Smarter health, shared vision: Inside Dubai's AI Healthcare boom
In Dubai, healthcare no longer begins with a doctor's appointment. Increasingly, it starts with a message - on WhatsApp, no less. As artificial intelligence (AI) moves from hospitals to homes, the city is rapidly emerging as a testing ground for preventive care powered by cross-border collaboration.
From legacy providers to health tech startups, several players are finding common ground with Dubai's digital ambitions. Earlier this month, Aster Clinics introduced Smyl AI, the UAE's first AI-powered dental screening tool. The Dubai-based healthcare giant's idea was simple - a user sends a photo of their teeth through WhatsApp and receives a dental health assessment in under two minutes
According to Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics – UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, 'Smyl AI directly supports Dubai's ambition by introducing an accessible, preventive health tool that moves care out of clinics and into people's hands—literally.
He explained that Dubai's healthcare vision aligns with such tools, especially those that remove friction from routine care. Smyl AI uses everyday platforms and offers zero-cost screening, removing common deterrents to preventive dental visits.
Dr Bichu also highlighted the supportive role of local infrastructure and regulation, 'Dubai's healthcare regulators are proactive in facilitating safe innovation.
With Smyl AI, for example, we integrated seamlessly with secure, encrypted communication platforms like WhatsApp— which we deliberately chose to reduce barriers and reach Dubai's diverse population — all while ensuring compliance with UAE health data privacy laws.
'
This forward-looking approach underscores Dubai's commitment to innovation-led healthcare and its openness to scaling private solutions responsibly.
While Aster focuses on preventive dental care, Dubai-based Prognica Labs is advancing AI-driven diagnostics in critical areas like oncology. Prognica has deployed AI-driven diagnostic tools across several clinics in the emirate. The company's breast cancer screening model is being used to assist radiologists in detecting anomalies more efficiently.
Dr Bichu added that the
Dubai State of AI Report 2025
emphasises the integration of AI across various sectors, highlighting its importance in the transformation narrative of the city.
In Dubai, healthcare no longer begins with a doctor's appointment. Increasingly, it starts with a message - on WhatsApp, no less. As artificial intelligence (AI) moves from hospitals to homes, the city is rapidly emerging as a testing ground for preventive care powered by cross-border collaboration.
From legacy providers to health tech startups, several players are finding common ground with Dubai's digital ambitions.
Earlier this month, Aster Clinics introduced Smyl AI, the UAE's first AI-powered dental screening tool. The Dubai-based healthcare giant's idea was simple - a user sends a photo of their teeth through WhatsApp and receives a dental health assessment in under two minutes.
According to Dr Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics – UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, 'Smyl AI directly supports Dubai's ambition by introducing an accessible, preventive health tool that moves care out of clinics and into people's hands—literally.'
He explained that Dubai's healthcare vision aligns with such tools, especially those that remove friction from routine care. Smyl AI uses everyday platforms and offers zero-cost screening, removing common deterrents to preventive dental visits.
Dr Bichu also highlighted the supportive role of local infrastructure and regulation, 'Dubai's healthcare regulators are proactive in facilitating safe innovation.
With Smyl AI, for example, we integrated seamlessly with secure, encrypted communication platforms like WhatsApp— which we deliberately chose to reduce barriers and reach Dubai's diverse population — all while ensuring compliance with UAE health data privacy laws.
'
This forward-looking approach underscores Dubai's commitment to innovation-led healthcare and its openness to scaling private solutions responsibly.
While Aster focuses on preventive dental care, Dubai-based Prognica Labs is advancing AI-driven diagnostics in critical areas like oncology. Prognica has deployed AI-driven diagnostic tools across several clinics in the emirate. The company's breast cancer screening model is being used to assist radiologists in detecting anomalies more efficiently.
Dr Bichu added that the
Dubai State of AI Report 2025
emphasises the integration of AI across various sectors, highlighting its importance in the transformation narrative of the city.
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