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The Speed-Quality Trade-Off in Audit - A Myth
The Speed-Quality Trade-Off in Audit - A Myth
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Beyond Size: The True Scope of Transfer Pricing
From Reports to Real Business Insight
UAE Corporate Tax Update | FTA Clarifies the Meaning of “Director” and “Officer”
Tax Transparency in the UAE: Why Data & Invoicing Are Now at the Core of Regulatory Oversight
sudir
Sudhir Kumar Re-elected as Board Director for Kreston Global

London – Kreston Global is happy to announce the re-election of Sudhir Kumar, Senior Partner and Head of Corporate Communications at Kreston Menon, as Board Director for Kreston Global, representing the newly formed Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

His leadership in the Middle East has been exemplary in terms of driving collaboration and commercial partnerships as well as ensuring high standards of client service delivery. Sudhir will continue to focus on supporting Kreston’s strategic vision, and being a strong voice for member firms in the Middle East and Africa. His ongoing commitment aligns with Kreston Global’s mission to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across its international network.

Sudhir Kumar said

“I am so pleased to be able to continue serving on the Kreston Global Board. Being re-elected is an honour and testament to the collaborative spirit we have built. I look forward to continuing to help support the network’s strong focus on risk and international expansion to help create opportunities for our member firms, and strengthening our presence in emerging markets.”

Liza Robbins. Chief Executive, said:

“Sudhir is an excellent board member and a wonderful advocate for the network – having won our global network entrepreneur award in previous years demonstrates how much he cares about what we do and how we do it. I am so pleased we can continue to work together on the Board. “



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A gateway to global markets: Ennogen Healthcare on why the UAE is key to their expansion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a premier destination for global entrepreneurs. The UAE’s transformation into a hub for global business can be attributed to several key factors, including strategic location, government support, and a pro-business environment.

Ennogen Healthcare, a UK-based pharmaceutical company, is among the many international companies that have expanded their operations to the UAE. In a recent interview, Jason Tate, Chief Financial Officer of Ennogen Healthcare, shared his insights on why the UAE was chosen as their base for expansion and how their journey has been facilitated by Kreston Menon.

The strategic appeal of the UAE

Tate outlined the strategic appeal of the UAE, highlighting three primary reasons for their decision to expand into the region. First and foremost, the UAE’s geographic location offers unparalleled access to key markets. Positioned as a gateway between Asia, Europe, and the wider Middle East, the UAE allows companies like Ennogen Healthcare to efficiently reach a broad spectrum of markets while maintaining proximity to their European base.

“The proximity of the UAE to other regions around the world, including Asia and the subcontinent, while remaining close to Europe, was a critical factor for us,” Tate explained. This accessibility has made the UAE a preferred destination for companies seeking to expand their global footprint.

Another crucial factor is the UAE’s talent pool, which is enriched by a diverse, multicultural workforce attracted by the country’s high quality of life. “The talent pool that’s available here is attracted by the lifestyle and the agglomeration of skills from around the world,” said Tate. The ability to draw skilled professionals from various global markets has been instrumental in Ennogen Healthcare’s success in the UAE, as the company operates in a highly regulated industry that requires top-tier expertise.

Lastly, the pro-business environment fostered by the UAE government has been a significant enabler. The UAE’s regulatory framework is designed to be business friendly, reducing the bureaucratic barriers that often hinder international expansion. Tate noted, “The pro-business environment, which the government leads, helps us to drive forward our success.” This environment, coupled with the UAE’s continuous efforts to streamline business operations, has made it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish a presence in the region.

A trusted partner

The role of professional services firms like Kreston Menon in supporting international businesses cannot be overstated. When Ennogen Healthcare began considering its expansion into the UAE, the company evaluated several firms, including the Big Four, before deciding that Kreston Menon was the best fit for their needs. “Kreston Menon was introduced to me by a fellow professional, and we assessed their capability in the UAE compared to other firms,” Tate recalled. “We considered that Kreston Menon was best placed in the UAE to give appropriate local advice for the region, which is important in the process of setting up and also expanding.”

Kreston Menon’s local expertise and understanding of the UAE’s regulatory landscape proved invaluable as Ennogen Healthcare navigated the administrative complexities of establishing operations in the country. The firm provided tailored advice and support, ensuring a smooth transition for Ennogen Healthcare as they set up their UAE base.

Advice for new businesses

As the UAE continues to attract a growing number of international businesses, Tate offered some advice for those considering expansion into the region. He emphasised the importance of understanding the local market and leveraging the UAE’s business culture. “The UAE provides a very dynamic environment for interpreneurs, attracting talent and facilitating the sharing of knowledge,” Tate observed.

He also highlighted the importance of being strategic in selecting a location within the UAE that aligns with the company’s business objectives. Proximity to key markets, access to talent, and ease of doing business should all be considered when making this decision.


