Top 10 Audit Firms in Dubai – Guide & Comparison 2025
Every company in the UAE is required to appoint an audit firm to carry out statutory financial audit of its accounts as required under Article 27 and 54 of Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021. Dubai is a global hub for word-class businesses and attracting companies from all over the world due to its business friendly policies, availability of highly skilled manpower, IT and financial infrastructure, opportunities for growth, wealth creation, and ease of doing business. This all translates into business growth (increase in revenue, staff, banking transactions, expansion) which brings complexity, and complexity requires oversight and independent examination. Wherever there is an exceptional flow of money, the chances of errors and fraud naturally increase. Therefore, business owners, investors, banks, and governments require mandatory audits of the books of accounts to promote transparency, trust, and accountability. Choosing the right firm is critical to ensure credibility in your financial records, regulatory compliance, and growth of your business. In this detailed guide, we will explore the top 10 audit firms in Dubai known for their global reputation, trust, excellence, and integrity.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – One of the most reliable auditing firms globally. Governments, large corporations, and listed companies in the stock exchanges use PwC as their preferred audit firm due to its premium services and credibility. The fee range is high which is why it is generally appointed by big organizations.
- Deloitte – Ideal for big companies and publicly listed firms who prefer quality and credibility over the cost. Deloitte has a highly qualified and skilled audit and assurance team and charges premium fee to its clients.
- KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler) – KPMG is one of the priority choices for international conglomerates, large companies, pension funds, fund managers, companies wanting to be listed in stock exchanges, public listed companies, and governments. It has a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals who is capable to handle complex assignments. This is normally the reason KPMG charges premium fee to its clients but the quality and level of service is also unmatched.
- EY (Ernst & Young) – Ideal for big businesses and publicly listed companies. EY’s fee is generally on a higher side which is common with big four auditing companies due to the premium services they provide to clients. EY employs, trains, and continuously upskills its staff to enable them to execute highly complicated and complex audits, assurance, and tax assignments with utmost accuracy, credibility, and in the best interest of the stakeholders.
- Vertix – Best for small and medium-sized businesses. Their fee level is considered to be economical. Vertix is an ISO Certified audit company and has developed a number of free tools like gratuity calculator, free business valuation, and Dubai business setup cost calculator.
- BDO (Binder Dijker Otte) – Best for medium to large businesses and publicly traded companies. BDO has a strong and qualified workforce of 119k people who are continuously trained and upskilled to match the constantly evolving needs of businesses. BDO’s fee is normally on a higher side.
- Grant Thornton – Best for medium- to large-scale companies. GT is known for offering top quality tax, audit, and accounting services to businesses worldwide. They have decades of experience working with companies from different industries and provide tailored solutions to meet each client’s needs. The firm is trusted for its expertise and commitment to high standards. GT’s fee is often viewed as moderate to high.
- Crowe – Crowe is among the 10 largest accounting firms in the world, with around 220 member firms in 130 countries. It works with many well-known businesses and focus on delivering excellent service. It is ideal for medium to large businesses. Crowe charges moderate to high fee depending on the nature of the work.
- Baker Tilly – Best for medium to large businesses, with high fees and an experienced audit team. BDO is ranked among the top 10 firms and is well-known for its audit and business advisory services. It has a strong global presence and helps clients handle their current needs while planning for the future. With a wide range of clients, they offer personalized support in auditing, taxation, assurance, and advisory. Baker Tilly normally charges moderate to high fee.
- RSM – Most suitable for medium- to large-scale corporations. The fee levels for audit, tax, and advisory services are moderate to high.
Below is a detailed explanation of why these auditing companies in Dubai are considered among the top ten list. We will break the list down between tier 1 and tier 2 & 3 audit firms.
