Financial transparency and compliance has always been of critical importance in the Fast-evolving business landscape of Dubai. Partnering with a professional audit firm is always a good idea when it comes to ensuring compliance with the fast changing laws of the business in UAE. Farahat & Co. is one company that is aware of the special issues businesses face in the UAE.
We aim at assisting the companies to maneuver through the regulations of UAE, to be compliant with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and to be financially upright in every part of their operations. So, whether you are a startup, a multinational company of you have an existing business, financial audit and internal controls are a must to check for.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
How To Select Best Audit Farm IN Dubai?
Audit firms are not created equal. When choosing a firm, take into consideration:
➔Skills and Background: Make sure that they have had experience in dealing with your kind of business be it a start up, SME or a multinational firm.
➔Industry Knowledge: Professionals that are conversant with your industry are aware of the issues and compliance needs that are particular to your industry.
➔Customized Services: A company is supposed to provide business specific solutions as opposed to generic packages.
Regulatory Compliance: Enforce that the firm maintains a high level of compliance to the regulatory standards in the UAE and global accounting standards.
Risk Management: Good audit firms take the initiative of identifying risks and offering solutions to reduce them. We identify local knowledge and global best practices in Farahat & Co., to ensure that the business reduces risk, ensures compliance, and makes informed financial decision making.
Why Auditing is Essential for Businesses in the Dubai ?
The regulatory environment of the UAE is strict and when your business is the subject of appropriate auditing, you will be guaranteed protection. With the help of an experienced audit firm, you are assisted in:
➔ Comply with the requirements of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and other local regulations.
➔ Carry out proper financial audits to ascertain accounts and statements.
➔ Enhance internal controls as a way of reducing risk.
➔ Make sure that there is transparency of financials to increase investor and stakeholder confidence.
➔ Automate the accounting processes to conserve resources and time.
Whether it is a startup or an international corporation, professional auditors are available to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with the intricacies of business work in the city of Dubai.


What are the Services that the leading auditing firms provide ?
It is a fact that the major audit companies such as Farahat & Co. offer customized services to their clients according to the specific needs of the client. These include:
- Financial Audits: Making sure that your financial statements are prepared in accordance with the IFRS and are presented as your real business.
- Internal Controls Assessment: This is the assessment of the systems and processes to avoid errors or fraud.
- Tax Compliance Support: FTA reporting and VAT compliance.
- Accounting Services: Ranging between the bookkeeping services and the financial reporting services, the smooth running of business.
- Consulting Services: Expert advice to enhance performance, risk, and operations.
Hiring the appropriate audit firm does not just start and finish with compliance, but is also a positive move towards a sustainable business growth.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
Here Is the List of Top 10 Audit Firms in Dubai, UAE
- Farahat & Co
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- Binder Dijker Otte
- Ernst & Young Global Limited
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Grant Thornton
- Baker Tilly
- Crowe Horwath Chartered Accountants
- A&A Associate LLC


Key Highlights of Top Audit Firms in Dubai, UAE
This table lists top audit firms in Dubai, detailing their year established, key services offered, and unique distinguishing features.
| Audit Firm | Year Established | Key Services | Unique Features |
| Farahat & Co | 1985 | Auditing, VAT consulting, excise tax, accounting, corporate tax advisory, company liquidation | Deep UAE market knowledge, strategic and tailored solutions, high-quality and timely services |
| Deloitte | 1845 | Audit, taxation, financial advisory | One of the Big 4, offers statutory, operational, compliance, and financial audits |
| KPMG | 1987 | Audit, advisory, taxation (local and international), consultancy | Operates in 155 countries; expertise in financial, healthcare, infrastructure, industrial, and technology |
| BDO (Binder Dijker Otte) | 1963 | Accounting and auditing | Presence in 162 countries, innovation, adaptable approach |
| Ernst & Young (EY) | 1903 | Audit, assurance, transactions, advisory | 61+ partners, 1106 employees in Dubai; values of respect, integrity, and professionalism |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) | 1998 | Audit, assurance, financial advisory, tech-powered experiences | Bold ideas, human-centric solutions, second-largest professional services network |
| Grant Thornton | Audit, accounting, advisory | Ranked 7th-largest globally; focus on quality, innovation, and expertise | |
| Baker Tilly | Assurance, advisory, consultancy | Network of 30 offices in the Middle East and Africa, accessibility and reliability | |
| Crowe Horwath Chartered Accountants | Audit, tax services, consulting | Builds long-standing client relationships | |
| A&A Associate LLC | Audit, tax, business consultancy | Personalized solutions for clients; top 10 audit firms in UAE |
1.Farahat & Co
Established in 1985, Farahat & Co has earned an immense reputation as a leading audit firm in Dubai. With expertise spanning a wide range of services including auditing, VAT consulting, excise tax, accounting, corporate tax advisory, and company liquidation, our team brings in-depth knowledge of the UAE market. We are committed to offering strategic and tailored insights that deliver results that meet your unique business needs.
