UAE Ministry Sets Goal to Raise Certified Accountants to 1,500‑2,000 Within Five Years
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced a target to increase the number of certified accountants and auditors to between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals over the next five years, aiming to strengthen the profession’s regulatory framework and support economic growth.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Target set to raise certified accountants to 1,500‑2,000
- Timing
- Goal spans the next five years
- Who is affected
- Individuals seeking UAE accounting certification
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism, United Arab Emirates
- Previous rule
- Since the launch of the Emirati Fellowship in 2022, the number of certified members had exceeded 1,400, with about 220 new members added in 2023.
- New rule
- The ministry now aims to expand the pool of certified accountants to between 1,500 and 2,000 within five years, alongside reforms to licensing, oversight and professional governance.
Announcement Context
The target was disclosed during the seventh ceremony for awarding the Emirati Fellowship certificates for 2026, organized by the Emirates Society of Accountants and Auditors at Dubai’s Union Museum. The event coincided with World Accounting Day and was attended by senior ministry officials and industry representatives.
Rationale Behind the Target
Officials highlighted the rapid economic growth, rising foreign investment and expanding trade partnerships as drivers for needing more qualified accounting professionals. Reliable financial information, strong governance and transparent reporting are seen as essential to sustaining investor confidence.
Implementation Measures
The ministry plans to update the legislative and regulatory framework for the accounting and auditing profession, restructure the licensing system, and broaden the organizational forms available to accounting firms. It will also enhance monitoring, governance and transparency, and support mergers and acquisitions under strict quality controls.
Support from Professional Bodies
The Emirates Society of Accountants and Auditors will continue collaborating with the ministry on training, qualification programs and knowledge sharing. Recent initiatives include a digital transformation strategy involving AI, expanded partnerships with universities, and upcoming cooperation agreements with international accounting institutes.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel plans to attend future fellowship award ceremonies remain unaffected.
- Prospective participants should monitor the ministry’s updates for any changes to certification timelines.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements were announced for the target increase.
- Current certification fees and required documents stay unchanged.
What you need to do
- Individuals aiming for certification should continue following the existing Emirati Fellowship application process.
- Stakeholders should watch for forthcoming regulatory updates that may affect licensing procedures.
Who this affects
-
Prospective UAE certified accountants
The ministry’s new target directly concerns individuals seeking the Emirati Fellowship certification.
What to do Continue to apply under the current rules while awaiting any future regulatory adjustments.
-
Current certified accountants
The expansion goal may create new professional opportunities and networking events.
What to do Stay informed about potential changes to licensing and professional development programs.
-
Accounting firms operating in the UAE
Reforms to licensing and firm structures are part of the broader strategy.
What to do Monitor upcoming legislative updates that could affect firm registration and governance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UAE's new target for certified accountants?
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism aims to increase the number of certified accountants and auditors to between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals over the next five years.
When does the target to raise certified accountants take effect?
The target is a five‑year plan announced in November 2026, with no specific start date beyond the announcement.
Will certification fees change with the new target?
No fee changes were mentioned; current certification costs and required documents remain the same.
How will the licensing system for accountants be restructured?
The ministry plans to overhaul the professional licensing framework, broaden permissible firm structures and strengthen oversight, but detailed rules will be released later.
What should current accounting professionals do now?
They should continue following existing certification and licensing procedures while staying alert for future regulatory updates announced by the ministry.
