Mini MBA: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation - 5-Day Executive Course Outline for KSA & GCC Leaders

Drive Business Innovation Through AI and Digital Strategy in the Middle East

This intensive 5-day Mini MBA in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation equips business leaders across Saudi Arabia and the GCC region with strategic AI competencies and digital innovation frameworks essential for competitive advantage. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s AI leadership goals and regional economic diversification initiatives, this executive program provides practical expertise for leveraging artificial intelligence, implementing digital transformation, and creating sustainable business value in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Day 1: AI Fundamentals and Business Strategy

Morning Session: Understanding Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Module 1.1: AI Revolution and Business Opportunity

• Evolution of artificial intelligence: From concept to business reality

• AI technologies landscape: Machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision

• Distinguishing AI, machine learning, and automation

• AI capabilities and limitations: Setting realistic expectations

• AI market size, investment trends, and economic impact

• Regional AI landscape: Saudi Arabia, UAE, and GCC initiatives

Module 1.2: AI Business Value Proposition

• Strategic applications across industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, energy

• AI-driven business model innovation and disruption

• Operational efficiency gains: Cost reduction and productivity enhancement

• Revenue generation opportunities: Personalization, prediction, optimization

• Customer experience transformation through AI

• Competitive differentiation and strategic positioning

Module 1.3: AI Strategy Development Framework

• Assessing organizational AI readiness and maturity

• Identifying high-impact AI use cases in your industry

• Build versus buy versus partner decision frameworks

• AI roadmap development and prioritization

• Resource requirements: Talent, data, infrastructure, budget

• Governance structures for AI initiatives

Afternoon Session: Machine Learning Business Applications (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Module 1.4: Machine Learning Fundamentals for Executives

• Supervised learning: Classification and regression applications

• Unsupervised learning: Clustering and pattern discovery

• Reinforcement learning: Optimization and decision-making

• Training data requirements and quality considerations

• Model performance metrics and business interpretation

• No-code/low-code ML platforms for business users

Module 1.5: AI Use Case Deep Dive

• Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and planning

• Customer segmentation and personalization engines

• Fraud detection and risk management systems

• Process automation and intelligent document processing

• Chatbots and conversational AI for customer service

• Workshop: Identifying AI opportunities in participant organizations

Day 2: Digital Transformation Strategy and Execution

Morning Session: Digital Transformation Fundamentals (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Module 2.1: Digital Transformation in Vision 2030 Context

• Defining digital transformation: Technology, processes, culture, business models

• Digital maturity assessment frameworks

• Digital transformation drivers in GCC markets

• Saudi Arabia’s National Digital Transformation Program

• Smart city initiatives: NEOM, King Salman Digital City

• Industry 4.0 and manufacturing digitalization

Module 2.2: Digital Business Models and Innovation

• Platform business models: Aggregators, marketplaces, ecosystems

• Subscription and as-a-service models

• Freemium and digital monetization strategies

• Data monetization and analytics-as-a-service

• Digital twin technology applications

• Blockchain and decentralized business models

Module 2.3: Digital Strategy Development

• Digital vision and strategic objectives alignment

• Customer journey mapping and digital touchpoint optimization

• Omnichannel strategy and seamless experience design

• Digital product and service innovation

• Portfolio management: Core, adjacent, transformational initiatives

• Digital transformation roadmap creation

Afternoon Session: Technology Enablers and Architecture (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Module 2.4: Cloud Computing and Infrastructure

• Cloud service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS

• Public, private, and hybrid cloud strategies

• Cloud migration approaches and considerations

• Edge computing and distributed architectures

• Scalability, security, and cost optimization

• Vendor selection: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, regional providers

Module 2.5: Data Strategy and Analytics

• Building data-driven organizations

• Data governance and management frameworks

• Data lakes, warehouses, and modern architectures

• Big data analytics and real-time processing

• Business intelligence and self-service analytics

• Data privacy regulations: GDPR, Saudi PDPL compliance

• Case study: Digital transformation success stories in GCC

Day 3: AI Implementation and Digital Operations

Morning Session: AI Project Lifecycle Management (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Module 3.1: AI Solution Development Process

• Problem definition and success criteria establishment

• Data acquisition, preparation, and feature engineering

• Model selection, training, and validation

• Testing, deployment, and production monitoring

• Continuous learning and model retraining

• MLOps: Operationalizing machine learning at scale

Module 3.2: Building AI-Ready Organizations

• Data infrastructure requirements for AI

• Talent strategies: Hiring, training, partnering

• Centers of excellence and organizational structures

• AI development tools and platforms evaluation

• Partner ecosystem: Technology vendors, consultants, academia

• Investment allocation and ROI measurement

Module 3.3: AI Ethics, Risk, and Governance

• Ethical AI principles: Fairness, transparency, accountability

• Bias detection and mitigation strategies

• Explainable AI (XAI) for regulatory compliance

• Privacy-preserving machine learning techniques

• AI risk assessment and management frameworks

• Regulatory landscape: AI governance in Saudi Arabia and GCC

Afternoon Session: Digital Customer Experience (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Module 3.4: Customer-Centric Digital Design

• Design thinking methodology for digital innovation

• User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles

• Mobile-first strategies and progressive web apps

• Voice and conversational interfaces

• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications

• Accessibility and inclusive design standards

Module 3.5: Digital Marketing and E-Commerce

• Digital marketing ecosystem: SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing

• Marketing automation and customer data platforms

• E-commerce platforms and payment gateway integration

• Conversion rate optimization techniques

• Analytics and attribution modeling

• Influencer marketing and social commerce in Middle East

• Practical exercise: Digital customer journey optimization

Day 4: Emerging Technologies and Innovation Management

Morning Session: Advanced AI and Emerging Technologies (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Module 4.1: Generative AI and Large Language Models

• Understanding ChatGPT, GPT-4, and transformer architectures

• Business applications: Content creation, code generation, analysis

• Prompt engineering for business professionals

• Fine-tuning and customization strategies

• Integration with enterprise workflows

• Risks and limitations of generative AI

Module 4.2: Computer Vision and Intelligent Automation

• Image and video analysis applications

• Facial recognition and biometric systems

• Quality inspection and defect detection

• Autonomous systems and robotics

• Robotic process automation (RPA) integration with AI

• Intelligent document processing and extraction

Module 4.3: IoT, 5G, and Connected Ecosystems

• Internet of Things architecture and business applications

• 5G network capabilities and use cases

• Smart buildings, cities, and infrastructure

• Industrial IoT for manufacturing and energy sectors

• Predictive maintenance and asset optimization

• Cybersecurity considerations for connected devices

Afternoon Session: Innovation and Agile Transformation (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Module 4.4: Digital Innovation Management

• Innovation portfolio management frameworks

• Corporate entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship

• Innovation labs and accelerator programs

• Open innovation and ecosystem collaboration

• Proof-of-concept and pilot program methodologies

• Scaling successful innovations across organizations

Module 4.5: Agile and DevOps for Digital Delivery

• Agile methodologies: Scrum, Kanban, SAFe

• DevOps culture and continuous delivery pipelines

• Sprint planning and iterative development

• Cross-functional team structures

• Minimum viable product (MVP) approach

• Fail fast, learn fast mindset cultivation

• Workshop: Innovation challenge and rapid prototyping

Day 5: Change Leadership and Value Realization

Morning Session: Leading Digital Transformation (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Module 5.1: Digital Culture and Change Management

• Building digital-first organizational cultures

• Change management frameworks: Kotter, ADKAR, Prosci

• Overcoming resistance to digital transformation

• Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies

• Employee reskilling and upskilling programs

• Leadership competencies for digital era

Module 5.2: Organizational Transformation Models

• Operating model redesign for digital business

• Breaking down silos and enabling collaboration

• Matrix structures and cross-functional teams

• Remote and hybrid work enablement

• Performance management in digital organizations

• Attracting and retaining digital talent in GCC markets

Module 5.3: Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management

• Cybersecurity fundamentals for business leaders

• Threat landscape and attack vectors

• Security by design principles

• Identity and access management

• Incident response and business continuity

• Regulatory compliance: NCA requirements in Saudi Arabia

Afternoon Session: Financial Management and Strategy Execution (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Module 5.4: Digital Investment and Financial Analysis

• Business case development for digital initiatives

• ROI calculation and value realization tracking

• Total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis

• Agile budgeting and funding models

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital transformation

• Balancing innovation investment with operational efficiency

Module 5.5: Strategic Execution and Scaling

• Execution frameworks: OKRs, Balanced Scorecard

• Program and portfolio management

• Vendor and partner management strategies

• Global versus local digital strategies for GCC

• Mergers and acquisitions in digital context

• Building sustainable competitive advantage through digital capabilities

Module 5.6: Capstone Project and Certification

• Team-based digital transformation strategy development

• AI/digital innovation business case presentation

• Executive panel review and feedback

• Peer learning and knowledge exchange

• Certificate of completion: Mini MBA in AI and Digital Transformation

• Alumni network and continuing education opportunities

Course Delivery Methods

This executive Mini MBA program utilizes:

• World-class faculty from leading business schools and technology companies

• GCC-focused case studies from Saudi Aramco, Etisalat, Emirates NBD, STC, SABIC

• Live AI demonstrations and hands-on technology workshops

• Industry expert panels featuring regional digital transformation leaders

• Site visits to innovation hubs and technology centers (optional)

• Collaborative learning through peer discussion and team projects

• Digital learning platform with resources, tools, and templates

• Post-program mentorship and executive coaching access

Target Audience for KSA & GCC

Ideal for senior professionals including:

• C-suite executives: CEOs, CTOs, CDOs, CIOs

• Board members and strategic advisors

• Business unit heads and general managers

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders

• Government leaders implementing digital initiatives

• Strategy and innovation directors

• Investment professionals evaluating digital opportunities

• Consultants advising on digital transformation

Prerequisites: 10+ years professional experience; senior leadership role; English proficiency; no technical background required.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this executive Mini MBA program, participants will:

✓ Develop comprehensive AI and digital transformation strategies
✓ Identify high-impact AI use cases driving business value
✓ Lead organizational change enabling digital innovation
✓ Make informed technology investment decisions
✓ Build data-driven, AI-ready organizations
✓ Navigate ethical, regulatory, and governance challenges
✓ Leverage emerging technologies for competitive advantage
✓ Create sustainable digital business models aligned with Vision 2030

Transform Your Organization Through AI and Digital Innovation

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and parallel GCC digital strategies position the Middle East as a global AI and innovation hub. Business leaders who master AI and digital transformation will drive the region’s economic future. This intensive Mini MBA provides the strategic perspective, practical frameworks, and executive network essential for digital leadership success.

Become a digital transformation leader—enroll today and position your organization for the AI-powered future of KSA and GCC markets.