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Approved Auditors — All Major UAE Free Zones

Audit & Assurance Services in Dubai, UAE

External audit, internal audit, forensic investigation, statutory audit and turnover certificates — delivered by FCA-qualified chartered accountants with Big Four backgrounds. Over 2,500 audits completed across the UAE since 2006.

Audit Standards
ISA IFRS ISRS 4400
Big Four Heritage
KPMG Ernst & Young Deloitte
Multinational audit experience across retail, FMCG, electronics & manufacturing sectors — engagements led during Big Four career.
2,500+
Audits Delivered
10+
Free Zones Approved
1,000+
Clients Served
19+
Years Independent
Audit & Assurance

Audit Done Right — by a Big Four-Trained Team

Every SKM audit engagement is delivered by a senior team trained at and modelled on the Big Four — same methodology, same review discipline, same quality controls.

SKM International has delivered over 2,500 audits across the UAE since 2006. Our practice is led by Managing Partner CA Sushil Malhotra (FCA, CIA-USA, CISI-UK), whose 30+ year career spans KPMG, Ernst & Young and Deloitte — including audit engagements for multinational retail (FMCG), electronics and manufacturing groups during his Big Four tenure. We are approved auditors across all major UAE Free Zones and our audit reports are accepted by major UAE and international banks.

Our audit & assurance practice covers the full spectrum of statutory, regulatory and advisory audit work that UAE businesses need — from annual statutory audits required for Free Zone licence renewal, to forensic investigation in cases of suspected fraud, to internal controls reviews for management. Every engagement is delivered by a senior team operating to Big Four standards. Reports are prepared in compliance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA), with financial statements presented in line with IFRS.

Our clients range from SMEs and family-owned businesses to mid-market companies operating across UAE mainland, Free Zones and offshore. We are particularly active in DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, SAIF Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone and RAK Free Zone (RAKEZ). Whether you need a turnover certificate for a bank facility, a court-admissible forensic report, an agreed-upon procedures engagement, or a clean statutory audit before your corporate tax filing — the work is done properly the first time.

Audit Services

Our Audit & Assurance Services

Five distinct audit engagements covering every statutory, regulatory and investigative requirement your business is likely to face in the UAE.

Flagship Service
External Audit & Assurance

Statutory external audit by FCA-qualified chartered accountants. The independent opinion on your financial statements that regulators, banks and shareholders require.

  • IFRS-compliant financial statements
  • Approved for DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA & 7 more Free Zones
  • Accepted by major UAE & international banks
Learn about External Audit
Statutory Audit UAE

Mandatory annual audit for Free Zone licence renewal, mainland thresholds, and UAE Corporate Tax filing. Conducted to ISA standards by a licensed UAE audit firm.

  • ISA-compliant audit methodology
  • Required for Free Zone licence renewal
  • Supports your Corporate Tax filing
Learn about Statutory Audit
Internal Audit

Independent review of your internal controls, risk management and business processes. A management tool — not a compliance tick-box. Identifies waste, fraud risk and process gaps.

  • Controls testing & risk assessment
  • Operational efficiency review
  • Required by DFSA-regulated entities
Learn about Internal Audit
Forensic & Fraud Investigation

Court-admissible forensic audit by a CIA-certified investigator. For suspected employee fraud, shareholder disputes, due diligence and regulatory investigations. Strictly confidential.

  • CIA (USA) certified investigator
  • Reports admissible in UAE courts
  • Confidentiality guaranteed
Learn about Forensic Audit
Turnover Certificates

Certified turnover certificates for bank loan applications, government tenders and visa requirements. Fast turnaround. Signed by an FCA-qualified partner.

  • Bank facility & loan applications
  • Government tender submissions
  • Visa & immigration requirements
Learn about Turnover Certificates
Agreed Upon Procedures

Targeted procedures performed on specific financial information — short of a full audit. Often required for bank facilities, tender bids, grant compliance and acquisition due diligence. Reports issued under ISRS 4400.

  • ISRS 4400 standard reports
  • Faster & lower-cost than a full audit
  • Bank, tender & grant compliance
Enquire about AUP

Not Sure Which Audit You Need?

Free Zone licence renewal, Corporate Tax filing, bank facility, court matter — each obligation calls for a specific audit type. Speak to our team and get a clear, honest answer in minutes.

WhatsApp the Audit Team
Why SKM

Approved Auditors. Big Four Pedigree. Independent.

What separates SKM from generic Dubai audit firms — the credentials, the approvals, and the team behind every engagement.

