Corporate Governance Audit
in Abu Dhabi
We review how board authority, committee oversight, decisions, conflicts, and governance records operate in practice across your Abu Dhabi organisation.
13+ YEARS OF UAE FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE
- Board Process Review
- Conflict Control Testing
- Abu Dhabi UAE
Governance That Can Be Evidenced
Check whether the decisions, delegations, and oversight practices described in your governance documents are actually being followed.
Clearer Decision Authority
Directors and executives can see whether significant decisions were made at the right level and supported by the required approval evidence.
Stronger Board Records
Minutes, resolutions, committee papers, and action logs are reviewed for the information needed to explain how oversight was exercised.
Better Conflict Visibility
The review tests whether declared interests, related-party matters, recusals, and conflict registers are recorded and monitored consistently.
Practical Board Actions
Findings are translated into clear ownership and next steps, helping the board improve governance without creating unnecessary policy documents.
Governance Audit Work Scope
Independent review of the governing structures, decision trails, and oversight controls used by Abu Dhabi companies and boards.
Governance Mandate Mapping
Review governing documents, board mandates, policies, charters, and authority structures.
Board Role Assessment
Assess board responsibilities, reporting lines, information flow, and oversight practice.
Decision Trail Review
Examine selected board minutes, written resolutions, approvals, and action records.
Delegated Authority Testing
Compare approval limits and delegated powers with selected decisions and transactions.
Conflict Process Review
Review declarations of interest, related-party controls, recusals, and conflict registers.
Committee Oversight Review
Examine committee mandates, membership, meeting records, reporting, and follow-up actions.
Shareholder Record Review
Review relevant shareholder decisions, governance communications, and company recordkeeping.
Governance Findings Report
Deliver evidence-based findings, priorities, and recommendations for board consideration.
Governance Review For Decision Makers
Ahmed Mahfoudh Chartered Accountants & Auditors has more than 13 years of UAE financial experience. We review governance through the records created when the board and management make decisions: mandates, approval matrices, meeting papers, minutes, declarations, committee reports, and action logs. In Abu Dhabi, governance expectations can vary between private companies, government-related entities, ADGM organisations, regulated firms, and listed businesses. We define the relevant framework first, then test how the organisation applies it in practice.
Review The Evidence Behind Oversight
Boards often have policies in place but lack proof that authority, conflicts, and follow-up actions are being managed consistently.
We follow decisions through approval
We select significant decisions and trace them through the agenda, board or committee paper, authority level, discussion record, resolution, and follow-up action. This shows whether the governance process was applied as designed or bypassed through informal decision-making.
We test governance beyond minutes
Minutes alone may not show whether a decision was properly informed or authorised. We review the supporting papers, delegation matrix, declared interests, committee records, and action tracking that sit behind selected board and management decisions.
We distinguish gaps from allegations
A missing record or weak approval trail does not automatically mean misconduct. We report what evidence was available, what requirement or process was not met, and what improvement is needed so the board can act on facts rather than assumptions.
Abu Dhabi Governance Audit Support
Independent governance review for boards, company secretaries, compliance leaders, and executive management.
Sameh Abdalla
CEO & Founder
Sami Abdallah leads the firm with expertise in accounting, audit, tax advisory, and consulting. He provides strategic guidance and supports long-term business growth across the UAE.
Ahmed Mahfoudh
Audit Manager
Ahmed Mahfoudh manages audit assignments and financial reviews with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and risk assessment. He delivers clear insights to strengthen financial control.
Ahmed Elbadawi
Legal Manager
Ahmed Elbadawi provides legal guidance, contract management, and compliance support. He helps protect business interests, reduce risks, and ensure smooth legal operations.
Ahmed Samir
Tax Manager
Ahmed Samir specializes in UAE VAT, corporate tax, and compliance services. He supports businesses in managing tax obligations while improving financial efficiency and compliance effectively.
Abu Dhabi Boards Reviewing Oversight
These board and governance leaders needed a clear, independent view of how their framework operated.
“The audit gave us an independent view of board processes and practical ways to strengthen oversight.”
“The report highlighted strengths and improvement areas in a balanced, useful manner.”
“The assessment strengthened board effectiveness and decision-making structures for shareholders and regulators.”
“Findings were easy for the board to understand and act upon.”
“Clearer decision records and conflict-of-interest procedures have already been adopted.”
“The review gave our board the assurance and insight it needed.”
Governance Audit Questions In Abu Dhabi
Answers on scope, boards, conflicts, records, ADGM obligations, timing, findings, and review costs.
What is a governance audit?
A corporate governance audit examines how an organisation directs, oversees, approves, records, and monitors important decisions. It reviews evidence such as mandates, minutes, authority limits, conflict declarations, committee records, and action tracking.
Is a governance audit mandatory?
A standalone governance audit is not mandatory for every private Abu Dhabi company. Requirements can arise from a regulator, listing rules, shareholder agreement, financing arrangement, company constitution, or government-related entity mandate.
Is this the same as financial audit?
No. A financial statement audit provides an opinion on financial statements, while a governance audit reviews decision structures, board oversight, authority, conflicts, and control evidence. The assignments have different objectives and reporting criteria.
Which boards benefit from a review?
Boards with external investors, multiple shareholders, committees, regulated activity, material delegated authority, or rapid growth often benefit from a review. A 12-month review period can cover a full cycle of meetings, decisions, and follow-up actions.
What does ADGM require for governance?
ADGM reporting entities must maintain a corporate governance framework adequate to promote prudent and sound long-term management. The applicable ADGM requirements depend on the entity’s status, activities, and regulatory classification.
Are conflicts of interest reviewed?
Yes. The review can test interest declarations, conflict registers, related-party procedures, decision records, and evidence that conflicted individuals did not take part where recusal was required. The exact process should match the company’s legal and governance framework.
What company records are examined?
Records can include constitutional documents, board and committee charters, minutes, resolutions, authority matrices, policy registers, shareholder approvals, declarations, and action logs. ADGM companies must maintain records of corporate changes and submit annual returns to the Registration Authority.
What happens after a weak control is found?
The finding identifies the governance area, available evidence, effect of the gap, and recommended action. Management or the board should assign an owner and target date, then review whether the corrective action has addressed the original weakness.
Can the audit assess board effectiveness?
Yes. The review can assess whether the board receives timely information, follows its mandate, addresses conflicts, records decisions, and monitors actions. It does not replace a legal assessment of individual directors’ duties.
How is a governance audit priced?
Fees depend on the number of entities, boards, committees, records, governance period, and regulatory requirements involved. A group with several committees and a 12-month decision trail requires more review work than one private company board.
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