On the back of its participation as the Knowledge Partner of The Audit Summit that was held in Abu Dhabi 15 and 16 May, Deloitte Middle East announced its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Internal Audit Association in the United Arab Emirates (UAE IAA), to underline the shared commitment to drive the transition towards a world of tech auditing.

The agreement outlined the joint efforts to drive the industry’s journey towards embracing agility in Internal Audit and enabling the pivotal role of emerging technologies in augmenting organisational value amidst the evolving terrain of agile Auditing.

The two organisations were represented at the signing ceremony by UAE IAA Chairman of the board, Abdulqader Obaid Ali, and Deloitte Middle East partners Mohammed Khamees Al Tah, Dina Fakih and Firas Haddad.

Commenting on the topic, Firas Haddad said, “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to enable the Internal Audit profession in the United Arab Emirates and we look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals to develop agility, enhance efficiency, and add value. We renew our commitment to enhance our proactive efforts to support industry experts in the Emirates in the digitisation journey, while maintaining the delivery of audits at the highest possible standard.”

During The Audit Summit, Deloitte’s Risk Advisory partner, Dina Fakih, led a panel discussion revolving around the evolution of Internal Audit, with a sharp focus on integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Deloitte showcased an array of innovative solutions for streamlined audits that adeptly managing risks in an ever-changing environment.

The UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE IAA) was set up in July 1995, as a non-profit organisation along the lines of its parent body in June 2006, gained approval to become the official IIA affiliate in the UAE.

In 2008 it obtained an approval to become the UAE Internal Auditors Association. The Association today has secured the support of leading companies from the UAE who are involved in promoting the profession of Internal Auditing through this medium.

Deloitte & Touche (ME) LLP (DME) is the affiliate for the territories of the Middle East and Cyprus of Deloitte NSE LLP, a UK limited liability partnership and member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (DTTL).

DME is a leading professional services organization established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926. DME’s presence in the Middle East region is established through its affiliated independent legal entities, which are licensed to operate and to provide services under the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant country. DME’s affiliates and related entities cannot oblige each other and/or DME, and when providing services, each affiliate and related entity engages directly and independently with its own clients and shall only be liable for its own acts or omissions and not those of any other affiliate.

DME provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory and tax, and legal services through 23 offices in 15 countries with more than 7,000 partners, directors and staff.

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