A UAE branch or subsidiary still needs a local file that a parent auditor can consolidate. Since 2024 we have issued local statutory work plus a reporting pack: mapped trial balance, local adjustments, and a note of FTA and zone matters the parent may not see from London or Mumbai.
Local statutory plus group reporting
The local opinion follows UAE requirements. The group pack follows the parent’s year-end and materiality instructions where they do not conflict with the local licence. If they conflict, we say so in writing before we choose the local law.
Opening balances and related parties
First-year branches often arrive with opening positions that were never audited. Related-party charges from the parent are the usual gap. We test them as related parties, not as ‘head-office allocation’ that nobody can support.
Questions we are asked
Can you report to a Big Four parent auditor?
Yes, on a reporting pack they specify. We still keep a local file this office can stand behind.
Different year-ends?
We can bridge. The letter will name the extra procedures. Do not assume a 31 December parent file covers a 31 March UAE licence without work.
Who signs the local statements?
This practice, from Deira. The parent auditor’s name does not go on the UAE opinion unless they are the appointed auditor.