If you’re running a business in the UAE, you’ve probably heard of Xero and Zoho Books. Both are popular cloud accounting tools. But which one is right for your business? That’s the big question many startup founders and small business owners are asking in 2025.

Choosing between Zoho Books vs Xero UAE isn’t just about features. It’s about finding the right fit for your business needs, your budget, and your long-term goals. Maybe you need better support for UAE VAT rules. Maybe your team works remotely and needs a simple dashboard. Or maybe you’re growing fast and need powerful tools to handle your numbers.

This blog takes a close look at Zoho Books vs Xero UAE, based on what actually matters to businesses here. We’ll compare how they handle VAT, pricing, daily use, support, and more. You’ll get straight answers—no fluff, no tech speak.

By the end, you’ll know which platform can help you manage your finances. You’ll also see how to stay compliant and grow confidently in the UAE.

UAE VAT Compliance Getting Your Tax Right Matters

If you’re running a business in the UAE, you already know how important VAT compliance is. Since VAT started in 2018, businesses need to keep accurate records. They must calculate taxes correctly and file returns with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) on time.

That’s why VAT features are a big deal when comparing Zoho Books vs Xero UAE.

Let’s break it down.

Zoho Books has a clear advantage here. It comes with built-in VAT support made for the UAE. You can set up VAT rates, tag transactions, and generate FTA-approved reports right from your account. It also creates the FTA Audit File, which is something you must submit during a tax review or audit.

With Zoho Books, you don’t need extra tools to stay VAT-compliant in the UAE.

Xero, on the other hand, doesn’t include full UAE VAT filing out of the box. It does help you track VAT on invoices, bills, and reports—but that’s not enough. To file VAT returns or generate an audit file, you’ll need to connect Xero to a third-party add-on that’s approved for UAE filing.

That means extra setup steps, extra costs, and extra care to make sure everything works correctly.

So when it comes to VAT, Zoho Books vs Xero UAE is not a close fight. Zoho Books wins for having everything built in and ready for local rules.

That said, some UAE businesses still prefer Xero for other reasons—especially when they use outside help or have more complex needs.

But if VAT compliance is your top priority and you want a simple solution, Zoho Books might be the better pick here.

Pricing and Packages What Will It Cost You?

When you’re running a small business or startup in the UAE, cost matters. You want software that does the job without burning a hole in your budget. That’s why price is a big factor when comparing Zoho Books vs Xero UAE.

Let’s look at what you get and what you pay.

Zoho Books offers a range of pricing plans, including a free version for very small businesses. If your business makes less than AED 187,500 in revenue, the free plan might be enough. Even the paid plans start low, and you can upgrade as your business grows. This is one of the reasons Zoho Books is so popular with UAE startups.

Now let’s talk about Xero. Unlike Zoho, Xero doesn’t offer a free plan. But it does have strong features across all its paid plans. The lowest-tier plan works well for freelancers or businesses that don’t send many invoices. As you move up, you get more tools like bulk reconciling, project tracking, and multi-currency support.

The challenge? In the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE battle, Xero’s pricing can look higher at first. But many UAE businesses still choose Xero because of its better integrations and ease of use. For some, that extra value is worth the higher cost.

Also, remember that Zoho Books includes VAT features in all plans, while Xero may require a paid add-on for full VAT filing in the UAE. That can raise your total cost over time.

So, which is more affordable? If you’re just starting and want to keep costs down, Zoho Books may be the smarter pick. But if you want a tool that grows with your business, Xero might be the better long-term choice.

When comparing Zoho Books vs Xero UAE, think beyond the monthly fee. Consider what you need—now and in the future.

Ease of Use Which One Feels Simpler Day to Day?

You can have the best software in the world, but if it’s confusing to use, your team won’t use it well. That’s why ease of use is a huge part of this Zoho Books vs Xero UAE comparison.

Let’s start with Xero. Many users love Xero for its clean, modern dashboard. When you log in, you’ll see your bank balances, cash flow charts, invoices, and bills everything you need in one place. It’s designed for non-accountants. Even if you’re new to bookkeeping, Xero makes it easy to understand what’s going on.

The menus are simple. You can search for any page. And if you make a mistake, it’s easy to go back and fix it. That’s why many UAE business owners feel confident using Xero on their own or with a small team.

