The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the United Arab Emirates Internal Auditors Association (UAE IAA) have partnered to offer a new qualification pathway for careers in finance and auditing.
This collaboration integrates the ICAEW’s Business and Finance Professional (BFP) qualification with the UAE IAA’s HASAAD programme, designed to promote internal audit excellence among UAE graduates, reported The Fintech Times.
The joint initiative supports the UAE’s National Employment Strategy 2031, which focuses on developing a skilled workforce to drive a knowledge-based economy, particularly in the finance and audit sectors.
This will allow participants to gain qualifications in finance, accounting, and business, along with knowledge in internal auditing.
The bodies note that the UAE IAA is now recognised as an approved ‘Partner in Learning’ for the ICAEW, contributing modules towards the BFP qualification and the HASAAD programme.
This programme incorporates neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques to improve employability and workplace readiness.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataIt offers internships, which can be completed on-site or virtually, to meet the BFP’s 12-month work experience requirement.
It also provides “flexible” study options, allowing learners to choose part-time engagement or a three-year, full-time pathway.
This is expected to lead to direct job placements upon programme completion.
UAE IAA board chairman Abdulqader Obaid Ali said: “Strengthening internal audit and finance capabilities is essential for advancing corporate transparency and economic growth. Our collaboration with ICAEW establishes a clear pathway for professionals to gain internationally recognised qualifications and real-world industry exposure.
“By aligning education with industry needs, we are actively shaping a highly skilled workforce that will strengthen the UAE’s competitive edge in the global economy.”
Earlier in February 2025, discussions took place between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) and the ICAEW to renew their memorandum of understanding.
Since 2009, this agreement has facilitated collaborative educational and professional development initiatives in the accountancy space.
