Audit Fees in Dubai: What You Should Expect to Pay in 2025

Understanding audit fees helps you budget appropriately and evaluate proposals from audit firms. This comprehensive guide breaks down what you should expect to pay for audit services in Dubai in 2025.

Audit Fee Ranges by Company Size

Small Companies (Under AED 10M Revenue)

Typical Range: AED 8,000 - 25,000

Characteristics:

• Simple corporate structure
• Single location
• Limited transactions
• Straightforward accounting
• Basic inventory (if any)

Lower End (AED 8,000 - 12,000):

• Service businesses with minimal inventory
• Very small team (<10 employees)
• Good quality records
• No complex transactions

Higher End (AED 18,000 - 25,000):

• Trading or manufacturing
• Multiple bank accounts
• Some complexity (multi-currency, locations)
• Record-keeping challenges

Medium Companies (AED 10M - 50M Revenue)

Typical Range: AED 25,000 - 60,000

Characteristics:

• More complex operations
• Multiple locations possible
• Larger transaction volumes
• More sophisticated accounting
• Inventory management

Lower End (AED 25,000 - 35,000):

• Service-based business
• Good internal controls
• Single location
• Quality accounting team

Higher End (AED 45,000 - 60,000):

• Trading/manufacturing
• Multiple locations
• Inventory complexity
• First-year audit
• Control weaknesses

Large Companies (AED 50M - 200M Revenue)

Typical Range: AED 60,000 - 150,000

Characteristics:

• Complex operations
• Multiple business lines
• Several locations
• Sophisticated accounting
• Internal audit function

Lower End (AED 60,000 - 80,000):

• Established relationship with auditor
• Strong internal controls
• Good accounting systems
• Straightforward operations

Higher End (AED 100,000 - 150,000):

• Multiple subsidiaries
• International operations
• Complex accounting (IFRS 15, 16)
• Industry-specific regulations

Very Large Companies (Over AED 200M Revenue)

Typical Range: AED 150,000 - 1,000,000+

Factors:

• Complexity trumps size
• Group audit requirements
• Number of locations
• Industry regulation
• International reporting

Industry-Specific Fee Considerations

Real Estate & Construction

Premium: 10-25% above baseline

Complexity Drivers:

• Revenue recognition (IFRS 15)
• Long-term contracts
• Percentage of completion
• RERA audit requirements
• Escrow account verification
• Multiple projects/properties

Typical Fees:

• Small developer: AED 15,000 - 30,000
• Medium developer: AED 40,000 - 80,000
• Large developer: AED 100,000 - 250,000

Financial Services

Premium: 25-50% above baseline

Complexity Drivers:

• Heavy regulatory requirements
• DFSA/Central Bank reporting
• AML/CFT compliance testing
• Complex financial instruments (IFRS 9)
• Capital adequacy calculations
• Risk management assessment

Typical Fees:

• Small finance company: AED 30,000 - 50,000
• Medium bank/financial institution: AED 150,000 - 500,000
• Large bank: AED 500,000+

Healthcare

Premium: 15-30% above baseline

Complexity Drivers:

• DHA/DOH regulatory compliance
• Insurance claim verification
• Medical inventory
• Multiple revenue streams
• Pricing complexities
• Regulatory inspections

Typical Fees:

• Small clinic: AED 12,000 - 25,000
• Medium hospital/chain: AED 40,000 - 100,000
• Large hospital group: AED 100,000 - 300,000

Trading & Distribution

Premium: 0-15% above baseline

Complexity Drivers:

• Inventory verification
• Multi-currency transactions
• Import/export documentation
• Multiple warehouses
• VAT complexity

Typical Fees:

• Small trader: AED 10,000 - 20,000
• Medium trading company: AED 30,000 - 70,000
• Large distributor: AED 80,000 - 200,000

Hospitality & F&B

Premium: 5-20% above baseline

Complexity Drivers:

• Multiple locations
• Cash handling
• Inventory management (F&B)
• Revenue streams variety
• Tourism dirham compliance

Typical Fees:

• Single restaurant: AED 10,000 - 20,000
• Small chain (3-5 outlets): AED 30,000 - 60,000
• Hotel or large chain: AED 80,000 - 250,000

Factors That Increase Audit Fees

1. First-Year Audit Premium

Typical Increase: 15-25%

Why:

• Learning curve for auditor
• Prior year audit work
• Opening balance verification
• Understanding business/systems
• Setup of audit files

How to Minimize:

• Provide comprehensive information upfront
• Arrange detailed handover from prior auditor
• Prepare audit-ready schedules
• Assign dedicated staff to audit support

2. Record-Keeping Quality

Impact: Can double audit fees

Poor Records Cost More:

• Missing source documents
• Unreconciled accounts
• No trial balance
• Manual processes
• Disorganized filing

Good Records Save Money:

• Clean, reconciled accounts
• Organized documentation
• Digital filing systems
• Audit-ready schedules
• Responsive team

3. Urgency & Timeline

Rush Job Premiums:

• Standard timeline: No premium
• Express (2 weeks): 30-50% premium
• Urgent (<1 week): 50-100% premium

Best Practice: Engage auditor 4-6 weeks before year-end to allow normal timeline and avoid rush fees.

