Dubai audit authority to host “Smart Audit” conference on AI and oversight
In short
The Financial Audit Authority (FAA) in Dubai has announced the third edition of the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference, to be held under the theme “Smart Audit” on 28 and 29 October 2026. The authority said the event will bring together officials, audit professionals, governance specialists and industry experts. FAA Director General Abdulrahman Al Hareb said the future of government audit lies in anticipating shifts and using technology to safeguard public funds.
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Dubai’s Financial Audit Authority (FAA) has announced the third edition of the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference, to be held under the theme “Smart Audit” on 28 and 29 October 2026. The authority said the event will bring together senior government officials, audit professionals, governance specialists and industry experts. Both Emirates 24|7 and the state news agency WAM reported the announcement. [ 1 , 2 ]
According to Emirates 24|7, the conference will examine artificial intelligence’s impact on auditing from two directions: how AI can be used to modernise audit tools and processes, and how auditors can assess and govern the use of AI technologies themselves. The report said the event comes as the audit profession undergoes significant change driven by advances in AI, growing cyber risks and evolving governance, sustainability and performance requirements, a framing WAM also used. [ 1 , 2 ]
Abdulrahman Al Hareb, Director General of the Financial Audit Authority, said: “Governments today are transforming at an unprecedented pace. As they do, the nature of risks is changing, the possibilities offered by technology are expanding, and the requirements of governance and accountability are shifting alongside them.” He said the authority believes the future of government audit lies in keeping pace with and anticipating these shifts while using technology and specialised expertise to strengthen integrity and safeguard public funds. [ 1 , 2 ]
Al Hareb also said the conference aims to build a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks created by emerging technologies, describing it as a platform for that purpose, Emirates 24|7 reported. WAM reported that the authority presents the conference as a way to advance financial audit and oversight beyond a model centred on verification and compliance towards a more proactive role capable of anticipating risks and generating insights for better decision-making. [ 1 , 2 ]
Neither document names specific sessions, speakers or participating organisations, and neither states the venue within Dubai or any attendance arrangements. [ 1 , 2 ]
Why it matters
Government auditing is a core oversight function, and an official body signalling that it will examine how AI is used — and how AI use itself should be governed — points to coming changes in how public funds are checked in Dubai. The documents give no detail on any decisions, rules or outcomes expected, so the announcement is so far a statement of intent and a scheduled gathering of officials and specialists.
Key facts
- The Financial Audit Authority (FAA) in Dubai announced the third edition of the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The conference will be held on 28 and 29 October 2026 under the theme “Smart Audit”. [ 1 , 2 ]
- It is intended to bring together senior government officials, audit professionals, governance specialists and industry experts. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The agenda covers how AI can modernise audit tools and processes, and how auditors can assess and govern the use of AI technologies themselves. [ 1 ]
- Abdulrahman Al Hareb is Director General of the Financial Audit Authority. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The FAA said the conference reflects its effort to move audit and oversight beyond verification and compliance towards anticipating risks and generating insights. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The Dubai Financial Audit Authority announced the third edition of the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference, to be held on 28 and 29 October 2026. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The conference theme is “Smart Audit”. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Abdulrahman Al Hareb, Director General of the Financial Audit Authority, said governments are transforming at an unprecedented pace and that the future of government audit lies in anticipating such shifts and using technology and specialised expertise to strengthen integrity and safeguard public funds. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- Which specific sessions, speakers or participating organisations are planned. Neither document names individual speakers or sessions beyond the general description of attendees, and both article texts are truncated.
- The exact venue in Dubai and whether registration or attendance rules apply. Not stated in either document.