The UAE is testing an innovative system where artificial intelligence (AI) matches organs to patients based on their medical history and needs. A leading healthcare expert in the country explained how this system benefits patients.
“AI will identify the most suitable organ for the neediest patients,” stated Dr. Amin Al Ameeri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). “The process will be impartial, unaffected by nationality, religion, or other factors. Only medical history will be considered.”
He emphasized that this system enhances the accuracy and efficiency of organ transplants in the UAE.
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Dr. Amin spoke on the first day of the inaugural WHX Tech event on Monday at Dubai World Trade Centre. This event, attended by over 5,000 healthcare leaders from more than 30 countries, will highlight how AI, robotics, VR, cybersecurity, virtual care, and big data are transforming patient care, system resilience, and future healthcare delivery.
Success in Organ Donation in UAE
In his address, Dr. Amin highlighted how the UAE’s national donation and transplantation program, Hayat, has made the country a regional leader in organ donation.
“We have 11.6 deceased donors per million population,” he noted. “Since the program began, there have been 38 heart transplants in the country. We have also conducted hundreds of other organ transplants, primarily from deceased donors. Successful liver and kidney transplants from living donors have also occurred. For the past three years, the UAE has led the Middle East in organ transplants.”
The Hayat program, officially launched in 2020, enables any adult in the UAE with an Emirates ID to register their wish to donate organs after brain death. One donor can save up to eight lives. Experts say the UAE boasts one of the highest organ utilization rates globally, at 4.2. This rate represents the actual number of organs successfully transplanted from deceased individuals.
Additional AI Tools
Dr. Amin also mentioned that the ministry is testing AI in various healthcare ecosystem areas to enhance the patient experience. He cited Biosigns, an AI-driven facial scanning system unveiled earlier this year at Arab Health. This tool allows patients to use their smartphones to scan their faces and check vital signs.
“Soon, residents won’t need to visit clinics to check haemoglobin and cholesterol levels, among other vital signs,” he revealed. “In just 50 seconds, the system provides results with 94 percent accuracy.”
He further noted that Mohap is nearing completion of using AI for hospital and health center inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance and licensing of medical facilities. Earlier this year, a unified licensing platform for medical professionals was launched, enabling them to work across public and private healthcare facilities in the country.
