By Inna Nadelwais, Executive Director, Mecomed
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, driving advancements in patient care, diagnostics, and operational efficiency. With the potential to contribute up to US$320 billion to the Middle East’s economy by 2030, as identified by PwC, AI is unlocking new possibilities for medical practice. However, as AI adoption accelerates, critical ethical, social, and regulatory challenges arise. Striking the right balance between innovation and responsibility is essential to ensure AI-driven healthcare remains transparent, equitable, and secure.
Ensuring the ethical adoption of AI in healthcare requires robust governance, yet only 16% of health systems have comprehensive AI policies, leaving significant gaps in oversight and accountability. A recent whitepaper by the World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group highlights several systemic barriers to trustworthy AI in healthcare, including fragmented ecosystems, limited AI literacy among health leaders, and the lack of structured public–private collaboration models.
While transparency in AI operations is essential to building trust among patients and providers, algorithmic bias remains a pressing concern. Research shows that many AI systems rely on datasets that can reinforce generalizations particularly about patients of color without accounting for cultural context or lived experiences. This underscores the urgent need for equity-driven design and governance to ensure AI serves all populations fairly and effectively.
To mitigate these risks, standardized risk-based compliance frameworks, multidisciplinary ethics boards, and routine AI audits are crucial. Engaging diverse stakeholders from the outset ensures AI systems reflect broader ethical considerations, while aligning policies with global best practices strengthens governance. International collaboration can further unify AI ethical standards, ensuring responsible deployment that prioritizes patient safety, data security, and equitable outcomes.
In addition to robust governance, widespread AI adoption in healthcare within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region necessitates enhanced digital literacy among professionals and patients. Saudi Arabia is boosting digital literacy in healthcare through national patient apps like Sehhaty and Mawid, workforce training via the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and SDAIA Academy, and Vision 2030 programs that integrate digital skills into the Health Sector Transformation Strategy. In the UAE, Abu Dhabi's Department of Health has partnered with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to launch the Global AI Healthcare Academy, which has since trained over 3,750 healthcare professionals in essential AI skills across areas such as radiology, cardiology, and healthcare operations. Initiatives such as these represent a critical step toward enhancing digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation, empowering healthcare professionals to confidently integrate AI into clinical practice and fully realize its potential to improve health outcomes across the region. in essential AI skills across areas such as radiology, cardiology, and healthcare operations. Initiatives such as these represent a critical step toward enhancing digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation, empowering healthcare professionals to confidently integrate AI into clinical practice and fully realize its potential to improve health outcomes across the region.
Moreover, policy harmonization and cross-sector collaboration are pivotal in creating a supportive ecosystem for AI integration, ensuring healthcare institutions have the necessary resources for seamless adoption. Developing secure, cross-border data-sharing frameworks fosters collaboration while maintaining responsible AI distribution. These initiatives bridge knowledge gaps and empower informed decision-making, thereby strengthening trust in AI-driven healthcare solutions.
Ensuring equitable and accessible AI in healthcare is crucial for addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity. In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, the AI in patient engagement market generated a revenue of USD 235.6 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.6% from 2024 to 2030. To prevent bias and improve model accuracy, standardized datasets are essential. Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and academia fosters AI research and development, while continuous dialogue through forums ensures diverse perspectives in AI design. Increased investment and commercialization drive innovation, making AI solutions more accessible. For example, In Malawi, AI-enabled fetal monitoring software led to an 82% reduction in stillbirths and neonatal deaths, showcasing its potential to improve healthcare in underserved regions.
Legal frameworks for intellectual property and data protection are essential to support AI innovation while maintaining ethical integrity. In the Middle East and Africa region, the regulatory landscape for AI in healthcare is evolving, with countries like the United Arab Emirates implementing initiatives to strengthen AI development. For instance, the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Office has focused on integrating AI into government services, including healthcare and public safety. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its AI-driven transformation across sectors through SDAIA’s national framework—spanning health, education, energy, and mobility—and through flagship innovations such as Tawakkalna and the Seha Virtual Hospital, paving the way toward achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of an 80-year life expectancy by 2030. Meanwhile, Qatar is actively investing in its healthcare sector, with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council recently awarding a $1.7 million grant to Lillia to develop the GCC’s first digital twin focused on chronic conditions—underscoring the country’s commitment to AI-driven medical innovation.
Harmonizing AI regulations across global jurisdictions is essential to ensure consistency and minimize legal complexities, facilitating seamless AI adoption in healthcare. Establishing secure data-sharing protocols is equally critical to safeguarding patient confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access. Moreover, engaging key stakeholders—including healthcare providers and patients—in shaping AI governance fosters a user-centered approach, ultimately enhancing trust, transparency, and the effectiveness of AI integration.
To further explore these critical themes, Mecomed collaborated with PwC to provide key insights on AI in healthcare. Read the full whitepaper here.