For many organisations, the shift toward modern tax legislation represents a profound change in operational governance. Navigating this evolution requires more than a simple understanding of statutes; it demands an ability to interpret the underlying intent of policy while managing its practical impact on day-to-day business operations. Shaimaa G El Shazly, Tax Director at Rowanberries Consultancy, bridges this gap daily.
By connecting the technical nuances of tax law with strategic business considerations, she enables organisations to align their internal structures with regional requirements and global standards. Her work underscores the critical nature of foresight in an era defined by rapidly changing tax obligations and the need for fiscal transparency across borders.
Bridging Policy Intent with Practice
In her current role at Rowanberries Consultancy, Shaimaa G El Shazly leads the firmโs UAE Corporate Tax practice across advisory and compliance engagements. She provides senior technical oversight on complex tax positions, ensuring that every deliverable reflects a thorough understanding of the regulatory environment. Her work involves reviewing corporate tax returns, computations, and disclosures to ensure they meet rigorous legislative standards.
By translating evolving requirements into practical guidance, she helps corporate decision-makers navigate their fiscal responsibilities with clarity and precision. She acts as a strategic partner to clients, guiding them through governance requirements and complex tax matters that influence long-term decision-making. This role demands a high level of vigilance and an ability to distil technical legislation into clear, usable policies for corporate boards.
Her advisory approach is rooted in the belief that effective tax management is a cornerstone of sound corporate decision-making. She assists firms in managing tax governance, which in turn fosters a culture of compliance that protects organisations from the risks inherent in evolving regulatory landscapes.
A Foundation in Multidisciplinary Expertise
Her career, which began in 2011, is built upon a foundation of law, business, and policy research. With an academic background that includes an MBA, a Bachelor of Laws, and executive education in Comparative Tax Policy and Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, she brings a comprehensive perspective to her advisory work. This multidisciplinary approach is vital when addressing complex frameworks, including OECD Pillar Two, which requires a deep understanding of both domestic implementation and international standards.
She has actively translated these intricate requirements into structured training and government-focused guidance, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to advancing professional practice. Her expertise is frequently sought in matters involving international tax policy, dispute resolution, and controversy, reflecting her ability to navigate both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the field. By synthesising research with technical application, she ensures her clients remain prepared for the complexities of modern fiscal oversight.
True leadership in tax advisory is defined by the ability to translate the abstract intent of policy into clear and sustainable corporate practice.
Leading Through Regulatory Evolution
Before joining her current firm, she held roles at EY and KPMG Middle East, where she contributed to the interpretation of legislative developments during the introduction of the UAE Corporate Tax regime. At EY, she prepared policy briefs, technical analyses, and executive presentations for senior government stakeholders, supporting the consistent application of new tax requirements. During her tenure at KPMG, she led international tax engagements involving cross-border structures, OECD BEPS, and Economic Substance Regulations.
These roles required coordinating multi-jurisdictional assignments and managing senior stakeholder relationships to deliver technical solutions in high-stakes environments. She developed a reputation for providing thorough international tax analysis, supporting complex cross-border decision-making processes. Her ability to operate within global networks while maintaining a focus on regional regulatory nuances has been a consistent hallmark of her professional path, allowing her to serve as a reliable advisor for multinational groups navigating regional tax developments.
Applying Diverse Regulatory Insights
Her early career trajectory provided a deep understanding of corporate compliance and regulatory frameworks across the Middle East. At Fragomen in Saudi Arabia and Accenture in the Middle East, she supported complex workforce and mobility projects that demanded precise interpretation of regional rules. Whether advising multinational organisations on corporate compliance or refining governance frameworks, she has consistently focused on translating regulatory obligations into actionable intelligence.
This broad exposure to different sectors and jurisdictions continues to inform her leadership approach as she assists clients in managing governance requirements and complex corporate tax matters. She remains committed to participating in professional discussions and research in areas such as tax administration and dispute resolution, ensuring her advisory services remain at the forefront of the industry.
Through her dedication to continuous improvement and technical clarity, she provides a clear, evidence-led path that allows businesses to navigate and succeed within the regulatory landscape with confidence.
Recognition by The Inspired
Within the Women Who Inspire series, Shaimaa G El Shazly is recognised for her disciplined focus on technical clarity and policy interpretation. Her professional journey illustrates how deep expertise in international and domestic tax frameworks can provide a steady path for organisations navigating systemic regulatory changes.
By grounding her work in both academic research and practical implementation, she makes a meaningful contribution to the development of tax governance and the broader business environment, offering a thoughtful example of how targeted expertise empowers corporate decision-making and sustainable long-term fiscal health.
