AI Strategy
Designing enterprise AI systems to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and build sustainable competitive advantage.
Strategic program & portfolio leader — seventeen years across banking, financial services, and IT governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A strategic Program & Portfolio leader specializing in Islamic digital-transformation programs — turning PMOs from reporting units into enterprise value engines.
I lead large-scale transformation by implementing governance-driven execution systems, aligning business strategy with technology platforms, and building operating models that convert vision into scalable, measurable results.
My focus is not project delivery as an activity, but transformation delivery as a system — where strategy becomes structure, structure becomes execution, and execution becomes enterprise impact.
Effective technology leadership combines strategic vision with precise execution.
Designing enterprise AI systems to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and build sustainable competitive advantage.
Leading PMO offices and applying Agile and PMP methodologies for efficient, high-quality project delivery.
COBIT & ITIL frameworks, portfolio management, regulatory compliance and cybersecurity.
Leading digital banking initiatives and transforming traditional operations into intelligent, scalable platforms.
Machine learning models and financial fraud detection systems with documented field research experience.
End-to-end process redesign and efficiency improvement through business automation and modern technologies — from diagnosis through execution and measurement.
Own intake, qualification, prioritization, and delivery for the IT portfolio — turning demand into governed, measurable delivery.
Insourced 129 IT staff from 17 outsourcers into Al Rajhi Services — cutting IT CAPEX spend ~35% — alongside core-banking & digital delivery (incl. the DigiCore program).
25+ hiring programs and 1,500+ local & overseas hires delivered, with full contractual governance and audit readiness.
An applied study presenting machine-learning models for proactive fraud detection in loan applications within the Saudi financial market.
Doctoral research building an Explainable AI (XAI) framework to govern FinTech transformation delivery and predict project deviations early.
A holistic strategic review of a Saudi FinTech under transformation — integrating strategy (PESTEL/SWOT/Porter), leadership & culture, HR, marketing and financial analysis into a 12–24 month sustainable-growth roadmap.
Own the full IT demand lifecycle — intake, qualification, prioritization, and delivery execution — aligned to business strategy and portfolio priorities, under governance, risk, and cybersecurity controls.
Led end-to-end delivery of core banking and digital application projects; built a stakeholder engagement & management framework that improved alignment, decision speed, and risk visibility.
Managed 25+ hiring programs and coordinated 1,500+ local & overseas hires; oversaw billing and contractual governance with Al Rajhi Bank and third parties with full audit readiness.
End-to-end project delivery: planning, scheduling, contract administration, change management, and executive reporting across multiple engagements.
Executive Project — HR System Implementation
Employee of the Month — May 2025
Knowledge Ambassador — Appreciation Certificate
I had the pleasure of working with Alsiddiq during the Oracle HR System implementation project. He demonstrated exceptional project management skills, ensuring the project was delivered successfully within a very challenging timeline. His ability to coordinate stakeholders, manage risks, and keep the team focused was instrumental in the successful implementation — I highly recommend Alsiddiq to any organization looking for an experienced and reliable program and project manager.
Mohamed Marwen Yousfi Data Analytics · Governance · FinTech Same team at EMKAN · Jul 2026 It has been a pleasure working with you at Emkan as part of the IT team. You have consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality results — coordinating effectively with stakeholders, managing priorities, and maintaining a collaborative approach. Beyond your technical and project management capabilities, you are a dependable and supportive colleague — I highly recommend you to any organization looking for a skilled, reliable, and results-oriented professional.
Moayed Al Suwaid VP Human Capital, King Salman Int’l Airport · CHRO Worked closely 2017–2023 · Al Rajhi Bank · Jul 2026 I had the pleasure of working closely with Alsiddiq from 2017 to 2023 and witnessed his growth within the Al Rajhi Bank ecosystem. He consistently demonstrated professionalism, humility, attention to detail, and an exceptional ability to think outside the box and solve the most challenging problems with a positive attitude. One of his greatest strengths is the trust he inspires — people, regardless of seniority, naturally turn to him for advice because of his sound judgment and practical wisdom. I wholeheartedly recommend him to any organization.