At Farahat & Co., we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, timely services and solutions.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
2. Deloitte
Founded as early as 1845 in London (UK), Deloitte is highly recognized and is regarded as one of the big 4 internal and external audit firms. It provides trustworthy services such as audit, taxation, and financial advisory. It is one of the biggest audit companies and the biggest recruiter of finance professionals.
The following are the types of audits Deloitte provides to its clients:
- Statutory audits, special purpose, and limited scope audits
- Operational audits
- Financial investigation and restructuring assistance
- Review
- Compliance auditing
3. KPMG
Founded in 1987, KPMG is yet another audit firm with an outstanding brand image amongst customers. It has a wide base for providing services to 155 countries and includes versatility in its divisions from auditing, advisory, and taxation (both local and international) to consultancy services.
KPMG has carried out audits for a multitude of sectors such as:
- Financial
- Government, healthcare, and infrastructure
- Industrial and consumer markets
- Technology, telecommunications, and media
4. BDO (Binder Dijker Otte)
Since 1963, BDO has been considered the best audit firm consisting of a wide client base from 162 countries worldwide. With its expertise, certified auditing team, innovation, and adaptable approach, it aims to consistently provide its clients with the best growth in the competitive market of UAE with its accounting and auditing services.
5. Ernst & Young (EY)
EY is a global leader in audit, assurance, transactions, and advisory services. With a large team of 61+ partners and 1106 employees in Dubai from diverse cultures, EY conducts business keeping in mind its values of respect, work integrity, and professionalism.
6. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC)
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) is considered one of the Big 4 audit firms, from Deloitte, KPMG, and EY. It operates under the PWC brand and currently ranks as the second-largest professional network services firm.
It prides itself on its philosophy of delivering bold ideas, human-centric solutions, and tech-powered experiences that deliver lasting results to organizations, customers, and communities.
7. Grant Thornton
An American member organization of Grant Thornton International, Grant Thornton is currently ranked as the seventh-largest accounting, audit, and advisory firm in the world.
Its objective is simple- delivering quality, innovation, and expertise that clients all over the world can rely on.
8. Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly is a well-respected professional audit firm based in Dubai, known for its comprehensive range of services. Their offerings include assurance, advisory, and consultancy services, catering to a wide array of client needs. What sets Baker Tilly apart is not just the quality of their services but also their extensive presence.
With a network of 30 offices spread across the Middle East and Africa, they have built a strong reputation for accessibility and reliability. This widespread footprint allows them to serve clients in diverse regions, ensuring that they are always close by, no matter how far away.
9. Crowe Horwath Chartered Accountants
Crowe Horwath is a recognized name amongst top audit firms in Dubai, UAE. They offer an extensive range of services such as;
- Audit
- Top-notch Tax services
- Consulting
It mainly focuses on building long-standing associations with clients that enhance their status among the top audit firms in Dubai, UAE.
10. A&A Associate LLC
A&A Associate LLC is one of the best audit firms in Dubai, UAE. They offer several services such as;
- Audit
- Tax
- Business Consultancy
Their commitment to fulfilling client needs and providing personalized solutions ranks them among the top 10 audit firms in the UAE.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
Which Industry Is Mandatory for Audit Services in Dubai?
Certain industries in Dubai must go through the auditing services. It is due to the regulatory, legal, or stakeholder requirements.
- Financial Sector: Banks, insurance companies, and financial service firms must regularly be audited. The Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority are mainly involved in it.
- Real Estate: Auditing must be done by developers, property management companies, owners’ associations and escrow account agents. These agents must fall under RERA and DLD guidelines.
- Listed Companies: Companies that are listed on the stock exchange, such as the Dubai Financial Market, must have audited financial statements.
