Abu Dhabi leverages AI and digital health to enhance healthcare
Sahatna AI and predictive risk models among key innovations highlighted during Global Health Week
ABU DHABI, UAE (MNTV) — Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the healthcare landscape in Abu Dhabi, with authorities emphasizing patient empowerment, improved accessibility, and proactive care strategies to extend healthy life expectancy.
Speaking on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Executive Director of Digital Health at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), outlined the emirate’s ambitious efforts to integrate AI across the healthcare system.
The event, which follows the UAE’s recent “Digital Health and Wellness Forum” held earlier this month in Dubai, showcased the country’s growing role as a hub for medical innovation.
“AI has been there for quite a few years, but its prevalence and practical applications in healthcare have now reached a game-changing level,” said Al Jallaf. “We’re using these tools not just for treatment, but to improve the healthy average life expectancy of our population.”
Al Jallaf described digital health as the fusion of AI and data analytics with traditional healthcare systems, aimed at achieving long-term sustainability, resilience to future shocks, and improved quality of care.
“Every decision is anchored on how it benefits the population—whether it improves accessibility, enhances quality, or increases life expectancy.”
A prime example is Sahatna AI, an AI-powered health assistant app integrated with Malaffi, the emirate’s health information exchange.
The large language model, fine-tuned for medical queries, offers patients real-time access to personal medical data, medication explanations, and tailored wellness advice.
“Sahatna becomes your personalized health guide,” said Al Jallaf. “It not only informs patients but enables physicians with 360-degree health records across all clinics and hospitals.”
The DoH has also rolled out over 14 AI-driven risk models, predicting an individual’s likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes or cancer.
More than 70% of physicians in Abu Dhabi are active users of these tools, which Al Jallaf said live across 100% of the emirate’s healthcare facilities.
“These models offer explainability, allowing physicians to trace a patient’s full medical history to inform care plans,” he said. “That’s a real-time impact.”
Al Jallaf emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s strategy is rooted in continuous improvement. “There’s no ‘good enough’ when it comes to healthcare. We constantly seek the next innovation that can move the needle.”
He added that events like Global Health Week provide critical platforms for collaboration. “The world sees the impact we’re creating. That invites more global leaders to sit at the table with us—and together, we’re driving the future of health.”
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