Patients in the United Arab Emirates can expect artificial intelligence to become a regular part of their occasional medical checkups or hospital visits within the next 3 to 5 years, an expert told Arabian Business.
The UAE has been investing heavily in AI, with plans to adopt the highly advanced technology to hospitals and clinics very soon, which would lead to major changes in healthcare as we know it today.
According to the Group Medical Director at Burjeel Holdings Prof. Abdel Rahman Ahmed Omer, the UAE government’s proactive approach towards AI integration, significant investments in healthcare tech infrastructure, and pilot programmes are propelling the industry to leapfrog its digital transformation.
From miracle drug discoveries to groundbreaking surgical techniques, AI is poised to significantly transform the industry as the Gulf country looks set to capitalise on the economic impact of Generative AI (GenAI).
The UAE has set its sights on becoming a global leader in AI, with a comprehensive blueprint for the implementation of the technology on several levels of society such as Chief AI Officer appointments in government, among many others. But it doesn’t stop there.
Amar Patel, Healthcare Sector Lead for Deals at PwC Middle East, painted a vivid picture of how AI is set to revolutionise the daily work of healthcare professionals across the Gulf region, in a recent interview with Arabian Business.
“AI can provide real-time clinical decision support at the point of care by keeping healthcare professionals updated with the latest research on clinical trials and treatment protocols,” he explained. This means that doctors will have access to the most current information at their fingertips, leading to more informed decisions and better patient outcomes.
But it’s not just about having more information. AI promises to tackle one of the industry’s most pressing issues: physician burnout. It can automate the interpretation of medical histories and extract data from extensive medical records. This, in turn, would free up time for healthcare professionals to perhaps focus on what matters most – patient care.
According to Prof. Omer, there are four key areas where AI is set to make an immediate impact: “Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, predictive analytics, personalised treatment plans, and operational efficiency.” These advancements promise to streamline everything from patient scheduling to complex diagnoses.
The AI-induced genomic revolution
One of the most exciting frontiers in AI-assisted healthcare is in the field of genomics. Patel explains that GenAI has the potential to “predict disease susceptibility and response to treatments by analysing massive datasets much more efficiently than traditional methods.”
This leap forward in personalised medicine could lead to tailor-made treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup, potentially improving patient outcomes and ushering in a new era of preventative care
PwC’s latest report, ‘A healthcare reboot for the GCC: How AI can help chart a new course,’ highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. The report notes that deep-learning algorithms applied to wearable sensors, genomic data, blood work, scans, and other medical information can develop highly personalised treatment plans. This level of individualisation was previously unimaginable at scale.
PwC also pointed out that virtual medical assistants powered by AI can offer health coaching, shape diets, and even help prevent and predict illness. This could significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems while improving overall population health.
Addressing the clinician shortage
One of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide is the shortage of qualified medical professionals. Both experts see AI as a potential solution to this problem in the GCC region.
Patel outlines how AI can support the healthcare workforce across its entire lifecycle, from education and attraction to licensing, practice and development, sustainability, and even exit strategies.
“AI can enhance the learning experience for students, making a career in healthcare more attractive,” he noted. Moreover, by automating routine tasks, AI can allow healthcare professionals to “operate at the top of their licences” to effectively address key shortages.
Burjeel Group’s Prof. Omer added that AI-powered telemedicine platforms can extend the reach of healthcare services to remote areas, benefiting those who find it difficult to physically visit hospitals. This could be a game-changer for accessibility in a region with vast desert expanses and rapidly growing urban centers.
The AI-assisted future of patient care
So what exactly will AI-powered healthcare look like for patients in the UAE? Prof. Omer painted a picture of a highly efficient, personalised experience.
“Advanced imaging analysis, AI for lab services, virtual health assistants, predictive healthcare models, and AI-enhanced procedures” are just a few of the applications he’s looking forward to in the near future.
Imagine walking into a clinic where a virtual assistant has already scheduled your appointment based on your symptoms and medical history. As you undergo tests, AI algorithms analyse your results in real-time, cross-referencing them with vast databases of medical knowledge. Your doctor, armed with AI-powered insights, can then provide a highly accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan tailored to your genetic profile.
AI’s future economic impact
The potential economic impact of this AI revolution in healthcare is staggering. Patel cites a PwC survey showing that “almost 70 percent of healthcare CEOs believe that GenAI will significantly impact the way their healthcare organisation creates, delivers and captures value over the next three years.”
While specific figures for the healthcare sector aren’t available, the overall economic impact of GenAI in the GCC is estimated to reach $23.5 billion by 2030. As healthcare is typically one of the largest sectors in any economy, it’s likely to account for a significant portion of this figure.
The new PwC report also highlights a crucial advantage of GenAI in healthcare: its ability to address the overwhelming amount of unstructured data from diverse sources. By extracting insights from complex datasets, such as millions of whole genome sequences or intricacies of the human brain, GenAI can help make sense of the vast amounts of medical data that have previously been difficult to analyse comprehensively.
But despite the immense potential, both experts stress the importance of responsible AI implementation. Patel urged organisations to consider “legal and ethical considerations… especially when it comes to data privacy, security and integrity.” He also highlighted the importance of upskilling the existing workforce and assessing current data infrastructure to ensure successful AI integration.
Prof. Omer said that while AI is already being implemented in some areas, it’s “always in a dynamic state of improvement and targeted change.” This rapid pace of development means healthcare providers must remain agile and adaptable.
As the UAE continues its journey towards becoming a global hub for AI-powered healthcare, the potential benefits for patients, healthcare professionals, and the economy as a whole are immense. From more accurate diagnoses and personalised treatments to increased efficiency and accessibility, AI promises to address many of the challenges facing modern healthcare systems.
While the road ahead may have its challenges, the vision of a healthcare system enhanced by AI is no longer science fiction. In the UAE, it’s quickly becoming a science fact.
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