PwC Middle East: Best Business & Tax Services Provider Middle East 2021

Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior Partner (left) and Mark Schofield, Middle East Tax & Legal Services Leader (right)

PwC’s response to Covid-19 illustrates why it is a trusted provider of tax and business services worldwide. In the Middle East, as well as globally, the company’s purpose is to build trust in society and help solve complex problems. PwC is also committed to helping local companies globalise and global companies localise.

The region’s businesses were already familiar with the challenges of geopolitical tensions, demographic shifts, the impact of technology and the need to diversify economies. Then came the pandemic – and with it a need to adapt rapidly. The crisis prompted Middle Eastern states to implement both emergency and other longer-term tax measures to protect their economies, significantly increasing the complexity of tax compliance.

PwC, with experienced teams on the ground, has steered businesses and private clients through a complex maze of new obligations, while also offering advice to governments on strategies.

PwC set up innovative and dedicated advice and information web pages and held regular webinars to explain the diverse issues. Specialist teams within PwC were also able to draw on their global network of specialists to give tailored guidance to clients.

A key to the success of PwC’s operations on the ground is developing local talent and expertise, essential to improve levels of trust with local companies. PwC believes the pandemic is an opportunity for Middle Eastern businesses to focus on broader economic, political and societal themes, and ways in which opportunities for growth around these can best be achieved.

The firm, which carries out regular research, is working with clients on sustainability, technology and upskilling goals, offering a range of solutions to deal with the challenges and complexities around these.

The judging panel recognises PwC for exceptional client services in difficult times and is pleased to confirm the 2021 award: Best Business & Tax Services Provider Middle East.