Financials

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">I bring over 30 years of experience in financial leadership, tax advisory, internal audit, and governance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Throughout my career&mdash;spanning leading roles at Al Habtoor Group and now as Managing Partner at ACME Group&mdash;I have led end-to-end transformation across tax, finance, audit, and compliance functions. I&rsquo;ve spearheaded VAT and Corporate Tax implementation for over 25 companies, managed strategic mergers and acquisitions across multiple jurisdictions, and driven cost optimizations resulting in millions of dirhams in savings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My approach blends regulatory expertise with operational insight, and I&rsquo;m passionate about building scalable systems and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders.<br>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q2. How is the competitive landscape for financial advisory services shifting in the UAE, especially following the implementation of new corporate tax and VAT rules?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">The landscape has evolved dramatically. Corporate tax implementation, in particular, has turned compliance from a legal formality into a strategic priority. Clients now expect depth, foresight, and multi-disciplinary perspectives.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">While many firms offer surface-level filing, those of us with hands-on experience in VAT, internal audit, and tax structuring are gaining a competitive edge. Moreover, clients demand faster, tech-enabled service, making responsiveness, innovation, and local expertise the new competitive currency.<br>&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q3. What new services or products are firms developing in response to UAE&rsquo;s evolving corporate tax landscape (e.g., digital compliance tools, real-time tax monitoring solutions)?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Firms are developing integrated tax compliance ecosystems that go beyond filing.</p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Corporate Tax Health Checks - to simulate audits and identify potential exposure</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Entity Restructuring and Group Structuring Support - aligned with the new tax regime</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Transfer Pricing Analysis &amp; Documentation - that meet OECD and UAE standards, and</li><li>Board-level Tax Dashboards- to support decision-making in real-time</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q4. How are advancements in technology being leveraged to streamline VAT compliance and corporate tax planning services?</span></h2><p>Technology is a key enabler. We are integrating ERP systems with tax modules to automate filings, reduce errors, and ensure transaction consistency. AI and data analytics are helping us identify VAT savings, detect anomalies, and generate risk assessments with predictive value. For corporate tax, scenario modeling tools and centralized document management systems have become essential.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q5. What is the projected impact of the UAE's introduction of a 15% minimum top-up tax on large multinational companies, effective January 2025, on the demand for corporate tax advisory services?</span></h2><p>It will significantly increase demand for sophisticated advisory services. Many UAE-headquartered multinationals, previously benefiting from 0% tax regimes, will now face a layered and evolving tax landscape under Pillar Two.</p><p>The top-up tax introduces new reporting obligations, structural implications, and potential compliance risks. Advisory firms with international tax structuring, transfer pricing, and multi-jurisdictional coordination experience will be in high demand. We expect a surge in requests for restructuring, global effective tax rate analysis, and digital tools that map entity-level exposure in real-time.<br>&nbsp;</p><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q6. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?</span></h2><p>How is your organization preparing to deliver cross-border, tech-enabled compliance solutions while maintaining regulatory accuracy and strategic insight?</p><p>This question cuts to the heart of scalability, digital maturity, and regulatory credibility. Investors should look for firms with local compliance capabilities and infrastructure that supports rapid changes, multi-jurisdictional reporting, and strategic foresight&mdash;especially in light of evolving global tax frameworks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>