Being a business owner is a big deal, no matter where you are in the world. Having said business in the UAE, the ultimate business hub of the world, is an altogether different pride.
There are so many aspects of a business a business owner has to worry about, the most important aspect is none other than “accounting.”
In the land of flying cars and floating hotels, keeping your business books sharp with top-of-the-market accounting software is a no-brainer.
Hence, here is a list of 5 accounting software programs for your business.
Why use accounting software?
I remember the early days of running my own business—spreadsheets everywhere, missing receipts, and the constant anxiety of tax deadlines.
Sound familiar?
Accounting software isn’t just about keeping records; it’s about gaining clarity and control.
With the right solution, you can:
- Maintain accurate financial records automatically
- Generate professional invoices in seconds
- Track inventory and manage stock efficiently
- Monitor accounts payable and receivables
- Ensure VAT compliance without the headache
With the introduction of VAT in the UAE in 2018 and the evolving digital transformation landscape, choosing the right accounting solution has become more crucial than ever.
Now, let’s examine the top contenders in the UAE market:
Top 5 Accounting Software in the UAE
1) Zohobooks Accounting Software
Zoho Books is one of the most famous accounting softwares on the market. The software is tailor-made for its United Arab Emirates customers. It is one of the first software to do so as well.
The software is very user-friendly and comfortable to use. let’s see its pros and cons to better understand the software.
Pros:
The following are the pros of this software.
- Affordable:
Running a business is no child’s play, there are a lot of things a business owner needs to pay for. Accounting software should not be another item on their list that costs an arm and a leg.
This is why a lot of businesses prefer Zoho books as it’s very economical for even small and medium-size businesses. - User-friendly:
The biggest merit of software is its usability. Zoho gets 100 points for its user-friendly interface. You don’t need to expect to work with this software, it’s one of the biggest reasons why this software is so beloved by business owners. - Integration with other Zoho products:
Zoho as a brand offers all kinds of services for business owners. Including but not limited to Invoicing, HR, Payroll, etc.
All the Zoho software is integrated with Zoho books. You can integrate different softwares with Zoho books to have more versatility to manage your workflow better. - Cloud-based:
We all love the comfort of working anywhere in the world and still deliver quality work. With cloud-based software like Zoho Books, you can do so.
Zoho Books allows you to manage all your accounting from anywhere your business takes you. - Customization:
Zoho allows you to customize your software to a degree. This will help you make the software yours, with personalized branding and custom invoices.
This will also help you in your covert marketing efforts and brand recollection.
Cons:
- Limited features:
Compared to some other accounting software solutions, Zoho may have fewer advanced features, which could be a limitation for businesses with more complex accounting needs. - Reporting capabilities:
While Zoho provides basic financial reports, some users find the reporting functionalities lacking in terms of customization and advanced analytics. - Scalability:
As your business grows and your accounting needs become more complex, Zoho’s accounting software might not scale as well as some other enterprise-level solutions. - Third-party integrations:
While Zoho integrates well with other Zoho products, it may not have the same level of integration with third-party apps and services compared to some other accounting software options. - Data export limitations:
Some users have reported difficulties in exporting large amounts of data, which can be an issue if you want to migrate to a different accounting software platform. - Platform stability:
In the past, there have been occasional reports of system outages and performance issues affecting Zoho’s accounting software
Pricing:
Zohobooks Pricing
Zoho Books offers a tiered pricing structure to accommodate different business sizes:
- Free Plan: Available for businesses with revenue under AED 100,000, limited to 1,000 invoices annually
- Standard: Approximately AED 75/month ($20) when billed annually – includes 3 users and 5,000 invoices
- Professional: Approximately AED 150/month ($40) when billed annually – includes 5 users, unlimited invoices, and purchase orders
- Premium: Approximately AED 225/month ($60) when billed annually – includes 10 users, custom domains, and workflow rules
2. Tally Prime
Pros:
- Comprehensive accounting features:
Tally offers a wide range of accounting features, including financial reporting, invoicing, inventory management, payroll, tax management, and more, making it a complete accounting solution for many businesses. - Scalability:
Tally is suitable for both small businesses and larger enterprises, and it can accommodate the growing needs of a business as it expands. - Data security:
Tally provides robust data security measures, including user access controls and data encryption, to protect sensitive financial information. - Local language support:
Tally supports multiple languages, which can be beneficial for businesses operating in regions with diverse language preferences. - Regular updates:
Tally releases regular updates to improve features, fix bugs, and ensure compliance with changing tax regulations and accounting standards.
