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The healthcare sector in the GCC is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Governments across the region are prioritizing digital healthcare solutions, leveraging AI, machine learning (ML), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance healthcare outcomes. The latest Alpen Capital Healthcare Report highlights AI as a key growth driver for the sector, supporting efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced patient experiences.
The UAE has made notable advancements in AI adoption within healthcare, launching strategic initiatives to integrate AI into health services
The Rise of AI in GCC Healthcare
The UAE has made notable advancements in AI adoption within healthcare, launching strategic initiatives to integrate AI into health services. These include an AI-powered smart auditing system for health facility engineering plans, a national platform for unified health professional licensing, and AI-driven biometric analysis for preventive healthcare. In line with the ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071,’ the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has established a Center of Excellence (CoE) for AI, enhancing healthcare analytics and decision-making tools.
Dubai’s Health Authority (DHA) has introduced an AI-powered virtual employee and integrated AI into its Ejada program, helping to alleviate financial strain on diabetes patients. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) has partnered with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Core42 to launch the Global AI Healthcare Academy, which is equipping professionals with AI-driven skills for diagnostics and operational efficiency.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is integrating AI into healthcare services, focusing on diagnostic radiology and personalized health planning
Similarly, Saudi Arabia is advancing AI-driven healthcare innovation. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is integrating AI into healthcare services, focusing on diagnostic radiology and personalized health planning. King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital has implemented ‘Eyenai,’ an AI solution for detecting diabetic retinopathy, while King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC) is using AI to generate CAR-T cells for cancer treatment, improving accessibility and cost efficiency.
Automation: Enhancing Patient Care and Efficiency
Automation is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery in the GCC, from robotic-assisted surgeries to streamlined administrative processes. KFSHRC in Saudi Arabia has pioneered robotic-assisted procedures, including heart transplants and artificial heart pump implantations. In 2023 alone, the hospital conducted nearly 1,195 robotic-assisted procedures, setting new standards in surgical precision and efficiency.
In the UAE, companies are deploying RPA to handle routine tasks such as appointment scheduling and billing, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
Robotic process automation (RPA) is also transforming administrative functions. In the UAE, companies like YCP are deploying RPA to handle routine tasks such as appointment scheduling and billing, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Automation is also revolutionizing pharmacy services, with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Armed Forces Hospital introducing a drive-through robotic medicine dispenser and Emirates Health Services in the UAE launching robotic pharmacies to improve pharmaceutical service delivery.
Telemedicine has become an essential component of digital healthcare in the GCC, improving access to medical services
Telemedicine and AI-Driven Virtual Care
Telemedicine has become an essential component of digital healthcare in the GCC, improving access to medical services. AI-powered virtual assistants are now providing 24/7 patient support, assisting with symptom analysis and recommending next steps. Advanced AI-driven telemedicine platforms are enhancing remote diagnosis by analyzing subtle cues, such as voice changes and facial expressions, to detect early symptoms of diseases.
Collaboration between hospitals, insurance providers, and telemedicine platforms is strengthening virtual care offerings. In Saudi Arabia, Cura has partnered with Bupa Arabia to integrate telemedicine into insurance plans. The UAE has incorporated metaverse technology into healthcare, enabling doctors to assess patients and discuss treatment plans in virtual environments. Programs like Dubai’s ‘Doctor for Every Citizen’ and Abu Dhabi’s ‘DOH RemoteCare’ are facilitating seamless teleconsultations, improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
The Road Ahead: AI’s Expanding Role in GCC Healthcare
The future of AI in GCC healthcare remains promising, with continued investments in advanced technologies. UAE-based healthcare firm M42 has launched Med42, a clinical Large Language Model (LLM) designed for AI-assisted diagnostics and medical research. Global healthcare technology firms such as Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and GE Healthcare are also contributing AI-driven diagnostic solutions to the region.
As AI and digital transformation continue to evolve, their integration into healthcare is expected to improve patient care, drive operational efficiencies, and reduce costs
As AI and digital transformation continue to evolve, their integration into healthcare is expected to improve patient care, drive operational efficiencies, and reduce costs. With sustained investment and strategic collaborations, the GCC is poised to make significant advancements in AI-driven healthcare, contributing to better health outcomes for future generations.
Implications for Healthcare Players and Investors
Investors will find a dynamic landscape with increasing demand for AI-driven solutions, creating avenues for partnerships, technology development, and market expansion
For healthcare providers, the growing role of AI presents opportunities to enhance patient care, optimize operations, and reduce costs. AI-driven diagnostics and automation can improve efficiency, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on higher-value care. Investors will find a dynamic landscape with increasing demand for AI-driven solutions, creating avenues for partnerships, technology development, and market expansion. As digital transformation continues, stakeholders who strategically invest in AI-powered healthcare innovations will be well-positioned for long-term growth in the GCC’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.