Middle East Leverages AI for Real Gains

The Middle East is not only investing in digital healthcare, but building around it. From national health strategies to growing startup hubs, the region is turning infrastructure gaps into launch pads. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2 per cent, the Middle East's digital healthcare market is poised to reach $7.9 billion by 2028. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now launched a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening its position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. But there are certain barriers affecting technology adoption and startup scale-up in the region. Let's look into this in detail.

- Vrushti Kothari

The Middle East is not only investing in digital healthcare, but building around it. From national health strategies to growing startup hubs, the region is turning infrastructure gaps into launch pads. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2 per cent, the Middle East's digital healthcare market is poised to reach $7.9 billion by 2028. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now launched a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening its position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. But there are certain barriers affecting technology adoption and startup scale-up in the region.

From virtual hospitals to AI-powered diagnostics, the Middle East is rapidly becoming one of the world's most dynamic frontiers for digital health. Governments across the region are making bold investments in healthcare innovation. For instance, Saudi Arabia's healthcare ambitions under Vision 2030 have positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in digital health. The kingdom established the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) to steer AI policy and launched a national strategy to develop AI and data capabilities. Saudi Arabia has set targets like creating 300 AI-driven startups and attracting $20 billion in AI investments by 2030. Also, Saudi's HUMAIN (a Public Investment Fund-backed AI company) plans a $10 billion venture fund to fuel AI startups.