Expanding to the UAE: How to Serve Your Clients Without Setting Up Locally

Peak Insights by Ava (The UAE Advantage: Series 1)

There’s no better day than today to talk about strong relationships.

Not the kind you celebrate with flowers and chocolates - but the kind that defines business success.

For UK accountants, maintaining long-term client relationships is at the heart of their practice. But what happens when a client expands into a new market?

Do they take you with them, or do they turn to someone else?

This is a challenge we see more often as UK businesses increasingly expand into the UAE.

While clients trust their existing accountants, they also need on-the-ground expertise to navigate an entirely new set of regulations, compliance requirements, and business norms.

This puts UK firms in a tough position.

When Expansion Threatens Retention

A UK accounting firm recently approached us with a common dilemma.

One of their long-standing clients was expanding to the UAE. The client wanted to continue working with them, but the firm had no presence in the region and wasn’t equipped to handle UAE-specific tax and compliance.

They faced three options - none of which seemed ideal:

1?? Refer their client to a UAE-based firm and risk losing them permanently.

2?? Attempt to manage UAE compliance remotely, despite lacking local expertise.

3?? Set up operations in the UAE, which would require significant investment, time, and resources.

The firm knew that losing this client could open the door for competitors to take over, not just in the UAE but possibly in the UK as well.

That’s where Peakvisory Accountants helped them.

Local Expertise Without Local Setup

Instead of losing their client or investing in costly expansion, they chose a smarter solution: partnering with Peakvisory.

We seamlessly integrated with their firm, acting as their UAE extension while they remained the primary point of contact for their client.

Here’s how it worked:

? We provided full UAE support - from incorporation to ongoing accounting, auditing, and compliance.

? We ensured a smooth transition - helping their client set up in the UAE without disruptions.

? They retained their client’s trust and business- without needing to hire locally or establish an office.

? They expanded their service offering - positioning themselves as a global provider.

Their client continued working with the firm they trusted, with the added benefit of UAE expertise.

How Peakvisory Accountants Helps UK Accounting Firms

At Peakvisory, we specialise in helping UK accountants support their clients’ expansion into the UAE - without the complexities of setting up operations there.

We offer:

End-to-End UAE Support – From company formation and VAT registration to compliance, bookkeeping, and tax filings.

Seamless Collaboration – We work in the background while you remain your client’s primary advisor.

Risk-Free Expansion – No need for your firm to invest in UAE operations.

Full Transparency – Your client remains yours. We provide the expertise; you keep the relationship.

For your clients, this means a smooth, compliant UAE expansion without the hassle of finding a new accounting firm.

For you, this means stronger client relationships, expanded services, and zero risk of losing business to local competitors.

On the Ground in Dubai: Insights from My Recent Visit

If you are following my journey, you know I visit client sites pretty often, so I visited Dubai again.

Every time I visit the UAE, I notice something surprising.

The speed of business in the UAE – Things move fast, and companies that don’t adapt quickly can miss out.

Regulatory clarity is key – Many UK firms struggle with UAE compliance simply because they don’t have the right guidance.

A massive opportunity for accountants – UK firms can expand their service offerings without setting up in the UAE - if they have the right partner.

Seeing these opportunities firsthand reaffirmed why Peakvisory is the perfect bridge for UK accountants whose clients are entering the UAE market.

If you’re considering how to retain your expanding clients while staying focused on your core business, let’s talk.

We Ensure You Stay at the Center of Your Client’s Growth

The UAE is a key destination for business expansion. If your clients are exploring opportunities there, your firm should remain at the center of that growth—without the burden of local setup.

Instead of losing clients to UAE-based firms, partner with Peakvisory and offer them a seamless expansion experience.

Let’s Talk

No firm wants to lose a long-term client simply because they’re expanding. And now, you don’t have to.

Drop me a DM to explore how we can support you.

Until later,

Ava