Latest news with #GhosnbinHilalalAlawi
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
SAI submits annual report to HM
Muscat: Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), has submitted the SAI 2024 Annual Report on the outcomes of its work to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Throughout the year, SAI dedicated all its resources and capabilities to fulfilling its national role by carrying out its assigned responsibilities and achieving its objectives with a high level of efficiency and professionalism. It also promoted effective institutional and societal partnership in support of the goals of sustainable development. SAI has also sent copies of the Annual Report to the Council of Ministers, the State Council and the Majlis Ash'shura. This move comes as per Article 66 of the Basic Law of the State, issued under Royal Decree No 6/2021, and Article 29 of State Audit Law, issued under Royal Decree No 111/2011. The report included several topics resulting from SAI's exercise of its mandates and audit of government units, authorities, investments, and companies subject to its audit, in accordance with the approved 2024 annual audit plan. The execution of these tasks took into consideration the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and was guided by the principles, foundations and standard guidelines of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), particularly with regard to comprehensiveness, clarity, conciseness, accuracy, objectivity and audit manuals. Based on materiality and risk analysis, and applying the principle of sample-based auditing, SAI carried out 225 audit tasks, which resulted in 172 audit reports. The findings were communicated to the relevant entities, which responded positively by taking corrective actions and implementing SAI's recommendations. In addition, some irregularities that constituted criminal suspicions were referred to the Public Prosecution for appropriate legal action. The report also included a statement outlining SAI's efforts to promote integrity, presenting statistics on financial and administrative violations and the actions taken in response. It also covered following up on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, as well as SAI's participation in the meetings, conferences, relevant agreements and committees associated with it. In addition, the report detailed SAI's review of draft laws, regulations and systems prepared by the entities subject to the audit of SAI, providing comments regarding them. The report also showcased SAI's efforts in carrying out a number of awareness activities and training programmes, and preparing related manuals aimed at protecting public fund and promoting integrity. The Annual Report also included the review of various topics within government units, such as the audit of the State's final account for the year 2024, review of tax collection and assessment, review of financial and administrative activities, and evaluation of the performance of certain directorates and departments within these units. With regard to matters related to the activities of authorities, investments and companies, the report covered several topics related to the sectors of energy, minerals, aviation, environment, electricity, water, food security, wastewater and other important matters that were reported to the relevant entities along with SAI's observations and recommendations. With regard to community partnership, based on the principle that protecting public fund is a joint responsibility, SAI dealt with 1,378 complaints and reports in 2024 concerning financial and administrative violations, the integrity of awarding some tenders, abuse of power, and other related issues. These were received through various communication channels, and approximately 90% of the complaints and reports have been examined and addressed. It is important to note that SAI's complaints and reports window was selected as one of the best practices by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The report also featured an overview of the key media and awareness initiatives undertaken by SAI, aimed at fostering optimal awareness and adherence to ethical practices at both institutional and societal levels. A total of 187 media and awareness programmes, activities and events were carried out in 2024. — ONA
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OQ forum gathers global experts to advance internal audit in Oman
MUSCAT: Affirming its commitment to transparency, good governance and excellence in institutions, OQ, the global energy group of Oman, organised the Internal Audit Forum in partnership with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Oman and KPMG. Held under the auspices of Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), the two-day event took place at the JW Marriott Muscat Hotel and attracted over 300 internal audit specialists across Oman's public and private sectors. Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Harthy, Chief Internal Audit Officer at OQ Group, said the company marks International Internal Audit Month by hosting a series of important activities and knowledge exchange forums. "OQ continues to invest in in-country talent and collaborate with its international peers to exchange best practices and adhere to international best practices in control, compliance and risk management," he added. Speaking to the Observer, Warren Hersh, IIA Quality Service Director, stated, "The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the international umbrella organisation cooperating with over 115 national institutes around the world, including Oman," said Hersh. "Essentially each country has an institute and we work closely with them on priority issues such as co-operation, internal audit quality and the setting of worldwide standards. We're also keen to understand how the internal audit profession will change and develop to address future challenges,' he stated. Harris Matin, who is a KPMG Advisory Partner, said, 'We are pleased to assist OQ on this milestone for the internal audit profession in Oman.' He added, "Over the course of these two days, we will seek to engage, cooperate and reflect on our personal experience as we shape the future of internal audit in the Sultanate of Oman. I congratulate OQ on this tremendous achievement in bringing together such a rich basket of talent and we anticipate many more significant joint efforts in the future." Among the top-of-mind issues covered were digital transformation in auditing, geopolitical risk, embedding ESG, cybersecurity and developing integrated assurance frameworks. Attendees discussed global and regional trends, regulatory developments in Oman, highlighting the key role of the internal audit function in enabling sustainable governance and organisational resilience. Sessions highlighted how audit functions can offer greater strategic contributions by innovating, being nimble and collaborating cross-functionally. Delegates included IIA Oman board members, senior officials of the Oman Investment Authority, public and private sector executives; and IIA Global representatives. The forum is an integral part of OQ's broader transformation journey towards infusing accountability, resilience and high performance in all its operations. It also reflects the company's commitment to playing its part in supporting national aspirations for developing a modern, responsible and innovation-driven private sector. The leadership at OQ emphasised the role of internal audit in shaping decision-making and maintaining trust in institutions, referring to it as one of the key drivers of long-term value creation and governance excellence.