Oudah Alshammari Sr. Product Development & Performance · EMKAN · PMP® · PSM-I Worked with Alsiddiq at EMKAN · Jul 2026 It has been an absolute privilege working with a senior-level leader like Mr. Alsiddiq on project management & planning. The way he seamlessly integrates AI to optimize workflows and accelerate project delivery is nothing short of a game-changer — this is truly tech-savvy project management at its best. Proud to collaborate with forward-thinking professionals who drive real innovation.
Waleed Badawi Application Support Manager · FinTech Worked with Alsiddiq at EMKAN · Jul 2026 It was genuinely a pleasure working alongside Alsiddiq at Emkan. I saw firsthand his sharp professionalism and unwavering commitment to doing things right. With years of diverse experience across the Al Rajhi Bank group, he has consistently shown a rare ability to navigate complex, high-pressure environments with clarity and composure. Beyond his technical and operational strength, Alsiddiq stands out for his integrity, dependability, and keen attention to detail — working with him gave me real confidence that key initiatives were in capable hands.
I had the pleasure of working with Alsiddiq, and I highly recommend him as an IT Project Manager. He consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong technical understanding, and outstanding project management skills — a remarkable ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and deliver high-quality results on time. He communicates clearly, handles challenges with professionalism, and keeps stakeholders aligned throughout the project lifecycle. What sets him apart is his dedication, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement, creating a collaborative environment where team members feel supported and motivated. Any organization would benefit from his expertise, leadership, and professionalism.
Ahmed Almutawa Digital, Business & Operations Excellence · MBA · PMP Worked with Alsiddiq at EMKAN · Jul 2026 I highly recommend Alsiddiq for any leadership or management role. Having worked with him at Emkan, I have witnessed his exceptional professionalism and deep commitment. With over 12 years of experience across the Al Rajhi Bank group, he navigates complex business environments with ease. Beyond his technical expertise, Alsiddiq is a person of high integrity — his reliability makes him an invaluable asset, and he consistently goes above and beyond to support his colleagues. He would be a significant addition to any team.
Salam Hassan IT Audit & Innovation Manager Managed Alsiddiq directly · Mar 2026 Alsiddiq truly embodies the definition of "getting the project done." Although I have worked with over 500 professionals throughout my career, I highly recommend him for any position requiring an organized project manager with a strong sense of ownership. He never stops learning new technologies and pursuing advanced degrees.
Mohamed Abdelsatar IT & ERP Services Expert · PMP® · MBA Master’s thesis partner · Feb 2026 Alsiddiq is one of the most dedicated, intelligent, and collaborative professionals I have worked with. We partnered closely on our master’s thesis on AI-Driven Fraud Detection, and his contribution was nothing short of exceptional. He is consistent, disciplined, and always fully invested — no shortcuts, no compromises.
Imran Abro Technical Project Delivery · PMP® · PMO-CP® Worked together at EMKAN · Feb 2025 An honest, trustworthy, and highly motivated professional. He is an expert in his field and in project management practices, consistently going the extra mile to solve issues and deliver critical projects under pressure — and always learning, especially inclined towards AI.
Abubaker Osman Senior DevOps Engineer · Cloud (OCI) Same team · Feb 2025 One of the most skilled and results-driven Senior IT Project Managers I’ve encountered. He has an exceptional ability to bridge business and technology, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with high quality. A strategic, detail-oriented, and visionary leader.
Abdulaziz Bin Khalid Project Management · PMO · PMP® Colleagues at Al Rajhi Bank · Apr 2025 Al-Siddiq was always respectful and professional in his dealings with everyone. My working days with him were filled with cooperation and understanding, and he consistently demonstrated high commitment and quality performance. I highly recommend him for any job opportunity.
