• International Internal Audit Conference to be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• More than 3,000 global business leaders, politicians, experts from 110 countries to attend the region’s first international conference from May 6-9, 2018

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 10, 2018:  Dubai will play host to the world’s largest gathering of internal auditors in May 2018 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), along with the UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE-IAA), will hold the high profile international conference for the first time in the MENA region with the theme 'Connecting the World Through Innovation,' at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 6 to 9, 2018, featuring more than 100 global speakers in over 70 sessions and more than 3,000 professionals from 110 countries.

“We support the IIA conference as it will act as a catalyst for the UAE economy to transform to a ‘smart economy’ with the internal audit professionals being enabled to adapt global best practices to make businesses here world-class, attracting investments,” said His Excellency Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE’s Minister of Economy, who will be heading a discussion panel “Global Issues Impacting Business” on May 7, the first day of the IIA Conference.

“Auditing is playing a vital role in the success of organisations across the UAE, especially as the economy strides toward transforming to a ‘smart economy’.

The UAE has always been on the forefront in adopting the latest and best technology, policies and processes in every area and now we see it is actively pursuing its move to stay 10 times ahead of others.

This brings in bigger challenges for auditors and today’s gathering of top leaders and chief executives in this field presents a strong platform to discuss these challenges and lay out a strategic roadmap to prepare for the next-gen auditing,” H.E. said.

Talking about the advantages the local internal audit fraternity will gain, H.E. said: “It’s an educational journey for the audit professionals in Dubai as they will become rich with insights from the leading professionals.”

UAE-IAA Chairman Abdulqader Obaid Ali said: 'The UAE is very proud to host this conference, the first of its kind in the MENA region, which we worked on from 2010.

We are honoured to hold such a prestigious and anticipated event.

It will surely be a programme that delves into timely issues impacting the profession, rich with insights for internal auditors at every level.

The IIA's International Conference showcases the best and brightest in the profession and provides participants with insights, tips, and guidance from an array of thought leaders and industry experts from leading corporations, organizations, and government institutions.'

Attendees will have access to a number of educational sessions on current and emerging issues and trends, ranging from business sustainability, information security, and governance to risk, fraud, and corruption.

It will also present industry best practices in addressing common challenges, as well as knowledge-sharing opportunities.

“The event will emphasise innovation and tackle emerging technology issues and other relevant topics facing organisations and the internal audit profession worldwide We have eleven tracks in the conference, with more than 100 international speakers to share their experience and knowledge with the rest of the world, and for the first time we are introducing an Arabic track in the international conference to cater for the needs of the auditors in the region,” Abdulqader said.