- Free-Zone Entities: The industry that is within DIFC, regulated by DFSA or under DDA, must do auditing for license or regulatory reporting
- Government-Related Entities: Public funds, government-owned entities, and other government bodies must perform auditing under the Financial Audit Authority.
Why Should You Choose Top Audit Firms for Your Business?
There are different advantages of choosing top audit firms:
- Credibility & Trust: Top audit firms like Big 4 help you to win the confidence of the stakeholders.
- Technical Expertise: These experienced firms understand IFRS, local accounting standards, along with required industry regulations.
- Risk Management: They provide risk-based audit and management letters. This helps you to identify and minimise the business risk.
- Value-added Advice: Not only audit, but they also provide tax planning, business process improvement, forensic accounting, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
- Scalability & Global Reach: If you have international operations, a top audit firm allows you to work with cross-border expertise and global networks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Working with top auditors like CA firms in the UAE allows for compliance with approved auditors in the UAE. This helps in license extension for mainland and free zone companies.
Choose the Right Auditors in Dubai
Following are the major factors that each business should consider before finalizing its auditing partner. Explained in simple, helpful language.
Qualifications of the Audit Professionals
Work only with auditors who hold internationally recognized certifications such as
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
These qualifications ensure that the auditor understands IFRS, UAE regulations, and global auditing standards.
Registration and Licensing
The audit firms should be registered auditors in Dubai and need to be approved by the DED or by the relevant free zone authorities.
A licensed auditor ensures that your reports are accepted by banks, investors, and government bodies.
Experience with your business structure
Choose a firm experienced in the type of company you operate:
- Mainland DED companies
- DMCC, DAFZA, JAFZA entities
- Offshore companies
- SME enterprises
- corporate groups
Industry experience ensures that audit work is accurate and in compliance.
Utilization of Modern Auditing Tools
Advanced auditing technologies, automation tools, and digital working papers are being used by the leading audit companies in Dubai.
It increases accuracy, reduces manual errors, and speeds up the timeline in auditing.
Communication Style & Reporting Quality
The audit report should be:
- Clear
- Action-oriented
- Easy to understand
- Delivered on time
A good auditing firm needs to maintain clear communication, regular updates, and professional advisory support.
Fee Structure and Contract Terms
Reliable auditors will have straightforward pricing with no hidden costs.
Firms that offer very cheap audits are to be avoided, as they always compromise either on quality or on compliance.
Advisory Services Added
Most companies in Dubai would prefer companies offering additional services such as:
- Consultation on VAT
- Consultation on company taxes
- Risk management
- Accounting support
This grants continuity and accuracy to all functions of finance.
Audit Firms Ranking in Dubai, 2025: Key Evaluation Criteria
Most “rankings” differ online because there’s no single government-issued list.
However, the auditing industry commonly grades firms on the basis of the following standardized and transparent criteria:
Regulatory Compliance & Approvals
Top companies continuously comply with:
- UAE Ministry of Economy requirements
- Free zone approvals: DMCC, DAFZA, JAFZA
- Local auditor registration rules
Those firms that fail compliance cannot be ranked at the top.
Audit Quality & Technical Expertise
Key quality indicators:
- Experience with IFRS
- Strong internal review procedures
- Ability to conduct complex audits: groups, multinationals, consolidation.
- Expertise in the following industries: real estate, construction, trading, healthcare, retail, and technology.
Technological Capability
High-ranking firms apply:
- Automated audit tools
- Data analytics
- Digital evidence collection
- Cloud audit software
Technology enhances audit quality by reducing human errors.
Ethical Standards & Independence
Reliable firms have:
- Strict independence rules
- No conflict of interest.
- Transparent fee structure
- Confidentiality guarantees
It is good ethics that ensure trustworthiness.
Risk Management Practices
Strong internal controls of risk reduce
- Auditing errors
- Legal exposure
- Misstatements
- Reputation risks
This is a major ranking factor globally, and also within the UAE.
Customer Retention & Reputation
Rankings are based on:
- Long-term client relationships
- Corporate and SME customer feedback
- Online and offline testimonials
- Referrals from banks, lenders, and governments
High retention = reliable performance.