Ahmed Ali Larik Technical Program Manager · Product · Payments & Digital Lending Managed Alsiddiq directly · Jul 2026 Alsiddiq is a true agile and delivery leader with deep roots in digital banking and payment services. He has an exceptional ability to turn ambiguity into structure, demand into prioritized execution, and strategy into shipped outcomes. Beyond the technical depth, Alsiddiq has a natural talent for aligning stakeholders and bringing calm and clarity to high-pressure situations, all while keeping people motivated. He is generous with his knowledge and genuinely invested in the growth of those around him. He doesn’t just manage delivery — he elevates it, and he elevates the people involved in it. A sharp mind, a generous mentor, and a professional I recommend without hesitation. Any organization would be fortunate to have him driving its delivery and transformation agenda.
Alexander John Elwan AI / ML Programme Reference · EMKAN Worked with Alsiddiq on AI initiatives · EMKAN · 2026 It is my great pleasure to recommend Alsiddiq Abdullah, who served as an AI-Driven Programme Manager at EMKAN. During our time working together, I was consistently impressed by his ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between complex technical AI/ML teams and high-level business stakeholders. He possesses a rare blend of technical literacy and strategic vision, and was instrumental in steering our AI initiatives from concept to deployment — always ensuring projects were delivered on time and within budget. His expertise in translating broad organizational goals into actionable technical requirements allowed our teams to innovate rapidly while mitigating risks related to data privacy and ethical AI compliance. Beyond his technical acumen, Alsiddiq is an exceptional leader and communicator who masterfully navigated cross-functional teams — collaborating with data scientists, ML engineers, and business analysts alike — and fostered an environment of continuous improvement and strategic problem-solving. He is a forward-thinking, results-oriented leader, and any organization looking to scale its artificial intelligence initiatives and drive true business impact through AI would be fortunate to have him on their team.
Dr. Moayad Al Fatih L&D & Culture Consultant · PhD · ATD · CIPD · CITD Mentor to Alsiddiq · Volunteer AI initiatives · Jul 2026 I had the pleasure of working closely with Alsiddiq over an extended period through several volunteer initiatives, where he led the AI and automation workstreams with exceptional professionalism and commitment. Whenever AI-driven solutions or automation challenges arose, he consistently took ownership, translated ideas into practical implementations, and delivered results that exceeded expectations. His ability to combine technical expertise with a solution-oriented mindset made him a trusted partner for turning complex requirements into scalable, impactful outcomes. Beyond his technical capabilities, Alsiddiq is dependable, collaborative, and genuinely committed to creating value for the teams he supports. He approaches every challenge with curiosity, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset — qualities that make him an outstanding AI Program Manager. I highly recommend Alsiddiq to any organization seeking a professional who can bridge strategy, AI innovation, and execution while consistently delivering measurable results.
Most financial institutions still cling to outdated methods for detecting fraud, a strategy that is fundamentally flawed. The distinction lies not in the sophistication of the model itself, but rather in the governance structure surrounding it - specifically, who assumes responsibility when the model inevitably fails. Having overseen IT demand-to-delivery at a Saudi fintech, the critical role of interpretable AI in preventing financial fraud has been starkly evident. The real question for financial leaders is: are you merely utilizing AI as a tool to bolster your existing fraud prevention measures, or are you integrating it as a comprehensive system to revolutionize your approach to fraud detection?
