UAE Auditing Requirements: Regulatory, Statutory, Performance

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

What does arm’s length mean in transfer pricing?
Arm’s length means your company sets prices with related parties as if you’re dealing with someone who isn’t related to you.
Who needs to keep a master file and local file?
Companies in a group with worldwide revenue over AED 3.15 billion, or those with revenue over AED 200 million, must keep both files.
What goes into a transfer pricing policy?
The policy lists related party deals, methods for pricing, and what papers you’ll keep as proof.
How long should you keep transfer pricing records?
Every company should keep all records for at least five years after the tax year.
Who can help you with transfer pricing documentation in UAE?
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing gives expert advice and helps you keep your files correct.

Know more Our Related Services

Importance of Internal Audit & Audit Frequency in Dubai

🥇 Importance of Internal Audit & Deciding Audit Frequency in Your Organization What’s an Internal

Top 8 Outsourcing Business Ideas UAE 2025 Guide

🥇Top 8 Outsourcing Business Ideas in UAE 2025 Why Outsourcing Works for New Businesses in

Impact of Corporate Tax in UAE: Key Insights & Business Guide

Impact of Corporate Tax in UAE The United Arab Emirates has always stood as a

How to Edit Corporate Tax Bank Details UAE

How to Edit Corporate Tax Bank Details: Step-by-Step Guide The UAE started the corporate tax

Deductible Expenses as per Article 28 of UAE Corporate Tax Law

Article 28 of the UAE Corporate Tax Law provided a detailed outline of deductible expenses

Taxpayer Rights & Obligations UAE FTA Charter Guide

Taxpayer Rights & Obligations under the UAE FTA Charter People who work in the UAE