Six UAE professional services firms join forces to form 160-person group

A group of six UAE-based accounting and advisory firms have joined forces to create a 160-person group with the ambition to become a leading player in the mid-tier segment of the market.

The merger is spearheaded by two companies: Ahmad Alagbari Chartered Accountants, which is based in Dubai and has around 50 staff, and Firm Harbour Aegis, which is an alliance of three professional services firms with around 70 staff. The brands of the three other boutique firms are yet to be revealed.

The combined group will have around 160 staff, and bring together capabilities across a wide range of services, including auditing, assurance, corporate taxation, VAT, business process outsourcing, corporate advisory, mergers & acquisitions, ESG, and technology. The group will serve clients across numerous industry verticals.

“This alliance reflects our shared commitment to empowering businesses with seamless and integrated solutions,” said Salman Sajid, Co-Founder and CEO of Firm Harbour Aegis. “With projected revenues exceeding $15 million by 2025, we are poised to make a significant impact on the regional market.”

Syed Asif Zaman, Managing Partner and CEO of Ahmad Alagbari Chartered Accountants, noted that the group will be well-positioned to tap into the growing mid-market space.

“The UAE is the second-largest market for assurance and advisory services in the MENA region,” he commented. “This merger allows us to pool our resources, expand our expertise, and deliver services that address critical gaps in the market.”

Building on its fundament, Zaman said the leadership team has set the goal to grow with 10% to 15% per annum in the coming years. The consulting firm will also keep an eye out for further inorganic growth, with plans already on the table to integrate firms specialising in asset valuation and legal services. “Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for clients in the mid-market,” said Zaman.