View on LinkedIn ↗معظم مشاريع التحول الرقمي لا تفشل بسبب العوائق التقنية، بل بسبب عدم وجود إطار مسؤولية واضح، حيث يبقى السؤال المهم بدون جواب: من يتحمل المسؤولية حين يفشل النموذج؟ الحوكمة في هذا السياق لا تعتبر عبئاً تنظيمياً، بل هي العامل الحاسم الذي يحدد نجاح أو فشل مشروع التحول. الفرق ليس في استخدام التكنولوجيا، الفرق في كيفية دمجها في عمليات الأعمال. سؤال مباشر لأقراني: هل نعتبر الذكاء الاصطناعي أداة لتحقيق أهدافنا أم منظومة شاملة لتغيير طريقة عملنا؟
View on LinkedIn ↗The prevailing issue with anti-fraud AI models in banks is not rooted in technical deficiencies, but rather in the lack of clear accountability when these models produce erroneous results. Effective governance is often misconstrued as a regulatory impediment, when in reality, it is the crucial factor that distinguishes a model destined for production from one that remains in the conceptual phase, never to see the light of day. A well-defined governance structure ensures that the deployment of AI models is not only technically sound but also legally and ethically robust, thereby mitigating potential risks and repercussions.
View on LinkedIn ↗The push for transparency in AI decision-making has reached a critical juncture. For instance, in high-stakes applications such as healthcare and finance, the need for explainable AI is not just a desirable trait, but a necessity. Consider the case of a machine learning model denying a loan application - the applicant has a right to know the reasoning behind that decision. By prioritizing explainability, we can ensure that AI systems are not only effective but also fair and accountable.
View on LinkedIn ↗حوكمة التقنية تعتبر العمود الفقري لمشاريع التحول الرقمي، حيث بدونها قد تتراجع هذه المشاريع إلى الوراء وتفقد أهدافها. من هنا، يأتي دور القيادات في تأكيد أهمية حوكمة التقنية لضمان نجاح هذه المشاريع وتحقيق الأهداف المنشودة
View on LinkedIn ↗Most factories don't need another AI pilot. They need AI that survives Monday morning. After working with manufacturing leaders on digital transformation roadmaps, I've noticed a pattern: the AI use cases that actually scale are rarely the flashy ones. Here's where AI is delivering measurable ROI on the shop floor today: 1. Predictive Maintenance — Vibration and thermal sensors feeding ML models can cut unplanned downtime by 30-50%. The catch? Your CMMS data must be clean before the algorithm touches it. 2. Computer Vision QC — Defect detection at line speed, replacing inconsistent manual inspection. We've seen scrap rates drop significantly within 90 days when deployed correctly. 3. Demand Forecasting — AI-driven S&OP reduces both stockouts and excess inventory. Especially powerful when integrated with supplier lead-time variability. 4. Energy Optimization — Reinforcement learning agents tuning HVAC, compressors, and furnaces. Often a 10-15% energy reduction with zero CAPEX beyond the model. 5. Generative AI for SOPs — Operators querying maintenance manuals in natural language (and in their native language) instead of flipping through 400-page PDFs. The real lesson from PMO experience: AI in manufacturing fails not because of the model, but because of weak data governance, unclear ownership, and lack of OT/IT alignment. The technology is ready. The operating model usually isn't. Which AI use case has delivered the strongest ROI in your operations — and what made it stick beyond the pilot phase?
