Based on my professional experience working closely with government entities across multiple jurisdictions, one reality has become increasingly clear that despite the scale of ambition and investment behind government transformation programs, many struggle to translate intent into lasting impact.

In 2025 alone, around 250,000 new companies set up shop in the country, pushing the total number of active firms to more than 1.4 million.

Mystery shopping plays a vital role in the UAE banking sector by linking regulatory compliance with real customer experience. Baker Tilly’s practical assessments, aligned with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Regulation, evaluate transparency, conduct, data protection, complaint handling, and consumer education. These insights help banks strengthen trust, identify gaps, and enhance service quality while maintaining regulatory alignment.

The article highlights the importance of Article (6) of the CBUAE Corporate Governance Regulations, which mandates a robust Fit and Proper Process to ensure individuals in key banking roles meet high standards of integrity, competence, financial soundness, and regulatory compliance. With a compliance deadline of 31 July 2025, the regulation plays a critical role in strengthening trust, governance, and stability in the UAE’s financial system.

Transfer pricing policies are typically established at the commencement of the fiscal year, grounded in prospective financial forecasts and benchmarking analyses designed to uphold the arm’s length principle.

Discover why SMEs are prime cyber targets, and the practical steps that help them fight back.

The article highlights data quality as the real standout theme from this year’s internal audit conference, despite discussions on AI, cybersecurity and governance. Using DAMA International’s framework, it stresses that data quality is a business issue requiring strong governance and continuous improvement, as poor data across systems leads to costly errors and compliance risks.

Accounting networks combine global standards with independent local firms. Baker Tilly SM Group in the UAE is a new, standalone member with no connection to previous firms. Each member shares the brand and resources but manages its own operations and clients. Strict entry and exit processes ensure liabilities remain with the entity that incurred them, and new members start fresh without inheriting past obligations.

The Emirates must build a sustainable audit quality framework to support its global business ambitions.

Markus Susilo, Partner & International Business Leader at Baker Tilly, outlines how startups in the UAE can navigate the new corporate tax regime, VAT, and Free Zone incentives through smart compliance and early tax planning.

At GITEX, Baker Tilly unveiled Achieve ERP, a digital transformation platform designed as a modular ERP solution that integrates seamlessly across industries. The centerpiece of the presentation was Dewi, Achieve ERP’s AI-powered optimization module, which supports leadership teams in making faster, smarter, and more confident decisions.