In a bid to enhance the framework of public financial management and foster transparency in line with global best practices, the Ministry of Finance organized the Financial Data Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This event saw the participation of Younis Haji Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, along with Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Financial Management, as well as several other officials, finance directors, and specialists from federal entities. Additionally, students specializing in accounting and finance from both public and private universities were involved, alongside the UAE Accounting Office.
The primary aim of the forum was to discuss the preparation of financial statements for federal entities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Key topics included the application of modern international accounting standards for the public sector and significant updates in the financial circular for statement preparation. Moreover, the event aimed to strengthen collaboration between federal entities and academic institutions, by allowing students from accounting and finance programs to learn about best practices in financial reporting.
Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri noted, “The organization of this forum reflects the Ministry of Finance’s vision of creating a federal financial environment grounded in governance and transparency, aligned with top international practices. Discussing accounting developments and financial updates aligns with the nation’s drive to enhance financial efficiency and achieve the highest levels of accuracy in reporting, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s status as a leading global model in public financial management.”
She further emphasized, “Involving graduates from accounting and finance programs in this forum highlights our commitment to investing in human resources and empowering national competencies to engage with the best practical experiences. This creates a vital bridge between academic education and practical application, which supports the development of qualified personnel to lead the future of both the public and private financial sectors.”
Al Amiri concluded, “The Ministry of Finance is dedicated to adopting the finest global practices in public financial management, developing financial and accounting capabilities through specialized training programs to ensure sustainability and continuity in education and development.”
Advancing Financial Systems
The forum included interactive sessions designed to cover various aspects of financial statement preparation. It commenced with an opening “podcast” session featuring Mariam Al Amiri, who engaged in an in-depth discussion about the evolution of public finance within the federal government, focusing on accounting and digital transformation, as well as the continuous development of federal financial systems to ensure accurate financial reporting.
This was followed by a specialized knowledge-sharing session that analyzed the new international accounting standards (IPSAS 41, 42, 43, and 44), which are set to be implemented this year. The session concentrated on compliance requirements and their direct implications for federal financial reporting, showcasing practical experiences and case studies of best global practices in this arena.
The forum also featured a detailed presentation of Financial Circular No. (5) for 2025, which provides guidelines for preparing the draft final accounts of federal entities (financial statements) and the consolidated final accounts (consolidated financial statements) for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2025. Key updates on presentation and disclosure requirements were discussed, along with the importance of adhering to timelines and processes for data submission to ensure the accuracy of the federal government’s final accounts. The UAE Accounting Office presented essential audit requirements and their role in supporting the quality of financial data.
Additionally, students from universities were given insights into the processes of financial statement preparation in accordance with best practices, creating a platform for direct interaction between financial officials from federal entities and graduates. This provided a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of academic outputs with the needs of the government financial sector and to foster constructive dialogue about the future of the profession and the role of youth in supporting the efficiency and sustainability of the state’s financial system.