Ernst & Young MENA celebrates 100th Anniversary

• EY MENA celebrates 100 years of establishment.
• It is the Middle East and North African member firms of Ernst & Young Global, one of the Big 4 firms.
• Let’s look at how it all began.

EY MENA’s 100-year milestone

EY’s presence in the MENA region dates back to 1923 with the establishment of its first office in Cairo, Egypt.

Over time, EY expanded its operations by establishing offices in key countries across the region.

Today EY’s MENA operation comprises over 10,000 professionals, providing services to a wide range of clients, including private businesses, public sector organizations, and financial institutions.

Historical Overview of EY

EY’s journey began in 1906 when Scottish-American Arthur Young established his firm in Chicago, named Arthur Young & Company.

Concurrently, in 1903 Alwin C. Ernst founded his accounting firm in Cleveland, named Ernst & Ernst.

In 1989, the pioneering firms Ernst & Ernst and Arthur Young merged to create Ernst & Young, marking a pivotal moment in its history.

This merger expanded the firm’s global reach and service offerings significantly.

Over the decades, EY has constantly evolved, adapting to the changing business environment and client needs. Its key milestones include mergers with other leading firms and strategic expansions into new markets, becoming one of the Big 4.

Today it boasts a workforce of over 365,000 employees, as of 2023.

Service Offerings

EY MENA’s initial focus was on providing audit and assurance services to multinational corporations, particularly those in the oil and gas sector.

However, it has evolved to offer a plethora of services beyond auditing.

This diversification allowed the firm to provide comprehensive support to businesses in the region.

Here is the list of services provided by the EY’s MENA region.

1. Assurance
2. Tax Advisory
3. Consulting
4. Transaction Advisory
5. Sustainability and Environmental Advisory
6. Financial Services
7. Government and Public Sector Services
8. Private Client Services
9. Entrepreneurship and Family Business Services
10. Digital and Technology Services
11. Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance

EY’s adaptability and innovation have enabled it to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment.

Locations of EY’s MENA Offices

EY MENA’s operations span around 20 offices in over 14 countries.

Here is where the offices are located,

1. United Arab Emirates: Dubai (Dubai International Financial Centre), Abu Dhabi
2. Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar (Eastern Province)
3. Qatar: Doha
4. Kuwait: Kuwait City
5. Bahrain: Manama
6. Oman: Muscat
7. Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria
8. Lebanon: Beirut
9. Jordan: Amman
10. Iraq: Baghdad, Erbil
11. Morocco: Casablanca
12. Tunisia: Tunis
13. Algeria: Algiers
14. Libya: Tripoli

EY has a global footprint in over 150 countries which allows it to draw on a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and resources, ensuring that clients receive unparalleled support regardless of their location.

Also read: EY Forensics and Integrity Services introduces Learning-as-a-service for working professionals

How the members are celebrating

EY has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern accounting industry landscape.

This centennial celebration is not only a testament to its endurance but also a reflection of its ever-evolving role in supporting businesses and the economy.

Many of its members celebrated this milestone by participating in the EY MENA Annual Leadership Summit.

The EY MENA Annual Leadership Summit is a significant event organized by Ernst & Young.

This summit serves as a platform for EY leaders, Partners, and professionals to come together, collaborate, and discuss key strategic initiatives, industry trends, and the future direction of the firm.

As EY marks its inaugural century of excellence, the firm maintains a steadfast focus on what lies ahead in the upcoming 100 years.