Muscat Daily
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Experts discuss AI integration in judicial work in Oman
Muscat – An international symposium titled 'Anticipating Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Work' opened on Wednesday in Muscat under the auspices of Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of State Audit Institution. The two-day event seeks to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within judicial systems, focusing on innovation, sustainability and future applications. Key topics of discussion include the legal, technical and ethical challenges associated with integrating AI in the judiciary. In his opening remarks, Issa bin Hamad al Azri, Secretary-General of Supreme Judicial Council, highlighted the opportunities AI presents for judicial development. 'AI represents a significant opportunity to advance judicial work, provided it is used thoughtfully and under responsible human supervision guided by the core principles of justice and the rule of law,' he said. The symposium brings together government ministers, dignitaries, legal professionals, AI experts, academics and private sector representatives to foster dialogue and collaboration. Dr Salem bin Zuwaid al Hashmi, Assistant Secretary-General for Planning and Digital Transformation in the council, emphasised the symposium's goal of creating a professional platform for exchange between legal scholars and AI specialists. 'The objective is to anticipate the role of AI in judicial systems amid rapid digital transformation, address emerging legal and ethical challenges, while promoting innovation and efficiency in the judiciary,' he noted. Hashmi added that the initiative aligns with the Supreme Judicial Council's strategic vision of adopting international best practices and advancing the use of technology in Oman's judicial processes. 'This symposium marks a key step in positioning Oman as a regional leader in applying the rule of law through advanced technologies such as AI,' he said. The event is structured around three core themes: legal, ethical and security concerns; practical applications of AI in judicial procedures; and future directions for international cooperation in AI and justice.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Symposium on AI in judicial work today
The International Symposium on "Anticipating Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Work" will kick off today at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat under the auspices of Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI) and Deputy of the Supreme Judicial Council. The event will be attended by ministers, dignitaries, representatives from government entities and the private sector, as well as researchers, academics and professionals interested in law and artificial intelligence. Dr Salem bin Zuwaid al Hashmi, Assistant Secretary-General for Planning and Digital Transformation, stated that the Supreme Judicial Council aims to create a platform for professional dialogue between legal researchers and AI specialists. The goal is to emphasise the importance of anticipating AI applications in the judiciary amidst rapid digital transformation and modern legal challenges. This includes enhancing efficiency in justice, addressing legal and ethical issues, and promoting international cooperation, innovation and sustainable development. Dr Al Hashmi highlighted that the symposium aligns with the Council's strategic vision to adopt global best practices in the judiciary, particularly regarding the use of technology and AI in Oman. The aim is to position Oman as a leader in applying rule of law standards. The symposium provides an opportunity for experts and researchers to showcase the latest developments in utilising AI in judicial systems and legislation, as well as exploring opportunities for international cooperation and expertise exchange in AI-related legal and legislative matters. The symposium programme will feature panel discussions on key issues related to legal, technical and ethical challenges of AI in the judiciary. It will propose solutions to ensure safe and effective AI use, discuss future visions for AI implementation in judicial work, suggest technological advancements to enhance justice and efficiency, and present innovative ideas for smart legal training and sustainable innovation in the judicial sector. The symposium will focus on three main themes: legal, ethical and security challenges in AI use within the judiciary; practical applications of AI in judicial work; and future developments and international cooperation in AI use in the judicial field.
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman attends meeting of anti-corruption agency chiefs
MALE: Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), met several heads of anti-corruption agencies from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the sidelines of the Saudi-Maldives International Forum Integrity. The forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector," took place in the Maldives on May 6-7. The meetings included Adam Shamil, President of the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives, as well as heads of delegations from counterpart institutions in Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Iraq. Shaikh Al Alawi also met Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC. Discussions emphasised the strong relations between Oman and OIC member states, while exploring avenues to enhance cooperation in oversight, auditing and knowledge exchange to promote integrity and combat corruption. Shaikh Al Alawi reaffirmed Oman's commitment - through the State Audit Institution - in supporting international efforts to strengthen transparency and governance. This includes active participation in global professional events and building strategic partnerships with peer institutions. These meetings align with the objectives of the international forum, which serves as a platform for dialogue among experts and decision-makers on safeguarding vital sectors - particularly tourism - from practices that hinder sustainable development. - ONA
