Despite the unified objective of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial information, the requirements for mandatory audits of companies in the United Arab Emirates differ depending on the jurisdiction — between the mainland (Mainland) and the free zones (Free Zones).
On the mainland, audit regulation is governed by the Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies. According to Article 27 of this Law, all limited liability companies (LLCs) and joint stock companies are required to conduct an annual audit of their financial statements. The results of the audit must be presented to the shareholders and, where necessary, to the competent government authorities.
At the same time, each Free Zone operates under its own set of regulations, issued and enforced by the respective regulatory authorities — such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and others. These regulations set out specific local requirements for the preparation, approval, and submission of audited financial statement...