In a rapidly evolving global business environment where innovation and agility shapes the fate of organizations, it is not merely expertise that sets leaders apart, but a deep commitment to empowering others. The story of Manu Palerichal, CEO and Founder Partner of CLA Emirates, stands as a testament to this belief—a saga not only of professional accomplishment but also of friendship, resilience, and purposeful leadership.
The Seeds of a Vision
Born in Kerala, India, Manu was shaped by a culture that prized intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by tales of those who dared to dream beyond the horizon, Manu set his sights on a future far from home. Armed as a qualified Chartered Accountant and an insatiable curiosity, he arrived in Dubai in 2003, ready to embrace the city’s energy and promise.
The transition was far from easy. Dubai’s cosmopolitan pace and rapidly evolving economic environment presented both excitement and challenge. Manu’s early years were marked by adaptation, learning, and resilience. He navigated cultural integration and the complexities of a swiftly changing business landscape, forging a leadership style rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and integrity.
The Power of Friendship: Building a Dream from Scratch
Just like Manu, his friends Pradeep Sai and Ragesh Mattummal also came to Dubai in search of better opportunities. The early days were far from easy — the jobs they found were not what they had envisioned, and the challenges seemed endless. Yet, instead of giving up, they transformed their struggles into fuel for ambition. Bound by a shared desire for growth and a vision for a brighter future, the old friends spent countless evenings reflecting, brainstorming, and daring to dream. Out of those humble beginnings and testing times was born a powerful idea — to create something of their own, a consultancy firm that would embody their perseverance, unity, and belief in shaping their own destiny. Finally, in 2005, that dream became a reality with Ajith Kumar later joining the team, the vision grew stronger. What began as a friendship founded on hope and hard work evolved into an organisation built on trust, passion, and an unbreakable bond — a living symbol of how dreams, when shared with purpose, can become legacies. Their collective belief and synergy carried them through uncertainty and risk, each partner contributing unique strengths and perspectives that shaped the company’s culture and direction. Their friendship became their greatest asset, transforming obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into lessons.
Inspirational Mindset: Lessons from APJ Abdul Kalam
Throughout the firm’s evolution, Manu drew strength from the words of India’s beloved former President, APJ Abdul Kalam: “Study to give a job, not to do a job.” This philosophy inspired Manu’s relentless pursuit of excellence—not merely to succeed for himself but to create opportunities for others. His mindset, “If others can do it, why can’t I?” became a rallying cry for the entire team, encouraging bold thinking, nurturing innovation, and instilling a culture of possibility.
Igniting a Vision: The Birth of Emirates Chartered Accountants Group
While many expatriates sought stability in Dubai, Manu and his friends were drawn by possibility. Inspired by the city’s metamorphosis into a global business hub, they recognized a growing need for ethical, client-focused accounting services. Thus, Emirates Chartered Accountants Group was born, with a simple yet profound vision: to offer world-class financial solutions while cultivating tax awareness and professional development throughout the region.
Launching a firm in a competitive market like Dubai demanded resilience, flexibility, and a profound sense of unity. The partners faced countless hurdles, from navigating regulatory environments to establishing trust among clients in a new land. Every challenge was met collectively—late-night brainstorming sessions, candid conversations about dreams and fears, and unwavering support through setbacks. Their journey became living proof that real success is forged through shared vision and teamwork.
Service Excellence: Tailored Solutions for a Dynamic Region
At CLA Emirates, the commitment to service excellence is apparent in every engagement. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of solutions—audit, tax, advisory, corporate services, accounting, and digital transformation—tailored to meet the evolving needs of organizations. Every service is delivered with a focus on quality, integrity, and genuine client care. The team works closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and objectives, designing bespoke strategies that drive growth and resilience.
Evolution and Expansion: Becoming CLA Emirates
Over the years, the company evolved, seizing new opportunities and expanding its suite of services. Eventually, the firm rebranded as CLA Emirates, reflecting its international ambitions and commitment to innovation. Manu’s founding principles remained unshakable—integrity, transparency, and a relentless focus on client needs.
Today, CLA Emirates is home to over 200 skilled professionals, each contributing to a dynamic and inclusive workplace. The firm’s commitment to excellence has earned it the 8th position among mid-tier firms in the UAE, as recognized by the International Accounting Bulletin (IAB) World Survey in 2025. CLA Global itself has been ranked as the 15th largest global accounting network, underscoring the strength and reputation of its partnership.
