OQ hosts workshop on 'Leading with Control: Leadership at the Helm”

Muscat: OQ’s Internal Audit Departmentorganised a workshop titled “Oversight in the Workplace,” centred on the theme “Leading with Control: Leadership at the Helm.”

This event aimed to equip OQ’s leadership with critical tools and strategies for steering future growth, in line with the group’s commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and compliance.

The workshop attracted 220 participants, including senior executives, board members from OQ’s subsidiaries, and representatives from regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Services Authority, Muscat Stock Exchange, Oman Investment Authority, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the State Audit Institution. This diverse attendance underscored OQ’s dedication to forging strong partnerships with key governance stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, Abdulrahman Al-Harthy, OQ’s Chief Assurance Officer, noted how the workshop supports OQ’s broader objectives to reinforce oversight across operations.

He highlighted the importance of keeping leaders informed of advancements in various oversight areas, with a focus on leveraging the latest technology.

Al-Harthy explained that the workshop would cover three primary oversight areas: compliance, operations, and technology.

Ashraf Al Mamari, OQ Group CEO, highlighted the importance of internal controls and compliance measures in creating a positive impact not only within OQ and its affiliates but also for external stakeholders, thereby building trust and credibility.

A key point of discussion was compliance oversight, including how OQ integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into its strategic framework to meet regulatory requirements, international standards, and internal policies.

Participants assessed the maturity of OQ’s existing control environment, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to further advance governance and compliance.

Discussions on operational oversight focused on optimising day-to-day processes, managing operational risks, and enhancing efficiency.

The workshop also explored the benefits of digital transformation in oversight management, particularly the role of digital tools and automation in streamlining processes, improving compliance, and reducing human error, thereby fostering a more agile operational framework. Within IT oversight, discussions addressed safeguarding information systems and digital assets, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity measures in operational technology.

Participants reviewed strategies for protecting infrastructure, countering cyber threats, and ensuring data integrity, reflecting OQ’s commitment to securing its technological and operational assets. Ultimately, the workshop aimed to deepen leadership awareness around effective oversight, promote collaborative growth, and foster a robust culture of governance and accountability.