United Arab Emirates

Skip to content
Skip to navigation

About us

Go global
Meet our International Business Centre Directors

Grant Thornton is a global network of 73,000 people in member firms in 149 markets, with one common goal — to help you realise your ambitions. Our member...

See Overview

Why Grant Thornton
Whether you’re growing in one market or many, looking to operate more effectively, managing risk and regulation, or realising stakeholder value, our firms can help.
Culture and experience
Grant Thornton’s culture is one of our most valuable assets and has steered us in the right direction for more than 100 years.
Global scale and capability
Beyond global scale, we embrace what makes each market unique, local understanding on a global scale.
Join our network
In a world that wants more options for high quality services, we differentiate in the market to grow sustainably in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Leadership governance and quality
Grant Thornton International Ltd acts as the coordinating entity for member firms in the network with a focus on areas such as strategy, risk, quality monitoring and brand.

Meet our International Business Centre Directors

IBCD Listing Page

See Overview

Locations

Global locations

See Overview

Africa
24 member firms supporting your business.
Americas
31 member firms, covering 44 markets and over 20,000 people.
Asia-Pacific
19 member firms with nearly 25,000 people to support you.
Europe
53 member firms supporting your business.
Middle East
8 member firms supporting your business.

Services

Advisory

Our progressive thinkers offer services to help create, protect and transform value today, so you have opportunity to thrive tomorrow.

See Overview

Business consulting services
Our business consulting services can help you improve your operational performance and productivity, adding value throughout your growth life cycle.
Business process solutions
We can help you identify, understand and manage potential risks to safeguard your business and comply with regulatory requirements.
Business risk services
The relationship between a company and its auditor has changed. Organisations must understand and manage risk and seek an appropriate balance between risk and opportunities.
Cybersecurity
As organisations become increasingly dependent on digital technology, the opportunities for cyber criminals continue to grow.
Forensic services
At Grant Thornton, we have a wealth of knowledge in forensic services and can support you with issues such as dispute resolution, fraud and insurance claims.
Mergers and acquisitions
We work with entrepreneurial businesses in the mid-market to help them assess the true commercial potential of their planned acquisition and understand how the purchase might serve their longer-term strategic goals.
Recovery and reorganisation
Workable solutions to maximise your value and deliver sustainable recovery.
Transactional advisory services
We can support you throughout the transaction process – helping achieve the best possible outcome at the point of the transaction and in the longer term.
Valuations
We provide a wide range of services to recovery and reorganisation professionals, companies and their stakeholders.

Related insights:

International business Scanning the horizon: Mid-market sets sights on global trade growth

The latest International Business Report (IBR) data shows that mid-market businesses have high expectations for global trade.

27 Oct 2023

Assurance

Our services can strengthen your business and stakeholders' confidence. You'll receive professionally verified results and insights that help you grow.

See Overview

IFRS
At Grant Thornton, our IFRS advisers can help you navigate the complexity of financial reporting from IFRS 1 to IFRS 17 and IAS 1 to IAS 41.
Audit quality monitoring
Having a robust process of quality control is one of the most effective ways to guarantee we deliver high-quality services to our clients.
Global audit technology
Our global assurance technology platform provides the ability to conduct client acceptance, consultations and all assurance and other attestation engagements.

Related insights:

IFRS IFRS Alerts

IFRS Alerts covering the latest changes published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

05 Jun 2024

Tax

Our tax services help you gain trust and stay ahead, enabling you to manage your tax transparently and ethically.

