UAE Prepares Major Shift Toward Digitised Accounting
UAE accounting digital regulations are set to introduce a major shift in the country’s financial and auditing landscape. The government is preparing to launch a fresh set of rules focused on digital transformation, marking one of the most significant updates to the accounting sector in recent years. These upcoming regulations aim to expand the role of Chartered Accountants, support technological integration, and position the UAE as a global leader in modern financial governance.
During the 43rd Annual Convention of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Dubai Chapter, Abdullah Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Auditors Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, confirmed that the new regulatory framework will be launched within the coming months. He shared that these reforms will encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence, introduce mandatory sustainability reporting, and improve compliance with international accounting and auditing standards. His announcement was made before thousands of professionals and industry leaders attending the event.
According to Al Hammadi, the world is rapidly embracing digital tools, automation, and advanced technology, and the accounting sector must evolve accordingly. The upcoming regulations are intended to support this transformation by providing accountants and auditors with a broader scope of work. As financial systems become more complex and data-driven, the UAE aims to place its accounting sector at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
Expanding the Responsibilities of Chartered Accountants
The shift towards digitisation comes at a time when financial transparency, reporting accuracy, and compliance requirements are increasing worldwide. In recent years, the UAE has already strengthened its regulatory structure with reforms such as Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2023, which requires all auditors to be licensed and registered with the Ministry of Economy. This step brought greater accountability to the profession and aligned the UAE more closely with international frameworks like the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
The new digital regulations will further enhance the responsibilities of Chartered Accountants. Beyond traditional duties such as financial reporting, auditing, and compliance, professionals will now be expected to incorporate digital tools into their daily work. This includes the use of data analytics, artificial intelligence, automated reporting systems, and sustainability measurement methods. The reforms aim to transform accountants from purely compliance-driven professionals into strategic advisors capable of supporting long-term financial planning and corporate decision-making.
As industries within the UAE adopt advanced technologies, businesses will require highly skilled accountants who can interpret digital data, assess financial risks, and help organisations adapt to modern regulatory requirements. The upcoming regulations will create an environment where accountants are empowered to guide companies through this transition.
ICAI Dubai Chapter’s Role in Strengthening the Profession
The ICAI Dubai Chapter has played a significant part in supporting the evolution of the accounting profession in the UAE. Established in 1982, it has grown into one of the largest and most active overseas chapters of ICAI. With a membership exceeding 3,200 professionals, the chapter represents Chartered Accountants working across more than 1,550 organisations. This diverse representation highlights the expanding presence of financial professionals in leadership roles across the UAE.
Membership numbers have been rising steadily. From 871 members in 2024, the figure reached 1,103 by mid-2025, reflecting strong demand for qualified accountants in the region. The number of registered accounting firms also increased to 396, showing the growing trust in regulated financial services. This expansion demonstrates the importance placed on structured accounting practices and compliance as the UAE economy continues to grow and diversify.
During the convention, ICAI Dubai Chairman Jai Prakash Agarwal described 2025 as the Year of Growth for the chapter. He explained that this year’s event theme, Udaan, symbolises flight, ambition, and forward movement. The theme reflects the chapter’s mission to support innovation, leadership, and professional development within the accounting community. According to Agarwal, the UAE is transforming its financial sector at an unprecedented pace, and Chartered Accountants must take the lead in driving ethical and digital excellence.
Knowledge Sharing, Inspiration, and Professional Motivation
The annual ICAI Dubai convention has grown into one of the region’s largest platforms for learning and professional networking. It brings together leading experts, policymakers, industry speakers, and business professionals who share insights on global financial trends, digital transformation, and the future of accounting.
Indian parliamentarian and author Shashi Tharoor, who joined the event as a keynote speaker, praised Chartered Accountants for their crucial role in the global economy. He described them as the moral architecture of financial systems, emphasising that ethical practice, transparency, and accountability are essential in the modern business environment.
The convention also featured motivational sessions, leadership discussions, and appearances from well-known public personalities such as Sonali Bendre, Sania Mirza, Gulshan Grover, and content creator Kushal Lodha. Their participation added inspiration and energy to the event, providing attendees with insights on personal growth, discipline, and professional resilience. With more than 1,500 participants attending the two-day event, the convention demonstrated how deeply the accounting profession is valued in the UAE’s economic landscape.
A Digital Future for Accounting and Auditing in the UAE
The forthcoming regulations are expected to reshape how financial reporting, auditing, and advisory services operate in the UAE. By integrating technology into every aspect of the profession, the government aims to boost efficiency, improve accuracy, and enhance trust in financial information. Digitised workflows will also reduce manual errors, increase productivity, and streamline tasks that traditionally required extensive time and resources.
One of the most significant elements of the new reforms is the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting. As global businesses move toward environmentally responsible practices, sustainability metrics are becoming essential in financial evaluations. The UAE’s decision to incorporate this into its accounting standards reinforces its commitment to green initiatives, responsible growth, and long-term economic stability.
Artificial intelligence is another major component of the transformation. AI-driven tools can analyse large volumes of financial data within seconds, detect anomalies, predict market trends, and support auditors in identifying risks more accurately. By mandating the integration of such tools, the UAE is preparing its financial sector for a future where technology and human expertise work hand in hand.
Strengthening the UAE’s Global Financial Position
By advancing digital transformation in the accounting sector, the UAE is solidifying its reputation as a forward-looking global business hub. International investors and companies seek markets that offer transparency, strong governance, and cutting-edge technology. The upcoming regulations will help reassure businesses that financial practices within the UAE meet the highest global standards.
These changes will also create new opportunities for Chartered Accountants who are willing to upgrade their digital skills. Professionals equipped with technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and digital literacy will be in high demand across industries such as finance, real estate, technology, healthcare, and energy. As organisations navigate a rapidly changing world, they will increasingly rely on accountants not just for compliance, but for strategic insights and long-term planning.
The UAE’s commitment to building a smarter, more efficient financial ecosystem ensures that Chartered Accountants will continue to play a crucial role in the nation’s economic future. The upcoming regulations represent more than just policy changes; they embody a broader vision of innovation, progress, and sustainable development.
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