Professional Development and Community Impact
Manu and his partners believe passionately in the power of professional development, both within their firm and throughout the broader business community. CLA Emirates invests heavily in upskilling its team, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. Employees are encouraged to pursue advanced certifications, participate in industry forums, and contribute to thought leadership.
The firm’s outreach extends beyond its own walls, supporting community initiatives, mentoring young professionals, and championing diversity and inclusion. By empowering others, CLA Emirates fulfils Manu’s original vision: to build a firm that creates opportunities, inspires growth, and leaves a lasting impact on society.
Tax Awareness: Manu’s Impactful Speaking Journey
Manu has played a pivotal role in advancing tax awareness throughout the region, serving as a speaker in more than 500 seminars, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions. His dedication has helped countless business owners and professionals understand the complexities of tax compliance and strategy. Through these engagements, Manu continues to fulfill the firm’s larger mission—to educate, empower, and raise the standards of business practice across the Middle East.
Embracing Innovation: Digital Transformation and Technology
In a rapidly evolving global business environment, innovation and agility are essential. CLA Emirates is aiming to position itself at the forefront of digital transformation, blending human expertise with digital precision. As part of CLA Global, the firm has access to advanced AI platforms that enhance efficiency and provide cutting-edge tools. Specialized tax, audit, and accounting compliance solutions are being developed to automate and streamline services, minimizing human errors and ensuring regulatory adherence.
A dedicated digital transformation division focuses on process automation and AI-driven solutions, supporting the firm’s balanced approach—integrating technology while upholding professional values of ethics, accuracy, and trust.
Crypto, Blockchain, and the Future of Taxation
The UAE is emerging as a global hub for digital assets, with Dubai’s VARA and Abu Dhabi’s ADGM licensing crypto exchanges and custodians. Small businesses, investors, and family offices are increasingly adopting cryptocurrencies for cross-border transactions, asset diversification, and wealth management. The anticipated introduction of the UAE Central Bank’s Digital Dirham is expected to further streamline payments.
For CLA Emirates, this trend creates opportunities in crypto accounting, IFRS-compliant audits, tax advisory for crypto income and VAT, and navigating VARA, ADGM, and DMCC regulations. With few competitors in this niche, CLA Emirates is strategically building expertise to become a leading provider of blockchain and crypto taxation services in the UAE.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
While embracing digital transformation, CLA Emirates remains anchored in the core principles of the profession—ethics, accuracy, and trust. The firm strikes a balance between traditional Chartered Accountancy practices and new technologies, equipping its team to leverage innovation without compromising professional values. This approach ensures that clients benefit from both the reliability of established practices and the efficiency of modern solutions.
Culture of Trust, Transparency, and Quality
At the heart of CLA Emirates’ success is its culture—built on trust, transparency, and client service. The firm ensures consistent quality and trust across its multiple offices through robust systems, regular peer reviews, standardized processes, and ongoing training. As part of CLA Global, CLA Emirates benchmarks its quality against international standards, maintaining the same high standards and client experience across the UAE, Bahrain, India, and beyond.
Navigating the Future: Trends and Opportunities
The taxation and compliance landscape is evolving, driven by global tax reforms, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) considerations, and increasing regulatory frameworks. CLA Emirates is poised to support clients in this changing environment, leveraging the global presence of CLA to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Taxation is increasingly about responsibility, sustainability, and transparency, going beyond just numbers. ESG reporting is becoming intertwined with tax compliance, reflecting both financial performance and ethical practices.
Looking ahead, CLA Emirates anticipates several key trends, including greater automation in compliance, tighter cross-border tax regulations, and a move toward harmonized global standards. The firm is well-prepared to embrace these changes, continuing its tradition of adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.
UAE Corporate Tax Compliance: A Catalyst for Growth
UAE Corporate Tax is a landmark reform that aligns the country with global standards while promoting transparency and accountability. For businesses, compliance goes beyond a legal obligation to a strategic advantage, demonstrating responsible operations to investors and partners. CLA Emirates plays a key role in supporting businesses through this transition, providing expert guidance and partnership to ensure successful compliance and long-term success.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Excellence
The story of Manu Palerichal and CLA Emirates is far from over. From humble beginnings to regional and global recognition, their journey is an ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and partnership. Their friendship remains the cornerstone of their success, their shared vision the compass that guides them through change.
As CLA Emirates continues to empower clients, inspire professionals, and shape the future of audit, tax, advisory, corporate services, accounting, and digital transformation across borders, the legacy of its founders endures—in every challenge, they see possibility; in every success, a new chapter waiting to be written.
