IFRS

Evolution of IFRS Standards and their implication on UAE Auditing practices

February 25, 2025 Comments Off on Evolution of IFRS Standards and their implication on UAE Auditing practices

Let us discover the new accounting standards in the UAE and their focus on improving business compliance and boosting efficient financial management.

As the financial framework in Dubai progresses, embracing new financial reporting standards – IFRS compliance UAE is the highest priority for businesses located in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE serves as a thriving business destination, and adopting international financial reporting standards is key. Adhering to these guidelines enhances corporate integrity and fosters investors’ trust and confidence.

So for financial experts, Understanding global financial reporting standards is demanding. This blog walks you through the details of the IFRS framework, the introduction of IFRS 18, and how these new standards make a new shape in the financial auditing procedures in Dubai, UAE.

Definition of IFRS

The International Financial Reporting Standards are globally accepted accounting principles established by the International Accounting Standard Board and used by multinational companies in the preparation of their financial statements. This standard ensures financial stability, transparency, and uniformity in financial statements across different countries, including the UAE. In Dubai, Every business must adhere to international reporting standards while maintaining compliance as per UAE Commercial Companies Law No2 of 2015.

Impact of IFRS Standards on Financial Reporting and Auditing in the UAE

With the introduction of new IFRS standards in UAE, significant influence has been shed on auditing practice in Dubai. Let us see the main points:-

  • Regulatory compliance: UAE businesses must adhere to IFRS standards in Dubai to ensure compliance, uniformity, and transparency in financial reporting.
  • Enhanced transparency: To ensure transparency is a key element of Auditors in Dubai conduct financial reporting reviews to verify the company’s financial performance and credibility.
  • Attracting global investors: Adherence to IFRS standards in Dubai helps to increase trust among investors globally making UAE business more attractive to foreign investors.
  • Enhanced decision-making: Business owners or investors in Dubai can make strategic business decisions with standardized financial reports.
  • Improved Risk Evaluation: Auditors can evaluate risk assessment under International Financial Reporting Standards, ensuring proper insights into the company’s financial risk exposure.
  • Evolving standards and ongoing training: As IFRS UAE continuously evolves, auditors and accountants in Dubai must be given proper training to stay updated with new regulations.

Understanding New IFRS 18 in Dubai, UAE

The International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) introduced International Financial Reporting Standards 18 highlighted in the presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statement on April 9, 2024, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. These international financial reporting standards(IFRS) in Dubai, UAE provide guidelines for “Presentation and disclosure in financial statements”, with the aim to enhance the structure, clearness, and complete transparency in financial reporting.

The revised framework for revenue recognition, and lease accounting is established in IFRS 18, shaping how businesses classify, record, and present lease transactions These revisions have a major impact on financial reporting. The auditors must always stay compliant with regulatory updates to ensure compliance.

Key Features of IFRS 18 for UAE Businesses

  • Greater flexibility: IFRS 18 UAE is flexible enough to provide companies to tailor financial reporting that aligns with their operational requirements.
  • Compliance and accuracy: New IFRS reporting standards in the UAE help companies stay compliant with regulatory standards while maintaining financial integrity.
  • Expanded disclosure requirements: The new standards ensure detailed disclosures to ensure stakeholders get access to all relevant financial details.

Implication of IFRS 18 on Financial Reporting in UAE

  • Income and expense classification: Segmentation of income and expenses as operating, investing, and financing helps in providing the business with a clear insight into the company’s core activity.
  • Structured profit or loss reporting: The new IFRS reporting standard establishes a uniform income statement format making it easy to compare among different companies.
  • Detailed disclosure requirement: IFRS 18 mandates accurate explanations for “other” items in the financial statement, ensuring openness and ambiguity.
  • Disclosure of performance metrics: IFRS 18 mandates companies to disclose performance metrics in financial statements ensuring transparency and comparability.

Key Consideration of IFRS 18 for Auditors and Companies in the UAE

With IFRS 18 Dubai on the verge of implementation, auditors and companies in Dubai must start the necessary steps to adapt to new changes.

  • The auditors must have a complete grasp of new accounting standards to ensure compliance with audit requirements.
  • Businesses in Dubai must invest in training and development programs to boost the skills of accounting and auditing teams.
  • Companies must adjust their financial reporting structure to comply with IFRS implementation in Dubai before the 2027 deadline.

Final Thoughts

The transition from UAE’s  IAS 1 to IFRS 18  is the most significant change in financial reporting and auditing practices in the UAE.

As the 2027 deadline creeps closer, businesses in Dubai must keep track of IFRS standard updates in the UAE to ensure a completely smooth transition.

At Jaxa Chartered Accountants, our auditors excel in delivering expert-driven IFRS 18 compliance audits in Dubai, UAE with diligence and credibility. Our certified auditors guarantee that financial statements stay aligned with the latest IFRS 18 standards in Dubai. Our professionals help to stay along with you throughout this transformation – ensuring financial reporting aligns with the latest IFRS standards in UAE.

For expert IFRS compliance in UAE, contact JAXA, your trusted auditing partner across UAE and Dubai.