From Hype to Impact: How the Middle East Can Turn Artificial Intelligence Ambition into Real-World Value

Explainability-by-design: Building trust into AI solutions

As AI and advanced analytics enter the mainstream, clients are increasingly focused on building trust into their digital strategies from the outset.

Panelists emphasized that without professional oversight, AI-driven models risk becoming "eager graduates" - powerful yet inexperienced "black boxes" that undermine transparency and accountability. To address this, engineering-led delivery should embed explainability-by-design: model-card level documentation of models, expert validation checkpoints, integrated ethical assessments and comprehensive audits across building information modeling (BIM), geographic information system (GIS) and project records, all aligned to the forthcoming draft ISO/IEC 42001 AI-management standard and existing Safe Design (SID) and Design for Safety (DfS) reviews.

Dual-track talent development: Empowering both leaders and digital natives

A key theme from the forum was the growing digital skills gap - not only in technical domains, but also at leadership level.

As one panelist noted, "Senior leaders need immersive learning to understand AI's potential and risks - and project teams need practical, scenario-based training to deploy it safely and effectively."

A dual-track talent strategy is essential: AI fluency workshops and nano-certifications for leadership, paired digital strategy training for PMs and delivery teams, and integrated digital competencies in professional development frameworks.

Federated data strategies: Safely unlocking collaborative value

Beyond individual tools and platforms, the forum highlighted the importance of federated data strategies that enable secure, collaborative value creation.

Key enablers include independently governed data trusts and open standards, privacy-preserving analytics, aligned incentives for data sharing, and lifecycle budgeting for data-rich platforms (including digital twins).

Why this matters now

Several forces are making trusted digital delivery more urgent than ever: new regulatory requirements on data protection and AI transparency, economic drivers creating increasing demand for clear return on investment on digital investment through whole-life cost and carbon reduction, and the need to attract and retain professionals seeking purpose-driven digital careers.

In this environment, clients need delivery partners who combine engineering rigor with digital innovation - ensuring solutions are safe, explainable and truly value-driven.

How Jacobs helps

Jacobs brings a unique approach to engineering-led digital transformation-rooted in deep domain expertise across infrastructure, transport, water and urban development. We combine globally integrated digital delivery platforms with end-to-end advisory and program delivery, all grounded in a strong culture of ethics, integrity and accountability.

These capabilities allow us to help clients prototype, validate and scale trusted digital solutions - turning ambition into measurable impact.

As investment in digital transformation continues to accelerate across the Middle East, Jacobs remains committed to working with clients to deliver safe, ethical and value-driven innovation.