View on LinkedIn ↗Most IT service providers are still selling tickets, SLAs, and headcount. The smart ones are quietly replacing all three with AI agents. Here's what I'm seeing on the ground in enterprise delivery: 1. Service Desk Triage — AI agents now resolve up to 60% of L1 tickets without human routing. The provider's value shifts from volume to orchestration quality. 2. Project Status Reporting — Agents pull from Jira, Azure DevOps, and Teams to draft weekly PMO reports in minutes. Project managers move from reporters to decision-makers. 3. Vendor & Contract Intelligence — Agents read SOWs, flag scope drift, and benchmark rates. Procurement cycles compress from weeks to days. 4. Demand Intake — Instead of static forms, conversational agents qualify business requests, estimate effort, and route to the right delivery pod automatically. The uncomfortable truth for service providers: the billable-hour model is being disrupted from inside the delivery function. Clients are starting to ask a different question. Not "how many engineers will you assign?" but "how many agents are in your delivery stack, and what's your human-to-agent ratio?" The providers who win the next 24 months won't be the cheapest or the largest. They'll be the ones who productize AI agents into their service catalog with clear governance, measurable outcomes, and transparent economics. The rest will compete on price until the margin disappears. Question for fellow delivery and PMO leaders: Are you treating AI agents as a tool your team uses, or as a service line your organization sells? #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation #PMO #ITGovernance #AIAgents
View on LinkedIn ↗Most PMs are still using AI to summarize meeting notes. That's the floor, not the ceiling. After deploying GenAI across delivery teams at EMKAN, I've seen where it actually moves the needle, and where it quietly fails. The difference isn't the model. It's how you wire it into your delivery process, your governance, and your decision rhythm. Here are 5 high-leverage ways project managers should be using OpenAI right now, beyond the obvious productivity hacks. Swipe through. Slide 1: Risk Detection Before the Status Report Feed historical project data into GPT to surface delay patterns 2-3 sprints before they hit the RAG dashboard. Slide 2: Stakeholder Communication at Scale Generate tailored updates for executives, sponsors, and tech teams from a single source of truth, in the right tone for each. Slide 3: Requirements Disambiguation Use GPT to challenge vague user stories and expose hidden assumptions before they become change requests. Slide 4: Resource & Capacity Forecasting Combine timesheet data with GPT analysis to predict bottlenecks and reallocate before burnout hits the team. Slide 5: Lessons Learned That Actually Get Used Turn closed-project archives into a queryable knowledge base, so the next PM inherits insight, not PDFs. The PMs who win the next 24 months won't be the ones who adopt AI. They'll be the ones who redesign delivery around it. Which of these are you already doing? Which one feels furthest away? #ProjectManagement #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation #PMO #GenAI
View on LinkedIn ↗Most enterprises are still treating AI agents like chatbots with extra steps. That's a strategic mistake. AI agents aren't a feature — they're an operating model shift. After leading delivery across multiple transformation programs, I've seen the gap between organizations that deploy agents and those that actually scale them. The difference isn't the model. It's the governance, the delivery muscle, and the willingness to redesign workflows around autonomy — not around the org chart. Here's what executives need to understand before scaling AI agents in 2025. Slide 1: The Real Definition of an AI Agent Not a chatbot. An autonomous system that perceives, decides, and acts toward a goal — with measurable accountability. Slide 2: Why Most Agent Pilots Die at Stage 2 78% of pilots fail not on accuracy, but on integration, ownership, and unclear escalation paths to humans. Slide 3: The Governance Layer Nobody Talks About Agents need identity, permissions, audit trails, and kill switches — treat them as digital employees, not features. Slide 4: PMO's New Mandate in the Agent Era Delivery shifts from managing tasks to orchestrating human-agent workflows, SLAs, and outcome-based KPIs. Slide 5: The 90-Day Enterprise Readiness Checklist Data contracts, role redesign, agent registry, risk thresholds, and a single accountable owner — before you scale. If your AI strategy doesn't address governance and delivery in the same breath as the model, you're building on sand. What's the biggest blocker you're seeing in agent adoption? #AIAgents #DigitalTransformation #PMO #ITGovernance #AIStrategy
View on LinkedIn ↗Online speaker at MidOcean University’s College of Informatics (AI Department) orientation, welcoming new students — sharing practical guidance on consistency, balancing responsibilities, and turning theory into hands-on AI skills.
Watch on YouTube ↗Invited speaker on data-center challenges in education, e-learning access, disaster recovery (DR) for service continuity, and cybersecurity for educational data — so the “digital school” keeps running in any circumstance.
Watch on YouTube ↗Featured by the AI MENA Network in recognition of contributions to AI-driven project management and IT demand management.
View on LinkedIn ↗Recognized by Arabic Stars for impact in digital transformation, program management, and the Nafir digital-transformation initiative.
View on LinkedIn ↗For advisory, speaking, or collaboration on AI-driven transformation and IT governance in financial services.