Bright future

Reflecting on Ennogen Healthcare’s journey, Tate rated their success in the UAE as 9 out of 10, acknowledging that while they have achieved significant milestones, there is still potential for further growth. “We’ve arrived here, set up the business, and begun to achieve some of our early goals,” Tate said “But we’re also beginning to identify new opportunities that we didn’t anticipate before we came here. As a consequence, I’ll be moving larger parts of the business into the UAE in the coming months ”

This positive outlook is indicative of the broader trend among interpreneurs in the UAE. The country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its business ecosystem and its commitment to creating a competitive and investor-friendly environment have positioned it as a global leader in attracting foreign investment.

As more international entrepreneurs discover the opportunities that the UAE has to offer, the country is poised to continue its ascent as a top destination for global business. With firms like Kreston Menon offering essential support, and the UAE government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a pro-business climate, the future looks bright for interpreneurs aiming to make their mark in the UAE.
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Navigating the UAE’s New Corporate Tax Landscape for Free Zones
Ravishanker V, Director - Taxation, Kreston Menon

In a move that has significant implications for businesses operating within UAE’s free zones, the implementation of the Corporate Tax Law through Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 issued on 1st June 2023 has ushered in a new era of taxation. This landmark legislation follows the global commitments that UAE has made to ensure tax transparency and enhanced regulatory oversight. Adhering to global standards enhances UAE’s reputation as a responsible global financial hub

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Strengthening the UK-UAE Business Corridor: A Vision for the Future
Alex Peal, Managing Partner - James Cowper Kreston Peal
Over the past few decades, the UAE and the UK have built a robust partnership, and we are now eagerly anticipating the future.

At James Cowper Kreston, we are proud to be part of the thriving business relationship between the UK and the UAE. Our firm has been dedicated to providing exceptional services to UAE investors looking to expand their presence in the UK as well as supporting companies looking to move into the UAE. With our extensive experience and deep understanding of both markets, we have successfully facilitated numerous investments, supporting growth and collaboration between these two dynamic regions.
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The UK-UAE Partnership: Building a Financial Service Future Together
H.E. Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hobart

The United Kingdom has long promised to be the best country in the world to do business, and I am proud to say we are delivering on that. Recent months have seen our economy receive two significant votes of confidence: a landmark Free Trade Agreement with India—the fastest growing economy in the G20 — and becoming the first country to secure an economic deal with the Trump administration. These achievements underscore the UK’s position as the most open, stable, and connected economy in the world. But what truly sets us apart is our approach to growth — one that we are building not just for you, but with you.  


My initial appointment to the United Arab Emirates, as Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates in 2012, afforded me a profound appreciation of the intertwined historical relationship between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. It is a rare privilege in diplomatic service to return to a nation in a more senior capacity, and I am honoured to now serve as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE.   


Today’s UK and UAE relationship reaches back more than two hundred years. Those original agreements to secure vital trade routes have flourished into a thriving partnership which is about far more than the exchange of goods and services.    


The ever growing, British community in the UAE is proud of its contribution to the UAE’s story, and personal and cultural ties are critical to this across numerous sectors, nowhere more so than in the field of financial services.  

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Decoding Business Valuation: Winning Strategic Negotiations
Bhawana, Manager - Kreston ME Consulting

Valuing a Tech Company in the Middle East

Imagine you have built a successful tech company in the Middle East, offering technology solutions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Years of hard work have paid off, and now a big client, a multinational corporation, wants to buy your business.

But how do you decide the value of what you have achieved? This is the dilemma for the owners of this private tech company as they plan to sell the business they have built from scratch.

The Valuation Challenge

Valuing a private company in an emerging market is not easy. Without stock prices or market consensus, it’s a mix of growth potential, regional factors, and market competition. To navigate this dilemma, the owners enlisted KMEC, a trusted advisor for advisory services, to guide them through two contrasting valuation methods: the forward-looking Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) approach, which looks at the company’s future cash potential, and the EBITDA multiple method, which builds on current earnings strength.

With these valuations, the owners must negotiate with a savvy multinational buyer aiming to enhance its capabilities. Should they go with the optimistic DCF, the realistic EBITDA, or a mix of both? The multinational will examine every detail, but the tech company’s strategic advantage might influence the final price.

This case study explores valuation and negotiation in an emerging market, where ambition meets opportunity, and every decision impacts the outcome—a story of strategy, risk, and seeking fair value in a fast-changing tech world

Background

The technology company provided enterprise solutions focused on emerging sectors in the region. It had established a solid presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, benefiting from the region’s increasing demand for technology solutions. The firm served a diverse client base, including several large multinational companies.

One of these clients, a multinational corporation, had been a significant customer for years. Impressed by the technology company’s solutions and regional expertise, the multinational expressed interest in acquiring it to expand and build its own in-house capabilities. The owners considered this as a good opportunity to exit the business. However, they needed to establish a fair valuation of the business for negotiations.

The Challenge

Valuing a privately held technology company operating in an emerging market is complex. Unlike public companies with market-driven stock prices, these firms lack a clear benchmark. The valuation had to also take into account the organization’s growth potential in a region undergoing digital transformation, while also factoring the risks of a competitive and fast-changing industry.

To address this, the owners approached KMEC, a business consulting firm specializing in business valuations for companies in the Middle East. The firm was engaged to provide a range of valuations to support the owners in the negotiations it could have with the potential buyer.

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