit support for regulatory, banking, and investor requirements
- Proper documentation and audit trail preparation
- Clear audit reports with practical observations for management
What is an Audit?
An audit in the UAE is an independent examination of a company’s financial records and statements. It helps confirm the accuracy of financial reporting and supports compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements. For many mainland and free zone companies, audited financial statements may be required by authorities, banks, investors, or as part of license renewal and business reporting obligations.
Types of Audit Services Offered in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Internal Audit (Operational Audit)
External Audit (Financial Audit)
Statutory Audit
Who Needs Audit Services in Abu Dhabi?
Audit services in Abu Dhabi are especially relevant for businesses in the following situations:
- Mainland LLCs operating under Abu Dhabi authorities
- Free zone companies in Abu Dhabi requiring audited financial statements for renewal
- SMEs applying for bank finance or seeking funding
- Corporate groups with complex internal control environments
- Businesses under VAT or Corporate Tax review
- Abu Dhabi companies planning liquidation or restructuring in the
Audit and Assurance Services in UAE
We provide different types of engagements to help build confidence in the financial information of a business:
Audit Engagements
The main objective of an audit engagement is to provide an opinion on the fairness of a company’s financial statements. Businesses often use audited financial statements for reporting to banks, shareholders, government authorities, and creditors.
Review Engagements
Potential investors, creditors, and banks may request a review of financial statements before investing in or completing a transaction with a business. In a review engagement, our auditors assess financial statements through inquiry, discussion, and analytical procedures and provide limited assurance in line with applicable standards.
Compilation Engagements
A compilation engagement involves assembling a company’s financial information into financial statements based on available records. This can be useful where businesses need professionally prepared financial statements for internal or external use.
Special Engagements
Some businesses require assurance on a specific financial or operational matter rather than a full review of the business as a whole. In such cases, we work closely with management to identify key areas for review, gather relevant information, and provide a focused and objective assessment.
Documents Required for an Audit
Company Registration Documents
- Valid trade license or certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Share certificates or shareholder register
Financial Records
- Bank statements for all company accounts for the full financial year
- Bank confirmation letters verifying balances, loans, and guarantees
- Trial balance and general ledger for the year
- Accounting ledgers for sales, purchases, payroll, and expenses
- Management accounts, including internal balance sheet and income statement
- Fixed asset register with depreciation schedules
Tax and Compliance Documents
- VAT registration certificate and VAT return filings
- Excise tax registration documents
- Corporate Tax registration details
Other Supporting Documents
- Lease agreement or tenancy contract for offices
- List of customers and suppliers
- Sales and purchase invoices
- Inventory records, if applicable
- Contracts and business agreements related to key transactions
- Financial statement notes and disclosures
- Payroll records and expense summaries
- Additional ledgers or schedules relevant to revenue recognition, lease accounting, or related-party transactions
Financial Statements Commonly Reviewed During an Audit
The following financial statements are commonly reviewed as part of an audit of company accounts:
- Balance Sheet
- Profit and Loss Statement
- Cash Flow Statement
- Annual Report
- Related financial statement disclosures and notes
A financial statement audit helps provide assurance that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Compliance & Regulatory Framework
Audit services should be aligned with:
- UAE financial reporting requirements
- VAT and Corporate Tax record accuracy expectations of the Federal Tax Authority
- Applicable international auditing standards
- Requirements of banks, free zones, and government authorities
A proper audit helps ensure that business records are ready for inspections, financial reviews, and reporting obligations.
Common Audit Mistakes & Risks
It is important for businesses to avoid common audit mistakes in order to complete the audit smoothly and maintain the credibility of financial reporting. These commonly include:
- Inadequate planning and failure to properly define scope and risk areas
- Missing documentation or poor record handling, making it difficult to support financial statements
- Weak internal controls that increase the risk of error or fraud
- Communication gaps with auditors that delay the audit process
- Failure to address previous audit observations, which may reflect weak governance
Why Choose Farahat & Co. for Audit Services in Abu Dhabi?
Since 1985, Farahat & Co. has been supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE with professional audit services. Our certified auditors and qualified professionals work closely with businesses to help maintain accurate financial records, strengthen reporting, and support compliance with applicable UAE requirements.
Our team’s experience covers a range of industries and business structures, allowing us to focus on key risk areas, internal control weaknesses, and reporting concerns that matter to management, regulators, banks, and investors. We take a practical and structured approach so that the audit process remains clear, manageable, and useful to the business.
If you would like to discuss your audit requirements in Abu Dhabi, our team will be glad to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a company conduct an audit in Abu Dhabi?
Audits are usually conducted annually, or as required by authorities, banks, investors, or licensing bodies.
Is an audit mandatory for all companies?
This depends on the license authority, business activity, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Can an audit help during VAT or Corporate Tax reviews?
Yes. A proper audit helps ensure that financial records are accurate and aligned with tax filings.
How long does an audit take?
It may take from a few weeks to over a month, depending on the size and complexity of the business.
Do free zone companies require audits?
Many free zones require audited financial statements for license renewal or ongoing compliance.