Meet Layth Al Khairulla: helping to shape how we use AI responsibly in the Middle East

Digital work is constantly changing: nobody has all the answers

Digital consultant Layth Al Khairulla is passionate about helping colleagues embrace new technologies and find smarter ways of working. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to tackle real-world challenges.

 Tell us about your journey from graduate to digital consultant

I joined Mott MacDonald as a graduate IT specialist based in Dubai in 2024, initially providing IT catalogue support to colleagues across the organisation.

Having studied computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) at university, I talked to my line manager about opportunities to become more involved in AI and digital project delivery. Before long, I was offered the chance to move into a role that combined those interests.

Today, I work as a digital consultant improving digital project coordination and delivery, AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives across the Middle East.

How have you supported responsible AI adoption in the region?

Across the business, we’ve laying the foundations for responsible AI. Data protection, expert oversight and sound governance have been prioritised at each step of our AI adoption. It’s at the front of everyone’s minds, whether we’re adopting new tools, developing internal chatbots or working on new use cases to improve project delivery. I am proud to see how evolved Mott MacDonald is in this space.

I’ve also been involved in the roll-out of Microsoft Copilot work licences across the Middle East region, helping colleagues to learn how to use the tools safely and effectively, while also coordinating different AI initiatives regionally and with group AI and digital teams.

One of the most rewarding aspects was leading eight training sessions designed to help people to build their skills and confidence using Microsoft Copilot. It was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues across the region and see people becoming more curious about AI and discovering ways it can support their work.

How is AI driving innovation across the business and on projects?

What excites me most is seeing colleagues identify their own applications for AI. There is enormous potential to support delivery excellence on projects by helping teams review information, understand requirements, retrieve knowledge more efficiently, improve workflows and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.

AI is an enabling tool. It can enhance how we work, eliminate painful grunt work, but it does not replace human judgement, expertise or creativity. The quality of our work will always depend on the knowledge and skills of our people.

How are you exploring the potential of AI outside work?

I’m currently doing a Master of Science degree in machine learning at the American University of Sharjah. Alongside my studies, I continuously explore how AI can be applied to real-world challenges and keep up to date with latest trends.

One project I am especially proud of uses deep learning to identify the authors of historic Arabic manuscripts from their unique handwriting styles.  This work shows how technology can advance our historical understanding, helping to preserve and protect culturally significant documents.

Studying in the UAE has also provided me with opportunities to participate in hackathons, attend industry talks and collaborate on innovation-focused projects. There is significant investment in technology and digital skills development, creating exciting opportunities for students and young professionals interested in AI.

What advice would you give to someone beginning a digital career?

Be open about what interests you and the direction you want to take your career. My transition into AI happened partly because of conversations where I talked about my skills and how I’d like to get more involved in AI projects to support the business.

Digital work is constantly evolving, so it’s important to remain curious and willing to learn from other people, no matter what level they are at. Nobody is an expert and the ability to listen, share knowledge and help others develop is just as important as understanding the technology itself.

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

Balancing work with my master’s degree has made me appreciate time to relax and recharge. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, discovering new hobbies, traveling and trying experiences that take me out of my usual routine.

I’m continuously trying to conquer my fear of heights, so I recently forced myself to go to very high rides and look down. I am now targeting other experiences such as ziplining, bungee jumping, or even skydiving to keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.