Sheikh Ahmed: Iia International Conference in Dubai Will Help Make Uae One of the Smartest Economies in the World

Dubai will play host to the world’s largest gathering of internal auditors when the International Conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) takes place in the city in May 2018, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

“Dubai is once again proving that the city has the capability to host global conferences that will bring expertise to realise the great goal of UAE becoming one of the smartest economies in the world,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee.

The IIA, along with the UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE-IAA), will hold the high profile global conference for the first time in the Middle East, with the theme ‘Connecting the World Through Innovation’, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 6 to 9, 2018. The event will feature more than 100 global speakers in over 70 sessions and is set to welcome more than 3,000 professionals from 110 countries.

“True to the spirit of the slogan of the conference ‘Connecting the World Through Innovation’, Dubai is also living up to the image of connecting the world by becoming one of the smartest cities in the world in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed.

“Dubai is hosting this world class conference at a time when the UAE is emerging as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world with superior infrastructure and abundant supply of skilled manpower. The IIA summit will enable the internal audit professionals here to adapt best practices that will enhance the efficiency of businesses,” he added.

“Learning from global leaders, the internal auditors will be able to address the challenges facing the industry and contribute to good corporate governance, detecting fraud, statutory compliance and ultimately enhancing the credibility and efficiency of organisations.”

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said: “Business Events such as the IIA International Conference play a vital role in not only bringing more visitors to Dubai, but also enhancing the city’s status as a knowledge hub and a place for knowledge sharing. Driven by the leadership and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we continue to work with organisations such as IIA to bring major business events to stimulate further growth and develop talent in key sectors for the UAE economy.

“In 2017, Dubai welcomed a record 15.8 million visitors, consolidating its position as the fourth most visited city in the world and putting us well on our way to achieving our Tourism Vision for 2020 target of attracting 20 million visitors in 2020, the same year Dubai will also begin hosting the World Expo. We look forward to welcoming delegates to the IIA International Conference later this year and will work closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure the event leaves a strong legacy for the city.”

IIA-UAE CEO Abdulqader Obaid Ali said: "The UAE is very proud to host this conference, the first of its kind in the Middle East, which we have worked on since 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."

IIA is the internal audit profession's most widely recognised advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications. Established in 1941, the IIA today serves more than 190,000 members from more than 170 countries and territories.

The event will emphasise innovation and tackle emerging technology issues and other relevant topics facing organisations and the internal audit profession worldwide.

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.