Latest news with #GrantThorntonUAE


Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Grant Thornton UAE expands capabilities by joining multinational platform
In a significant milestone for the region's professional services sector, Grant Thornton UAE has joined a new multinational platform established by Grant Thornton Advisors in the US and Grant Thornton Ireland, marking a transformative step in its journey of growth and geographic expansion. The platform, which brings together 13,000 professionals across over 60 offices, is designed to deliver enhanced capabilities, cross-border solutions and deeper industry expertise to clients worldwide. It currently includes Grant Thornton US and Grant Thornton Ireland and other high performing member firms, with further integrations in progress across key financial centres such as Cayman Islands, Luxembourg and Netherlands. Grant Thornton UAE, which has been operating in the UAE for almost 60 years, is the first firm in the Middle East to join the platform. This move reinforces the UAE's position as a premier global business hub and reflects growing international confidence in the market's potential. It is aligned with the UAE's ambition to become a global destination for financial services, innovation and investment. 'This unification is a strategic leap forward that allows us to deepen our expertise, broaden our service offering and create greater value for our clients,' said Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE. 'It strengthens our ability to support both regional and international businesses through enhanced advisory, tax and assurance capabilities, while preserving the trusted relationships we've built in the UAE.' Clients will gain access to a richer pool of insights, international best practices and an expanded suite of cross-border solutions. For businesses with global ambitions, this evolution provides the ideal platform for scalable, future-ready support. It also offers more opportunity for Grant Thornton UAE's people, enabling career mobility and access to enhanced tools and resources. 'With nearly six decades in the UAE, becoming part of this multinational platform signifies a crucial advancement in Grant Thornton UAE's quest for innovation, collaboration and global influence, charting a new course in our journey. This partnership embodies our dedication to excellence and our faith in the strength of a common vision across different geographies. We will continue to unlock new market opportunities, fostering significant change for both our long-standing and new clients, and creating a future characterised by progress and purpose,' said Farouk Mohamed, founder and chairman of Grant Thornton UAE. Farouk will continue to lead Grant Thornton UAE as CEO, ensuring a smooth integration and continuity for clients and employees alike. Grant Thornton UAE is a prominent professional services firm offering audit and assurance, tax, and advisory solutions across a wide range of industries. With nearly 60 years of experience serving both public and private sector clients in the UAE, the firm is recognised for its commitment to quality, innovation, and a client-centric approach. Driven by fresh thinking and diverse perspectives, Grant Thornton UAE takes pride in delivering tailored services that meet the unique needs of each client. As a member of Grant Thornton International Limited, the firm benefits from a global network spanning over 690 offices in 150 markets.


Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Grant Thornton UAE releases ‘Women in Business 2025' report
Nearly 40% of UAE investors now expect clear evidence of female representation in senior leadership before committing capital Almost 72% of companies asked for gender data during procurement processes 40% of Grant Thornton UAE's workforce is female, with 22% female partners Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Diversity reporting is no longer confined to corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports; it is becoming a performance metric directly tied to revenue generation, Grant Thornton UAE, a leading professional services firm, finds in its newly launched 'Women in Business 2025' Report. The Grant Thornton 'Women in Business 2025' report draws on six years of data from senior leaders in UAE companies, multinational corporations, the public sector, and the firm's partners, highlighting the achievements and the key factors influencing gender diversity in leadership across the Emirates. It forms part of Grant Thornton's international research into this critical business imperative, which has been ongoing for over two decades. Hisham Farouk, CEO, Grant Thornton UAE, commented: 'Gender diversity has become both a social commitment and a strategic advantage; it is a strategic necessity for companies that want to thrive in the UAE's competitive and fast-evolving economy. As part of our firm's 2027 Strategy, we are committed to maintaining strong female representation at the highest levels. Today, women make up 22% of our partnership, and we want to sustain this growth momentum as we expand the number of female partners twofold by 2027.' The business case for gender diversity in the UAE is now measurable and market-driven. According to Grant Thornton UAE's latest research: Almost 72% of UAE businesses reported being asked to disclose gender diversity data when bidding for contracts. Nearly 40% of UAE investors now expect clear evidence of female representation in senior leadership before committing capital. Approximately 20% of businesses surveyed reported that government departments requested gender diversity data over the past year. This aligns with the UAE Vision 2030 agenda, where economic diversification, inclusive growth, and women's empowerment are explicitly linked to national competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Farouk added: 'A significant milestone in this journey has been the recruitment of our first Emirati female partner, reinforcing our commitment to advancing national talent and gender diversity in senior. We are fully aligned with the national agenda — not just meeting quotas but creating meaningful opportunities for Emirati women to grow within our firm.' The report states that gender diversity is no longer an aspirational goal, but a commercial necessity. UAE businesses with diverse leadership teams are better positioned to win government contracts and found more attractive to global investors with ESG mandates. Such firms are better equipped to attract and retain top talent across generations, according to the findings. To enable the creation of an environment where female leaders thrive, the 'Women in Business 2025' report recommends a multi-faceted approach that tackles systemic barriers, unconscious biases, and outdated processes, while intentionally building a culture of inclusion, sponsorship, and visible advocacy. This framework outlines five key focus areas of impact, supported by actionable steps, that organisations operating in the UAE can implement, measure, and embed into their day-to-day culture and long-term strategy. The 'Women in Business 2025' report is available online here. -Ends- About Grant Thornton: Grant Thornton UAE is a leading professional services firm, providing audit & assurance, tax and advisory services across multiple industries. We have served public and private sector clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 50 years and are committed to delivering quality and excellence driven by fresh thinking, diverse perspectives, and a personalised approach. As part of a globally connected network with over 76,000 people across over 150 countries, we provide deep industry knowledge with international expertise to help businesses navigate complex challenges throughout their journey of growth and transformation. By combining technical expertise and technological innovation we support local and international, public and private sector clients to achieve sustainable growth and drive economic prosperity in the UAE. Our tailored and agile approach positions us as a trusted advisor, always ready to adapt and respond to our clients' changing needs and goals. Media Contacts: Tiffany Dickinson | Taief Saleh Burson |


Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Grant Thornton UAE opens in Sharjah
Grant Thornton UAE, one of the leading financial services companies, has announced the opening of its new office in Sharjah, in a step that represents a significant milestone in the company's growth journey and its commitment to serving its clients in the Northern Emirates and across the UAE. The opening ceremony was attended by Walid Al Sayegh, Group CEO of Sharjah Asset Management, Ahmed Al Mazmi, Chief Financial Officer of Sharjah Asset Management Company, and Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE. Walid Al Sayegh praised the move, saying that Sharjah continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic economic hub, providing an attractive business environment that combines global expertise with the development of national competencies. Grant Thornton UAE expansion in Sharjah reflects the company vision towards sustainable economic development, enhancing Emiratisation, and creating an integrated environment that enables companies and professionals to achieve growth and success. He added that he welcomes this new addition, which will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the resilience of the UAE economy and supporting the future development process. The new office will also contribute to building a strong professional community of Emirati competencies, enhancing the empowerment of future leaders and supporting the UAE's development and economic agenda. Through dedicated development programmes, career guidance, and innovative learning opportunities, Grant Thornton UAE is committed to supporting and developing national talent. Commenting at the opening ceremony, Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE, said that for the past 58 years, the company has been part of the UAE's transformational growth journey, working with leading family businesses, key regulatory bodies and stakeholders. The opening of the new office in Sharjah reflects the vision for the Northern Emirates as a pivotal part of the UAE's growth and transformation. Grant Thornton UAE remains committed to providing the best global expertise and local insights to the growing client base, and looks forward to continuing to build trust with clients, employees and communities.


Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Grant Thornton UAE launches Sharjah office to foster economic prosperity and Emiratisation
Sharjah, UAE: Grant Thornton UAE, a leading professional financial firm, has announced the launch of its new office based in Sharjah, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and commitment to clients in the Northern Emirates and the wider UAE. The grand opening was attended by His Excellency Waleed Al Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Asset Management. The new office represents Grant Thornton UAE's dedication to the growth and development of Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, a vast region that is rapidly driving economic diversification and growth across sectors such as tourism, logistics, and manufacturing. His Excellency Waleed Al Sayegh, said:'' "Sharjah continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic economic hub, providing an attractive business environment that combines global expertise with the development of national talent. The expansion of 'Grant Thornton UAE' in Sharjah reflects our vision for sustainable economic growth, promoting Emiratisation, and creating an integrated environment that enables businesses and professionals to achieve growth and success. We welcome this new addition, which will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the resilience of the emirate's economy and supporting its future development journey." The new Grant Thornton UAE office in Sharjah will help cultivate a thriving community of Emirati professionals who will set the stage for future leaders and contribute to the UAE's national agenda. With personalised development programmes, mentorship and innovative learning opportunities, Grant Thornton UAE is unlocking the full potential of national talent. Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE, commented at the launch event: 'Over the past 58 years, we have been privileged to be a part of the UAE's transformative journey, working together with notable family businesses, key regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders. Grant Thornton UAE's expansion into Sharjah reflects our belief in the Northern Emirates as an integral part of the UAE's future growth and transformation. We remain committed to delivering global expertise and local insight in close collaboration with our growing clientele and look forward to continuing to inspire confidence in our clients, our people and our communities.' Located in City Gate Tower and seating 150 staff members, the new office highlights Grant Thornton UAE's commitment to delivering exceptional services and fostering long-term client relationships. -Ends- About Sharjah Asset Management: Sharjah Asset Management is the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, strive to achieve our vision of promoting economic and social development as well as accelerating the sustainable economic growth in the Emirate of Sharjah, in partnership with public and private sectors. About Grant Thornton: Grant Thornton UAE was founded in 1966 and is one of the UAE's leading audit and assurance, advisory, and tax firms dedicated to serving the needs of privately held businesses, public interest entities, and family-owned businesses. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, Grant Thornton leverages its considerable experience to develop tailored solutions for clients across various industries including financial services, public sector, energy, hospitality, leisure, real estate, construction, retail, transportation, logistics, defence, manufacturing, and telecommunications industries, among others. As part of the global Grant Thornton network which entails over 76,000 professionals in member firms in 156 countries, Grant Thornton UAE combines a strong local presence with global scale, aiming to help organisations achieve sustainable growth and success in a fast-changing business landscape.