The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Finance convened the Financial Data Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi to review federal entities’ financial reporting requirements for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. Discussions focused on implementing International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and meeting the requirements for preparing financial statements and completing final account files. The forum examined continued implementation of IPSAS 41–43, introduced in 2025, including practical challenges and lessons learned. It also addressed requirements for implementing IPSAS 45–49 during 2026 and the associated working papers. On financial reporting procedures, participants reviewed updates in Financial Circular No. 10 of 2026, including financial statement templates, required reports and controls governing final account preparation and submission. At the forum, Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary for the Government Financial Management Sector, described how its existing adoption of artificial intelligence and digital solutions had automated some procedures and improved data validation and processing. These changes had accelerated financial report completion while simplifying procedures and reducing unnecessary steps under the Zero Bureaucracy Programme.

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