Saudi Internal Auditors Visit Austria to Share Expertise Under ‘From Riyadh to the World’

A delegation from the Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA SA), led by chief executive Abdullah Saleh Al-Shebeili, visited Vienna on Tuesday to meet with IIA Austria’s executive management as part of the ‘From Riyadh to the World’ initiative. The initiative aims to share Saudi Arabia’s auditing experiences and best practices with international counterparts.

Context and Background

‘From Riyadh to the World’ is a knowledge-sharing program launched by IIA SA to elevate Saudi Arabia’s international standing in internal auditing. The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to transparency, governance, and professional development under Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in the oversight sector over the past five years, drawing engagement from both government and private entities. The visit to Austria marks a key step in this outward engagement.

Key Details

During the meeting, Al-Shebeili emphasized the success of internal auditing practices in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the substantial progress made over the past seven years in the institute and government oversight sectors. He noted that IIA SA is dedicated to keeping pace with developments and sharing new practices across various sectors with the world. Chief executives from multiple governmental entities participated from both sides.

International Impact

The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s pioneering global role in internal auditing. According to the latest classification by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), IIA SA ranks among the top 10 internal auditing institutions worldwide. This visit strengthens bilateral ties and promotes cross-border collaboration in auditing standards.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The ‘From Riyadh to the World’ initiative directly supports Vision 2030 by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s international standing, sharing knowledge for sustainable development, and fostering global partnerships. By exporting its auditing expertise, the Kingdom positions itself as a leader in governance and transparency, contributing to long-term economic transformation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the ‘From Riyadh to the World’ initiative?

A1. It is a knowledge-sharing program by the Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA SA) aimed at sharing Saudi Arabia’s auditing experiences and best practices with international partners.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to Austria?

A2. The delegation was led by Abdullah Saleh Al-Shebeili, chief executive of the Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors.

Q3. When did the meeting with IIA Austria take place?

A3. The meeting occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

Q4. What was the purpose of the visit to Austria?

A4. The visit aimed to share auditing experiences and best practices between IIA SA and IIA Austria.

Q5. Which Austrian organization did the Saudi delegation meet?

A5. They met with the executive management of IIA Austria.

Q6. What key point did Al-Shebeili emphasize during the meeting?

A6. He emphasized the success and significant advancements of internal auditing practices in Saudi Arabia over the past seven years.

Q7. How does the initiative support Vision 2030?

A7. It enhances Saudi Arabia’s international standing, shares knowledge for sustainable development, and promotes global partnerships.

Q8. What is IIA SA’s global ranking?

A8. IIA SA is ranked among the top 10 internal auditing institutions worldwide by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Q9. Who participated from the Saudi side besides Al-Shebeili?

A9. Chief executives from various governmental entities were also in attendance.

A10. The institute is committed to keeping pace with developments and sharing new auditing practices globally.

Q11. What are the benefits of the initiative for Saudi Arabia?

A11. It elevates Saudi Arabia’s international standing, showcases its expertise, and fosters global collaboration.

Q12. How does the initiative contribute to sustainable development?

A12. By sharing successful professional experiences, it supports sustainable development goals aligned with Vision 2030.

Q13. Why is the oversight sector important in Saudi Arabia?

A13. It has seen transformative changes and engages both government and private entities in advancing governance.

Q14. What is the role of the Saudi leadership in this initiative?

A14. The initiative has support from the leadership, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s pioneering global role.

Q15. How does this visit strengthen Saudi-Austria relations?

A15. It promotes bilateral ties and cross-border collaboration in auditing standards and professional practices.

Q16. What recent changes has the oversight sector experienced in Saudi Arabia?

A16. It has undergone transformative changes over the past five years, with increased engagement from public and private entities.

Q17. What is the main goal of IIA SA according to Al-Shebeili?

A17. To keep pace with developments and share new practices across Saudi sectors with the world.

Q18. Which organization classified IIA SA among the top 10?

A18. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) provided the latest classification.

Q19. What type of entities were represented from both sides?

A19. Chief executives from various governmental entities participated in the meeting.

Q20. What future impact is expected from the initiative?

A20. The initiative is expected to continue elevating Saudi Arabia’s global standing and advancing internal auditing practices worldwide.

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