Ernst and Young rated top tier firm in the GCC

ITR is one of the world's leading publications focussed on international taxation It publishes its annual "World Tax" book which ranks tax service providers based on interviews from corporate tax and finance directors and advisors.

As quoted in the ITR, Ernst & Young "has the biggest tax practice in the region with 16 partners and 300 other tax professionals in 18 offices and 13 separate countries in the Middle East". It also has a "track record of assisting local governments and business entities as well as foreign companies establishing a presence across the region". This recognition by the ITR has confirmed Ernst & Young's regional structuring, cross-border planning and compliance expertise.

Commenting on the impressive performance in the latest World Tax 2009 report, Farooq Ladha, Partner and co-head of Tax at Ernst & Young Middle East, said, "As the knock-on effect of the global financial turmoil is beginning to be felt in the region, clients increasingly look to us to minimize their costs and risks. I am pleased to see many of our member firms ranked in the top tier. We are committed to provide the best services to our clients in the region and help them weather these challenging times."

Fouad Douglas, Partner and co-head of Tax at Ernst & Young Middle East, added:

"We are pleased to be recognized as the top tier tax practice in the Middle East by the ITR. As the regional tax regimes change and evolve, we realize the important part played by our people in advancing our knowledge and keeping ahead of the curve for the benefit of our clients."

ITR assessed tax firms which have 'the greatest depth of resources, experience, and range of specialties' and recognised leading individuals within the firms for tax specialisations and expertise to compile World Tax 2009 report. These firms are considered the best teams overall for tax advice in the countries concerned.