Riyadh to Host First Regional Headquarters of Institute of Internal Auditors Outside United States

RIYADH: The Saudi capital has signed an agreement to establish the first regional headquarters of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) outside the United States, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s professional and institutional development.

The signing ceremony was held in Riyadh on Thursday, attended by President of the General Court of Audit and Chairman of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors Dr Hussam Alangari; IIA President and CEO Anthony Pugliese; and CEO of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors Abdullah Alshebeili, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The agreement highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a global hub for business, governance, and professional expertise, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr Alangari said the establishment of the regional headquarters would strengthen knowledge exchange and help build advanced professional capacities in the field of internal auditing.

Meanwhile, Anthony Pugliese noted that Riyadh was selected due to the Kingdom’s significant progress in developing its internal audit profession and its expanding influence in supporting regional industry growth.

The new headquarters is expected to host specialised international conferences and training programmes aimed at enhancing professional skills and developing local talent in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Officials said the move further reinforces Riyadh’s role as an emerging global centre for governance, compliance, and financial oversight excellence.