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.

 


Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 07 June 2025
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Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

  • After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely

MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.

She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.

After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.

Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.

This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

Updated 07 June 2025
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Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

  • Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.

Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.

For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.

 


Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

  • Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.

He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.

“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”

The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.

“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.

“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”


MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

Updated 07 June 2025
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MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

  • They discussed a variety of topics of common interest

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

  • Two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Saturday with President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between their countries across various fields, SPA added.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi-Maldivian ties and explore new avenues for partnership.

A number of senior Saudi officials attended the meeting, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From the Maldivian side, the delegation included several ministers including Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia continues to deepen engagement with nations across South Asia, in line with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach initiatives.

Also on Saturday, Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. (SPA)

They also exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, in addition to discussing overall relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, SPA reported.