MHA expands into UAE market with acquisition of Moore Stephens

The UAE-based business of Moore Stephens, which has around 100 partners and staff, has been acquired by UK-headquartered MHA.

Established in 1999, Moore Stephens in the UAE has grown into one of the larger accounting and advisory practices in the region, providing audit, tax and advisory services to clients across a wide range of industries including financial services, manufacturing, construction, real estate, logistics, oil and gas, trading groups and government agencies.

Moore Stephens is led by three partners and has a team of 95 staff working from five offices – in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Sharjah and Hamriyah Free Zone. In financial year 2025, the firm is projected to generate revenues of around £6.5 million.

Under the terms of the deal, all partners and staff of Moore Stephens will cross to MHA. The Moore Stephens brand will be discontinued in the region, although Moore will maintain a strong presence in the Middle East through Moore JFC Group.

Headquartered in the UK, MHA is a member firm of Baker Tilly. The firm has more than 2,300 people working from 30 offices across the UK, Ireland, South-East Europe (acquired earlier this year), and the Cayman Islands.

CEO Rakesh Shaunak said that the expansion into the Middle East is part of its strategy to broaden its international reach. “The acquisition of Moore Stephens in the UAE is another step forward in building a larger organisation and an international platform that enhances client service, strengthens our sector capabilities and creates opportunities for our people.”

“Moore Stephens is a high-quality, well-established practice with strong cultural alignment, and we look forward to updating the market as we progress toward completion.”