Cons of Tally:
- Limited cloud capabilities:
As of my last update, Tally’s cloud-based features were not as extensive as some other cloud-based accounting software solutions. However, Tally Prime (an updated version) might have addressed this limitation to some extent. - The learning curve for advanced features:
While Tally’s basic functionalities are easy to grasp, mastering some of the more advanced features and customizations may require additional learning and training. - Limited third-party integrations:
Compared to some other accounting software options, Tally might have fewer integrations with third-party applications, which could be a limitation if you rely on various specialized tools for your business operations. - Interface design:
Some users may find Tally’s user interface to be slightly outdated compared to more modern accounting software interfaces. - Customer support:
While Tally provides customer support, the quality and response times may vary, which can be frustrating for users experiencing critical issues. - Offline limitations:
The primary mode of operation for Tally has traditionally been offline, which might not be ideal for businesses that require real-time cloud-based collaboration.
Pricing:
Tally Prime operates on a different pricing model than subscription-based services:
Tally Pricing Plans
- Silver Edition: One-time purchase of approximately AED 7,300 ($2,000) for a single user
- Gold Edition: One-time purchase of approximately AED 11,000 ($3,000) for multi-user access
- Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC): Optional at around 20% of the license cost annually for updates and support
- Implementation and Training: Additional costs typically starting at AED 3,600 ($1,000), depending on business complexity
3) ProfitBooks
Pros:
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- User-friendly interface:
ProfitBooks is known for its simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users with limited accounting knowledge to manage their finances effectively. - Cost-effective:
ProfitBooks offers affordable pricing plans, making it an attractive option for small businesses with budget constraints. - Inventory management:
ProfitBooks provides robust inventory management features, allowing businesses to track their stock levels, manage purchases, and handle sales efficiently. - Customizable invoices:
Users can customize invoices with their branding, making them look professional and aligned with the company’s image. - Multi-user collaboration:
ProfitBooks allows multiple users to access the software simultaneously, which can enhance collaboration within the finance and accounting teams. - Cloud-based:
Being a cloud-based solution, ProfitBooks allows users to access their financial data from anywhere with an internet connection, offering flexibility and real-time insights.
- User-friendly interface:
Cons of ProfitBooks:
- Limited scalability:
While ProfitBooks is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, it may lack some advanced features needed for larger enterprises with complex accounting requirements.
- Integrations:
ProfitBooks has limited third-party integrations, which might be a limitation for businesses that rely on other tools and applications.
- Mobile app limitations:
While ProfitBooks offers a mobile app for on-the-go access, some users have experienced limitations in terms of functionality and ease of use compared to the desktop version.
Pricing:
ProfitBooks offers straightforward pricing that delivers exceptional value:
ProfitBooks Pricing Plans
- Free Plan (Startup): Genuinely free for businesses with annual revenue under AED 100,000 – includes unlimited users, basic invoicing, and essential reports
- SMB Plan: Just AED 73/month ($20) when billed annually – includes unlimited everything: users, invoices, clients, and full feature access
- White Label Solution: Custom pricing for accounting firms that want to offer branded solutions to clients
- No hidden costs: All features are included in the respective plans with no surprise charges
- Free data migration: We’ll help you transfer your data from other platforms at no additional cost
4) Wafeq Accounting & E-Invoicing Software
Wafeq is a cloud-based accounting and e-invoicing solution designed for business owners and accountants operating in the UAE and GCC.
The platform combines accounting, VAT, payroll, inventory, and reporting into a unified system, helping businesses manage day-to-day finances while staying compliant with local regulations.
Built with simplicity and automation in mind, Wafeq allows users to send invoices, quotes, and purchase orders, manage expenses and payroll, track inventory, and generate more than 40 financial reports.
Wafeq is trusted by over 14,000 companies across multiple industries and holds an average 4.8 customer rating, making it a strong option for SMEs that are looking for a compliance-ready, scalable accounting solution.
