IFRS Compliance for UAE Businesses: Updated 2025 Guide
Federal Law requires UAE companies to maintain IFRS-compliant books. With the Corporate Tax regime now active, IFRS compliance has never been more critical. This guide covers what your business needs to have in place.
Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 requires all UAE businesses to maintain books of accounts under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). With the introduction of Corporate Tax — which requires IFRS-based financial statements for CT return filing — this obligation has taken on new urgency.
Under the UAE CT regime, Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 specifies requirements for audited financial statements. Free Zone entities seeking Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status must ensure their financials are prepared and audited to IFRS standards.
Common IFRS gaps we see at SAE: inadequate lease accounting under IFRS 16; incorrect revenue recognition under IFRS 15; and missing IFRS 9 provisions on financial instruments.
Our accounting team conducts IFRS gap assessments, prepares impact analyses, and monitors compliance with accounting policies — ensuring your books are CT-ready and FTA audit-proof.
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Our insights are written by ex-Big Four chartered accountants with deep UAE tax and accounting expertise. All content reflects current FTA regulations and legislation.
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