4. Number of Locations

Multi-Location Premium:

• Each additional location: AED 3,000 - 8,000
• International locations: Higher (travel, coordination)

Considerations:

• Physical site visits required
• Local audit team deployment
• Inventory observations
• Cash counts

5. Complex Transactions

Complexity Factors:

• M&A activity during year
• First-time IFRS adoption
• Major system changes
• Significant accounting policy changes
• Related party transactions
• Foreign currency hedging
• Share-based payments

Impact: 10-30% fee increase depending on complexity

What's Included in Standard Audit Fees

Typical Scope Includes:

1. Statutory Audit:

   • Audit opinion on financial statements
   • Testing of balances and transactions
   • Internal control review (limited)
   • Management representation letters

2. Management Letter:

   • Control weakness observations
   • Process improvement recommendations
   • Typically included in fee

3. Basic Tax Compliance:

   • Review of tax calculations
   • Observation of tax issues
   • High-level tax advice

4. Regulatory Filing Support:

   • Filing with Ministry of Economy
   • DED submissions
   • Basic regulatory queries

What Usually Costs Extra:

1. Tax Services:

   • Corporate tax return preparation
   • VAT return services
   • Tax advisory and planning
   • Transfer pricing documentation

2. Specialized Regulatory:

   • RERA specific reports
   • DHA/DOH separate reporting
   • DFSA regulatory returns

3. Additional Services:

   • Interim audit
   • Quarterly reviews
   • Group consolidation
   • IFRS conversion
   • Due diligence

How to Get the Best Value

1. Prepare Thoroughly

Actions:

• Reconcile all accounts before audit
• Prepare audit schedules in advance
• Organize source documents
• Assign dedicated staff to support audit

Savings: 10-20% off audit fees

2. Maintain Good Records Year-Round

Actions:

• Monthly account reconciliations
• Regular filing and organization
• Timely transaction recording
• Document management system

Savings: 15-25% vs. poor records

3. Provide Continuous Access

Actions:

• Grant auditor system access
• Provide information promptly
• Respond to queries within 24-48 hours
• Be available for meetings

Savings: 5-10% through efficiency

4. Multi-Year Engagement

Actions:

• Commit to 2-3 year engagement
• Build relationship with audit team
• Allow team continuity

Savings: 5-15% through efficiency gains

5. Bundle Services

Actions:

• Combine audit + tax services
• Add VAT compliance review
• Include advisory services

Savings: 10-20% through bundling discount

Comparing Audit Proposals

Don't Just Compare Price

Evaluate:

1. Team Quality:

   • Partner involvement
   • Team experience level
   • Industry expertise

2. Service Level:

   • Included scope
   • Responsiveness commitment
   • Added value services

3. Firm Credentials:

   • Ministry approval
   • Professional qualifications
   • Reputation and references

4. Total Value:

   • Advisory insights
   • Process improvements
   • Relationship quality

Red Flags in Proposals:

• Significantly below market (20%+ under typical range)
• Vague scope definitions
• Junior team proposed
• No partner involvement
• Unwilling to provide references
• Pressure tactics ("limited time offer")

Hidden Costs to Watch For

1. Scope Creep

Issue: Work outside original proposal scope

Mitigation:

• Define scope clearly in engagement letter
• Document any scope changes in writing
• Agree on additional fees before work begins

2. Information Request Delays

Issue: Multiple rounds of information requests

Cause: Poor initial planning or record keeping

Mitigation:

• Provide comprehensive information upfront
• Use audit request checklists
• Assign dedicated staff

3. Audit Adjustments

Issue: Time spent on significant audit adjustments

Mitigation:

• High-quality month-end close process
• Technical accounting review before audit
• Proactive error correction

ROI: Is Audit Worth the Cost?

Direct Benefits:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Avoid penalties (AED 10,000+ for late filing)
2. Financing Access: Banks require audited financials
3. Investor Confidence: Enhanced credibility
4. Fraud Detection: Control weaknesses identified

Indirect Benefits:

1. Process Improvements: Management letter recommendations
2. Technical Advice: IFRS and tax guidance
3. Benchmarking: Industry comparison insights
4. Risk Identification: Proactive issue detection

Typical ROI:

For most businesses, audit ROI is 200-300% through:

• Avoided penalties
• Process efficiencies identified
• Fraud prevention
• Improved financial management

Conclusion

Audit fees in Dubai range from AED 8,000 for small businesses to AED 200,000+ for large complex operations. Key factors affecting price:

• Company size (revenue, assets)
• Industry complexity
• Number of locations
• Record-keeping quality
• Timeline urgency

Best value comes from:

• Thorough preparation
• Good year-round records
• Clear scope definition
• Multi-year relationships
• Quality over lowest price

At Farahat & Co, we provide transparent, competitive pricing with exceptional value. Our fees include comprehensive audit work, management letter, and ongoing advisory support throughout the year.

Use our online calculator for instant fee estimate or contact us for detailed proposal.