Dubai Finance Partners With PwC Academy To Launch Tax Professional Certification For Government Employees

Dubai Finance (DOF) and PwC Academy, part of PwC Middle East, have formed a strategic partnership. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a new tax professional certification. This initiative targets tax professionals within Dubai government entities. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, DOF’s Director-General, and Samar Sayegh, PwC Partner and PwC Academy Middle East Leader, formalised the agreement.

The Tax Professional Certificate is part of a specialised training programme. It includes comprehensive modules on UAE's value-added tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax. The programme is available in both Arabic and English. Participants receive two diplomas from the UK's Association of Tax Technicians (ATT-UK), focusing on UAE VAT and Corporate Tax.

Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh highlighted the UAE's tax system as being based on top international standards. He emphasised DOF's role in nurturing this ecosystem to balance public interest with private sector needs. "The tax system in the UAE is based on the best international practices and foundations, considering the country's unique financial and business sectors," he stated.

Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Commissioner for Tax Affairs in Dubai, noted that tax revenues enhance economic sectors by improving government operations. He explained that DOF introduced this certificate to meet governmental training needs. "DOF has introduced this tax certificate in line with the government’s training needs," he said.

Samar Sayegh described the collaboration as a key step in empowering UAE nationals with essential skills for navigating regulatory changes. "This unique collaboration with the Department of Finance (DOF) Dubai marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower UAE nationals," she remarked. The programme aims to equip professionals with global standards knowledge tailored to regional regulations.

The certification programme spans 18 training days, totalling 108 hours. Amna Salem Al Jabri from DOF mentioned that participants must pass a final exam by PwC Academy to earn the certificate. This underscores Dubai Government's dedication to qualifying skilled employees in tax affairs across various entities.

Sayegh also noted that this initiative will accelerate career growth for participants while contributing to building a skilled workforce supporting UAE’s economic transformation. "By fostering advanced knowledge and practical skills, this programme will not only accelerate career progression for participants but also contribute to building a highly skilled workforce," she added.

This pioneering programme is unique not only in the UAE but also across the Arab world. It reflects DOF's commitment to developing competent employees in tax affairs within government entities.

With inputs from WAM