What is a regulatory audit in UAE?

A regulatory audit checks if a company follows all government rules and industry standards set in the UAE.

Who can perform a statutory audit in the UAE?

Only independent, registered audit firms approved by UAE authorities can conduct statutory audits.

Why do companies need performance audits?

Performance audits help a business find better ways to work, manage costs, and reach goals by improving processes.

Are small businesses required to do audits in the UAE?

Yes, many small businesses need to do audits to renew trade licenses, follow the law, and get bank loans.

How can Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing help my business with audits?

MAK Auditing provides audit, accounting, and compliance services for businesses of all sizes. We guide you step by step with audits and help you meet all requirements.

UAE Auditing Requirements: Regulatory, Statutory, Performance

UAE Auditing Requirements: Regulatory, Statutory, and Performance Audit Breakdown

Every company in the UAE must follow certain audit rules set by authorities. Audits are important for every business, whether small or big. Businesses do audits for many reasons. Some need audits for laws, some for legal statements, and some want to check how well their business runs.

In this article, we will explain each type of audit you might need in the UAE. Let’s go through regulatory audits, statutory audits, and performance audits using simple words.

Regulatory Audit in UAE

A regulatory audit checks if a business follows all laws and rules set by the government. These audits make sure a company works by the book and does not break any rules.

Main points about regulatory audits:

Government authorities set many rules for companies.
UAE laws change often, so companies need to keep up.
For example, LLCs must meet rules from Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2020.
Some industries have special laws, like Economic Substance Regulations (ESR).
The ADAA says some companies must follow International Standards on Auditing (ISA).

A regulatory audit helps keep your business legal. If a company misses any rule, it can get in trouble or even lose its license.

Statutory Audit in UAE

A statutory audit checks a company’s financial records as required by law. This kind of audit makes sure your company shows true and correct numbers in all its financial statements.

Key features of statutory audits:

Only registered, independent audit firms can do these audits in UAE.
Companies must prepare yearly financial statements.
The auditor checks these statements and gives their opinion.
The final audit report is sent to shareholders and authorities.

Statutory audits build trust. Investors, banks, and other parties trust audited accounts more. If the statements are wrong, the company can face fines or bigger legal issues.

Performance Audit in UAE

A performance audit checks if a company is working in the best way possible. It focuses on how efficient, effective, and economical your business runs.

Here are some things a performance audit looks at:

How well the company manages costs
How smooth business processes run
Risks in the business and how to control them
How well the business achieves its goals

Performance audits help find weak areas. Auditors give suggestions to improve business and reach goals faster. This is important for companies wanting to grow or become more competitive.

Key Differences Between Audit Types

You might ask, “What makes these audits different?” Here’s a quick breakdown:

Purpose: Statutory audits check financial accuracy; regulatory audits look at compliance with rules; performance audits focus on how well business operates.
Focus: Statutory audits care about true numbers, regulatory audits care about legal rules, and performance audits care about running things well.
Outcome: Statutory audits confirm correct accounts, regulatory audits confirm law-following, and performance audits give ideas to improve the business.

Insights for Small Businesses in UAE

Small businesses must care about audits too. Audits aren’t only for large companies. Even small shops or new businesses need to stay compliant and improve operations.

Why audits matter for small businesses:

Help avoid legal problems or penalties
Build trust with banks, investors, and customers
Show real business performance to owners and managers
Give better control over money and business processes

Doing regular audits helps keep your business out of hot water and gives you a chance to fix problems early.

How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help Your Company

At Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, our team helps your business meet every audit requirement in the UAE. We work with you to keep records accurate and follow all rules. Our services help you avoid mistakes that can cost you money or time.

If you need help, you can:

Visit our office:
Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact/WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132

FAQs on UAE Auditing Requirements: Regulatory, Statutory, Performance

Do individuals pay corporate tax on salary?

No. Salary stays outside CT. A person pays CT only on business income when the person runs a licensed business and crosses the turnover threshold.

Can a free zone company sell to the mainland and keep 0%?

It depends on the activity, the role in the supply chain, and the de-minimis rules. Non-qualifying mainland income generally faces 9%.

Do small firms need audited accounts?

Some firms may use IFRS for SMEs, but certain categories, including many free zone persons seeking QFZP status or entities above revenue thresholds, need audited statements.

What records must a taxpayer keep?

Keep ledgers, invoices, contracts, bank statements, TP files, and working papers for the statutory period. Keep scans and hard copies when needed.

When is the CT return due?

The return and payment are due within nine months after the end of the tax period. Add the date to your calendar with early reminders.