For developing a cutting-edge, AI-powered project management tool

Senior Associate of PMO Governance and Quality at Public Investment Fund (PIF) | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“I believe artificial intelligence will revolutionize project management practices,” says Faisal Alsulami, the senior associate of PMO governance and quality at Riyadh’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s main investment organization. PIF is dedicated to generating economic diversification and growth for the country through a portfolio of significant domestic, regional, and international “giga-projects”.

These projects range from real-estate development initiatives like NEOM, a 26,500-square kilometer zero carbon, circular economy “living laboratory”, to supply-chain projects like the Halal Products Development Company, which seeks to expand development of halal goods across global sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The sheer scope of these projects, combined with their geographic reach and the number of stakeholders, requires Faisal’s skillful project management.

Areej J. Naqshbandi, senior director and PMO head at PIF, nominated Faisal for Future 50 based on his proactive approach at the organization. What Faisal has contributed to PIF, says Naqshbandi, is not only impactful for the projects he leads, but for the organization as a whole. This is largely in thanks to Faisal’s creation of an “innovative, AI-powered project management tool” that was, in Faisal’s words, “a groundbreaking project on a massive scale that helps PIF drive high-quality results.”

Faisal explains that the AI tool he developed has five primary functions, all of which result in streamlined processes, enhanced collaboration and decision-making among team members and project stakeholders. The main functions of his AI tool include: automated document generation, which generates essential project management documents, such as project charters and closure artifacts; a chatbot virtual assistant that provides real-time advice about best practices in project management; a knowledge base containing a repository of lessons from past projects; risk assessment; and language support, providing drafting, editing, and proofreading capabilities.

Faisal’s custom AI tool has generated numerous benefits for PIF, says Naqshbandi. Team members are empowered by its repository of information, allowing them to make smarter, more informed choices that minimize risks and the misuse of valuable resources, including time. The result, he says, is that PIF teams are able to consistently ensure “professional deliverables,” enhancing their credibility and project reach. Faisal adds that the AI tool’s biggest benefit is that it ensures consistency, saves time, and serves as an institutional memory of sorts, documenting projects thoroughly for future reference.

Ultimately, Faisal believes the tool facilitates PIF’s work on Vision 2030, the Saudi government’s ambitious suite of projects intended to diversify the country’s income and reduce dependence upon petroleum. “Witnessing the positive impact [of our work] on my country gives me a profound sense of purpose,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see firsthand how our work is contributing to real-life improvements for people. Being part of all this transformative change is truly an honor.”