Tier 1 Audit Firms in Dubai
1 – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: PwC came into existence in 1998 as a result of the merger between Coopers & Lybrand (established and founded in 1854) and Price Waterhouse (established in 1849). PwC is considered to be one of the best audit firms in the UAE and globally. As reported in the Global Annual Review Report, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) currently serves over 85% of the Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and provides a wide range of services to over 180k clients through its global network firms. In 2023, PwC was awarded with Digital Innovation Award by International Accounting Forum for its exceptional contributions and services in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
PwC is headquartered in London and operates in 149 countries and 656 cities with a strong manpower of over 370k people. In the UAE, it has offices in Dubai (Emaar Square, Building 5), Abu Dhabi (Al Khatem Tower, Level 25, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Global Market), and Sharjah (Al Batha Tower, Office No. 1102). For more details about their offices and contact numbers, please refer to their office location page.
Key Services and Specializations: PwC’s key strengths are assurance and consulting services. They are well known for their integrity and quality in all the services they provide from tax, audit, advisory, business restructuring, ERP consulting, to business consulting.
Best For: It is best suited for large corporations, listed companies, governments and government owned/controlled companies, multinationals, and Fortune 500 companies. As per the firm’s Transparency Report, PwC Dubai is registered with PCAOB as well as Finanstilsynet and subject to oversight of these bodies. This allows it to audit the annual accounts and sign audit reports of companies looking for PCAOB and Finanstilsynet approved auditors outside the USA and European Union. PwC charges premium prices but the quality it provides is unparalleled which is why global corporations use them despite high prices as they are looking for quality, credibility, and trust.
2 – Deloitte
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Deloitte was founded by William Welch Deloitte in 1845 (180 years ago) in London, England. It went through several mergers during its lifecycle, such as Haskins & Sells in 1972, Arthur Andersen in 2002, and Monitor Group, among many others. Deloitte is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms alongside PwC, EY, and KPMG. Deloitte has established its thought leadership by providing detailed studies and researches about generative AI, market trends, and strategic business challenges through its well-researched publications, including Deloitte Middle East Point of View Magazine and International Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards. The firm has been awarded with a large number of awards and recognitions within the UAE and Internationally. Some of these awards include Most Valuable Commercial Services Brand 2024 by Brand Finance Awards, Gold Winner of the Best Recruitment Strategy Awards 2025 by Employee Happiness Awards, and many other awards and recognitions.
Deloitte operates in over 150 countries, 6 continents, and more than 700 worldwide locations with a highly skilled workforce of over 470k employees. It has 9 locations in the UAE and these offices are located in Dubai (Emaar Square Building 1, Emaar Square Level 3 Building 2, Building 1 Al Fattan Currency House DIFC), Abu Dhabi (Al Sila Tower Abu Dhabi Global Market), Sharjah (AL Majaz, United Arab Bank Tower, Floor 12 & 13), Ras Al Khaimah (Julphar Commercial Towers), and Fujairah (Al Fujairah National Insurance Co.). For complete details about their offices with contact numbers, please refer to Deloitte’s Offices page.
Key Services and Specializations: Deloitte’s key services include auditing, business consulting, taxation services, business restructuring and advisory. Deloitte is well known and widely used in high value merger and acquisition transactions. Due diligence and forensic audits are other key services they provide to a wide array of clients. Deloitte also operates an AI business unit called Deloitte AI Institute which helps organizations learn and apply Artificial Intelligence to transform their businesses.
Best For: Deloitte is suitable for listed companies, Governments, companies looking for mergers and acquisitions, and large organizations. It has developed specialized expertise in providing services to some key sectors, such as, banking, automobile, hospitality, technology, and financial services. The fee range is considered high but just like other big four audit firms, the quality and credibility of Deloitte’s services in incomparable.
