By Bill Anderson, FCCA, Chief Executive Officer — Assetica, Dubai, UAE
Definition: Assetica provides independent business valuations in Abu Dhabi across all structures: ADGM entities, Abu Dhabi mainland LLCs and free zone companies including KIZAD, Masdar City and twofour54. Reports are prepared to RICS and IVS standards and accepted by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the Federal Tax Authority, banks, buyers and the courts, typically within five to seven business days.
Golden Visa applications, confirming a shareholding meets the AED 2 million business-route threshold net of debt, generally submitted through the ICP in Abu Dhabi rather than the Dubai GDRFA; M&A, sale and succession, including shareholder exits and inter-generational transfers; UAE corporate tax, covering group restructurings, related-party transfers and transfer pricing that the FTA can test; and disputes and financial reporting, including court proceedings, purchase price allocations and IFRS 13 fair values.
ADGM applies English common law with a statutory share register and audited IFRS accounts, which institutional buyers pay a premium for and which produces a cleaner evidence base. Abu Dhabi mainland LLCs operate under the UAE Commercial Companies Law with ownership evidenced by the Memorandum of Association and trade licence, and give full local market access. Free zones such as KIZAD, Masdar City and twofour54 carry sector-specific licensing, and Qualifying Free Zone Person status is a live variable for corporate tax and therefore for the valuation itself.
Abu Dhabi valuations sit within Assetica's core business valuation in Dubai practice, alongside ADGM business valuation, Golden Visa business valuation and corporate tax valuation.
Do you provide business valuations in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Assetica values companies across all Abu Dhabi structures: ADGM entities, Abu Dhabi mainland LLCs and free zone companies such as KIZAD, Masdar City and twofour54. Reports are prepared to RICS and IVS standards and accepted by the ICP, the Federal Tax Authority, banks, buyers and the courts.
What is the Golden Visa business valuation threshold in Abu Dhabi?
AED 2 million, the same nationwide. The threshold applies to your own equity in the business net of debt, not the company's total value or revenue. In Abu Dhabi, applications typically run through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) rather than the Dubai GDRFA, and the report must isolate your specific shareholding.
Should my Abu Dhabi company be in ADGM or mainland?
It depends on the purpose. ADGM applies English common law with a statutory share register and audited IFRS accounts, which institutional buyers pay a premium for and which produces a cleaner valuation evidence base. Mainland gives full local market access.
How does UAE corporate tax affect an Abu Dhabi valuation?
The 9% rate above AED 375,000 flows through the discounted cash flow, and whether a free zone entity retains 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person status on qualifying income is a genuine valuation variable. Related-party transfers and restructurings also need arm's length values the FTA can test.
How long does an Abu Dhabi business valuation take?
Typically five to seven business days from receipt of complete documentation, with two to three day expedited delivery available for visa, transaction or filing deadlines.