When the Auditors Applaud: Ajman's Tourism Department Aces the Quality Test

**AJMAN, UAE** – Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a thriving tourism destination? Plenty of careful checking, it turns out. The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has achieved Full Conformance with Internal Audit Quality Standards, and the news deserves a closer look.

The UAE Internal Auditors Association assessed the Department's internal audit activity and gave it top marks. Consequently, the result reflects a real commitment to international professional standards. It also strengthens governance, accountability and institutional oversight across the organization.

The announcement came during the CAE Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi, held from 6 to 8 October. Leading internal audit executives, experts and specialists filled the room. HE Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Department, attended and took part in the conference, which shows how actively the Department engages in specialised professional forums.

This achievement demonstrates the maturity of the Department's oversight framework. Moreover, it shows the Department manages risks proactively and efficiently. Internal audit also supports sound decision-making, strengthens controls and uncovers opportunities for continuous improvement.

In addition, the recognition supports the responsible management of public resources. It fits neatly with the Ajman Government's vision of an agile, trusted and sustainable government ecosystem.

"Achieving Full Conformance reflects a clear institutional vision that places governance, transparency and accountability at the heart of government work," said HE Alhashmi. He added that effective internal audit strengthens institutional resilience and builds the confidence of partners and customers.

He also credited the dedication of his teams. Furthermore, he pledged to keep developing the oversight framework in line with leading international standards, which supports Ajman's competitiveness.

So, what comes next? This milestone adds to the Department's record of institutional excellence. Ultimately, it reinforces Ajman's position as a model for efficient, accountable and future-ready government.

KAPSARC Takes the Stage in Riyadh: Where Energy Ideas Meet the World

From 11 to 15 October 2026, **RIYADH, Saudi Arabia** will host the 25th WPC Energy Congress for the first time ever. The theme, "Pathways to an Energy Future for All," sets the tone. First held in London in 1933, the Congress now brings government leaders, executives, researchers, and innovators together to tackle security, investment, technology, and sustainability.

KAPSARC joins as a National Partner. Its leaders and experts will take part in conversations that shape the future of energy. Consequently, the Center's research will reach a truly global audience.

KAPSARC doesn't just show up; it contributes across the Executive, Technical, Synergy, and Special Programmes. President Fahad Alajlan and Dr. Ghadah Alarifi, Dean of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, speak in the Executive Programme.

Meanwhile, KAPSARC experts share insights on energy supply and demand, natural gas, ESG, the Circular Carbon Economy, mobility, and lower-emission refining. In the Synergy Programme, they explore joint action on circular carbon and AI partnerships for energy innovation.

Here's where things get exciting. In the Special Programme, KAPSARC leads a Knowledge Sprint called "Generative AI for Evidence-Based Oil Markets." Participants will see how AI supports market analysis, scenario work, and responsible practices, and how technical findings become decision-ready insights.

Additionally, KAPSARC joins the World Café for "Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies." Experts will discuss direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and biochar. They'll also weigh the economic, regulatory, and infrastructure factors that influence scaling.

Finally, don't miss the dedicated pavilion. Five thematic hubs, namely Oil, Transportation, Clean Energy, AI, and Collaboration, showcase research, analytical tools, and expertise. Visitors can chat with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders.

Furthermore, the pavilion features the KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) and the Saudi Energy Leaders Assembly (SELA), which support policy education and leadership development. Overall, KAPSARC connects Saudi-based expertise with global energy discussions.

Where Finance Meets Its Future: Bahrain's 60-Deal Moment

**MANAMA, Bahrain** – Picture a room where banks, tech giants, and regulators actually finish their handshakes. That's what happened at Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), which wrapped up at Exhibition World Bahrain. More than 2,900 participants showed up, and the fourth edition delivered over 60 MoUs, strategic agreements, and announcements.

Announcements and signings jumped 65% this year, and the forum also welcomed its largest group of sponsors and exhibitors yet. Clearly, the industry is leaning in.

Moreover, several deals grew from connections made at FF25. Bahrain's Team Bahrain approach, a public-private partnership model, turns conversations into lasting momentum.

BBK showcased a Google Cloud Universal Ledger pilot, built with ARRAY Innovation, a Mumtalakat portfolio company. It explores tokenized payments and programmable settlement.

Meanwhile, Beyon and barq Group announced an agreement to merge Beyon Money's operations with barq's fintech platform. BENEFIT also named NBB as anchor bank for its Trade Finance Registry pilot, developed with MonetaGo and Bahrain FinTech Bay. In addition, BENEFIT and Huawei signed an MoU on AI and digital infrastructure.

The debut Tech Talent Hub, featuring Citi, J.P. Morgan, and KPMG, highlighted Bahraini professionals serving global clients. Likewise, Beyon Connect unveiled an AML Referral Programme with AMAN Compliance Solutions as its first partner.

Financial and insurance activities made up 17.6% of Bahrain's real GDP in 2025. Therefore, a forum like this does more than generate headlines; it strengthens the Kingdom's economic backbone.

Hosted by Bahrain EDB and programmed by Forbes Middle East, FF26 ran under the theme "Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure." Judging by the results, that future has already started.