Bahrain Delegation Participates in 22nd GCC Audit and Accounting Chiefs Meeting in Kuwait

His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Financial and Administrative Oversight, led Bahrain’s delegation to the 22nd meeting of GCC Audit and Accounting Heads, held in Kuwait.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of strengthening Gulf cooperation to achieve mutual interests and reinforce the fraternal ties established by the leaders of the GCC countries.

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the need to continuously develop and train employees in the auditing and oversight sector, focusing on enhancing their capabilities in information technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, which have become essential across all sectors.

The meeting, attended by His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al-Badiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, reviewed recommendations from the 26th meeting of GCC audit deputies held on 30 July. These included the strategic plan for 2023–2025 and the draft training strategy for 2026–2028, both prepared by Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Financial and Administrative Oversight.

Heads of GCC audit offices were also briefed on the results of the 6th GCC Audit and Accounting Research Competition, the UAE’s proposal on governance mechanisms for auditing the GCC Secretariat accounts, and the draft regulations for the GCC Excellence Award in financial and accounting oversight.

Other topics discussed included the proposal to designate a “GCC Financial and Accounting Oversight Week,” a feedback form for evaluating the impact of GCC guidelines, simplifying their practical application, and renaming the “Audit Rules Working Group” to the “Technical Committee of GCC Audit and Accounting Offices.”

The meeting also considered recommendations from the 25th meeting of the Audit Rules Working Group, including raising awareness on GCC guidelines, creating an AI-supported electronic platform, and linking the Secretariat’s digital library with member states’ audit office websites.

Furthermore, discussions focused on joint training programs and workshops to exchange expertise, strengthen regional cooperation, and develop the skills of audit staff in applying guidelines.

The GCC Secretariat provided a report on training programs implemented in 2024 and 2025, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with King Fahd National Library was highlighted.

Representing Bahrain’s Supreme Council, in addition to Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, were Salah Saleh Al-Yafei, Director of Administrative Oversight; Mohammed Fouad Sater, Director of the President’s Office; and Abrar Hassan Al-Sayegh, Director of Auditing in the Regulatory Oversight Department.