Insights
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions UAE business owners, shareholders and advisers ask before commissioning a valuation. For anything not covered here, speak to a valuation specialist.
01
Common questions
- How much does a company valuation cost in Dubai?
- It depends on the company, the interest being valued, the purpose, the financial complexity and the report required. An indicative assessment for an internal decision costs less than a formal report for a tax transaction or a tribunal. We provide a written quotation before any work starts.
- How is a private company valued in the UAE?
- Usually by reference to the earnings or cash flows it can sustain, cross-checked against market evidence, with asset-based approaches for holding and asset-rich companies. The ownership structure, licences, related-party arrangements and liabilities such as end-of-service gratuity are reflected explicitly.
- What information do I need to provide?
- Typically audited financial statements, current management accounts, forecasts, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, any shareholders' agreement, trade licence details and information on owner remuneration and related-party balances. We send a tailored list once the scope is agreed.
- Can you value a mainland LLC?
- Yes. We value the company and the ownership interest, reading the MoA for profit-sharing, management and pre-emption provisions that affect the value of a partner's shares.
- Can you value a free-zone company?
- Yes, under any of the UAE's free zones. Each authority has its own regulations on ownership and transfers, which we take into account.
- Can you value shares held by a minority shareholder?
- Yes. Whether the value reflects a discount for lack of control depends on the purpose, the basis of value and the company's documents. We do not apply a standard percentage.
- Can you provide independent valuation reports for auditors?
- Yes. We prepare IFRS valuations for purchase price allocation, impairment and fair value, documented for audit review. Management and the auditor retain their own responsibilities.
- Can you value a business for corporate tax purposes?
- Yes, where a transaction needs market value or arm's-length evidence, such as a transfer of a business, shares or intangible assets between related parties. The tax treatment itself is for your corporate tax adviser.
- How long does a valuation take?
- A single company with audited accounts can often be valued within two to four weeks of receiving complete information. Groups, historic dates and formal expert reports take longer. We confirm the timetable when the scope is agreed.
- Can you value a business before a sale?
- Yes, and it is one of the most useful times to do so. An independent view of value before talks begin helps you set expectations and respond to offers with evidence.
- Can you value a family-owned company?
- Yes. We value family companies, holding structures and individual family members' interests for succession, transfers and buyouts.
- Can you prepare valuations for disputes?
- Yes, subject to conflict checks and the rules of the forum, for negotiations, expert determination, arbitration and DIFC or ADGM proceedings.
02
About UAE valuations
- Is a valuation the same as a broker's asking price?
- No. A broker's figure is a marketing price. An independent valuation is an opinion of value prepared by someone with no interest in the sale.
- Do you value property, machinery or vehicles?
- No. We value businesses, shares and intangible assets. Where a company owns significant property or equipment, we rely on valuations from appropriately qualified specialists.
- Can you report in US dollars?
- Yes. We normally report in dirhams and can present values in another currency where the transaction requires it.
- Do you work with businesses outside the UAE?
- Yes, where a UAE client owns them or a transaction involves a UAE party, subject to the information available.
03
Tax, reporting and legal boundaries
- Do you give tax advice?
- No. We provide valuation evidence. Whether a transaction must be priced at market value or qualifies for relief is for your corporate tax adviser.
- Is a transfer pricing study the same as a valuation?
- No. Transfer pricing benchmarking tests recurring transactions against comparables. A valuation estimates the value of a business, shares or an asset at a date.
- Do you advise on inheritance or Sharia matters?
- No. We value business interests. The distribution of an estate is determined by the applicable law and your legal advisers.
- Are you a registered court expert?
- We do not claim registration as a court-appointed expert in any UAE jurisdiction. We act within the rules of each forum, and onshore courts usually appoint their own experts.
04
Working with us
- Who will rely on the report?
- We agree at the outset who the valuation is for and who may rely on it. Others may receive it only with our consent.
- How do you keep information confidential?
- Information is used only for the engagement, shared only with the people you approve and held securely.
- Can several shareholders instruct you together?
- Yes. Joint instructions are common for buyouts and family matters, with terms agreed by all parties.
Speak to a valuation specialist
Send us the company or interest, the purpose and the Emirate. We will propose a scope, list the documents we need and quote a fee in writing.