Dreaming of having a thriving career in the UAE’s finance market? Or do you want to pursue an accounting career in the UAE?
ACCA offers significant career benefits in the UAE, giving professionals a recognized qualification, competitive earnings potential, and a framework for ongoing development in a fast-changing field. Flexible study options and a wide course selection allow you to develop essential financial skills relevant across multiple industries, from accounting to management consulting, both in the UAE and globally.
You may accelerate your career path to becoming a highly sought-after finance or accounting expert with a plethora of opportunities if you begin your journey now. This blog is crafted to give you a comprehensive overview of the structure, eligibility, and scope of ACCA in the UAE in 2026 and beyond and to highlight how the ACCA qualification can enhance your skills, expand your network, and increase your career prospects.
Significance of the ACCA in the UAE in 2026
When you consider ACCA as a worldwide framework that prepares you for the latest finance roles rather than a general accounting certificate, it becomes much easier to understand what it is.
ACCA is a global body developing skills in risk, audit, reporting, analysis, governance, and strategic decisions. Its members, from over a century of history, work in more than 180 countries.
ACCA Exam Paper Structure 2026
The ACCA qualification includes three levels, divided into 13 papers.
- Applied Knowledge Level: 3 papers
- Applied Skill Level: 6 papers
- Strategic Professional Level: 4 papers (2 mandatory, 2 optional)
All the ACCA papers are structured stepwise, starting from basic business concepts to advanced professional skills.
1. Applied Knowledge Level
- F1: Business and Technology (BT)
- F2: Management Accounting (MA)
- F3: Financial Accounting (FA)
- On-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBEs)
- 100-mark, 2-hour exams including two sections (Section A and Section B)
- MCQ-based
2. Applied Skill Level
Papers: Six papers: Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), and Financial Management (FM).
The Law (LW) paper is an on-demand,
- MCQ-based exam
- 2-hour exam
- Five papers
- Four fixed exam sessions per year: March, June, September, and December. Center-based.
- 3-hour exams
- Include both MCQ sections and a descriptive section (Section C)
3. Strategic Professional Level
- Students need to pass 4 papers in total.
- Essential (Mandatory): 2 papers
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Optional: Students need to choose any 2 from the 4 papers
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
After students qualify for these papers, they become an ACCA Affiliate. After an Affiliate completes the 36-month Practical Experience Requirement (PER), he becomes the ACCA member.
Who Should Pursue the ACCA Course in the UAE?
The following individuals are suitable for the ACCA qualification:
- High school graduates aspiring to work in accounting or finance
- Graduates with backgrounds in business, economics, or commerce
- Professionals seeking to develop their skills in accounting or auditing
- Professionals seeking a globally recognized certification or CA dropouts
ACCA is a popular choice among working professionals in the UAE and worldwide due to its flexible exam schedules and study methods.
ACCA Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must fulfill one of the following requirements to register for ACCA in the UAE:
- A minimum of three GCSEs (or comparable credentials), including English and Math, and two A-Level
- 12th-grade completion (from accredited national or international boards)
- Degree from a university (graduates may qualify for exemptions)
That’s it for now! If you are looking for an online ACCA course in the UAE, Mirchawala offers complete ACCA coaching online, where you can learn and get a hands-on approach virtually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is ACCA worth it in the UAE?
Ans: Yes, ACCA has a remarkable career scope and working opportunities. It is among the most lucrative accounting career paths available in the UAE.
Q: What is the ACCA salary in the UAE?
Ans: The ACCA salary ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 45,000+ per month, depending on role and experience. Certified individuals can access high-value finance careers in the UAE through ACCA.
Q: What is the ACCA course duration in the UAE?
Ans: Part-time students usually complete their ACCA syllabus in 3–3.5 years, while full-time students finish in 2–2.5 years. You have a lot of flexibility in how quickly you study for the ACCA. You have control over how you study, how frequently you take tests, and where you obtain pertinent real-world experience.
