webinar
AI-Driven Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Building Competitive Strength

abstract
Manufacturing is entering a decisive moment. From downstream oil and gas to petrochemicals, aluminum, construction materials, and food processing, industries are under pressure to reduce costs, optimize energy use, and meet ambitious national sustainability goals. Global competitors are already reshaping their operations with AI and digital systems. The question for regional manufacturers is not whether to transform, but how to do so in a way that produces measurable and lasting results.
This webinar focuses specifically on industrial realities. Participants will learn how digital tools can drive predictive maintenance, improve safety, reduce waste, and strengthen supply chain resilience. More importantly, the session will emphasize the organizational and workforce foundations required to succeed. Technology adoption without skills, governance, and alignment quickly stalls. With the right approach, however, AI and advanced analytics can become embedded sources of efficiency and competitive differentiation.
Drawing on practical case contexts, the session will demonstrate how to connect national visions for diversification and sustainability with enterprise-level execution. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to advance from fragmented digital experiments to industrial systems that perform reliably at scale.
webinar Details
Date
Wednesday, November 19th
Time
7:00 AM EST (New York)
3:00 PM AST (Riyadh)
4:00 PM GST (Dubai)
duration
1 Hour
SPEAKER
Akshay Deshpande
As a seasoned leader in AI, Akshay has 15+ years of expertise lies in crafting customized AI solutions that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock new avenues for growth. His academic pursuits began in gaining proficiency in control systems and instrumentation and culminated in a Masters in Artificial Intelligence focused on speech recognition systems.
By combining technical knowledge with strategic thinking , he has advised dozens of Fortune 500 and 1000 utilities, manufacturing, supply chain and insurance companies. He specializes not only in building digital transformation strategies but also translating them into tangible AI/GenAI solutions. He spearheads Generative AI practice at Soothsayer and has helped deploy multiple valuable GenAI solutions.

Key Takeaways
AI Impact Assessment
How AI and analytics directly impact reliability, energy efficiency, and throughput in manufacturing
Operational Optimization
Practical strategies for predictive maintenance, safety monitoring, and yield optimization
National Alignment
Ways to align digital initiatives with Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Industry 4.0 objectives
National Alignment
Ways to align digital initiatives with Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Industry 4.0 objectives
Scalable Implementation
The role of workforce development and localization in sustaining transformation
Who Should Attend
Manufacturing Leadership
Executives and operations leaders in oil and gas, petrochemicals, metals, and heavy manufacturing
Operational Excellence
Plant managers and engineering directors seeking efficiency and reliability gains
Policy & Strategy
Government and policy stakeholders focused on industrial competitiveness and sustainability
Digital Innovation
Digital transformation and innovation leaders responsible for Industry 4.0 initiatives