In this episode of Voices of Governance by Hawkamah, Dr. Ashraf Gamaleldin, former CEO of Hawkamah, speaks with Mr. Abdulqader Obaid Ali, Chairman of the UAE Internal Audit Association, about the real role of internal audit in strengthening corporate governance.

Drawing on his extensive experience across industry and governance leadership, Abdulqader reflects on how internal audit has evolved from a control function often misunderstood within organizations to a strategic partner that supports boards and management in managing risk and improving decision making. He explains why strong governance depends not only on rules and compliance, but on culture, leadership intent, and the courage to raise difficult issues when something does not look right.

The conversation also looks ahead to the future of governance and auditing in a rapidly changing environment shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and new risk dynamics.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why internal audit is often misunderstood within organizations
→ How auditors can become trusted advisors rather than compliance enforcers
→ The importance of independence and courage in governance oversight
→ How boards and audit committees should work with internal audit
→ Governance challenges in family-owned businesses and growing organizations
→ Why talent and business understanding are essential for modern auditors
→ How AI and continuous auditing are reshaping the future of the profession

⏱️ Key Moments

00:00 The perception of internal audit and its role in organizations
01:10 Abdulqader’s journey from engineering to internal audit leadership
05:00 Internal audit as a change agent in corporate governance
12:00 Building trust and changing the culture around auditing
20:00 Alignment between boards, management, and internal audit
26:30 Emerging risks and the role of technology in auditing
29:00 Governance challenges in family-owned businesses
34:30 The future of internal audit and governance in the age of AI

In this episode of Voices of Governance by Hawkamah, Dominic Elvin, Senior Manager at Hawkamah, speaks with Dr. Maryam Alsuwaidi, Vice Chairwoman of Hawkamah, about what corporate governance really looks like in practice, beyond rules and compliance.

Drawing on her experience as former CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority, Dr. Maryam shares how governance in the UAE has evolved, why regulation alone is never enough, and how culture, leadership intent, and independent thinking determine whether governance succeeds or fails. From listed companies to family-owned businesses, she explains the real challenges boards face and how strong governance enables growth rather than slowing it down.

The conversation also explores board independence, diversity, the transition from executive to non-executive roles, and the future of governance in a world shaped by ESG, technology, and shifting stakeholder expectations.

Tune in to learn:
→ Why governance collapses when culture is missing
→ How regulation has shaped governance maturity in the UAE
→ The difference between compliance and intentional leadership
→ Governance challenges in family businesses and private companies
→ What makes a good director versus a great one
→ How diversity strengthens board decision making
→ The key trends shaping the future of governance

⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 Governance, culture, and intent
01:10 Defining corporate governance in practice
05:00 How governance has evolved in the UAE
12:00 Regulation, trust, and market confidence
20:00 Why rules alone are not enough
26:30 Executive vs non-executive board roles
29:00 Diversity and board effectiveness
34:30 The future of governance and leadership

In this episode of Voices of Governance by Hawkamah, Dr. Ashraf Gamaleldin, CEO of Hawkamah, sits down with Fahima Albastaki, Independent Board Director and Capital Market and Governance Expert, for a deep conversation on what truly makes boards effective.

With more than 26 years across banking, finance, capital markets, IPOs, listings, investor relations, and corporate governance, Fahima brings insights from both sides of the table. From shaping regulations at Dubai Financial Market to serving on multiple boards, she explains how governance evolves when you move from drafting the rules to applying them inside the boardroom.

Through real examples and thoughtful reflections, Fahima and Dr. Ashraf explore board composition, strategic decision making, gender diversity, family business governance, and the cultural dynamics that shape effective boards. The episode also looks at how non-executive directors, board secretaries, and independent voices play a critical role in building sustainable and well-governed organizations.

Tune in to learn:
→ What makes the transition from regulator to board member so impactful
→ How agenda design, content quality, and meeting structure affect board effectiveness
→ The role of the chairman and the board secretary in shaping governance outcomes
→ Why gender diversity is about quality, not quotas, and how it strengthens board judgment
→ How women influence culture, sustainability, crisis leadership, and long-term thinking
→ The rise of family business governance and the importance of family charters
→ How non-executive directors bring independence and balance to sensitive environments
→ Why board composition and skills matrices matter more today
→ How self-evaluation and annual board assessments improve decision making
→ The future of governance in the UAE and why the next generation is more prepared than ever

⏱️ Key Moments
00:10 Welcome and episode overview
01:00 Moving from regulator to board member
05:00 What truly makes a board effective
09:00 Why agenda structure and preparation shape board performance
12:00 The chairman and board secretary’s role in driving quality governance
14:00 The value of gender diversity and why it is about quality, not quotas
17:00 How women strengthen sustainability and crisis leadership
22:00 Knowledge-based decisions and the importance of independent judgment
30:00 How family businesses in the UAE are evolving their governance models
41:00 Ensuring long-term sustainability and preparing the next generation

In this episode of Voices of Governance by Hawkamah, host Dominic Elvin, Senior Manager at Hawkamah, speaks with Mohamed Abdalla AlShamsi, Head of Corporate Governance at United Arab Bank, about the evolving role of governance in building resilient and responsible organizations.

With more than 18 years of experience across engineering, project management, and strategy, Mohamed shares how governance has become more than a framework. It is a mindset that drives trust, accountability, and long-term success.

Through real examples and thoughtful insights, he explains how governance extends beyond boardrooms into daily operations, influencing culture, decision-making, and how organizations adapt to change.

Tune in to learn:
→ Why governance is a journey, not a destination
→ How to embed governance into strategy, risk, and performance systems
→ The balance between control and enabling business growth
→ The role of culture and tone from the top in shaping ethics
→ How ESG and sustainability are shared responsibilities across functions
→ The impact of technology and AI on the future of governance
→ What makes an organization truly adaptable and future-ready
→ How leaders can carry governance values through every level

⏱️ Key Moments
00:08 Welcome and episode overview
01:00 What corporate governance really means
03:00 Mohamed’s journey into governance
05:00 Embedding governance in day-to-day business
07:00 Linking governance with strategy and KPIs
09:00 Balancing compliance and business growth
11:00 Culture and tone from the top
14:00 Challenges in building ethical organizations
16:00 ESG and sustainable competitive advantage
19:00 Technology disruptors and the future of governance
23:00 Measuring governance effectiveness
25:00 The future of functional governance in the region
27:00 Leadership, learning, and the next generation of governance voices