See Overview

Corporate and business tax
Our trusted teams can prepare corporate tax files and ruling requests, support you with deferrals, accounting procedures and legitimate tax benefits.
Direct international tax
Our teams have in-depth knowledge of the relationship between domestic and international tax laws.
Global mobility services
Through our global organisation of member firms, we support both companies and individuals, providing insightful solutions to minimise the tax burden for both parties.
Indirect international tax
Using our finely tuned local knowledge, teams from our global organisation of member firms help you understand and comply with often complex and time-consuming regulations.
Transfer pricing
The laws surrounding transfer pricing are becoming ever more complex, as tax affairs of multinational companies are facing scrutiny from media, regulators and the public

Related insights:

US - Tax Pillar 2 Outlining challenges of Pillar 2 compliance for multinationals

Pillar 2 has been ratified by the governments of more than 100 countries, so U.S. multinationals are likely to deal with its effects in many places.

Less than a minute | 05 Apr 2024

Industries

Asset management

Increasing regulation and investor demands for returns and transparency continue to challenge the asset management sector.

See Overview

Automotive

We offer an extensive range of services to automotive sector stakeholders from supply chain through to distribution, retail and usership. With a variety of...

See Overview

Banking

Our global banking team are an integrated team of experienced industry professionals with in-depth knowledge of financial services institutions.

See Overview

Related insights:

Banking Holding banking to account: the real diversity and inclusion picture
We explore how the banking sector can continue to attract, retain and nurture women to build a more diverse and inclusive future.

| 9 min read | 16 Jun 2022
Sustainability From voluntary to mandatory ESG: How banks can future-proof their operations
As we move from voluntary ESG initiatives to mandatory legislation, we explore what the banking sector needs to prioritise.

| 7 min read | 03 Nov 2021
IFRS IFRS 9 - Audit of Expected Credit Losses
GPPC releases The Auditor’s response to the risks of material misstatement posed by estimates of expected credit losses under IFRS 9

Edward Haygarth
| 28 Jul 2017
growthiQ Steering your company to long-term success
History has something important to tell us about the difficulties of steering a business to long-term success – through seismic shifts in technology, consumer demands and product development. With that in mind it’s unsurprising that over half the world’s largest companies in the early 1900s had shut their doors by the late 1990s. Some, however, have endured.

01 Sep 2016

Business services

We have considerable expertise in advising the business services sector gained through working with many business support organisations.

See Overview

Energy and natural resources

Energy markets worldwide are undergoing major changes. Grant Thornton can help you capitalise on opportunities to unlock your potential for growth.

See Overview

Healthcare

Demographic, organisational and resourcing issues are radically changing the global healthcare industry.

See Overview

Insurance

Following world events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and changes to regulation and digitalisation, insurers must be alert to the challenges ahead.

See Overview

Related insights:

International Financial Reporting Standards Implementation of IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’
The auditor’s response to the risks of material misstatement arising from estimates made in applying IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’

2 min read | 12 Aug 2021
IFRS Get ready for IFRS 17
After twenty years of development the IASB has published IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’, find out more.

Edward Haygarth
| 25 May 2017

Life sciences

The life sciences industry reaches across biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical devices, medical technology as well as other industry sub-sectors.

See Overview

Media

The media industry is in the grip of a technological revolution as the industry responds to the shift to digital and personalisation.

See Overview

Not for profit

We understand the commitment and scrutiny within this sector and will work with you to meet these challenges.

See Overview

Related insights:

Global business pulse - industry analysis Mid-market recovery spreads to more industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

16 Sep 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis A very uneven recovery across industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

04 Mar 2021
Global business pulse - Sector analysis Clear patterns of damage from COVID-19 across the industries
The index results for 12 key sectors of the mid-market reveal just how much or little the various parts of the economy were impacted by COVID-19.

10 Sep 2020
Not for profit Mission: possible – putting impact at the heart of charity
Global charitable continues to decline and charity leaders are increasingly looking at their own unique impact journey.

15 Feb 2019

Private equity

We help businesses navigate today’s changing private equity landscape, ensuring that you can respond to ever-changing regulations and investor demands.

