UAE President issues decree establishing accountability authority

File picture

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Federal Decree-Law No. (56) of 2023 on establishing the UAE Accountability Authority.

The new entity will replace the Supreme Audit Institution, and will report directly to the President.

Aimed at maintaining and enhancing the integrity of public finances, the Accountability Authority will be the highest authority for financial control, auditing, integrity and transparency in the country.

According to the decree, the Authority's functions include reviewing and auditing the Consolidated Annual Report of the federal government and expressing opinion on it, as well as auditing separate and combined annual financial statements in the entities subject to the control of the Authority.

Its responsibilities also include assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control systems for financial operations, as well as setting the supreme policies on integrity and combating financial and administrative corruption, following their approval by the UAE President.

The Authority will be reviewing and undertaking administrative investigation into complaints and reports regarding any misappropriation of funds and assets belonging to the regulated entities, conflicts of interest, misuse of authority, disclosure of official data and information, or exploitation of public office for personal gain or benefit to third parties.

It is also tasked with identifying strong mechanisms to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, as well as initiatives to recover public funds.

More from Business

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Entertainment Extra

    1:00pm - 2:00pm

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.