Industry-Specific Teams
Large auditing firms have separate teams for different industries including:
- Free Zone companies
- Retail
- Contracting
- Logistics
- Hospitality
- Professional services
Industry knowledge ensures relevant and effective audits.
Scope of Services
With full-scope capability, extended service firm offerings in tax, advisory, accounting, and VAT receive more favorable ratings.
Why Should You Need a Registered Audit Firm?
- Following the Law: Working with registered auditors helps you follow the rules and report what the UAE authorities want you to do.
- Financial Accuracy and Openness: If you hire an approved auditor, it will be easier to keep your finances accurate and build trust.
- Regulatory Reporting: Banks, free zones, and real estate trusts receive the financial statements that the registered firm gives them.
- Risk Management: It is easy to identify the weaknesses, inefficiencies, and potential fraud with the help of registered firms.
- Business Reputation & Investor Confidence: If you hire registered audit firms, your clients will trust your company.
- Legal Penalties: An unregistered auditor could harm your company’s reputation. You would have to pay fines, and suspension of the license can also happen. Based on the Commercial Companies Federal Law No. 32, you aren’t allowed to renew your business license either.
- Corporate Governance: Auditing services provided by registered firms strengthen the governance structure and also help in better decision-making.
Comparing the Top Audit Firms: Farahat & Co. Vs Others
Here’s a comparison table showing how Farahat & Co stacks up against other top audit firms in Dubai.
| Feature | Farahat & Co | Other Top Audit Firms (e.g., Big 4, Grant Thornton, BDO) |
|---|---|---|
| Services Offered | We offer services like audit & assurance, VAT consulting, corporate tax advisory, company liquidation, and accounting. | Statutory audit, internal audit, risk advisory, tax advisory, M&A, data analytics. |
| Experience & Industry Focus | It is a local firm with a deep understanding of the UAE market and freezone and mainland SMEs | They have a global presence, expertise across financial services, real estate, health care, etc. |
| Pricing Tier | The pricing remains at mid to high levels with competitive local rates and customised services. | The price remains on the higher side with global reach. |
| Client Reviews & Reputation | It is well established in the UAE market with trust from local businesses. | Big Four firms are globally recognized; mid-tier firms are praised for client-centric services. |
| Years of Service | Since 1985, decades of local presence. | Big Four: historically global firms; other regional players also have long track records. |
What is the Benefits of Hiring an Audit Firm ?
- Accounting audits are an integral aspect to consider for a business to conduct both locally and internationally. Getting an audit from top audit firms in Dubai can provide you with the necessary know-how and oversight on your company’s financial position as well as help to convince potential partners and shareholders.
- Dubai is one of the most dynamic and diverse business hubs in the world, attracting investors and entrepreneurs from various sectors and industries. With its strategic location, tax-free environment, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai offers a conducive and competitive platform for business growth and development
- A fundamental legal requirement for businesses in the UAE is the auditing of accounts and the strong maintenance of finances. To meet this need, a large number of options are available although merely choosing one based on brand recognition is common and oftentimes the number 1 mistake companies make.
Why Choose Farahat & Co for Audit Services in Dubai?
Farahat & Co. is licensed by the Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates and fully complies with Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 and Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 related to Commercial Companies.
The team is comprised of highly experienced Chartered Accountants, CPAs, and certified professionals trained in the delivery of quality statutory audits, external audits, internal audits, forensic audits, tax audits, VAT audits, and many others.
We are committed to International Financial Reporting Standards, ensuring each report is accurate, compliant, and accepted by:
- Banks
- Government agencies
- Investors
- Free zones authorities
- DED
Farahat & Co.’s advisory support encompasses:
- Corporate taxes
- VAT compliance
- Strata auditing
- Sales auditing
- Business setup
- Internal Control Enhancement
- Assessment of Financial Health
What Auditing services do Farahat & Co provide?


The leading and reputable audit firm that provides a wide range of auditing services to meet the needs and expectations of our clients. Our auditing services include:
1. Statutory Audit
For some organizations, such as publicly listed companies, banks, insurance companies, and governments, a statutory audit is an audit that is required by law or regulation of the nation. A Statutory Audit must be conducted regularly by UAE public sector enterprises to verify compliance with government rules.
An appointed Statutory Auditing company in the UAE is required to audit the financial records of all government agencies.