3 – KPMG
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: KPMG (one of the Big Four Firms) was founded in 1987 by a strong and incredibly successful merger between Peat Marwick International (PMI) and Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG). The name KPMG stands for Klynveld, Peat, Marwick, and Goerdeler, these are the names of founders of the company. The KPMG history consists of several mergers and formations, such as Peat Marwick International in 1911, Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG) in 1979, as well as the merger of Peat Marwick with KMG which finally brought KPMG into market. After the merger, KPMG became the biggest accounting firm in the world as per United Press International (UPI). KPMG Lower Gulf has earned several notable awards which have demonstrated that KMPG provides reliable and quality services. The awards include the Nafis Award for Emiratization excellence, ADGM Academy’s Strategic Partnership Award for talent development, and the Best Workplace in the Middle East recognition by Fast Company in 2023.
KPMG has its headquarters in London, UK and is present in 142 countries with an enormous workforce of over 275k professionals. KPMG is present in the UAE through KPMG Lower Gulf which has offices at Dubai (The Offices 5, One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre), Abu Dhabi (Level 19, Tower Two, Nation Towers, The Corniche), and Sharjah (Office No. 1102, Level 11, Al Batha Tower, Corniche Street).
Key Services and Specializations: KPMG’s key services include audit, tax, and advisory. Like other top firms, KPMG is also most trusted for its high-quality audits, tax consulting, and advisory services in risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation. It is worth considering that KPMG has a strong grip on technology, data analytics, as well as cybersecurity, These technologies assist clients in improving efficiency and accuracy to achieve smoother business operations.
Best For: KPMG is highly recommended for large corporations, publicly listed companies, government as well as government-owned entities, and multinational organizations that are in need of premium professional services in order to grow and flourish their business. According to its official Transparency Report, KPMG Lower Gulf is registered with the US PCAOB and is subject to their oversight. It is also regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The fee range is considered high but just like other big four audit firms, the quality and reliability of KPMG services are unmatched.
4 – Ernst & Young
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Ernst & Young (EY) was founded in 1989 as a result of the merger between Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. After a series of mergers as well as worldwide expansions, the company decided to keep the name EY and strengthened its position to become a leading firm. Currently, EY is present in over 150 countries with more than 700 offices. This mega company holds the workforce of more than 393k professionals worldwide, and it is recognized for providing premium quality audit, consulting, tax, as well as advisory services. EY is one of the big four accounting firms in the world along with Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG.
In the UAE, EY has a strong presence with satisfied clientele. The offices of EY in the UAE are located in Dubai (Ground Floor, ICD Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi (Nation Towers, Tower 2, Corniche Road West.), and Sharjah (City Gate Tower, 14th Floor, Office 1402, Al-Ittihad Street). The firm works with multinational companies, government organizations, and major local businesses, helping them effectively in order to strengthen and streamline their business processes.
Key Services and Specializations: EY has special expertise in auditing, business consulting, taxation, and transaction advisory services. The company is universally known for its excellence in mergers and acquisitions, business restructurings, and valuations. Similarly, it also offers other important services like forensic audits, risk management, as well as compliance solutions. EY has also created EY.ai, a platform that helps businesses in using artificial intelligence more efficiently to work smarter, make better decisions, and improve business framework. EY has been awarded with a large number of awards and recognitions within UAE and Internationally.
Best For: EY is suited to large companies, multinationals, and government organizations. It is ideal for businesses that require support with international operations, detailed audits, or strategic advice in order to enhance and improve business processes. Although EY’s fees is on the higher side, a large number of clients still prefer it because of its strong reputation around the world, reliable service record, and high-quality work that meets global standards.
Tier 2 & 3 Audit Firms in Dubai
5 – Vertix
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Vertix Auditing falls under the category of 2nd and 3rd Tier accounting firms in Dubai and all over the UAE. It is headquartered in Abu Dhabi with a regional office in Dubai. It is a Ministry of Economy approved audit firm and authorized to provide audit and assurance services to all the mainland and free zone companies. Vertix has developed several free indigenous tools to help businesses, such as gratuity calculator to calculate end of service benefits of employees, and Dubai business setup cost calculator. It has been mentioned in several renowned and credible international publications, such as Associated Press, Digital Journal, and Time Business News. The firm is led and governed by Amer Al Ahbabi, a serial entrepreneur and member of Forbes Finance Council, and Nabil Shaukat Butt, a seasoned finance and audit professional.