Now, what about Zoho Books? It also has a neat interface, and the layout is quite user-friendly. But some people say it feels more “technical” at times. That’s because it’s part of a bigger platform Zoho One which has dozens of apps. This can be good if you already use Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, or Zoho Mail. But it can also be a bit overwhelming for beginners.

When it comes to training and support, both platforms offer guides, videos, and online help. But with Xero, you also get a large UAE-based advisor network that can walk you through the software. That’s a big win if you want local support.

So, Zoho Books vs Xero UAE: who wins for ease of use? Xero takes the lead for having a more intuitive setup and a dashboard that feels designed for business owners not just accountants.

Still, if you already use Zoho apps, Zoho Books will feel more familiar and connected.

Multi-Currency and Global Business Which One Handles International Deals Better?

Many UAE businesses work across borders. If you import goods, sell online, or work with international clients, you likely use multiple currencies. So when comparing Zoho Books vs Xero UAE, multi-currency support is something you can’t ignore.

Let’s start with Xero. Multi-currency is one of its strongest features. You can send invoices in different currencies, get paid in foreign currency, and see real-time exchange rates. It updates your reports based on daily market rates, so you always know where you stand.

If you’re working with AED, USD, EUR, GBP, or even crypto—Xero can handle it. That’s why many UAE companies who export or sell online prefer Xero. You don’t need to enter exchange rates manually. It’s already done for you.

Now, let’s look at Zoho Books. It also supports multiple currencies, but it’s not as flexible as Xero. You may need to enter exchange rates yourself or update them manually. That can lead to errors, especially if you’re dealing with large volumes or fast-moving rates.

In some Zoho Books plans, multi-currency is a premium feature, so you might need to upgrade to get full access. Also, Zoho’s reports may not be as detailed when tracking gains and losses from currency changes.

When it comes to Zoho Books vs Xero UAE for global business, Xero has the edge. It saves time, reduces errors, and gives you clear insights across all currencies.

If your business trades internationally, or you’re based in a UAE free zone, Xero is often the better fit. But if your transactions are mostly in AED, Zoho Books might be all you need.

App Integrations Which One Works Better With Other Tools?

Most businesses today use more than just accounting software. You might also use tools for inventory, eCommerce, payroll, or CRM. That’s why integrations matter when comparing Zoho Books vs Xero UAE.

Let’s look at Xero first. Xero has a huge app store with over 1,000 third-party apps. Whether you run an online store with Shopify, track inventory with Cin7 Core, or manage tasks with Trello Xero likely connects with it. You can even integrate with UAE banks for faster reconciliation.

These connections can save you time and reduce manual work. You don’t have to copy data from one system to another. Everything stays in sync.

Now, let’s talk about Zoho Books. If you already use other Zoho tools like Zoho CRM or Zoho Inventory Zoho Books fits in naturally. It’s part of the Zoho One suite, so everything shares the same platform. That’s great if your business is already built around Zoho.

But here’s the catch: outside the Zoho world, integrations are more limited. While Zoho Books connects to some apps, it doesn’t match the size or flexibility of Xero’s ecosystem. And some setups may need custom connections or API help, which takes more time.

In the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE match-up, it depends on your setup. If you’re already deep into Zoho, Zoho Books will feel like home. But if you need a wider range of tools especially for growing or online businesses—Xero gives you more options.

Integrations aren’t just “nice to have.” They help your business move faster, reduce errors, and scale with confidence.

Mobile Access & Remote Work Can You Run Your Business on the Go?

These days, many UAE businesses don’t just work from the office. Teams are mobile, remote, or working across different cities and time zones. That’s why your accounting software needs to work well—anywhere, anytime.

Let’s take a look at Zoho Books vs Xero UAE in terms of mobile access.

Xero’s mobile app is simple, clear, and packed with useful tools. You can send invoices, check cash flow, match bank transactions, and even upload receipts from your phone. The design feels clean, and it works well on both Android and iPhone.

This makes it a great option for busy business owners, especially in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, who often manage things while on the move.

Zoho Books also offers a strong mobile app. It allows you to create invoices, record expenses, track mileage, and send estimates. If you use other Zoho apps, you can switch between them easily on the same phone. That’s a bonus for users already working inside the Zoho system.

