27 November 2016
**Key event taking place in the Middle East for the 1st time**

Manama, Bahrain: Batelco is pleased to announce that the 6th EY Annual Internal Audit Roundtable in the Telecoms, Technology and Media Industry will take place in Bahrain on 30 November and 1 December, hosted by Batelco. This is the first time the key event has taken place outside of Europe.

By hosting events such as this Batelco demonstrates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s capability as a viable business and event hub in the Middle East region. Batelco’s name is recognised internationally due to the Company’s growth in recent years which has taken it into a number of new geographies. Furthermore, Batelco’s participation at international events such as GITEX has strengthened the Company’s reputation as a major regional organisation with capabilities on par with leading regional and international telecoms companies.

The two-day event which will take place at Batelco’s Hamala Headquarters has attracted a number of local and international Chief Audit Executives from the Telecoms industry. Batelco Board of Directors Audit Committee Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Al Balooshi will also be participating by presenting on the Effective Role of the Audit Committee at the event, while Batelco Group CEO Ihab Hinnawi will give the welcome address at the opening on 30 November.  

Batelco Group Chief Internal Auditor Ali Sharif, who will be participating in the event for the 4th time, said that Batelco was delighted to host such a prestigious event and looked forward to welcoming the international visitors to Bahrain.

“Batelco is very pleased to have the opportunity to host the Roundtable which has grown in stature since its first event 6 years ago. EY deserves much praise for its efforts and dedication to the telecoms industry. Their efforts have led to a number of developments which have added tremendous value for Chief Audit Executives to support them in their crucial roles,” added Mr. Sharif.

 Dr. Al Balooshi said that he very much looked forward to participating in the upcoming event and noted the importance of having strong Internal Audit functions which are necessary for the successful operation of any organisation.

“Batelco has advanced Audit functions in place and could not achieve its strategy without such effective audit, governance processes and controls. These are the essential elements which enable us to accomplish our goals,” noted Dr. Al Balooshi.

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This press release has been issued by Batelco Corporate Affairs department.  
For further information, please contact Batelco Public Relations Office
Public.Relations@btc.com.bh / Fax +973 17611898

About Batelco
Batelco Group is headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain and listed on the Bahrain Bourse. Batelco has played a pivotal role in the country's development as a major communications hub and today is the leading integrated communications’ provider, continuing to lead and shape the local consumer market and the enterprise ICT market. Batelco has been growing overseas via investing in other market-leading fixed and wireless operators.

Batelco Group has evolved from being a regional Middle Eastern operation to become a major communications company with direct and indirect investments across 14 geographies, namely Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Maldives, Diego Garcia, St. Helena, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands. 

www.batelco.com  

www.batelcogroup.com

© Press Release 2016