Abu Dhabi Launches AI Innovations for Early Disease Detection

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a suite of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at enhancing early detection of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The new initiatives, introduced by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) at GITEX Global 2025, reflect the emirate’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and promoting longer, healthier lives among its residents.

The centerpiece of this initiative is the Next-Gen Wellness program, which integrates wearable technologies with AI-driven health analyses. This program enables healthcare providers to detect health risks proactively and develop personalized wellness plans tailored to individual needs. It signifies a shift from traditional reactive healthcare approaches to a more proactive model, ensuring ongoing monitoring and timely interventions.

Advancements in AI-Powered Healthcare

Another significant development is the Smart Healthcare Platform, a cloud-based system designed to facilitate real-time health interventions. This platform aims to enhance patient outcomes and improve overall system efficiency. These advancements build on Abu Dhabi’s existing AI patient risk profiling system, which is operational across all hospitals and clinics in the emirate, covering the entire population.

This risk profiling tool evaluates individuals’ health records from birth to assess the likelihood of developing 14 different diseases, including diabetes and various cancers. Notably, it provides clear explanations for risk scores, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions and initiate early treatment. AI language models integrated into the system aid physicians by swiftly retrieving pertinent patient information, while also offering interactive, AI-enabled tools through the Sahatna app to support patients.

Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Executive Director of Digital Health at DoH Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of these technologies at GITEX. He stated, “In Abu Dhabi, we have something we call a patient risk profile. This looks for 14 different diseases, such as the probability of somebody getting diabetes or different types of cancers, and it tells the physician… what is their probability of getting this disease.” Al Jallaf emphasized that AI serves to support physicians rather than replace them, ensuring that healthcare professionals remain at the forefront of patient care.

Collaborative Ecosystem for Health Innovation

Earlier initiatives in the UAE have focused on AI-driven disease detection and risk management. The EJADA AI platform in Dubai has successfully analyzed millions of health records, identifying individuals at high risk for diabetes and leading to significant treatment cost reductions. Additionally, research collaborations among universities have utilized AI to uncover new immunotherapy targets for diabetes and cancer, providing pathways for quicker and more cost-effective treatments.

The emirate’s health information exchange, known as Malaffi, plays a crucial role in this ecosystem by enabling seamless data sharing among healthcare professionals. This ensures that providers have access to a patient’s comprehensive medical history during every visit, thereby supporting timely and precise interventions.

Abu Dhabi is actively fostering a collaborative environment that encourages partnerships with global technology leaders and research institutions. This strategy positions the emirate as a pioneering testbed for smart healthcare technologies, benefiting both local communities and wider populations.

The recent advancements in AI from Abu Dhabi represent a significant evolution in healthcare delivery. By moving beyond mere risk prediction to offering continuous wellness support and personalized treatment options, these innovations enhance physician capabilities and align with Abu Dhabi’s mission to improve health and longevity through technological advancements.