Preparing for ACCA while living in Dubai can feel like a full-time job, on top of your actual full-time job or university life. If you’ve been Googling how to pass ACCA exam in Dubai, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or retaking a paper, these 10 tips will help you study smarter, stay focused, and cross the finish line, with a little help from institutes like SOE Global along the way.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognised UK-based qualification for accounting and finance professionals.
To qualify, you need to clear 13 exams, grouped into 3 levels:
| Level | Number of Papers |
| Applied Knowledge | 3 |
| Applied Skills | 6 |
| Strategic Professional | 4 (2 core + 2 optional) |
You also need to complete:
- Ethics & Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
- 3 years of practical experience (PER)
10 Tips on How to Pass ACCA Exam in Dubai
Tip 1: Know What You’re Getting Into (And Why It’s Worth It)
Maybe you’re a fresh B.Com graduate in Dubai and just enrolled for ACCA. You assume it’s similar to college, theory + exams. But ACCA is case-based, application-driven, and globally standardised.
Example: The FR paper isn’t just about balance sheets, it’s about understanding how IFRS affects decision-making across global companies.
Before you begin, SOE offers a free counselling session to map your exemptions, study plan, and how many papers you’ll need, so you’re not overwhelmed later.
Tip 2: Make a Study Plan That Works Around Your Dubai Life
Working full-time in DIFC? Studying part-time at a university? Or managing a long commute from Sharjah?
Everyone’s rhythm is different. ACCA isn’t about studying 8 hours a day, it’s about consistency.
Example: If you have 2 hours in the evening after work, break it into 40-min blocks: lecture, practice, recap.
Where SOE Global helps: They offer weekend, evening, batches that fit your schedule, plus recorded classes in case you miss one.
Tip 3: Leverage Online Learning, Dubai Traffic Is No Joke
Between metro changes and Sheikh Zayed Road traffic, classroom classes can drain you before you even open a book.
Example: If you’re returning from work at 7 PM, logging into a live class in pajamas saves energy, time, and stress.
Where SOE Global helps: With live + recorded sessions, doubt-clearing chats, and on-demand revision classes, you can study your way, from anywhere.
Tip 4: Don’t Just Watch — Practice Past Papers Early
The best way to prep isn’t watching more videos, it’s doing. Many students only start past papers 1 week before the exam. That’s too late.
Example: Solve 1 full mock under timed conditions every weekend starting a month out. You’ll learn where you freeze or waste time.
At SOE Global every student gets access to exam-style mocks, paper analysis, and timed revision drills to simulate the real deal.
Tip 5: Read Examiner Reports Like They’re Cheat Sheets
Most students skip this, but examiner reports highlight exactly what went wrong for most candidates in previous sittings.
Example: If AA examiner says “students confuse audit risk with business risk,” you now know what not to do.
SOE’s mentors actually discuss examiner report insights in class, showing how to avoid common mistakes.
Tip 6: Concepts Over Cramming, Especially in Strategic Level
Dubai employers expect thinkers, not just number-punchers. ACCA papers like SBL or PM test your judgment, not memory.
Example: A tax case study might ask how changing UAE corporate tax rules affect a foreign investor’s planning. You need to explain it, not just quote sections.
Where SOE Global helps: Classes are case-based with a focus on real-world application. You’ll understand the “why,” not just the “what.”
Tip 7: Join a Study Group or Peer Network in Dubai
Studying alone is hard. Studying with peers who understand your struggle makes it manageable (and sometimes fun).
Example: Join a WhatsApp group with your batchmates. Solve 2 questions together on Sundays. You’ll share tips, memes, and maybe even notes.
SOE Global encourages peer-based doubt forums, and many students connect locally for group studies.
Tip 8: Manage Time Like You Manage Your Budget
Time management is make or break, both while prepping and during the exam.
Example: If a paper has 4 questions for 100 marks, you get ~45 minutes each. Don’t spend 90 minutes perfecting Q1 and panic on Q4.
Where SOE Global helps: Their mocks are timed and instructor-reviewed, teaching you pacing and point-maximising strategies.
Tip 9: Don’t Ignore Your Health, It Reflects in Your Focus
Studying while working, living solo, or even fasting during Ramadan? Your body needs support too.
Example: Swap one Red Bull a day with water. Sleep 7 hours instead of pulling all-nighters. A healthy body remembers more.
SOE trainers regularly remind students to pace themselves, and the course structure allows rest days and spaced-out prep.
Tip 10: Believe in the Process – Not Panic
It’s easy to scroll through Reddit and feel like everyone’s failing. But most people who stay consistent clear their papers, even the tough ones.
Example: If you failed AFM once, change your approach. Don’t quit. Maybe see what you could’ve done better and take it easy on you.
Where SOE Global helps: With 1-on-1 mentor support and progress tracking, they don’t let you fall off the radar, they keep you accountable.
Final Word: How to Pass ACCA Exam in Dubai (and Stay Sane)
It’s not about having 8 hours a day. It’s about:
- Smart planning
- Consistent revision
- Knowing what examiners want
- Getting the right support when it matters
Thousands of ACCA students in Dubai have done it — and with these tips (and the right guidance), you can too.
Need help choosing a batch?
📩 Reach out to SOE Global and get started on your journey, your future self will thank you.
FAQs Related To How to Pass ACCA Exam in Dubai
How many papers are there in ACCA, and do I have to clear all of them?
ACCA has 13 papers across three levels. Depending on your previous qualifications, you may get exemptions and write fewer papers.
What is the best way to pass ACCA exam in Dubai while working full-time?
Set a realistic study schedule around your work hours and use online learning platforms like SOE Global to study on your own time.
Do I need to attend physical classes in Dubai to pass ACCA?
Not at all. Many students successfully pass using online platforms. It’s one of the easiest ways to balance work, commute, and prep.
Is it necessary to solve past papers to pass the ACCA exam in Dubai?
Absolutely. Practicing past papers under timed conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare and avoid surprises on exam day.
How much time should I spend studying daily to pass ACCA exams?
Even 2 focused hours a day is enough if you stay consistent over 10–12 weeks before the exam. Smart study > long study.
How do I avoid burnout during ACCA exam prep in Dubai?
Balance is key. Include short breaks, light physical activity, and regular sleep to keep your mind and body sharp.
Can I pass ACCA without a coaching institute?
While it’s possible, most students benefit from structured learning, doubt clearing, and mock exams offered by platforms like SOE Global.
How important is the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)?
Very. It’s mandatory to qualify and helps improve your professional judgment — a key skill tested in ACCA exams.
How do I stay motivated during ACCA prep in Dubai?
Join local or online study groups, track small wins, and surround yourself with mentors or peers going through the same journey.
What’s one common mistake to avoid while preparing for ACCA in Dubai?
Starting late and rushing revision. Give yourself time to understand concepts, and start past papers at least a month before the exam.
