San Francisco: San Francisco, California was the venue for the 'From Riyadh to the World' initiative, which included a significant meeting between the IIA SA delegation, led by Shebeili, and the executive management of the IIA San Francisco. The event also saw the participation of several executives from Saudi government agencies and major American corporations based in Silicon Valley.
According to Saudi Press Agency, key highlights of the event featured presentations on Saudi Arabia's internal auditing experiences, with a particular focus on the exceptional practices of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. This authority has been recognized for its comprehensive risk assessment exercises aimed at developing strategic audit plans and adopting advanced auditing methods, such as integrated auditing and risk assessment techniques. The initiative also emphasized the importance of improving the work environment through continuous awareness programs and training at both local and international levels dedicated to internal audit staff.
Discussions during the event centered on the role of internal auditing in supporting the strategic development of the Al Balad Development Company (BDC). The event showcased proactive consulting services designed to help companies tackle issues before they escalate into significant challenges. The meeting underscored the importance of using the risk assessment model to set priorities and ensure comprehensive audit cycles, as well as enhancing operational efficiency through advanced software and real-time monitoring tools.
Additionally, the initiative highlighted the achievements of the IIA SA in sending Saudi professional leaders to the global stage, showcasing the Kingdom's leadership in this domain. The discussions emphasized the critical role of modern technology in internal auditing practices to improve performance quality and ensure compliance. Moreover, they focused on empowering governance and risk-management teams to align their efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals.
According to 2024 rankings by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the IIA SA is recognized among the top ten professional institutes in the internal auditing sector worldwide.