How AI-driven robotics is transforming healthcare in Saudi Arabia

AI is an invaluable tool, providing insights that improve our decision- making in the operating room, said Dr. Feras Khaliel, Head of cardiac surgery and director of robotics at KFSHRC. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 October 2024
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How AI-driven robotics is transforming healthcare in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Robots have lived among us for years, from our factory assembly lines to the autonomous vehicles sorting our parcels. Now, with rapid advances in artificial intelligence, our robot companions are taking on even more sophisticated tasks — even heart surgery.

With their precision and steadiness of hand, robots are able to perform delicate procedures often beyond the abilities of even the most skilled human surgeons, proving less invasive for the patient, offering faster recovery times, and reducing the risk of post-op infection.

According to the World Economic Forum, the market for robot-assisted surgery is expected to surpass $14 billion by 2026. Having invested heavily in health sector innovation, Saudi Arabia is already making significant strides in the adoption of AI-driven robotics in medicine.

In September, a cardiac team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh achieved a historic milestone by performing the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant on a 16-year-old boy who was facing end-stage heart failure.

Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, said the success of the procedure represents a monumental leap in robot-assisted surgery, and highlights AI’s game-changing role.

“AI is an invaluable tool,” Khaliel told Arab News. “It allows us to process a substantial amount of data in real time, providing insights that improve our decision-making in the operating room. But it’s not replacing surgeons — it’s enhancing what we can do.”

The surgery was conducted using the Da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic platform renowned for its precision and control, developed by the US biotechnology company Intuitive Surgical.

Combined with AI, it provides real-time analytics during surgery, continuously processing data, offering clinical insights, and allowing for instant adjustments.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Saudi Arabia performed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.

2. The surgery used the Da Vinci Surgical System, renowned for its precision and real-time analytics.

3. Robotic surgery offers less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, and reduced post-operative risks.

4. KFSHRC ranks among the top five centers for robotic heart procedures globally, with a 98% survival rate.


Da Vinci Xi is the world’s most widely used multiport robotic surgery system, able to perform a wide array of medical procedures.

The system’s robotic arms, guided by human hands, allow doctors to operate through tiny incisions, thereby avoiding the open-chest incisions normally required for major heart surgery.

“We’ve always known the potential of robotic systems, but seeing it applied to something as intricate as a heart transplant was extraordinary,” said Khaliel. “The precision we achieved would have been impossible using conventional techniques.”

By incorporating AI, the team was able to make critical decisions with extreme accuracy, responding instantly to any changes in the patient’s condition.

To ensure the patient’s safety, the team conducted rigorous preoperative simulations, practicing the entire procedure seven times over three consecutive days. This allowed them to define every step and minimize potential complications.

Each step of the surgery was calibrated for precision. The robotic instruments underwent multiple tests to ensure optimal performance, and the team continuously monitored the data system throughout the procedure.

This minimally invasive approach not only reduced the risk of complications, but also significantly shortened the patient’s recovery time and minimized scarring, marking a major advancement in transplant surgery.

“The success of this groundbreaking surgery really came down to a few key elements; the advanced technology, meticulous planning, rigorous simulations, and flawless team coordination,” said Khaliel.

Data collected during the surgery — such as precision metrics, patient response, and system performance indicators — will be analyzed to refine future techniques. This will not only improve the robotic surgery program, but also contribute to broader research in robotic transplants.

Khaliel believes AI will play a growing role in surgery, becoming a real-time partner in the operating room, offering predictive insights and optimizing surgical pathways. Indeed, human surgeons will continue to have a place, applying their expertise and intuition.

The advent of AI-driven robotics will, however, transform how he and his colleagues work together as a team and will demand highly specialized technical skills and proficiencies in the use of advanced robotics and the ability to interpret data-driven insights provided by AI.

KFSHRC is no stranger to medical firsts. With more than 400 robotic cardiac surgeries already under its belt, the hospital ranks among the top five centers for robotic heart procedures worldwide.

Its Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program has achieved a 98 percent survival rate, performing complex surgeries such as multi-valve operations and aortic valve replacements.

The success of this latest robotic heart transplant opens the way for more complex procedures to be performed with greater safety and efficiency.

KFSHRC’s leadership in robotics and AI not only improves patient outcomes, but also positions the Kingdom as an emerging world leader in healthcare innovation.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar

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Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said. 

“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.


Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

Updated 23 June 2025
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Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

  • Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
  • Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations

RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.

He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”

He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.

He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.

On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.

Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.

He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.


Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

Updated 23 June 2025
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Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

  • Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
  • Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters

RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.

Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.

The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.

The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.

In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.

Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.

The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.


Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

Updated 23 June 2025
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Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register

  • Total is now 34,171, reflecting the cultural richness, diversity of all regions
  • Sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has registered 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total to 34,171.

These sites reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom’s regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The newly registered sites are: 3,893 in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province.

The commission said its registration efforts are ongoing and cover all regions. The process is based on heritage regulations and follows a board decision authorizing the commission’s CEO to register sites.

The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations, the SPA reported.

Registering new sites is part of a broader effort to identify, document and manage cultural sites. The sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation. A comprehensive database is being built, including documentation and photographic archives.

The commission encouraged citizens and enthusiasts to report urban heritage sites through its reporting platform, X account, or regional branches. It also praised public awareness and participation in preserving national heritage.

Last week, the commission also announced the addition of 744 new archeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061.

The new archeological sites are distributed as follows: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Makkah (11), Jouf (10). and Northern Borders (2).


Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules

Updated 23 June 2025
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Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules

  • Updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities
  • Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has updated entry and picnic regulations for the Al-Suman and Al-Dahna areas within the location. 

The updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities.

Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

Permit requests must be submitted at least two days in advance and include visitor details, companion information, vehicle type, and a commitment to follow environmental rules. 

Registered residents of administrative centers within the reserve are exempt from this requirement, the SPA added. 

The authority stressed the importance of complying with regulations, including bans on hunting, wood gathering, open fires, driving over vegetation, littering, noise, visual pollution, and any other harmful activities. 

These measures aim to limit environmental damage, especially in ecologically rich areas showing notable recovery in recent years. 

The update aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to protect recent environmental gains and promote wildlife and plant growth in thriving basins and meadows.