EY Academy has launched its AI-enabled Future-Ready Project Delivery Accelerator, a new applied learning program aimed at equipping project leaders across the GCC to handle complex, large-scale transformation initiatives. The accelerator is designed to address the growing demand for advanced project delivery skills driven by ambitious national growth agendas like Saudi Vision 2030.
Quick Facts
- New AI-enabled training program for project leaders.
- Focus on delivering complex transformation initiatives.
- Already active with clients in Saudi Arabia.
- Aims to support national goals like Vision 2030.
Addressing the GCC’s Delivery Dilemma
As organizations across the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, take on increasingly complex projects aligned with national transformation goals, they face a unique set of challenges. These include accelerated timelines, intricate stakeholder ecosystems, heavy reliance on vendors, and intense executive pressure for predictable results. The accelerator was developed to address the widening gap between strategic ambition and the on-the-ground capability to implement these initiatives, as traditional project management methods often fall short.
Fazeela Gopalani, EY MENA Academy Leader, commented on the program’s purpose. “Across the GCC, organisations are delivering transformation initiatives at unprecedented scale and complexity. Future-ready project leaders must go beyond traditional delivery methods. They need strategic judgement, digital fluency and the ability to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly while navigating complex stakeholder environments. This accelerator is designed to build those capabilities while supporting national transformation priorities.”
AI-Powered Training for Real-World Impact
A core feature of the accelerator is its “applied-by-design” model, which moves beyond theory by having participants apply their learning directly to live projects from their own organization’s portfolio. This hands-on approach is reinforced through facilitated clinics and structured feedback sessions.
The program integrates AI role-play and practice labs, allowing participants to experiment with delivery conversations, reporting scenarios, and decision-making using AI-enabled tools in a guided environment. Participants learn to use AI to enhance productivity in specific tasks such as structuring work breakdowns, identifying project dependencies, improving schedule logic, creating clear executive reports, and detecting early risks in complex programs. The curriculum emphasizes responsible AI adoption, ensuring governance and data sensitivity protocols are maintained with human oversight.
Strengthening National Capability
The program directly contributes to Saudi Vision 2030 and other regional transformation goals by strengthening the national talent pool. It helps organizations build the internal capability required to execute giga-projects, improve governance and transparency, and support talent localization by equipping national project leaders with globally benchmarked skills. By preparing teams for AI-enabled and digitally integrated work environments, the accelerator aims to boost productivity, accountability, and overall performance in strategic initiatives.
About EY Academy
EY Academy is the learning and development arm of EY, designed to help organizations and their people adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. Leveraging EY’s global and regional expertise in large-scale transformation, the academy provides applied learning programs focused on building practical capabilities in areas such as project delivery, digital fluency, and strategic leadership to support long-term economic sustainability.
Source: Zawya