2. Internal Audit
For your company to function smoothly, Farahat & Co. offers internal audit services in the UAE. These services identify inefficiencies at every stage of operation and propose strategies for risk reduction so that the organization may overcome obstacles and achieve its objectives.
Our internal auditing team can provide personalized solutions that will add strategic value to your company.
Our accounting company, which is among the top internal audit companies in the United Arab Emirates, provides innovative solutions to ensure that your corporate audits go perfectly.
3. External Audit
When an external auditing team is chosen either voluntarily by the company or by a third party—a creditor, client, regulator, or other—they carry out an external audit. To guarantee and validate the accuracy and validity of the information, data, or procedures used by the organization, an external audit is performed.
4. Forensic Audit
Examining and assessing a company’s or person’s financial or accounting records is called a forensic audit. An auditor looks for evidence conducting a forensic audit that may be presented in court. The purpose of a forensic audit is to find evidence of illegal activity like misappropriation or fraud.
5. Tax Audit
One of the Top audit firms in Dubai offers tax audit-related services in the UAE. A tax audit is simply a government’s examination of a firm regarding its responsibilities as a taxable entity. The FTA performs this kind of audit to make sure that all obligations are fulfilled and that all taxes are collected and sent to the government on schedule.
The government evaluates a company’s compliance with tax rules, such as VAT and excise taxes, to see whether it is fulfilling its obligations.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
Who Can Do an Audit in UAE?
As per Article 15 of the Federal Decree Law No. (41) of 2023 Concerning the Regulation of the Accounting and Auditing Profession, it is stated as follows:
- Unless the SCA certification is secured, the Accounting Firm is not permitted to do audits or reviews of the financial accounts of public joint stock corporations or mutual funds.
- The Accounting Firm appointed by the banks, insurance companies, investment fund companies for the benefit of third parties, and public joint stock companies to audit and review their financial statements shall hold the professional license issued by the Ministry, subject to Clause (1) of this Article and any other conditions provided by the laws enforced in the State. The period of holding the license shall not be less than (5) five years.
- Any restrictions, requirements, or fees for the Accounting Firms’ certification must be approved by the SCA Board of Directors.
- SCA is required to notify the Ministry of the names of the certified accounting companies as well as any criminal fines or disciplinary actions that SCA has taken against them.
Further, as per Ministerial Resolution 111-2 of 2022, to obtain a license, accounting professionals need to clear compulsory exams on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and UAE tax and regulations.
However, those who have credentials from any of the six professional bodies – ACCA, ICAEW, AICPA, CPA Australia, CPA Canada, and Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants are exempt from the accounting and auditing standards examinations.
Also read: Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Audit Firm in UAE
Conclusion
Since 1985, Farahat & Co has been in the business of delivering a wide array of services, such as auditing, accounting, tax consulting, and business liquidation, with a great understanding of the UAE corporate landscape. This level of expertise allows the firm to tailor its services to fit the unique needs of its clients.
The decision to choose the right audit firm is very important and will eventually affect the financial health of your business. What is essential is choosing a reliable and reputable firm that is also cost-effective to get value for your money.
Among the many roles of audit firms in Dubai, companies such as Farahat & Co play a leading role in identifying the errors, weaknesses, and strengths of your business. More importantly, they are supposed to come up with solutions to make your company get better at managing these issues and help move it forward.
Farahat And Co
Top Audit Firm In Dubai since 40 years
Frequently-asked questions
1. How often is the business supposed to conduct audit services?
- Most companies in UAE need an annual audit. However, an internal audit could be quarterly or yearly, depending on risk levels.
2. What is the purpose of an internal audit versus an external audit?
- An internal audit enhances the processes and controls within a company, and an external audit verifies the financial statements for the regulators and stakeholders.
3. How does auditing assist in tax filing?
- Audited accounts mean accuracy for VAT and corporate tax calculations, hence minimizing risks of penalties.
4. Why are audits necessary for the companies in Dubai?
- Because they instill trust, maintain legal compliances, and provide investor confidence.
5.What should I bear in mind when choosing auditors in Dubai?
- Their qualification, licensing, experience, fee structure, technology, and reputation.
6. On what basis are audit firms rated in Dubai?
- Based on compliance, use of technology, experience, ethics, client retention, industry specializations, and quality of service.
7. Why Farahat & Co.?
- We are fully licensed, experienced, and trusted across the UAE to deliver accurate, compliant, and timely audits.