Vertix is a UAE based company and only operates within the United Arab Emirates. It has a good-sized robust team of qualified Chartered Accountants with internationally recognized qualifications, such as ACCA, ICAEW, CPA, and IMA.
Key Services and Specializations: Vertix is well-known for providing premium quality statutory audits, forensic audits, accounting & bookkeeping, accounting for cryptocurrencies, business valuations, and tax services, including corporate tax, VAT tax, and excise tax. It has documented a large number of real life case studies and problems it successfully resolved. To know more about these cases, you may refer to the Case Studies section of firm’s website.
Best For: It is best suited for SMEs, startups, tech companies, and those who can’t afford to pay high fees, but still want services that are equally good as the services provided by big four audit firms. The fee range is considered to be low and affordable for any size of business.
6 – BDO
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: When people talk about the top accounting firms, BDO is always on the list. BDO is considered one of the top ten accounting companies for accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services due to its exceptional services as well as satisfactory review record by clientele. After a successful merger between Binder (UK), Dijker (Netherlands), and Otte (Germany) in 1963, the new audit firm was formed which was later renamed to BDO in 1973. BDO operates in over 165 countries with more than 1,800 offices and around 119k professionals worldwide. The company recorded a total revenue of more than USD 15 billion as per its Global Annual Review 2024.
Offices of BDO in UAE are located in Dubai (23rd Floor, Burjuman Business Tower), (Office 124, First Floor, LOB 16, JAFZA), Abu Dhabi (Office 602, Dhafir Tower), (1137 Register 04, 11th Floor, Al Maqam Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island), and Sharjah (9th Floor, Al Batha Tower, Buhaira Corniche), (1st Floor, P8-08-43, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone).
Key Services and Specializations: BDO is primarily used for audit, international tax, mergers & acquisitions, transfer pricing, cybersecurity, and business advisory services. It also offers various other services that help to maintain financial health of your company. The other services include business restructuring, risk management, and outsourcing solutions like accounting and payroll. BDO delivers services based on its extensive international experience and deep understanding of the local market. BDO has professionals who can easily manage your work, whether it involves complex strategy or routine bookkeeping.
Best For: BDO is recommended for medium to large companies, family businesses, government organizations, as well as multinational branches that need a firm with technically strong workforce and experience of handling complex audit and advisory assignments. BDO’s fee level is generally viewed as similar to big four and can be considered as premium/high.
7 – Grant Thornton
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Grant Thornton has always been recognized for its excellent services throughout its long history globally. It was formed after the merger between two separate firms, Thornton & Thornton and Alexander Grant & Co. Alexander Grant & Co. from the U.S. and Thornton Baker from the U.K. decided in 1980 to team up with several other firms around the world just to make their international presence stronger. After a few years, in 1986, they decided to operate everything under the single name Grant Thornton. According to Grant Thornton’s Global Press Release 2024, Grant Thornton earned USD 8 billion worldwide, which was 8.8% higher than the previous year.
Its headquarter is in London, and it successfully operates in more than 150 countries with a strong manpower of over 75k people. The Offices of Grant Thornton in the UAE are located in Dubai (Office 303 One Central, DWTC), Abu Dhabi (Unit 2, Level 14 Sila Tower, ADGM Square Al Maryah Island), Sharjah (Level 5, City Gate Tower Al Etihad Street Al Taawun).
Key Services and Specializations: The company has key strengths in audit, tax, as well as advisory services. Statutory and internal audits, business consulting, financial restructuring, risk management, and transaction advisory are the other key services offered by Grant Thornton. The company is not famous due to its vast expansion and global presence, but for its result-driven solutions.
