Saudi Institute Of Internal Auditors Targets Global Leadership Role

The Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors aims to elevate the internal auditing profession both regionally and globally, according to CEO Abdullah Al-Shebeili. This ambition aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and is bolstered by the Kingdom's leadership and international reputation in various sectors.

During the 10th Internal Audit Conference held on December 11-12, discussions centred on the future of internal auditing, technology utilisation, and artificial intelligence. Governance, risk management, and compliance were also key topics. Al-Shebeili praised young Saudi talents for their significant achievements in internal auditing.

The conference provided a platform for innovation, identifying development opportunities, and addressing professional challenges. It served as a venue for reviewing best practices, discussing international developments, and gaining insights from experts in the field.

Three new initiatives were introduced at the conference: "From Riyadh to the World," the "Internal Audit Award," and the "Governance, Risk and Compliance" (GRC) program. The "From Riyadh to the World" initiative aims to export Saudi internal auditing expertise globally while sharing best practices and learning from international experiences.

The institute plans a world tour visiting countries like China, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, Australia, and Austria. The Internal Audit Award seeks to foster professional competition and development among internal auditors.

Comprehensive Training Program

The GRC program was developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge. It offers comprehensive online and in-person training to equip professionals with knowledge and tools needed for integrating GRC practices into their organisations.

Al-Shebeili highlighted the valuable contributions made during the event. He emphasised that such conferences play a crucial role in fostering innovation within the profession.

The annual forum is considered the most prominent event for internal auditing in Saudi Arabia. It attracted significant attention from professionals, officials, and media both domestically and internationally.

"The conference's role in fostering innovation cannot be overstated," said Al-Shebeili. "It helps identify development opportunities while addressing professional challenges."

This year's conference underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing internal auditing standards globally. The initiatives launched are expected to have a lasting impact on the profession.

With inputs from SPA