Operating in Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is a unique opportunity, but it also comes with important responsibilities. One of the most critical of these is ensuring your financial records are properly audited and submitted on time — by an approved auditor registered with the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).
Whether you’re a solo freelancer offering professional services or a well-established training company delivering educational programs across the region, you are required to submit an annual audit report. This isn't just a legal formality — it's a fundamental part of maintaining your business license, staying in good standing with regulators, and demonstrating your financial integrity to stakeholders.
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) isn’t your average free zone. It’s a specialized business district, designed specifically to support companies in the education, training, and human development sectors. Established under the TECOM Group, DKP offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where knowledge-based businesses can thrive.
Within DKP, you’ll find a vibrant mix of organizations, including:
International universities and academic institutions that offer globally recognized programs
Vocational training centers and skills academies that support career development and upskilling
Human Resources and talent consultancy firms that specialize in recruitment, organizational strategy, and leadership development
EdTech startups developing next-generation learning platforms and digital tools
Freelancers and consultants providing education-related services, coaching, and curriculum development
This ecosystem is supported by modern infrastructure, flexible licensing models, and visa processing support — making it a preferred base for companies that aim to shape the future of education and human capital in the region.
But to sustain this reputation and secure your place within DKP, businesses must maintain financial transparency, and that starts with a professionally conducted audit.
In short: every registered entity in DKP.
Whether you’re a large institution with dozens of employees or a one-person company offering freelance services, the Dubai Development Authority requires you to submit audited financial statements each year. This applies to all license holders, regardless of your business activity, size, or revenue.
Here’s what the regulation means:
You must appoint an approved audit firm that is licensed and recognized by the DDA
The auditor will review your financial records and prepare a report in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
You are then required to submit this audit report within 120 days of your financial year-end
Failing to meet this requirement could lead to:
Delays or rejections in license renewal
Suspension of visa and immigration services for your staff or partners
Administrative penalties, fines, or blacklisting
🔗 Click here to see more about who needs an audit »
At Theta 7 Group, we offer more than just compliance services — we deliver clarity, confidence, and long-term value. Through our officially licensed audit firm, AuditCo Times Auditors L.L.C., we help DKP businesses fulfill their audit obligations without unnecessary complexity or delay.
We’ve worked with companies of all sizes and understand the unique challenges that knowledge-sector businesses face when it comes to financial documentation and reporting. That’s why we’ve designed our services to be:
Transparent and easy to follow
Fully aligned with DDA and UAE regulations
Tailored to your business’s size, industry, and operational model
AuditCo Times Auditors L.L.C. is the dedicated audit arm of Theta 7 Group. We are a fully licensed audit firm, approved by both the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).
It means we are officially authorized to conduct financial audits for:
Free zone companies (like those in DKP)
Mainland businesses
Offshore and international entities with UAE presence
We follow International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to ensure your audit report is not only legally compliant, but also respected by investors, banks, and business partners.
Our team consists of highly experienced Chartered Accountants and certified financial auditors — professionals who know how to navigate both the technical requirements and the practical realities of doing business in the UAE.
At Theta 7, we understand that no two businesses are the same. Whether you're a startup still finding your financial footing, or an established training institute managing complex operations, our auditing services are designed to be comprehensive yet flexible.
Here's a closer look at the services we offer through AuditCo Times Auditors L.L.C.:
This is the most commonly required audit for DKP businesses. An external audit involves an independent review of your financial statements, performed in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).
We examine your books, verify transactions, and issue an official audit report that can be submitted to the DDA as part of your annual compliance requirements.
Annual DDA audit submissions
License renewal
Investor readiness
Banking or loan approvals
An internal audit goes beyond compliance. It assesses the efficiency and reliability of your internal processes — from financial controls to operational workflows.
Our goal is to help you identify weaknesses, reduce risk, and improve decision-making based on data, not assumptions.
Ideal for:
Medium to large companies
Organizations scaling their operations
Risk management and process control
Sometimes, a business needs an audit that’s focused on a specific function, contract, or requirement. These special purpose audits are tailor-made to address particular concerns or meet the requirements of third parties like donors, regulators, or boards.
Examples include grant-related audits, compliance checks for specific programs, or audits for partnerships and collaborations.
Donor-funded projects
Regulatory reporting
Targeted operational checks
With AUPs, you define the scope — we follow it. This service is useful when you need a very specific financial review or confirmation, but not a full audit.
We carry out procedures that you and your stakeholders agree upon, and report only on the findings — without expressing an opinion.
M&A transactions
Due diligence
Verifying contracts or data sets
Compliance audits help ensure that your business is operating within the legal and regulatory framework set by DKP, DDA, and relevant authorities. These audits verify that your operations, licenses, and finances align with official standards.
Preparing for government reviews
Avoiding penalties or fines
Ensuring smooth renewals
Whether you’re buying a company, seeking investors, or preparing for a joint venture, due diligence is essential. We conduct a deep dive into the company’s financials, verifying assets, liabilities, cash flows, and overall stability.
Acquisitions
Investments and partnerships
Strategic expansion
Forensic audits are performed when there’s a suspicion of financial misconduct, fraud, or discrepancies. Our forensic accountants investigate deeply, provide evidence, and document findings in reports that can be used legally or internally.
Fraud investigations
Litigation support
Unexplained financial losses
We understand that audit services are not just about ticking boxes — they’re about building confidence, both within your organization and with external stakeholders. Here’s why companies in DKP choose Theta 7:
Our audit firm, AuditCo Times Auditors L.L.C., is officially licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and recognized by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). That means your reports will be accepted for all regulatory and licensing purposes.
Our auditors include Chartered Accountants, Certified Internal Auditors, and IFRS experts with years of experience serving UAE businesses. We understand the regulatory landscape of DKP and TECOM free zones — and we stay updated as the rules evolve.
We know how to scale our services to match your needs. Whether you’re a solo consultant or managing a portfolio of entities, we tailor our process to fit your business model, not the other way around.
We follow globally recognized financial reporting standards, ensuring that your audit report holds weight — whether it's submitted to DDA, presented to investors, or used for internal planning.
Our audits are structured to give you more than just compliance. We help uncover inefficiencies, detect early-stage risks, and provide recommendations that can improve your financial performance and strategic planning.
Getting started with your DKP audit is simple — and we’ll guide you every step of the way:
All DKP entities must submit their audited financial statements within 120 days of their financial year-end. Mark your calendar and don’t wait until the last minute.
Gather your financial records, bank statements, expense reports, and any key contracts or invoices. Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through everything you need.
Reach out to Theta 7 to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your business needs, provide a tailored proposal, and begin the audit process right away.
Once the audit is complete, we’ll issue a full report that meets all DDA and DKP submission requirements. You’ll be fully compliant and ready to renew your license without stress.
Don’t leave your license—and your business—at risk.
Tap into DKP’s full potential with a reliable audit partner who understands your industry, your challenges, and your compliance needs.
👉 Schedule your audit consultation with Theta 7 today and take the first step toward effortless DDA compliance and smarter financial planning.