Best Accounting Software in the UAE: Zoho Books, QuickBooks, Xero and Wafeq
Zoho Books has a real free plan. Accounting in Founder OS is in the Launch plan at AED 149 a month.
Accounting software in the UAE
| Free plan | Price | Arabic | VAT and eInvoicing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho BooksZoho Books UAE: pricing · | Free planYes: 1 user and an accountant, 1,000 invoices a year, revenue up to AED 200,000 | PriceAED 60 to 660 a month billed yearly, or AED 69 to 799 monthly, excluding tax | ArabicArabic listed for the UAE edition | VAT and eInvoicingVAT tracking and direct VAT filing from Standard; eInvoicing add on from Professional |
| QuickBooksQuickBooks UAE: pricing · | Free planDoes not state a free plan; a 30 day trial | PriceAED 77.12 to 326.85 a month, shown in AED and billed in USD | ArabicNot shown on their page | VAT and eInvoicingNot shown on their page |
| XeroXero UAE: pricing plans · | Free planA 30 day trial | Price$7 to $75 a month | ArabicNot shown on their page | VAT and eInvoicingSubmit VAT online and UAE eInvoicing listed |
| WafeqWafeq: UAE pricing · | Free planA 14 day trial, no card | PriceAED 57 to 200 a month billed yearly, or AED 69 to 249 monthly; Enterprise on request | ArabicYes, an Arabic site | VAT and eInvoicingeInvoicing, accounting and VAT in one app, in their words |
| Founder OSThe Founder: Founder OS · | Free planNo, books and invoices are in Launch; tasks and projects are free | PriceAED 149 a month for Launch, every app included | ArabicYes, plus English and Chinese | VAT and eInvoicingTax invoices with 5% VAT and a VAT return prepared for you to review and file; no eInvoicing |
Where they win
- Zoho Books is free for 1 user and an accountant, up to 1,000 invoices a year and AED 200,000 revenue.
- Zoho Books, Xero and Wafeq list eInvoicing; Founder OS does not offer it today.
- Zoho Books files VAT directly from its Standard plan; in Founder OS you file the return yourself.
Where we differ
- Books with your plan, customers and projects
- Tax invoices with 5% VAT
- A VAT return ready to review
- Arabic, English and Chinese
Free plans in accounting software
- Zoho Books is the only one here whose pricing page states a free plan: 1 user and an accountant, up to 1,000 invoices a year and AED 200,000 revenue.
- Wafeq gives a 14 day trial with no card, Xero and QuickBooks 30 days.
- Accounting and invoices in Founder OS are in the Launch plan at AED 149 a month; tasks and projects are always free.
Questions about the best accounting software in the UAE
What is the best accounting software in the UAE?
It depends on the size of your business. Zoho Books has a free plan, and direct VAT filing from its Standard plan. Wafeq and Xero list eInvoicing. Founder OS keeps your books with your plan, customers and projects in the Launch plan.
Zoho Books vs QuickBooks: which is better?
Zoho Books has a free plan, and paid plans from AED 60 a month billed yearly. QuickBooks' page does not state a free plan, and its prices start at AED 77.12 a month, billed in USD.
Which accounting software is in Arabic?
Zoho Books lists Arabic for its UAE edition, and Wafeq has an Arabic site. Founder OS is in Arabic, English and Chinese.
Does Founder OS file my VAT return?
No. It prepares your VAT return for you to review, and you file it yourself. It does not offer eInvoicing today.
Which free accounting software for small business in the UAE is really free?
Of the software in the table, only Zoho Books' pricing page states a free plan, with the limits shown under free plans. Wafeq, Xero and QuickBooks state time limited trials.
Is invoicing free in Founder OS?
No. Invoices and books are in the Launch plan at AED 149 a month. Tasks and projects are always free.
Does the Zoho Books free plan include VAT filing?
Its pricing page lists VAT tracking and direct VAT filing from the Standard plan, the first paid plan.
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