In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), audit requirements for holding companies are comprehensively outlined in the Federal Law. According to the Commercial Companies Federal Law, No. 32 of 2021, all mainland companies in the UAE are required to undergo financial account auditing. In this article, we will discuss all the requirements and relevant details for conducting an audit for a holding company in the United Arab Emirates.
Holding companies operating within the UAE are subject to strict audit requirements instructed by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021.
These requirements are very important to fulfill such as:
Under the requirements of Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, a holding company is mandated to conduct annual financial audits. These audits are key in;
Holding companies are obligated to involve external auditors licensed by the applicable regulatory authorities in UAE such as Farahat & Co.…. These auditors conduct independent and neutral valuations of the company's financial records. They ensure impartial verification and validation of financial records.
Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 mentions explicit timelines for the submission of audited financial statements. Holding companies must obey these deadlines to evade penalties and ensure transparency in financial reporting to shareholders, such as regulatory bodies, and potential investors.
Establishing strong internal controls is fundamental for holding companies. These controls are inspected during audits to guarantee precision, consistency, and integrity in financial processes. The audit procedures include;
Audits for holding companies in the UAE often utilize a risk-based method. This includes evaluating and ordering risks inherent in the company's processes. Thereby, it allows auditors to emphasize areas with a higher potential for mistakes or fraud.
The Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 also mandates holding companies to deliver complete disclosures in their financial records. This comprises clear reporting of financial performance, risks, associated-party dealings, and other substantial information important for shareholders to make informed decisions.
Failure to follow the audit requirements mentioned in Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 can result in consequences, fines, or legal impacts. Holding companies must prioritize obedience to evade contrary penalties.
Also Read: Audit Requirements For LLC And Joint Stock Company
Holding companies are subject to many types of audits such as:
At the fundamental of audit requirements for holding companies in Dubai lies the financial audit. It is an all-inclusive inspection of the financial statements and records. This audit governed by Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 ensures precision and consistency in financial reporting.
Internal audits are involved in augmenting corporate governance within holding companies. This type of audit emphasizes assessing internal controls, risk management procedures, and working competence. Compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 obligates holding companies to launch strong internal audit mechanisms.
External audits are conducted by autonomous third-party audit firms in Dubai, detached from the holding company's internal structure. These audits aim to offer an impartial evaluation of financial statements. It ensures compliance with related rules, regulations, and accounting standards, particularly those mentioned in Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021.
Compliance audits are necessary for holding companies in the regulatory landscape of Dubai. These audits evaluate obedience to explicit rules, regulations, and industry standards. With Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 providing the legal basis, compliance audits guarantee that holding companies run within the boundaries of the laws.
Some industries within the holding company domain may require specialized audits. Whether it is healthcare, real estate, or industrial, specialized audits align with division-explicit regulations and requirements. These audits offer a custom-made approach and ensure that holding companies meet industry criteria while obeying the predominant Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021.
Conducting an audit in a holding company within the UAE requires a complete collection of important documents such as;
| Document | Description |
| Financial Statements | It comprises Income Statements, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow Statements, and records of Changes in Equity. |
| General Ledgers | It comprises full records of all financial transactions, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and expenses. |
| Bank Statements | It includes statements from all bank accounts held by the holding company that provide a record of dealings and balances. |
| Invoices and Receipts | It comprises secondary documentation for transactions that helps as evidence for the validity and authenticity of financial records. |
| Tax Returns | It comprises records of filed tax returns that guarantee obedience to tax rules and provide an understanding of financial activities. |
| Contracts and Agreements | It comprises duplicates of agreements, contracts, and commitments impacting the company's financial position or responsibilities. |
| Inventory Records | It comprises details of record levels, assessment methods, and stock movements that verify the precision of reported inventory. |
| Minutes of Meetings | It comprises records from board meetings that summarize main decisions and negotiations affecting financial operations and approaches. |
| Payroll and Employee Records | It comprises details of employee salaries, benefits, and associated expenses that ensure compliance with labor protocols. |
| Asset Registers | It comprises registers detailing all assets owned by the company such as property, equipment, and investments. |
| Legal and Compliance Documents | It comprises licenses, permits, and governing compliance certificates important for the company's actions. |
Compliance and audit readiness are key sides of a holding company's operations in the UAE. It ensures obedience to legal requirements and adopts numerous advantages that contribute to its continuing success and sustainability.
Here are some benefits of Compliance and Audit Readiness;
Keeping compliance and being audit-equipped allows a holding company to classify, assess, and alleviate potential risks efficiently. Through periodic audits aligned with legal orders, companies can proactively address weaknesses. They can also enhance flexibility and minimize the probability of financial or status damage.
Compliance and audit readiness make easier access to capital markets and funding opportunities. Investors and financial institutes are more persuaded to capitalize on or lend to companies that validate a commitment to regulatory compliance and sound financial practices. So, it expands development prospects.
Compliance and audit readiness strengthen strong corporate governance within a holding company. Aligning with Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 guarantees obedience to established protocols. It promotes transparency, accountability, and principled business practices.
A compliant and audit-ready holding company runs with efficient and well-organized processes. Compliance frameworks require distinct internal controls that lead to enhanced operations, reduced errors, and improved resource utilization. Ultimately it boosts efficiency and performance.
Obeying compliance regulations guarantees that the holding company runs within the legal framework of the UAE. It mitigates legal risks and avoids potential fines, consequences, or legal penalties. It safeguards the company's stability.
Transparent financial reporting and obedience to regulatory requirements enhance confidence among investors, shareholders, and potential partners. Signifying compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 through audit readiness guarantees stakeholders the company's assurance of ethical conduct and consistent financial reporting.
Here are some timelines that will help you to accomplish audits in holding companies effectively;
| Audits | Timeline |
| Annual Financial Audit | It is typically conducted within 3 to 6 months after the end of the financial year. It safeguards completion before statutory deadlines. |
| Submission of Audit Reports | Audited financial statements must be submitted to governing authorities within 4 months days after the financial year-end, as per Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021. |
| Interim Audits | It is conducted at regular intervals throughout the year. It focuses on explicit financial periods or working aspects, depending on business requirements. |
| Special Purpose Audits | Timelines for it differ based on the nature and scope of the audit. It often schedules as per explicit needs or events requiring the audit. |
| Follow-Up Actions | It is a post-audit event. Any remedial actions or responses to audit findings should be addressed sharply. |
It is essential for the success and compliance of holding companies in the UAE to follow the strict audit requirements outlined by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021. Associating with trustworthy audit firms in Dubai, such as Farahat & Co., becomes important for complete and reliable audit services. They enable companies to fulfill complex regulations while keeping financial integrity and operational brilliance.
The law permits your mainland holding company to conduct commercial and organizational actions through the secondary companies within the UAE and abroad without involving indirect trading or profitable activities.
To set up a holding company in Dubai or UAE, it includes some steps;
The rules of a holding company are;
Registration of a holding company in Dubai includes some expenses such as;
These steps may cost to be around AED 12,500 to AED 14,500.
Yes, the decrees do permit for 100% foreign ownership in UAE, and Dubai in certain authorities like Free Zones and through the (Department of Economic Development) DED license framework.