Our History

Crowe UAE was founded by Dr Khalid Maniar in 1981, as a sole practitioner and since then has grown to become a top 6 accounting firm in UAE

1981

Crowe UAE was founded by Dr Khalid Maniar in 1981, as a sole practitioner and since then has grown from strength to strength. The firm was established under the name of Mak & Partners with a humble beginning through an office apartment on Al Maktoum Road. Dr. Khalid first moved to Dubai, UAE, in the early 1980s seeking to establish an accounting practice from the experience he gained working at Siddique & Partners in the UK, whilst pursuing his Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

AGN Mak receiving its ISO 9001:2000 certificate of approval

As the UAE economy, started to progress; Mak & Partners required a global identity to further penetrate the market and cater to international businesses establishing in the country. Hence, the firm joined AGN International (then CKL International). The firm was known as AGN Mak.

1985

UAE economy focuses on international markets and established Jebal Ali Free Zone. In 1985, Jebel Ali Free Zone opened as the UAE’s and regions first free zone and over the years, this would become the template which competitor free zones would follow, establishing the backbone of UAE’s lucrative logistics sector

1990s

From the 90s, UAE and the Middle East further strengthen their position as a strategic business region connecting the East to the West.
The economy experienced steady growth, with an increase in the national average by more than 4%. With AGN Mak having thorough and well established presence in the country, the introduction of Free Zones and Freehold Real Estate properties prompted AGN Mak to cater a further widespread of professional services.

2002

UAE introduces Freehold Real Estate properties attracting huge foreign investments. In May 2002, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a decree allowing foreigners to buy property on freehold ownership. The decree sparked the real estate boom in Dubai’s residential property.

Crowe Horwath Annual Meeting held in Dubai, UAE in 2011

2007

In 2007 the firm joined the Global top 9 accountancy network Horwath International becoming Horwath Mak.This enabled us to cater our multinational clients for transnational audits and cross border services.

Annual Global Meeting held in UAE, 2011

Crowe member firms are committed to impeccable quality, a highly integrated service delivery processes and a common set of core values that guide decisions daily. Each firm being well-established as a leader in its national business community and is staffed by nationals, thereby providing a knowledge of local laws and customs which is important to clients undertaking new ventures or expanding into other countries.

2019

We ranked as one of the top largest accountancy firm with over 270 people and professionals, and are well positioned to deliver impeccable service and value to its clients throughout Middle East.

Crowe professionals provide public and private company clients with thought leadership in a focused group of industry and service sectors.

Annual Meeting held in Shanghai, 2015

2018 was an exciting year branding updates will help you better identify and relate to our brand, which is here to serve you.

New services to be introduced will ensure your organisation has always updated and ready for new regulations, so whilst you focus on core competencies, we ensure you operate well within professional boundaries.

Contact us today, to see how our history can help your future.