In a move reflecting the growing international influence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in global professional forums, the Kingdom achieved an unprecedented historical milestone by winning the presidency of the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for the 2027-2028 term. The Kingdom will be represented in this prestigious position by His Excellency Dr. Hossam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Anqari, President of the General Auditing Bureau and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Association of Internal Auditors.

A historical precedent in the Arab and Asian worlds

This victory marks a pivotal moment in the history of the internal audit profession, as the Kingdom secured its first presidency of the Institute's Board of Directors since its founding in 1941. Dr. Hossam Al-Anqari thus becomes the first Asian and Arab figure to assume the presidency, breaking a long-standing monopoly on these positions and representing a clear international recognition of Saudi leadership capabilities and the prestigious professional standing the Kingdom has achieved.

Significance of the victory and its timing

The announcement of this victory came during the Institute's first Board of Directors meeting of 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa. This selection carries profound implications that extend beyond a mere honorary position, reflecting the Kingdom's transition from participation to leadership and influence in shaping global professional policies, and its active involvement in decision-making within the largest international organization specializing in this vital field.

Commenting on this achievement, Al-Anqari emphasized that this significant victory was not the result of individual effort, but rather the fruit of continuous institutional work and ambitious national strategies aimed at enhancing governance and transparency. He pointed to the pivotal role played by the Saudi Association of Internal Auditors in developing the national system, which contributed to its ranking among the top ten professional organizations worldwide in the field of internal auditing.

Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This achievement is perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places governance, transparency, accountability, and combating corruption at the heart of its priorities. The Kingdom's position at the top of the International Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) enhances its image as a leading nation in implementing international standards and supports its efforts to develop the business environment and attract foreign investment seeking reliable regulatory and oversight frameworks.

Riyadh to be the capital of internal auditing in 2027

The Kingdom's presidency of the Institute (2027-2028) is of particular significance, as it coincides with Riyadh hosting the International Conference of Internal Auditors in 2027. This convergence of presidency and hosting will place Riyadh in the global spotlight and make it the premier destination for internal audit experts and professionals, providing an exceptional opportunity to showcase the development and maturity the profession has achieved in the Kingdom, as well as supporting national talent and enabling them to engage with international expertise.

About the International Institute (IIA)

It is worth noting that the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the world's leading professional body for the internal audit profession. Founded in 1941, the IIA is headquartered in Florida, USA. It boasts a vast network of over 170 chapters and professional bodies, and its services and standards cover more than 140 countries worldwide, making the Kingdom's presidency of this organization a major global responsibility and a testament to its well-deserved leadership.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Dental Association, Dr. Ziad Al-Lahim, affirmed that Saudi dental professionals are among the best in the world, praising the advanced level achieved by the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These statements highlight the qualitative leap the Kingdom has witnessed in training its human resources, making Saudi dentists strong competitors to their counterparts in developed countries.

The fruits of decades of government investment and scholarships

Dr. Al-Lahim explained that this excellence did not come about by chance, but is the result of a long-term government strategy, in which the Kingdom's government spared no expense in training and qualifying doctors. He pointed out that the overseas scholarship programs, which have continued for the past 35 years, have played a pivotal role in this achievement, with thousands of dentists being sent to the world's most prestigious universities and medical centers. These students have returned home with extensive scientific knowledge and precise practical experience, contributing to the transfer and localization of the latest medical technologies in the field of dentistry.

A robust academic infrastructure and world-class training staff

In his interview with "Akhbar24," Dr. Al-Lahim highlighted the significant expansion of the educational infrastructure, noting the existence of at least 25 dental colleges distributed across the Kingdom. These colleges are distinguished by their highly qualified teaching staff, who received their training in leading medical countries such as the United States, Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Upon their return, these graduates immediately began training future generations of dentists, thus ensuring the sustainability of educational and professional quality.

The Saudi Board: Global competition and rigorous standards

Regarding specialized professional training programs, the Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Dental Association affirmed that the Saudi Board programs in dental specialties have reached a level of maturity and strength comparable only to American programs. He explained that the Saudi Board receives and accepts a large number of trainees according to rigorous standards that ensure the graduation of consultants and specialists of the highest caliber.

Al-Lahim attributed the relative progress of the United States in this field solely to the historical “seniority” of American programs compared to their Saudi counterparts, while emphasizing that the Saudi doctor today is not only distinguished at the regional level, but has become a distinctive and unique figure at the global level.

The impact of development on the health sector and the goals of the vision

This remarkable development in the dental sector aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Health Sector Transformation Program, which focuses on improving healthcare services and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare practitioners. The presence of world-class Saudi talent strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medical care, reduces the need for treatment abroad, and opens up opportunities for the future of medical tourism in specialized dental fields.