See Overview

Related insights:

Access to finance Raise finance to invest in change
Prepare your business to raise finance to invest in change.

| 6 min read | 28 Oct 2020
Private equity firms Private equity in the mid-market: reshaping strategies for 2021
When the global COVID-19 pandemic stormed across the globe in early 2020, the private equity sector was hit hard but deals are coming back to the market.

30 Sep 2020
Mid-market businesses Getting ready for private equity investment
Our specialists explore how private equity firms are now working with their portfolios and how the mid-market can benefit from investment.

30 Sep 2020
Mid-market businesses Myth-busting private equity
Nervous about partnering with Private Equity? We explore some of the common myths we come across when speaking to mid-market businesses about PE investment.

30 Sep 2020

Public sector

Across the globe, countries are moving towards leaner, more commercial, locally focused and responsive government and public sectors.

See Overview

Related insights:

Public sector Helping build the government of tomorrow, today
Learn about the Grant Thornton US public sector team.

Less than a minute | 01 Oct 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis Mid-market recovery spreads to more industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

16 Sep 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis A very uneven recovery across industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

04 Mar 2021
Global business pulse - Sector analysis Clear patterns of damage from COVID-19 across the industries
The index results for 12 key sectors of the mid-market reveal just how much or little the various parts of the economy were impacted by COVID-19.

10 Sep 2020

Real estate and construction

At Grant Thornton, we aim to help you successfully read the turns of the industry and navigate this shifting landscape.

See Overview

Related insights:

Industries European Real Estate Podcast
Jessica Patel, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton UK speaks with tax partners and directors across the network to share their insights on the real estate market and some of the challenges.

| 1 min read | 15 May 2023
Industries European Real Estate Podcast
Jessica Patel, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton UK speaks with tax partners and directors across the network to share their insights on the real estate market and some of the challenges.

| 1 min read | 16 Nov 2022
Global business pulse - industry analysis Mid-market recovery spreads to more industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

16 Sep 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis A very uneven recovery across industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

04 Mar 2021

Retail

The past two years saw the retail industry experience significant disruption, however there will still be opportunities to effectively reposition for future...

See Overview

Related insights:

Retail renaissance The resurgence of physical stores
The resurgence of physical stores

Less than a minute | 05 Sep 2022
Global business pulse - industry analysis Mid-market recovery spreads to more industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

16 Sep 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis A very uneven recovery across industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

04 Mar 2021
Retail How retail is positioning for success
COVID-19 provided some hard lessons for the retail industry. It is time to turn those into sustainable and well executed growth strategies in 2021.

| 5 min read | 03 Mar 2021

Technology

Rapid change and complexity have always been hallmarks of the technology industry. And it is even more so today.

See Overview

Related insights:

Telecoms Can tech and telecom leverage economic headwinds
As most businesses brace for an economic downturn, tech and telecom could see new prospects. But, to turn the headwinds to your advantage, you need to find your unique opportunities and risks.

Less than a minute | 05 Sep 2022
Technology Mid-market tech companies lead the way on diversity and inclusion
We explore how the mid-market tech sector can continue to build and nurture a culture that’s increasingly more diverse and inclusive for women.

| 9 min read | 30 Aug 2022
Technology Responding to slowing growth: why the tech industry faces a more challenging outlook in 2022
We spoke to tech experts about industry trends that could affect companies over the next 12 months and what their short-term strategic priorities should be.

| 10 min read | 22 Mar 2022
Tax Resetting global tax rules after the pandemic
Businesses are seeing rising challenges, and finance heads are dealing with a range of new measures. To say the next 12 months are critical for businesses is an understatement.

Vikas Vasal
| 4 min read | 29 Sep 2021

Telecommunications

Despite facing pressure, telecommunication companies are handling the roll-out of new network technologies and an insatiable demand for bandwidth.

See Overview

Related insights:

Telecoms Can tech and telecom leverage economic headwinds
As most businesses brace for an economic downturn, tech and telecom could see new prospects. But, to turn the headwinds to your advantage, you need to find your unique opportunities and risks.

