Trust is a familiar word in my profession, but on Saudi National Day, it carries a different kind of meaning. It’s not just about financial accuracy or compliance. It’s about something deeper: the confidence we build in one another, in our systems and in the future we’re shaping together.
As AI, climate change and geopolitical shifts reconfigure the global economy, the disruptions we face are becoming more complex, more severe and frequent. But what makes me proud today is knowing that behind every transformation, whether it’s an IPO, an infrastructure project or new regulation, , there are people working quietly to uncover deeper insights, inspire new thinking and protect what matters. That’s where assurance comes in.
In a nation undergoing dynamic change, across sectors, systems, and expectations, trust is what powers our businesses and organisations. It gives stakeholders the confidence to navigate complexity, transform and create new opportunities - act, invest, and collaborate. In Saudi Arabia, trust is increasingly being built by implementing robust governance and processes, protecting systems and data against sophisticated cyber threats, strengthening ethics and behaviours and building resilience with a strong risk culture.
In the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, Saudi Arabia ranked first worldwide for trust in government, with 87% of citizens expressing confidence in national leadership. That level of trust isn’t accidental. It’s earned through systems that deliver, data that holds up to scrutiny, and institutions that are accountable.
In my role, I see firsthand how the principles of assurance, rigour, integrity, objectivity, and clarity contribute to the Kingdom’s progress. These are enablers of confidence and accountability at scale.
The pace of change in Saudi Arabia is extraordinary. Markets are expanding, regulation is evolving, and Saudi businesses are stepping confidently onto regional and global stages.
Internal controls, risk frameworks, and regulatory alignment are no longer back-office tasks. They’ve become strategic foundations for credibility. And in a future that demands greater transparency, from digital systems to public accountability, assurance plays a critical role in enabling progress with confidence.
In a landscape as fast-moving as Saudi Arabia’s, we must emerge stronger through disruptions, build resilience and deliver on our vision. Whether you’re a regulator, a board member, an investor, or a citizen, confidence in institutions, data, and delivery is essential. We have to create long-term value from new investments in emerging technologies, from our IPO readiness and AI audit trails. The right talent, knowledge and tech will enable decision-makers to move forward with clarity, not assumption. It is how we balance innovation with assurance.
Another pillar of Vision 2030 is building local capability, and the assurance profession is no exception. With more than 60% of Saudi Arabia’s population under the age of 35, the potential to grow a future-ready profession is significant.
On a day like this, it’s impossible not to look back. Those of us who have worked through earlier phases of the Kingdom’s economic evolution know that the systems we’re strengthening today didn’t appear overnight. The foundations of trust, in institutions, in regulation, in professional standards, were laid by generations who believed that Saudi Arabia could lead with both ambition and accountability. What we’re building now rests on that belief. And that’s worth honoring.
For me, National Day is not just a celebration of what we’ve built, it’s a moment to ask what will last. Trust, to me is all about consistency, credibility, and confidence. In a fast-changing world, we have to reshape our perspective and keep pace with the change around us. We have to focus on what matters to support the Kingdom’s progress for generations to come.
Sources:
- https://www.arabnews.com/node/2591690/business-economy
