Saudi GCA to Host Fifth Internal Auditing Forum in Riyadh

The General Court of Audit (GCA) announced on May 7, 2024, that it will host the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum on May 12 at its headquarters in Riyadh, organized through the Saudi Center for Financial and Performance Auditing (SCFPA) as part of International Internal Audit Awareness Month activities. The forum will bring together leaders and specialists from internal audit departments across various government agencies, alongside distinguished national and international speakers, according to the announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Context and Background

The General Court of Audit is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution, mandated to monitor public funds and reinforce accountability, transparency and sound financial management across government entities. Its specialized professional arm, the Saudi Center for Financial and Performance Auditing, develops national auditing capability and promotes adherence to internationally recognized standards.

Now in its fifth edition, the Internal Auditing Forum has become a recurring platform where government bodies, professional institutes and audit practitioners review emerging challenges and share practical solutions. Scheduling the event during International Internal Audit Awareness Month places the Kingdom’s public-sector audit community within a wider global conversation on governance, risk management and internal control.

Key Details

The GCA explained that the forum aims to raise awareness about the role of internal audit in achieving organizational strategic objectives, enhancing audit and governance, and enriching knowledge by addressing current challenges and exploring development opportunities in the field.

Sally-Anne Pitt, Chair of the Institute of Internal Auditors Board of Directors, will deliver a speech during the main session examining the impact of the 2024 standards change on internal audit work worldwide. Her participation underscores the international dimension of the gathering.

The program comprises two discussion sessions. The first will concentrate on the role of internal audit in achieving the strategic goals of public sector institutions and creating value. The second will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on internal audit practices and applications. Both sessions will feature experts offering insight into the profession’s evolving landscape and the critical challenges and opportunities it faces.

The forum will also include an Internal Audit Applications exhibition, where several organizations will showcase their experience in strengthening the role of internal audit within their entities. The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to explore a range of practices and interact directly with professionals in the field.

Implications and Impact

The gathering reflects a broader global shift in how public institutions approach oversight. As governments manage increasingly complex programs and digital systems, internal audit has moved from a compliance function toward a strategic partner that helps leadership identify risk early, protect public resources and improve service delivery.

The focus on artificial intelligence is particularly timely. Audit teams worldwide are assessing how automated analysis, data mining and algorithmic tools can strengthen evidence gathering while raising new questions about control, verification and professional judgment. By convening specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom, the forum supports the exchange of tested approaches and helps participants benchmark their work against international practice.

For regional and international observers, the event signals the continuing maturity of Saudi Arabia’s public financial management ecosystem, which serves as a foundation for large-scale investment and economic diversification programs.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Strengthening institutional governance and accountability sits at the heart of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks a transparent, efficient and high-performing public sector capable of delivering ambitious national transformation. By hosting the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum, the General Court of Audit advances this objective, equipping government entities with the knowledge and networks needed to safeguard public funds and improve performance. The event also reinforces the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional hub for professional exchange, where international standards, emerging technologies and Saudi expertise converge to support sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum?

A1. It is a specialized professional gathering hosted by the General Court of Audit in Riyadh. The forum brings together audit leaders and experts to discuss internal audit practices, governance, emerging standards and the use of new technologies within public sector institutions.

Q2. When and where will the forum take place?

A2. The General Court of Audit announced that the forum will be held on May 12 at its headquarters in Riyadh. The event forms part of International Internal Audit Awareness Month activities observed by the global audit profession.

Q3. Which organization is hosting the forum?

A3. The General Court of Audit, the Kingdom’s supreme audit institution, is hosting the event through the Saudi Center for Financial and Performance Auditing. The center serves as the GCA’s specialized professional and training arm.

Q4. What is the General Court of Audit?

A4. The General Court of Audit is Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution. It monitors public funds and supports accountability, transparency and sound financial management across government agencies, contributing to stronger institutional governance throughout the Kingdom.

Q5. What is the Saudi Center for Financial and Performance Auditing?

A5. It is the professional arm of the General Court of Audit. The center develops national auditing capabilities, delivers specialized training, and promotes the adoption of international standards in financial and performance auditing across Saudi public sector institutions.

Q6. Why is the forum held during International Internal Audit Awareness Month?

A6. Holding the forum during the awareness month connects Saudi Arabia’s audit community with global efforts to highlight the profession’s value. It reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation and best practice.

Q7. Who will speak at the main session?

A7. Sally-Anne Pitt, Chair of the Institute of Internal Auditors Board of Directors, will deliver a speech during the main session. Her participation reflects the international standing of the forum and its global professional connections.

Q8. What will Sally-Anne Pitt discuss?

A8. She will address the impact of the 2024 standards change on internal audit work worldwide. Her remarks will help participants understand how updated global standards shape audit planning, execution and reporting.

Q9. What are the two discussion sessions about?

A9. The first session examines internal audit’s role in achieving public sector strategic goals and creating value. The second explores the impact of artificial intelligence on internal audit practices and applications.

Q10. How does internal audit support public sector strategic goals?

A10. Internal audit provides independent assurance that programs, controls and resources are managed effectively. This helps institutions deliver on their objectives, reduce risk and create lasting public value.

Q11. How is artificial intelligence changing internal audit?

A11. Artificial intelligence enables faster analysis of large data sets, supports risk detection and improves audit coverage. At the same time, it raises questions about verification, control and professional judgment that specialists will examine during the forum.

Q12. What is the Internal Audit Applications exhibition?

A12. It is an accompanying exhibition where several organizations will present their experiences in strengthening internal audit within their entities. Visitors can explore practical applications and interact with professionals working in the field.

Q13. Who is expected to attend the forum?

A13. Leaders and specialists from internal audit departments across various government agencies are expected to attend, alongside distinguished national and international speakers. Their participation supports knowledge sharing and professional networking.

Q14. Why does internal audit matter for governance?

A14. Internal audit strengthens governance by providing independent assessment of controls, risk management and compliance. It helps leadership make informed decisions, protect resources and maintain public trust in institutional performance.

Q15. How does the forum support knowledge exchange?

A15. The forum combines speeches, discussion sessions and an exhibition, allowing participants to compare approaches, review case studies and learn from international experts. This exchange helps organizations refine their internal audit practices.

Q16. What is the significance of the 2024 standards change?

A16. The updated global standards influence how internal audit functions are structured, delivered and evaluated. Understanding these changes helps Saudi institutions align their practices with international expectations and strengthen audit quality.

Q17. How does the forum reflect modernization of public financial oversight?

A17. By addressing strategic value creation, artificial intelligence and international standards, the forum shows that Saudi public sector auditing is evolving toward more proactive, technology-enabled and outcome-focused oversight.

Q18. What role do international speakers play?

A18. International speakers bring global perspectives on standards, methodology and emerging risks. Their participation enriches discussion, builds professional networks and helps local practitioners benchmark their work against leading international practice.

Q19. How does the forum connect to Vision 2030?

A19. Saudi Vision 2030 calls for a transparent and efficient public sector. The forum supports this by strengthening audit capability, promoting accountability and helping government entities safeguard public funds as national transformation programs advance.

Q20. What can participants expect to gain?

A20. Participants can expect practical insight into global standards, strategic auditing and artificial intelligence applications, along with access to professional networks and examples of successful internal audit practices from multiple organizations.

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