Less than a minute | 05 Sep 2022
TMT TMT industry: Fully charged or on standby?
Our research revealed five key trends that resonated with Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) industry leaders around the world. We asked a panel of our experts from UK, US, India Ireland and Germany, to give us their reaction to the findings.

| 10 min read | 18 May 2021
Cybersecurity One size fits nothing
Technology companies must adopt a new approach to digital risk: those that successfully develop a reputation for digital trust by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to cyber security and data privacy will be able to carve out a competitive advantage.

26 Mar 2019
Technology, media & telecommunications Why it’s time for a 5G reality check
Figures suggest the mobile sector is maturing. While data usage continues to soar, mobile revenues are expected to flatten out over the next few years.

Chris West
| 21 Mar 2017

Travel, tourism and leisure

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented levels of disruption to the global travel industry. As this evolves, it is unclear what recovery looks like.

See Overview

Related insights:

International business Mid-market businesses lifted by rising tide of optimism
Optimism among global mid-market business leaders rose to 67% in the first half of this year and they are markedly more optimistic about their prospects with global optimism having increased by 8%.

18 Oct 2023
Global business pulse - industry analysis Mid-market recovery spreads to more industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

16 Sep 2021
Hotels COVID-19: Checking in with the hotel industry one year on
COVID-19 provided some hard lessons for the hotel sector. It is time to turn those into sustainable and well executed growth strategies.

| 5 min read | 23 Mar 2021
Global business pulse - industry analysis A very uneven recovery across industries
The index results for 13 key industries of the mid-market reveals a very uneven recovery from COVID-19

04 Mar 2021

Insights

By topic

Latest insights

Featured insights and popular topics from our trending insights.

See Overview

Women in Business 2024
2024 marks the 20th year of monitoring and measuring the proportion of women occupying senior management roles around the world.
COP28: Mid-market firms should seize the opportunity from adaption and innovation
COP28 was the first time there has been a global stocktake on progress against the Paris Agreement.
Scanning the horizon: Mid-market sets sights on global trade growth
The latest International Business Report (IBR) data shows that mid-market businesses have high expectations for global trade.
Mid-market businesses less optimistic, despite record numbers expecting increased profitability
A closer examination of the data offers some explanation of this apparent contradiction.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

With seismic shifts in the global landscape, leaders must take deliberate action to propel their businesses into a more inclusive future, foster innovation,...

See Overview

Women in leadership: a pathway to better performance
What makes the benefits of gender parity compelling is the impact it can have on commercial performance.
Women in Business 2024
2024 marks the 20th year of monitoring and measuring the proportion of women occupying senior management roles around the world.
Women in business: Regional picture
We saw an increase in the percentage of senior management roles held by women, on a global level, but there are some significant regional and country variations.
Pathways to Parity: Leading the way
To push towards parity of senior management roles held by women, who leads within an organisation is vital.
Generating real change with a long-term focus
The most successful strategy to achieve parity of women in senior management is one which stands alone, independent of an ESG strategy.
People at the heart of great business
Businesses have started to put guidelines and incentives in place, focused on driving employees back to the office.
Building a culture that champions diversity
Grant Thornton UAE has grown to have a team comprising more than 50 nationalities and this diverse staff has been key in building the inclusive culture of the firm.
Focusing and developing a solid strategy around diversity, equity and inclusion
Grant Thornton Greece is pioneering a growing set of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives that centre around three strategic pillars.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG)

Expert insights empowering business leaders to meet their ESG goals.

See Overview

Ten considerations for preparing TCFD climate-related financial disclosures
Insights for organisations preparing to implement the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)’s Standards.
COP28: Mid-market firms should seize the opportunity from adaption and innovation
COP28 was the first time there has been a global stocktake on progress against the Paris Agreement.
Transition Plan Taskforce publishes its final disclosure framework
As organisations in the private sector make commitments and plans to reach net zero, there's a growing need for stakeholders to be able to assess the credibility of their transition plans.
Promoting ESG excellence through tax
ESG considerations have never been more important for an organisation’s long-term success, but how can tax be used to add value to an ESG agenda?