Big Four-Trained Team
Your audit is run by a senior team carrying over methodology, quality standards and review discipline from KPMG, Ernst & Young and Deloitte. Same standards. Independent firm.
Big Four Background
Managing Partner CA Sushil Malhotra: FCA, CIA (USA), CISI (UK). Former Quality Director at KPMG, Ernst & Young and Deloitte — with multinational audit experience across retail, FMCG, electronics and manufacturing.
All Major Free Zones
Approved across nearly every major UAE Free Zone — DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, SAIF Zone, Hamriyah, RAK Free Zone and beyond. One firm, every panel you're likely to need.
Bank-Accepted Reports
Our audit reports are accepted by major UAE and international banks for loan facilities, tender submissions and credit reviews — without queries or callbacks.
Our Process

How a SKM Audit Engagement Works

Four phases. Clear deliverables at each step. Predictable timelines.

1
Scoping & Engagement
Free initial consultation. We confirm the audit type, scope, timeline and fee. You receive a written engagement letter before any work begins.
2
Planning & Risk Assessment
Partner-led risk assessment. We identify focus areas, request supporting documentation and agree the fieldwork schedule with your finance team.
3
Fieldwork & Testing
Substantive testing, controls evaluation, balance verification and analytical review. Minimal disruption to your team — most fieldwork is desk-based.
4
Reporting & Sign-Off
Draft report reviewed with management. Signed audit report with IFRS-compliant financial statements delivered to you and to Free Zone or regulator as required.
Industries Served

Audit Experience Across UAE's Key Industries

From DMCC trading companies to DHA-licensed clinics, our team has worked across the sectors that drive the UAE economy.

Free Zone Trading Companies
Statutory audit for trading licences across DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA and 7+ more UAE Free Zones. Our most common client type — we know every licence-renewal cycle inside out.
Manufacturing & Industrial
Audit of manufacturing & industrial businesses including inventory verification, WIP valuation and cost accounting review. Heritage sector from Sushil's Big Four engagements.
Retail, FMCG & E-commerce
Audit of retail chains, FMCG distributors and e-commerce businesses. Inventory controls, revenue recognition and multi-location consolidation handled with care.
Healthcare & Medical
DHA-licensed clinics, hospitals and medical businesses — audit, compliance and financial reporting. Practice led by Dr Suraksha Pahwa (MBBS, MD, MBA), bridging clinical knowledge with audit expertise.
Family Businesses & SMEs
First-generation family businesses, multi-entity group structures and owner-managed SMEs. Confidential, senior-team-led service tailored to family business dynamics.
Professional & Financial Services
Law firms, consultancies, investment advisors and DFSA-regulated entities. Specialised handling of trust accounts, client funds and regulatory reporting.

Approved Auditors Across All Major UAE Free Zones

If your company is licensed in any of the Free Zones below, we are on the approved auditor panel and can deliver your annual statutory audit.

FAQs

Common Questions on UAE Audit

Quick answers to the questions most prospects ask before engaging an audit firm. Need something more specific? Speak to our team.

Is a statutory audit mandatory for my UAE company?

All UAE Free Zone licensed companies require an annual statutory audit for licence renewal — this is non-negotiable. Mainland LLCs above certain revenue and employee thresholds are also required to be audited. Companies filing UAE Corporate Tax often need audited financial statements, and any business seeking bank finance will typically need one. If you're not sure whether yours applies, send us your trade licence and we'll confirm in writing.

What's the difference between an external audit and an internal audit?

An external audit provides an independent opinion on whether your financial statements are fairly presented. It is intended for shareholders, regulators, banks and tax authorities. An internal audit evaluates the effectiveness of your internal controls, risk management and business processes — it is a management tool aimed at improving operations, not a compliance document. Many UAE businesses need both, especially as they scale.

Do I need audited financial statements for UAE Corporate Tax filing?

It depends on your business size and structure. Free Zone Persons claiming Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status are required to maintain audited financial statements to retain the 0% Corporate Tax rate. Mainland businesses above certain revenue thresholds are also required to be audited. Many smaller businesses choose to be audited voluntarily — it strengthens tax positions and reduces FTA enquiry risk. Share your trade licence and revenue level and we'll give you a clear answer.

How long does an audit engagement take?

For a typical SME audit, expect 4–8 weeks from kickoff to signed report, depending on the quality of your records, year-end timing and Free Zone deadlines. Larger or more complex businesses may take 8–12 weeks. We always agree a clear timeline in writing before fieldwork begins, and most of our work is done remotely — disruption to your team is minimal.

Need an Audit? Let's Talk.

Mon–Fri 9:00AM–6:30PM  |  Sat 9:00AM–3:00PM  |  Office 102, Al Tawhidi Building, Al Mankhool, Dubai UAE