Still, in the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE conversation, Xero gets praise for being more user-friendly on mobile. The app loads fast, and features are easy to find—even for beginners.

Both apps support real-time syncing, so your data stays up to date across all devices.

If you travel often, work from different locations, or just want to keep tabs on your finances from your phone, both platforms will work. But if ease of use matters most, many UAE users prefer Xero’s mobile tools.

Local Support & UAE Community Who’s There When You Need Help?

Even the best software can hit a snag. Maybe it’s a VAT setting you’re unsure about. Or maybe you just want someone to walk you through reports. In the UAE, getting the right support matters. So let’s compare Zoho Books vs Xero UAE on local help and community backing.

Xero has a big global network and that includes the UAE. Many local firms and consultants are certified Xero advisors. You’ll find Xero Gold Partners, like our team at eCloud Experts, who know both the software and the UAE tax system inside out.

This means you can get training, setup help, and ongoing support during UAE working hours. Xero also has a help centre, chat support, and step-by-step guides available 24/7.

Zoho Books also offers strong online support. You can contact them by email or live chat. If you’re using other Zoho apps, their support system is the same across products, which helps. But here’s the key point: there are fewer UAE-based Zoho advisors compared to Xero.

That means less local support if you get stuck with something VAT-related or want in-person training.

In the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE debate, this can be a deciding factor. Xero has built a strong local community of users and experts. Zoho is growing, but it’s not quite at the same level yet.

So if having quick help from someone who understands UAE laws and Xero tools is important to you, Xero could be the safer choice.

Final Verdict Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

So after looking at features, pricing, support, and VAT compliance—what’s the final word on Zoho Books vs Xero UAE?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your business needs.

If you’re a small UAE business on a tight budget, and you want VAT-ready tools built right into your software, Zoho Books is a smart and affordable option. It works best if you already use other Zoho apps or want something simple to get started.

If you plan to grow, handle different currencies, or need more app flexibility, Xero may be the best long-term option. It offers a cleaner interface, better mobile tools, and stronger local support in the UAE.

In the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE decision, both tools are solid. The right one is the one that fits how you work—and where you want your business to go.

Still unsure? Our certified advisors at eCloud Experts are here to help. We’ve supported over 500 businesses in the UAE and beyond. Book a free discovery call, and let’s help you make the switch with confidence.

FAQs What UAE Businesses Ask About Xero and Zoho Books

1. Is Xero better than Zoho Books for UAE businesses?

It depends on what you need. If you want full VAT features built in, Zoho Books has the edge. But if you’re looking for easier reporting, strong multi-currency tools, and a big app ecosystem, many UAE businesses prefer Xero.

2. Does Zoho Books support UAE VAT filing?

Yes. Zoho Books has native support for UAE VAT. You can set tax rates, file returns, and generate the FTA Audit File directly within the system—no extra apps needed.

3. Can I migrate from Zoho Books to Xero?

Yes. Many UAE companies make the switch each year. At eCloud Experts, we provide Zoho to Xero migration services. Our services include VAT setup, mapping the chart of accounts, and importing historical data.

4. Which is easier to use: Xero or Zoho Books?

In the Zoho Books vs Xero UAE debate, most users say Xero is easier for beginners. Its dashboard is simple and feels more modern. Zoho Books is clean too—but better suited to users already familiar with Zoho’s full suite.

5. What if I need help with setup or training?

You’re in luck. Xero has a larger UAE support network. You can find certified advisors like us who offer hands-on help, training, and VAT guidance. Zoho support is mostly online, with fewer local partners.

Let’s Get Your UAE Business on the Right Platform

Picking an accounting platform can be tough. This is true when VAT rules, reporting, and software integrations come into play. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At eCloud Experts, we specialise in helping UAE businesses make smart, secure moves when it comes to their accounting systems. Whether you’ve already made up your mind, or you’re still weighing up Zoho Books vs Xero UAE, we’re here to help you make the right decision.

Choose Xero for full migration services. We also provide VAT setup and ongoing training that fits UAE laws and business culture. And if you’re switching from Zoho Books, we’ll make sure your data stays safe and your reports stay accurate.

No more guesswork. No more stress.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s get your business set up for success with confidence, clarity, and expert support from day one.