Advice v computer on hard

I am trying to get better, before I move to online 1v1s I want to be able to beat the computer AI on expert etc.

I am playing on Hard, Arabia? Map.

I am using Frank’s (heard it is an easy Civ to learn)

Following pretty standard hold build orders and getting to FA first. I seem to struggle from here. The AI attacks me just before I can get to CA and I can’t get anything to attack back.

It would be hard without watching me play, but what is some standard advice? Is there a particular early game unit I should aim for?