Post by Eddy Ku

Beyond the Hype: Building AI Strategy from the Ground Up in Saudi Arabia I never imagined that Eryk Korfel and I would be walking through industrial facilities in Dammam and Riyadh, but sometimes the most transformative projects begin with the unexpected. Working alongside my colleagues to establish an AI Centre of Excellence for MODON Saudi Arabia’s industrial cities and technology zones authority, has been a masterclass in why successful AI implementation starts with understanding people, not just technology. Our approach was deliberately human-centered: * 100+ stakeholder interviews across 66 hours of deep conversations * On-site visits to factories and industrial cities * Executive workshops with C-suite leadership * Systematic evaluation of 300+ potential AI use cases The biggest revelation? What looks logical from headquarters often misses the nuanced reality on the factory floor. Every site visit revealed gaps between assumed problems and actual pain points. This ground-truth discovery fundamentally reshaped our AI strategy and roadmap. The result isn’t just another AI strategy document, it’s a practical framework where several use cases are already moving into development, delivering value while the broader strategy continues to evolve. This project exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships. Takween AI brought invaluable local expertise and deep understanding of the Saudi industrial landscape, while Katonic AI provided the sovereign AI platform foundation that ensures all intelligence remains securely within the Kingdom - a critical requirement for national AI initiatives. My sincere thanks to Prem Naraindas and the Katonic AI team for their robust technology platform and technical expertise, Ahmed Sulaiman from Takween AI for his exceptional local knowledge and strategic guidance, and Hesham Al Aqail from ASAS for Developing & Operating industrial Cities for his outstanding hospitality. Beyond the professional collaboration, experiencing Saudi culture firsthand has been personally enriching. As these AI solutions begin to transform industrial operations, I’m reminded that the best technology strategies are built on authentic human insights. The real work and impact is just beginning. Stay tuned. Innovations Accelerated