The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE IAA) have joined forces to introduce a new qualification programme aimed at enhancing career opportunities in finance and auditing.
The partnership offers a joint qualification pathway for talent, combining the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) qualification with the UAE IAA HASAAD® programme, a training initiative focused on internal audit excellence among UAE graduates.
This programme aligns with the UAE’s National Employment Strategy 2031, aiming to cultivate a knowledge-based economy by preparing a skilled workforce of finance and audit professionals ready to excel in key economic sectors.
Hanadi Khalife, head of Middle East, ICAEW, explained: “A strong finance and audit workforce is essential to the UAE’s long-term economic resilience. By integrating ICAEW’s globally recognised CFAB and BFP qualifications with the HASAAD® programme, we are equipping professionals with the expertise and hands-on experience needed to drive financial integrity and corporate governance across the region.”
The partnership
The UAE IAA has now become an approved ‘Partner in Learning’ for ICAEW, delivering modules that contribute to the ICAEW’s Business and Finance Professional (BFP) qualification and the HASAAD® programme. This collaboration also provides participants with qualifications in finance, accounting and business, alongside specialised knowledge in internal auditing, effectively preparing them for professional practice.
The programme not only focuses on technical qualifications but also enhances employability and readiness for the workplace. It includes neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques and guarantees internships, either on-site or virtual, which fulfill the BFP’s 12-month work experience requirement. Flexible study options also enable participants to engage part-time or through a three-year, full-time pathway, culminating in direct job placements after completion.
H.E. Abdulqader Obaid Ali, chairman of the board, UAE IAA, also added: “Strengthening internal audit and finance capabilities is essential for advancing corporate transparency and economic growth. Our collaboration with ICAEW establishes a clear pathway for professionals to gain internationally recognised qualifications and real-world industry exposure. By aligning education with industry needs, we are actively shaping a highly skilled workforce that will strengthen the UAE’s competitive edge in the global economy.”
