Deploying AI and robotics in the Middle East
AI for the betterment of society is being integrated into the healthcare sector along with robotics. The market is expected to grow from USD 78 billion in 2021 to USD 320 billion by 2030. In the Middle East and the UAE, the annual contribution of AI is expected to increase by 34%. The use of robots in the healthcare or medical field is contributing to the promotion of digital healthcare, with revenues in this sector expected to reach USD 626.1 million in 2024 and USD 811.3 million by 2028. It is expected. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this period is estimated as: 6.69%.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is one of the most economically advanced and diversified markets in the GCC. Launched in 2017, the UAE's Centenary 2071 Plan prioritizes healthcare, focuses on lifestyle diseases, and aims to develop infrastructure, expertise and services that meet international standards. This has gained momentum in recent years as it plans to enhance access to healthcare through digitization and position the UAE as a top destination for medical tourism. Additionally, the UAE has launched the Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to make the country a global leader in AI. For example, the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi has invested in robot-assisted surgery, particularly in the areas of urology and cardiology. Furthermore, the UAE, the first country in the world to appoint an AI minister, signed an agreement with US software company Care AI in 2023 to advance healthcare initiatives.
Saudi Arabia: Under its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is focused on transforming the healthcare sector through technology. Launched in 2021, the newly established Health Sector Transformation Program will provide comprehensive health services to 88% of the Kingdom's population and implement a unified digital health record system for 100% of the population by 2025. That's what I'm aiming for. The Saudi Ministry of Health is further partnering. We will collaborate with several technology companies to introduce AI-based solutions in medical image processing and predictive analytics. For example, King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh uses AI for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, the use of robotic systems in surgery is becoming increasingly common across the country. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already playing a growing role in healthcare in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s National AI Strategy 2031 introduces AI tools and technologies into various sectors, including healthcare, to benefit local providers. Altib, the largest AI-based digital health platform in the Middle East, raises US$44 million in 2022 to develop fully integrated primary care, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals (according to the World Economic Forum). did.
Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain: GCC governments continue to improve the quality of healthcare through AI and robotics initiatives. Jaber Hospital in Kuwait uses AI to enhance surgeries, endoscopic procedures, cardiac monitoring tools, and robotics. In 2023, surgeons in the country began implementing 3D devices to create advanced visualizations of a patient's internal organs for use during surgery. In Bahrain, the country's commitment to medical innovation is highlighted by the newly opened King Hamad American Mission Hospital, which focuses on cutting-edge technologies in digital medicine and AI. This reflects the country's extensive digital progress across other sectors, including sports and technology (according to the World Economic Forum).
Challenges to implementing AI and robotics in healthcare
The adoption of AI and robotics in the healthcare sector is progressing rapidly, but there are several challenges that must be addressed if the Middle East is to realize the full potential of these technologies.
Regulatory framework: There is a lack of a clear regulatory framework for AI and robotics in healthcare. Many countries in the Middle East are developing policies to govern the use of these technologies, particularly in areas such as patient data privacy and the ethical use of AI in decision-making.
Data infrastructure: AI relies heavily on data, so the Middle East must continue to invest in robust data infrastructure to support its health systems. Ensuring that healthcare providers have access to accurate, high-quality data is critical to the success of AI initiatives.
Cost and accessibility: Large, wealthy countries in the region are investing heavily in AI and robotics, but smaller countries may face financial constraints. Making these technologies available to all people, regardless of income level, is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Skills shortage: The Middle East continues to face a shortage of professionals trained in AI, robotics, and data science. Governments and educational institutions are working to close this skills gap, but additional investment in training and education is needed to meet the growing demand for medical technology professionals.
Healthcare organizations around the world and in the region are deploying AI and robotics to manage operations in a variety of areas, including surgery, pharmacy, rehabilitation, telemedicine, and more. As technology advances rapidly and costs continue to fall, more healthcare organizations are adopting these innovations in proven areas. Technology has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and speed, reduce workloads, deliver services remotely, and reduce costs.
It is valuable for healthcare leaders to recognize the tremendous potential and long-term benefits of leveraging innovative but maturing AI and robotics technologies. Investing in these advances can help you manage your organization more effectively. As keynote speaker and authority on innovation and design thinking Gijs van Wolfen once said: Superior innovation creates tomorrow's profits. ”
Sachin Bhandari, Director, Deloitte Middle East, Abhilash Singh, Senior Manager, External Audit
