Kamel Ghribi, the Chairman of GKSD Investment, recently attended the Italy–United Arab Emirates Business Forum on February 24th at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome, where he participated as a delegate and engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The forum underscored the deepening economic and technological ties between Italy and the UAE, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, AI, and innovation.
During the panel discussion, Mr Ghribi shared his insights on the strategic positioning of Italy and the UAE in the development of world-class infrastructure. He also highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation.
Ghribi has long been applauding the UAE’s advancements in technological innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital healthcare. In his recognition of the UAE's strategic investments in AI and its ambitious vision for the future, he sees the nation as a key player in revolutionising patient care, disease prevention, and longevity solutions.
A Beacon of Technological Innovation
Over the past decade, the UAE government has implemented several initiatives to position the country at the forefront of technological innovation. The launch of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 underscores the nation's ambition to become a global leader in AI by fostering research, development, and practical applications across various sectors, including healthcare.
In October 2023, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) inaugurated the country's first Centre of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence. This center aims to digitize health data, employ smart technologies to enhance healthcare services, and establish a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Key areas of focus include licensing medical facilities, optimizing organ donation and transplantation processes, analyzing radiological scans with AI, and managing the nation's strategic stock of medicines through advanced data analytics.
Such initiatives have not only modernised the UAE's healthcare infrastructure but have also created a conducive environment for global enterprises to introduce cutting-edge solutions.
As Ghribi himself noted, "The visionary leadership of the UAE has transformed the nation into a global powerhouse. The strategic diversification of the UAE economy has now positioned it to be a formidable force in a number of service and manufacturing industries besides oil. H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent visit to Italy is promising. Visionary leadership on both sides can enable the joint synergetic value creation necessary to enhance innovation and foster a positive impact worldwide. Key sectors such as healthcare, energy, robotics, AI, and manufacturing combined can achieve phenomenal growth."
GKSD’s Smart Clinic in Dubai Leverages UAE’s Tech Ecosystem
GKSD Investment has already established a smart clinic in Dubai, capitalising on the UAE’s vibrant technological landscape. This state-of-the-art facility integrates AI-driven diagnostics, advanced health assessments, and longevity-focused wellness programmes, aligning with the UAE’s broader healthcare ambitions.
In the meantime, the smart clinic continues to enhance its capabilities. Kamel Ghribi believes that the use of AI in healthcare extends beyond early disease detection; it holds the promise of significantly enhancing human longevity. Thanks to its ability to analyse vast datasets, AI can uncover patterns and insights that inform personalised treatment plans, predict potential health issues before they manifest, and recommend lifestyle modifications to promote long-term well-being.
"AI's potential in healthcare is transformative. It's not just about identifying illnesses early but about redefining our approach to health maintenance and disease prevention," Ghribi said.
AI’s Expanding Role in Healthcare
The integration of AI in healthcare is revolutionising the industry. Machine learning algorithms can process extensive clinical data to identify patterns, predict medical outcomes, and assist in accurate diagnoses. Natural language processing enables the interpretation of unstructured medical records, facilitating efficient information retrieval and enhancing patient care. Moreover, AI-driven predictive analytics can forecast disease outbreaks and patient admissions, allowing for better resource allocation and preparedness.
In the UAE, AI's impact is already evident. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has implemented an AI strategy focusing on telehealth services, predictive analytics, and operational efficiencies. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare accessibility, optimize patient care, and foster innovation in AI applications.
A Collaborative Future
Ghribi emphasise that the success of AI-driven healthcare solutions hinges on collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and technology firms. The UAE's proactive approach in establishing centers dedicated to AI excellence and fostering partnerships with industry leaders creates an ideal landscape for such collaborations.
"The UAE's commitment to innovation and its strategic investments in AI make it a natural partner for our endeavors. Together, we can pioneer healthcare solutions that not only treat diseases but also enhance the overall quality of life," Ghribi remarks.