Growing internationally

Expert insights to enable you to navigate the risks and harness the growth opportunities of going global.

See Overview

International business: Mid-market growth and expansion
The mid-market looks to international business opportunities for growth.
Top five constraints to international business in the mid-market
Top five major constraints that are testing the mid-market’s ability to grow their businesses internationally.
Brand and international marketing – breaking global barriers
Brand has been identified as a key driver of mid-market success when looking to grow and develop international business.
The key to international business: Investing in people
How can recruitment and retention help grow international business?
Building resilience in international business
Evolving supply chains and trade patterns amid ongoing global uncertainty.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Navigate the complexity of the IASB Standards so you can focus your time and effort on running your business.

See Overview

IFRS Alerts
IFRS Alerts covering the latest changes published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
Example Financial Statements
General guidance for preparers of financial statements that supports the commitment to high quality, consistent application of IFRS.
Insights into IFRS 2
Insights into IFRS 2 summarises the key areas of the Standard, highlighting aspects that are more difficult to interpret and revisiting the most relevant features that could impact your business.
IFRS 3
Mergers and acquisitions are becoming more common as entities aim to achieve their growth objectives. IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ contains the requirements for these transactions.
IFRS 8
Our ‘Insights into IFRS 8’ series considers some key implementation issues and includes interpretational guidance in certain problematic areas.
IFRS 16
Are you ready for IFRS 16? This series of insights will help you prepare.
IAS 36
Insights into IAS 36 provides assistance for preparers of financial statements and help where confusion has been seen in practice.
IFRS 17
Explaining the key features of the Standard and providing insights into its application and impact.

Tax

Across the globe, companies’ tax affairs are facing increasing scrutiny from regulators, communities and clients. Read our latest insights ranging from BEPS to...

See Overview

Pillar 2
Key updates and support for the global implementation of Pillar 2.
Global expatriate tax guide
Growing businesses that send their greatest assets – their people – overseas to work can face certain tax burdens, our global guide highlights the common tax rates and issues.
International indirect tax guide
Navigating the global VAT, GST and sales tax landscape.
Global transfer pricing guide
Helping you easily find everything you need to know about the rules and regulations regarding transfer pricing and Country by Country reporting for every country you do business with.

Grant Thornton UAE was founded in 1966 and provides a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to your business’s specific needs across Audit, Advisory and Tax services. We partner with privately held businesses, public interest entities, regulators and family-owned businesses, with a mission to facilitate sustainable growth and success in a dynamic business landscape. Our team of experts provide clients with forward-thinking insights, expertise and innovation to ensure that they stay at the forefront of every growth opportunity.

"With over 55 years of dedicated service in the UAE, we have established our firm as a trusted partner to organisations across various industries, forging strategic business relationships both locally and globally. We aspire to provide excellence and quality in everything we do."

Hisham Farouk

CEO

700+

People

Offices

Key contacts

Hisham Farouk

CEO

+971 4 388 9925

Email me

George Stoyanov

Senior Partner - Head of Advisory

+971 4 388 9925

Email me

Dr. Osama El-Bakry

Senior Partner - Head of Audit & Assurance

+971 4 388 9925

Email me

Steve Kitching

Partner - Head of Tax

+971 4 388 9925

Email me

Global strength

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading professional services organisations providing audit, advisory and tax services. With more than 73,000 Grant Thornton people, across 149 markets, we are focused on making a difference to clients, colleagues and the communities in which we live and work.

Why Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton UAE, we are dedicated to delivering value for our clients while supporting the development of people and the economy. We offer tailored solutions to the needs of our clients.

Awards

Grant Thornton is an award-winning globally recognised professional services network. Here are some of our awards: