Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has garnered attention for its significant technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Under the Saudi Vision 2030, it is set to unlock an estimated US$15 billion to $27 billion in economic value for the Kingdom’s medical sector by 2030, in addition to its role in streamlining processes and transforming patient care.

Robotic-assisted surgeries are a key area of KFSH&RC’s technological integration. In 2023, KFSH&RC performed 1,195 robotic-assisted procedures, most notably, the world’s first fully robotic liver transplantation.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS), has become a cornerstone of KFSH&RC’s approach to early detection and treatment of genetic disorders. The hospital said that by conducting over 7,000 WGS tests in 2023 to date, it has been able to identify genetic predispositions to various diseases.

KFSH&RC has embraced AI-driven solutions across various departments. In 2023, AI tools in radiology improved diagnostic accuracy by 25% they stated, and reduced misdiagnosis rates by 18%. By leveraging AI and advanced biotechnological methods, KFSH&RC successfully produced CAR-T cells internally for cancer treatment.

Central to KFSH&RC’s advancements is its state-of-the-art Capacity Command Centre, the primary source for data-driven decision-making. It monitors patient movements to maintain care quality, adhere to standard procedures, and predict demand volumes to mitigate risks. Utilising AI-driven strategies, the centre has executed over 170,000 intervention procedures since its launch in September 2021, reducing bed waiting times from 32 hours to six hours and cutting emergency department waiting times by 14%.

Earlier this year, the governments of Thailand and Saudi Arabia finalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the medical tourism industry.