Latest news with #StateAuditInstitution
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
SAI marks audit awareness month
MUSCAT: The State Audit Institution (SAI) joined institutions and organisations from around the world in celebrating "Internal Audit Awareness Month,' which falls on May every year. This annual occasion aims to highlight the importance of internal audit in enhancing transparency and efficiency within institutions. It affirms the pivotal role that internal audit undertakes in strengthening governance, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. Commenting on the occasion, Imad bin Abdullah al Shanfari, Director of the Internal Audit Department at SAI, stated that internal audit departments serve as a safety wall and the first line of defence in the financial and administrative operations of both government and private institutions. He noted that the primary objective of internal audit is to provide independent and objective assurance that the institution's risk management, governance and internal control processes are functioning effectively, thereby ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its goals. Al Shanfari pointed out that the importance of internal audit lies in its role as a key element institutions rely on to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of financial, administrative and operational processes. Through internal audits, officials can identify gaps that may affect performance, enabling them to take corrective actions in a timely manner. Internal audit is also an important part of governance as it helps enhance transparency and ensures that all operations are conducted in accordance with the established laws and regulations. Furthermore, Al Shanfari stressed that fully leveraging internal audit to improve organisational performance requires implementing practical changes based on audit findings. This is accomplished by acting on the recommendations provided by internal auditors, which help institutions enhance processes, reduce costs and improve efficiency. - ONA
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.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
International symposium in Muscat explores Future of AI in Judicial Work
Muscat — The international symposium titled 'Foreseeing Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Work" commenced today in Muscat, addressing key issues related to the legal, technical, and ethical challenges of AI integration in the judiciary. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Ghosn Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution, the event is organized by the Supreme Judiciary Council. The symposium examined solutions and proposals to ensure the effective and secure use of AI, anticipate its potential impact on judicial systems, and present recommendations on technological advancements to enhance justice and improve judicial efficiency. Discussions also focused on future perspectives for smart legal training in the justice sector and fostering sustainable innovation and development in judicial institutions. The symposium featured multiple sessions, including one on 'Legal, Ethical, and Security Challenges of AI in Judicial Work," which covered topics such as transparency and accountability in AI-driven judiciary, personal data protection in AI applications, algorithmic biases and their mitigation, and cybersecurity in smart judicial systems. Another session, titled 'AI Applications in Judicial Work," included four working papers: analyzing legal texts using AI (benefits and challenges), the admissibility of algorithmic outputs in criminal court, AI applications in judicial investigations (innovative tools and techniques), and AI's role in training human resources in judicial institutions. Another session, 'Future Developments and International Cooperation in AI for Judicial Work," explored the impact of AI on human genome accuracy and its future role in genetic evidence analysis, international collaboration in developing AI technologies for justice, and foresight scenarios for AI in judiciary based on global experiences. The symposium revolved around three main themes: legal, ethical, and security challenges of AI in judiciary; AI applications in judicial work; and future developments and international cooperation in AI for justice. The event aims to discuss future visions for AI in the judiciary, anticipate the potential impact of these technologies on judicial systems, propose technological advancements to enhance justice and efficiency, and encourage sustainable innovation in judicial institutions.
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
