The Digital Feasibility Studies Revolution

Digital Tools for Feasibility Studies: How Automation and Artificial Intelligence Are Shaping Investment Decisions

Executive Summary

Amid the accelerating pace of business across the Middle East, time has become a decisive factor in capturing investment opportunities.

This article aims to highlight the transition from traditional feasibility studies to Digital Feasibility Studies, and how this shift is redefining the investment decision-making process.

We examine data automation tools, the use of Business Intelligence (BI) systems to develop interactive dashboards, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the accuracy of financial forecasting and risk analysis—ultimately reducing study preparation time by up to 50%.

Digital Terminology Glossary

1. Regional Context: Digital Transformation in Decision-Making

Gulf countries particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are witnessing a significant surge in the digitalization of government processes, through platforms such as Etimad, Invest Saudi, and Takamul.

This transformation compels consultants and investors to keep pace with speed and efficiency through:

• Direct integration with databases: Instead of manual data entry, financial models are connected directly to global market indicators and national statistical centers.

• Enhanced transparency for investors: Today’s investors prefer accessing a live digital link that reflects the progress of the feasibility study rather than waiting for a final static report.

2. Methodology: Building a Feasibility “System,” Not a Report

Digital feasibility studies are built on three core pillars:

A. Financial Automation

Using tools such as Power BI or advanced Excel templates integrated with SQL, organizations can:

• Instantly update NPV and IRR values as interest rates or tax assumptions change.

• Run thousands of sensitivity analysis scenarios within seconds using simulation engines such as Monte Carlo Simulation.

B. Interactive Executive Dashboards

Executives no longer need to read 200-page reports.

Instead, dashboards provide:

• Readiness indicators: A clear Go / No-Go signal reflecting project feasibility.

• Capital expenditure breakdown: Visual charts showing where investment funds (CapEx) are allocated and how returns are generated.

• Risk mapping: Visual representations of risks and their potential impact.

C. Artificial Intelligence in Market Sizing

AI-powered tools support:

• Sentiment Analysis: Assessing public perception of similar products in Arab markets through social media data.

• Demand forecasting: Based on historical patterns, population growth, and macroeconomic trends.

3. Efficiency Levers: Recommended Digital Tool Stack

To enhance feasibility study efficiency, we recommend the following technology mix:

1. Financial modeling: Microsoft Power BI or Tableau integrated with Excel models.

2. Data management: Google BigQuery or local cloud platforms to ensure data security and compliance.

3. Market research: Statista and SimilarWeb for accurate and up-to-date market data.

4. Cross-functional collaboration: Platforms such as Notion or Asana to coordinate financial, technical, and legal teams.

4. Digital Data Sources (2020–2026)

• Open data platforms: Such as national data portals in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

• Digital reports from international institutions: Including the World Bank and IMF via their smart applications.

• Supplier APIs: For real-time pricing of raw materials and machinery.

Case Study: An Investment Firm Managing 10 Concurrent Projects

Challenge:
Difficulty tracking feasibility updates across 10 projects spanning real estate, energy, and retail sectors.

Digital Solution:
A Feasibility Operations Center was built using Power BI, integrating all financial models with live market data.

Outcome:
The board was able to halt two projects and pivot a third within a short timeframe avoiding potential losses of USD 5 million caused by sudden interest rate fluctuations.

Digital Tools Selection Checklist

1. Does the tool support real-time collaboration?

2. Can financial models be automatically linked to external data sources?

3. Is the interface executive-friendly?

4. Does it support Arabic language and local currencies?

5. Are data encrypted and compliant with local cybersecurity regulations?

6. Does it enable flexible sensitivity analysis?

7. Is there a clear audit trail for tracking assumption changes?

Common Mistakes in Using Digital Tools (SEO Tips)

• Overcomplexity: Overloaded dashboards that distract decision-makers.

• Poor data quality: Garbage In, Garbage Out using advanced tools with outdated or inaccurate data.

• Overreliance on automation: Ignoring the human advisory insight that explains why the numbers appear as they do.

Key Takeaways

1. Digitalization is no longer optional it is a necessity for companies aiming to lead in 2026.

2. Dashboards are the new language of communication between consultants and boards.

3. Artificial intelligence enhances forecasting it does not replace deep financial judgment.

4. Integration is the key: Connecting market, financial, and technical data within one system ensures decision accuracy.

5. Data security is a top priority in the digital investment era.

7-Step Action Plan to Digitalize Your Feasibility Studies

1. Assess your current state: What tools are you primarily using today (often Excel)?

2. Select the platform: Choose a BI tool aligned with your business scale and budget.

3. Build standardized templates: Create reusable digital financial and technical models.

4. Train your team: Ensure analysts are proficient in digital tools.

5. Connect live data: Start with exchange rates, inflation, and market indicators.

6. Design the presentation layer: Focus on KPIs relevant to stakeholders.

7. Continuous improvement: Update tools based on feedback from users and executives.

References

• Gartner Report on Business Intelligence Trends 2025.

• McKinsey studies on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Analysis.

• Digital transformation guidelines issued by Arab digital government authorities.