CA Mayank Sawhney on UAE’s Tax Landscape & Business Growth

CA Mayank Sawhney on UAE’s growing tax system and business growth: Insights from Coffee with CA

In a shifting business world, staying ahead means constant learning and a solid strategy. Few capture this better than CA Mayank Sawhney, a seasoned chartered accountant featured on Coffee with CA – The Global Chapter. With over 25 years advising businesses in India and the UAE, Sawhney has seen the region’s financial rules change and knows what it takes to succeed, especially as UAE businesses face new tax challenges.

Early drive: From family business to chartered accountancy

Sawhney’s passion for business started early. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, he picked up the nuts and bolts of finance from his father’s work. By the time he reached high school, his path was clear. “I saw that I could help many businesses—not just one—by being a chartered accountant,” he reflected. His purpose? Use expertise to help business owners make informed decisions.

A versatile mix of qualifications

Sawhney brings together four major professional credentials:

• Chartered Accountancy (ICAI, India)
• Company Secretaryship (ICSI, India)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (US)
• DAT Certified Tax Professional (IMF US)

This unique blend lets him guide clients across tax, legal, corporate finance, and investment issues. His approach is all about giving 360-degree support—a perspective that proves valuable in a competitive region.

Moving to the UAE: A new chapter

After building experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young in India, Sawhney moved to the UAE in 2005. Joining during the UAE growth story—the real estate boom and rapid development—he found opportunity in a market on the rise. Today, with 20 years in Dubai, he still calls the city home.

Advising the Crown Prince: High-stakes experience

During his time with Ernst & Young, Sawhney was invited to join the Dubai Crown Prince’s investment team. There, he led efforts to transform a family-run enterprise into a corporate powerhouse. The task, as he put it, was a challenge that left a lasting mark and shaped his love for consulting.

Leading the way in UAE tax advisory

Sawhney plays a key part in the ICI UAE tax committee, working to prepare fellow chartered accountants for a new tax age. When VAT came to the UAE in 2017, he led workshops and courses to help thousands of finance professionals stay current.

“Tax was a new thing for many chartered accountants here," he began. “We needed to boost knowledge and make sure everyone could keep up—so we built certification programs and hands-on courses to help the profession grow.”

From no tax to new tax: UAE’s financial shift

The timeline is striking: Before 2017, the UAE relied on non-tax revenue. In just a few years, it rolled out VAT, excise tax, and corporate tax. This shift helps fund vital infrastructure and keeps businesses growing. By 2026, e-invoicing will push transparency even further, borrowing ideas that have worked in other Gulf markets.

Meeting the challenges with better tools

Adapting hasn’t been easy for many. Common problems include mismatched VAT invoices and keeping up with incoming rules. While big firms adapt quickly, smaller businesses often struggle. Sawhney’s work bridges that gap by supporting both education and compliant accounting software.

Guiding software development for tax compliance

As a trusted adviser to FDA-approved accounting software teams, Sawhney helps shape key product features to meet tough tax compliance needs.

• Tax law updates
• VAT-ready invoicing
• Automated compliance alerts

The goal? Help businesses stay accurate with less stress.

The future of tax and finance: Embracing change

Sawhney sees technology as an ally, not a threat. Simple tasks like data entry will move to AI tools, but insight, analysis, and sound advice stay with the experts.

“We must keep learning, keep growing—technology is always changing, and our real value is in interpreting data and giving the right advice,” he remarked.

Closing the gap: Quality advice at a fair price

Sawhney noticed many firms couldn’t afford Big Four rates but deserved the same quality. His boutique advisory company makes top-tier advice possible for small and mid-sized businesses, making compliance affordable—and preventing costly penalties down the road.

Top 3 tax tips for new and growing businesses

1. Build a strong foundation: Structure your business correctly—compliance starts from the ground up.
2. Keep financial discipline: Focus on profits, not just rapid growth. Avoid spending sprees that spiral out of control.
3. Fill skill gaps smartly: Use shared services like part-time CFOs or experienced consultants to access knowledge without high overheads.

Compliance and profitability: A dual focus

Business owners must prioritize compliance to avoid issues later and keep a close eye on profitability for lasting growth. Skipping these steps is a recipe for trouble.

Purpose-driven learning: More than just degrees

Sawhney believes every credential should serve a purpose—helping clients, solving real-world problems, and adding value. “It’s not just about getting a degree, but about using it for a reason,” he insisted. In this world, continuous learning isn’t optional.

Final thoughts: Adapting for success in the UAE

With the UAE maturing as a tax-driven market, every business needs to keep moving. Mayank Sawhney’s story shows that the right mix of expertise, flexibility, and purpose-driven learning can help companies grow without stumbling through compliance pitfalls.

Stay curious, stay updated, and keep your business on the right track—success follows those who adapt and keep learning.