Best For: Grant Thornton is suitable for local companies which are medium to large in size, international organizations, mergers & acquisitions, and family businesses that require reliable financial consultancy services. Grant Thornton is known for its honest, professional, and reliable solutions which makes it a suitable alternative to big four accounting companies. The cost of appointing GT is considered to be moderate to high.
8 – Crowe
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Crowe is one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. It is well-respected due to its outstanding services globally. It works as a Swiss association that brings together more than 220 independent audit, tax, and advisory firms in over 130 countries. Crowe has a workforce of more than 42k people and has over 750 offices worldwide. Crowe has been awarded with a large number of awards and recognitions within UAE and Internationally.
In the UAE, Crowe operates through its member firm Crowe UAE (formerly Crowe Horwath). It operates from four different locations, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah, and serves clients across the Middle East. For more details about their offices and contact details, please visit contact us page of firm’s website.
Key Services and Specializations: The main strength of Crowe includes audit, tax, advisory, and business risk consulting. Crowe efficiently uses modern technology and data analysis to make audits more reliable as well as useful for their clientele. It holds professional and experienced tax team that helps businesses follow UAE Corporate Tax and VAT laws. Crowe also offers other strategic business services, such as M&A, feasibility studies, and ERP implementation. Crowe is not just famous because of its strong presence worldwide, but the firm delivers reliable solutions that meet both international standards and local business needs.
Best For: Crowe is good for medium to large businesses and companies operating globally. The fee level is considered to be medium to high.
9 – Baker Tilly
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: Baker Tilly was established in 1870 with Walter Howard and got its current name after the merger between Howard Tilly and Baker Rooke in 1988. It is considered to be one of the top 10 accounting and business advisory networks in the world. The firm is known for its reliable quality and excellent reviews by clientele.
Baker Tilly is headquartered in London and operates in around 140 territories which include 700 offices and a strong workforce of over 43k people. They provide a complete range of audit, advisory, tax, as well as consulting services to clients in all types of industries such as finance, real estate, education, healthcare, banking, and manufacturing.
Baker Tilly offices are located in Dubai (UAE Headquarters, Level 20, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre), (DIFC Office Level 1, Gate Avenue South Zone), and Abu Dhabi (D13, Office 2902, 29, Sky Tower Shams, Al Reem Island, ADGM).
Key Services and Specializations: Key strengths of Baker Tilly include audit, tax, risk advisory, as well as management consulting. Along with these strengths, business valuation, due diligence, internal audit, and forensic accounting are the other key services offered by Baker Tilly. It also offers digital transformation services to help businesses in the implementation of technology and AI.
Best For: Baker Tilly is recommended for medium-sized to large corporations and multinational companies. The cost to obtain BDO’s services is generally moderate to high.
10 – RSM
Overview, Global and UAE Operations: RSM was founded in 1964 as a small international network of accounting firms. This network of different accounting firms officially became RSM International, named after its founding firms, Robson Rhodes, Salustro Reydel, and McGladrey. In the UAE, RSM works through its member firms who provide audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services that are designed to support local as well as international businesses of all sizes. RSM has been awarded with a large number of awards and recognitions within the UAE and Internationally. Some of these awards include 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025 by Fortune and Finalist of Five 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards.
RSM is headquartered in London and operates in 120 countries with more than 900 offices around the world. It has a strong team of over 65,000 professionals. In the UAE, it has offices in Dubai (Offices 3109-3110, The Burlington Tower Marasi Drive, Business Bay), Abu Dhabi (14 Floor, WeWork Hub 71 Al Khatem Tower, ADGM Square Al Maryah Island), (Office #711, UNB Building, Corniche Road), and Sharjah (E-LOB, Office no. E2-115F-58 Hamriyah Free Zone).
