The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has signed two key memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the American University in Dubai (AUD) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) as part of its broader mission to enhance financial sustainability and build accounting capacity within the federal government. This move is part of the Ministry’s strategy to foster partnerships with both international and local institutions to strengthen government financial expertise.
Under the first MoU, the AUD will introduce an executive diploma programme in Government Financial Policy Sustainability for the years 2024 and 2025. The programme is designed to align with the UAE government’s vision of nurturing national talent while deepening financial and accounting expertise. Participants will gain essential skills, understand principles of financial sustainability, and explore evolving trends in government financial management, including the influence of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on financial statement analysis.
The second MoU with the UK-based ACCA focuses on building financial and accounting capabilities by launching the Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the Certificate in Sustainability for Finance (Cert SF) during 2024 and 2025. These initiatives aim to equip finance professionals, including chief financial officers, with the skills needed to lead sustainability initiatives within federal agencies.
MoF undersecretary Younis Haji Al Khoori highlighted the importance of these collaborations: “We are committed to collaborating with top universities and institutions to offer education that not only meets the demands of our modern economy but also supports the enduring strength of our public finances. These partnerships will undoubtedly play a vital role in preparing our financial management team for the future, encouraging innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and digital transformation.”
The MoUs aim to help accountants and finance professionals navigate challenges related to accrual-based international accounting standards and financial statement preparation. The Ministry’s newly unveiled Financial Sustainability and Accounting Capacity Building Programme will further support professionals in mastering IPSAS applications, helping them adapt to evolving accounting requirements and sustainability challenges.
