Ministry of Finance Brings Together Government and Academic Sectors to Strengthen Financial Governance

A landmark forum in Abu Dhabi brings federal entities and university graduates together to harmonise accounting standards, modernise financial reporting and build institutional capacity across the government sector.

The Ministry of Finance convened its Financial Data Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi, drawing together federal entities, academic institutions and accounting professionals in a collaborative effort to advance government financial management and strengthen the reliability of financial data across the emirate’s public sector.

Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Government Financial Management Sector at the Ministry of Finance, led the proceedings alongside representatives from federal entities and accounting and finance graduates from the United Arab Emirates University, the Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University. The convergence of these voices reflected a deliberate strategy to integrate higher education with practical government financial operations, creating pathways for knowledge transfer and expertise exchange.

At its heart, the forum addressed the technical architecture of federal financial reporting. Discussions centred on the application of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards across government, with particular focus on IPSAS 41–43, implemented in 2025, and the rollout of IPSAS 45–49 planned for 2026. Participants examined the practical challenges of applying these standards and reviewed the financial procedures and systems underpinning the preparation of federal entities’ financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2026.

Al Amiri emphasised that accurate, high-quality financial data forms the foundation of efficient government financial management. She highlighted how the Ministry’s adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced digital solutions has transformed financial statement preparation by automating procedures, enabling more efficient data validation and processing, and accelerating the completion of financial reports. These technological advances align with the Zero Bureaucracy Programme’s broader objectives of simplifying procedures and reducing unnecessary steps.

The forum also functioned as a knowledge-sharing platform, with the UAE Accountability Authority participating to highlight the role of audit in implementing new accounting standards. University graduates gained exposure to best practices in financial statement preparation and insight into the professional requirements of the government financial sector, bridging the gap between academic training and workplace reality. As we reported in the Ministry’s earlier efforts to advance digital transformation through its Customer Council initiative, the government continues to engage stakeholders in reimagining financial services and bureaucratic processes.

Financial Circular No. 10 of 2026 received detailed examination, with participants briefed on its components, key updates and the requirements for completing and submitting federal entities’ final account files. The Ministry reinforced its commitment to designing capacity-building programmes around the evolving needs of federal entities, offering specialised courses, training workshops and opportunities for financial and accounting professionals to deepen their understanding of standards application and best practices.

The forum reflected broader government efforts to strengthen the financial infrastructure. The Ministry continues to monitor updates to international accounting standards and to review and update related policies, manuals and procedures, ensuring federal entities remain equipped with the guidance and technical support necessary for consistent implementation across the sector.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Financial Data Forum 2026 signals the government’s commitment to elevating financial governance and accountability across federal entities. By harmonising accounting practices through internationally recognised standards and integrating academic talent with experienced professionals, Abu Dhabi strengthens the reliability of financial reporting that informs strategic decision-making at the highest levels of government. This foundation of accurate financial data supports more effective resource allocation and enhanced public sector efficiency.

The partnership between the Ministry of Finance, federal entities and universities also reflects a broader recognition that government modernisation requires continuous learning and knowledge exchange. By creating pathways for young national talent to engage with practical financial challenges, the forum builds long-term institutional capacity while supporting the alignment of higher education outcomes with real-world government needs, ultimately strengthening Abu Dhabi’s human capital in financial management and digital innovation.

Source: WAM