Key Services and Specializations: Audit and assurance, tax advice, consulting, risk management, and business advisory are the main strengths of RSM. RSM also helps with Free Zone and mainland company setup, structuring and restructuring of businesses, compliance, governance, and cybersecurity for both local and international clients. RSM also uses artificial intelligence and latest technologies to help businesses work smarter and manage risks better.
Best For: RSM, being in the top 10, is a suitable option for medium-sized to large businesses. RSM charges medium to high fee depending on the engagement.
Quick Comparison of the Top 10 Auditing Companies in Dubai (2025 Updated)
To help you make a better and informed decision, please see below a quick comparison of the top 10 auditing companies in Dubai, UAE based on key factors like fees, size of business, and global presence.
| Rank | Audit Firm | Best For | Fee Range | Global Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PwC | Fortune 500 Companies, Governments, Listed Companies, Fund Managers. | High | Operating in 149 countries, 3 offices in UAE, approved to audit companies registered in mainland and all the major free zones including DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA. |
| 2 | Deloitte | Large-Scale Organizations, Listed Companies, Governments and Government Owned/Controlled Companies. | High | Deloitte is currently operating in over 150 countries. It has 9 locations in the UAE and authorized to audit entities in all the major free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DAFZA, DMCC, JAFZA), and mainland companies. |
| 3 | KPMG | IPOs, Public Listed Entities, Multinational Companies, Governments, Pension and Related Funds. | High | KPMG operates in over 140 countries. KPMG is authorized to provide auditing and assurance services to mainland as well as free zone companies. It has several offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. |
| 4 | EY | Fund Managers, Asset Managers, Listed Companies, Governments, Social Security and Pension Funds, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Conglomerates. | High | EY is operating in more than 150 countries with hundreds of offices globally. It is registered with almost all the free zones of the UAE (JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, DAFZA, DSO) and has multiple offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. |
| 5 | Vertix | SMEs, startups, tech companies | Low | Vertix is operating in all the states of the UAE. It’s Abu Dhabi office is located at Building 13, 4th floor, Near Al Wahda Mall and Dubai office is located at 801b, Ibn Battuta Gate Office Building, Jebel Ali. |
| 6 | BDO | Medium to large companies | High | BDO has a strong presence in over 165 countries with hundreds of offices. BDO UAE has multiple offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. It is authorized to perform audits for mainland as well as all the important free zones. |
| 7 | Grant Thornton | Medium to large companies | Moderate – High | GT is operating in more than 150 countries globally and have several offices in the UAE including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. GT is an approved audit company to audit mainland and free zone companies. |
| 8 | Crowe | Medium to large companies | Moderate – High | Crowe has a strong presence in over 130 countries. It has several offices in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. It is a registered and approved audit firm in almost all the free zones and also authorized to audit mainland businesses. |
| 9 | Baker Tilly | Medium to large companies | Moderate – High | Baker Tilly has presence in over 140 countries. In UAE, it has offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is registered with almost all the key free zones and also approved to audit mainland companies. |
| 10 | RSM | Medium to large companies | Moderate – High | RSM is operating in 120 countries with multiple offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. It is an approved audit firm for mainland audits as well as most of the free zones. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right auditing firm for your business is one of the most important and crucial decisions because it ensures your finances are reviewed and independently assessed every year. A reliable and experienced audit firm can protect your business by identifying risks of fraud and errors, internal control weaknesses, corporate governance issues, and recommendations to address these issues. Taking the time to select a trustworthy accounting firm adds value to your business and supports its long-term success.
Note: The above well-researched guide has been compiled by the editorial team of Vertix Auditing under the oversight of firm’s board members, Amer Al Ahbabi and Nabil Shaukat Butt. Although we have taken best care to ensure we provide accurate and reliable information, but firms rankings, reputation, global presence and other factors continue to change. Hence, Vertix, its staff, founders, and board members strictly do not take any responsibility of any loss or whatsoever that may be incurred as a result of using any of the above listed firms. Accordingly, the reader is advised to independently assess and evaluate these firms.
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