GCA Concludes Successful Participation at LEAP25 in Riyadh

The General Court of Audit (GCA) concluded its participation in LEAP25, the world’s largest tech gathering, held from February 9 to 12, 2025, in Malham, Riyadh. The event, organized under the patronage of the Saudi government, brought together global technology leaders and innovators. GCA’s presence underscored its commitment to digital transformation and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Context and Background

LEAP25 serves as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering international collaboration. GCA’s participation highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to modernizing public sector operations through digital innovation. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals, enhancing audit efficiency and transparency is critical for building a sustainable and accountable governance framework.

Key Details

GCA’s President Dr. Hussam Alangari delivered a keynote address unveiling the GCA Digital Strategy for 2025–2027. The strategy focuses on enabling innovation, improving audit processes, and delivering sustainable digital excellence. At the interactive exhibition booth, GCA showcased its digital transformation initiatives, including the upgraded digital audit system Shamel 2.0, which covers all audit stages from planning to report issuance. Attendees also interacted with Aref, an AI-powered smart auditor assistant that provides instant responses and accurate recommendations to support audit teams. Additionally, GCA launched the Shamel 2.0 smartphone application, enabling audited entities to track audit progress and reports seamlessly.

Implications and Impact

GCA’s digital initiatives are set to revolutionize public sector auditing in Saudi Arabia by leveraging AI and advanced technologies. The adoption of Shamel 2.0 and Aref will enhance productivity, reduce manual errors, and improve transparency. This digital leap positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in governance innovation within the region, attracting international interest and potential partnerships.

Vision 2030 Alignment

GCA’s digital strategy directly supports Vision 2030 by promoting efficiency, transparency, and digital excellence in the public sector. By integrating AI and digital tools into auditing, the GCA contributes to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy and a resilient governance framework. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of accountability and sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the General Court of Audit?

A1. The General Court of Audit (GCA) is Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution responsible for auditing public sector finances and ensuring accountability and transparency in government operations.

Q2. What is LEAP25?

A2. LEAP25 is the world’s largest technology gathering, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together global tech leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore digital transformation trends and innovations.

Q3. When and where did LEAP25 take place?

A3. LEAP25 took place from February 9 to 12, 2025, at the Malham venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q4. Who represented GCA at LEAP25?

A4. GCA was represented by its President Dr. Hussam Alangari, along with other officials who showcased the organization’s digital initiatives at the interactive exhibition booth.

Q5. What did Dr. Hussam Alangari announce at LEAP25?

A5. Dr. Hussam Alangari unveiled the GCA Digital Strategy for 2025–2027, which focuses on enabling innovation, improving audit processes, and achieving sustainable digital excellence.

Q6. What are the key pillars of the GCA Digital Strategy?

A6. The strategy includes providing a distinguished customer experience, implementing effective digital governance, and developing compatible digital products such as Shamel 2.0.

Q7. What is Shamel 2.0?

A7. Shamel 2.0 is an upgraded digital audit system that covers all stages of auditing, from planning to report issuance, serving as a pioneering platform for digital solutions and emerging technologies.

Q8. What is Aref?

A8. Aref is an AI-powered smart auditor assistant developed by GCA to support audit teams with instant responses, accurate recommendations, and a comprehensive knowledge base.

Q9. What is the Shamel 2.0 smartphone application?

A9. The Shamel 2.0 smartphone application enables audited entities to track audit progress and reports seamlessly, while equipping auditors with smart tools to enhance productivity.

Q10. How does GCA’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A10. GCA’s digital transformation supports Vision 2030 by promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the public sector, contributing to a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Q11. Why is digital transformation important for auditing?

A11. Digital transformation improves audit accuracy and efficiency, reduces manual errors, enables real-time monitoring, and enhances transparency in public financial management.

Q12. What technologies did GCA showcase at LEAP25?

A12. GCA showcased cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital auditing systems like Shamel 2.0 and the Aref smart assistant.

Q13. Who attended GCA’s booth at LEAP25?

A13. The booth attracted officials, specialists, industry leaders, and other conference attendees who explored GCA’s digital transformation initiatives and strategy.

Q14. What is the purpose of the GCA Digital Strategy 2025-2027?

A14. The strategy aims to enable innovation, improve audit processes, deliver sustainable digital excellence, and align auditing practices with emerging technologies.

Q15. How does Aref improve audit operations?

A15. Aref provides instant responses to queries, offers accurate recommendations, and accesses a comprehensive knowledge base, thereby supporting audit teams in their tasks.

Q16. What does effective digital governance mean in GCA’s context?

A16. It means enhancing compliance with digital legislation and corporate governance, ensuring that digital audit tools and processes adhere to regulatory standards.

Q17. Is GCA’s digital strategy open to international collaboration?

A17. While the strategy focuses on Saudi Arabia, its adoption of global best practices and technologies invites potential international partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Q18. What impact will Shamel 2.0 have on audited entities?

A18. Shamel 2.0 streamlines audit tracking and reporting, providing audited entities with a user-friendly platform to monitor progress and receive timely feedback.

Q19. How does GCA contribute to Saudi Arabia’s reputation?

A19. By adopting advanced digital audit tools and transparent practices, GCA strengthens Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a leader in governance and accountability in the region.

Q20. What are the next steps for GCA after LEAP25?

A20. GCA will continue implementing its Digital Strategy 2025-2027, expanding the use of AI and digital systems to further enhance audit efficiency and support Vision 2030 goals.

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