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The number of licensed accountants in the UAE has surpassed 1,100, according to Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, who addressed the Chief Audit Executives Conference 2026 at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Bin Touq attended the gathering of 820 audit leaders from 25 countries, which the UAE Internal Auditors Association organised under his patronage over three days. The event, themed Connect. Innovate. Transform., emphasised corporate governance, enterprise compliance, internal controls and the governance of artificial intelligence.
Bin Touq stated that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism aims to increase the number of individual practitioners to 1,500 over the next five years while developing a regulatory framework that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance oversight and inspection efficiency. In his address, the minister said, “The Ministry’s vision is centred on advancing the quality of professional practices, encouraging innovation, and strengthening oversight and governance across economic establishments of all types.” He also highlighted the vital role of the UAE Internal Auditors Association in establishing advanced standards for the profession.
The minister’s remarks build upon Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2023 on Regulating the Accounting and Auditing Profession, according to a Ministry of Economy review. The legislation replaced a 2014 law and has reinforced oversight, governance and business transparency in line with international best practices. A Professional Compliance Committee report showed registered chartered accountants rose to 1,103 by the end of August 2025 from 871 the year before, with accounting firms climbing to 396.
This expansion aligns with the UAE’s economic diversification drive and the implementation of value-added and corporate tax systems that have increased demand for accounting expertise. Federal Tax Authority data places VAT and excise tax collections above Dh46 billion in 2025, marking a 15 percent rise from the previous year. Public Authority for Civil Information statistics indicate more than 1.4 million registered businesses operate in the country, amplifying requirements for compliant financial reporting and auditing services.
Bin Touq framed the developments as part of a comprehensive push to elevate professional standards across the sector. The conference provided a forum for participants to examine how internal audit contributes independent assurance to boards, regulators and investors on organisational governance and controls. Ministry of Economy assessments continue to prioritise alignment with global benchmarks while integrating technology to support sustainable growth in the profession.