Let’s review its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Designed for UAE & GCC compliance:
Wafeq supports VAT workflows and generates VAT returns automatically in the required tax authority format, reducing the need for manual calculations or external tools. Wafeq is fully ready for UAE e-invoicing compliance, reducing the need for manual calculations or external tools. - Complete business management features:
Beyond accounting, Wafeq covers invoicing, payroll, employee expenses, inventory tracking, purchases, and customer and supplier management in one platform. - Advanced invoicing capabilities:
Users can fully customize invoices with branded templates, colors, column labels, and company stamps. Invoices can be sent by email or WhatsApp and downloaded instantly as PDFs. - Strong reporting and insights:
Wafeq provides over 40 automated reports, including cash flow forecasts, cost center and project profitability, inventory movements, and consolidated financial views. - Collaboration and access control:
The platform allows teams to collaborate securely with over 60 permission levels, built-in chat, and employee expense submissions, while maintaining full control over access. - Time-saving tools:
Bulk editing via sheet view, quick navigation shortcuts, and multi-organization management help businesses and accounting teams work faster and more efficiently. - Free trial with no credit card:
Wafeq offers a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to explore the platform before committing.
Cons:
- Primarily focused on regional markets:
Wafeq is optimized for UAE and GCC regulations, which may be less suitable for businesses with complex international accounting needs. - Advanced customization is still evolving:
While core features are robust, some highly specialized accounting use cases may require further customization as the platform continues to expand.
Pricing:
Wafeq follows a subscription-based pricing model starting from USD 26 per month. Businesses can choose between monthly billing or annual plans, with the yearly option offering 2 months free (pay for 10 months, get 12).
Pricing scales based on business needs, making Wafeq accessible for startups while remaining suitable for growing SMEs and accounting firms.
5) Refrens Accounting Software
Pros:
- Comprehensive cloud accounting: Refrens lets you create invoices, quotations, credit/debit notes, and receipts, while tracking expenses, inventory, and warehouses, making it a complete online accounting solution for small to medium businesses.
- Real-time collaboration: Work with your team, accountants, and clients simultaneously from anywhere, ensuring accurate data and smooth workflows.
- Automated reports: Generate profit & loss statements, balance sheets, trial balances, and tax summaries effortlessly, helping businesses stay compliant and make informed decisions.
- Scalable and flexible: The software adapts as your business grows, handling more users, transactions, and complex operations without compromising performance.
- Secure and reliable: ISO-certified cloud infrastructure with role-based access, encrypted backups, and secure data storage ensures your financial information is fully protected.
Cons:
- Internet dependency: Being fully cloud-based, offline access is limited, which could be a drawback in low-connectivity areas.
- Fewer integrations: Refrens may have limited integrations with third-party applications compared to other accounting software.
Pricing:
- Basic: Free, 15 documents/year, 2 users.
- Accounts Lite: AED 650/year, unlimited documents, advanced features, 2 users.
- Accounts Core: AED 1,000/year, includes accounting reports, 3 users.
- Accounts: AED 1,350/year, customized roles, 5 users.
- Workflows: AED 1,800/year, approval workflows, vendor management, 5 users.
Implementation & Training: Optional professional support and onboarding services are available, with costs varying depending on the size and complexity of your business and specific requirements.
Who Should Use Refrens: Ideal for startups, growing businesses, and agencies seeking a secure, reliable, and flexible cloud-based accounting solution that simplifies financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the security features of accounting software?
Accounting software providers take security very seriously. They use a variety of security measures to protect your data, such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
Q2. How can I integrate accounting software with other business applications?
Many accounting software providers offer integrations with other business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software and inventory management software. This allows you to share data between different applications, which can save you time and improve efficiency.
Q3. What are the training and support options available for accounting software?
Most accounting software providers offer training and support options to help you get started and use the software effectively. This may include online tutorials, live chat support, or phone support.t
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Q4. How do I migrate my data to a new accounting software?
If you decide to switch to a new accounting software, you will need to migrate your data. Most accounting software providers offer migration services to help you move your data from one system to another.
Q5. What are the future trends in accounting software?
The future of accounting software is likely to be cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and integrated with other business applications. Cloud-based accounting software is already becoming more popular, as it allows businesses to access their data from anywhere. Mobile-friendly accounting software is also becoming more popular, as businesses want to be able to access their data on their smartphones and tablets. Integrated accounting software is becoming more popular, as businesses want to be able to share data between different applications.
Also Read:
Top Invoicing Software In The UAE
4 Zohobooks Alternatives In The UAE
