Saudi health innovators are investing heavily in smart health solutions, leveraging KAUST’s world-class infrastructure and expertise. These solutions range from utilizing AI to identify underlying genetic diseases and employing sophisticated laboratory technologies for contaminant analysis to the development of innovative medical devices. Such innovations aim to address national health priorities, including reducing the prevalence of infectious and non-communicable diseases and increasing healthy lifespan in the Kingdom. 

As the Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR), His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud addressed local and global healthcare stakeholders at the inaugural KAUST Center of Excellence for Smart Health (KCSH) Conference: Shaping the Future of Smart Health, led by Professor Imed Gallouzi, chair of KCSH and held at the KAUST campus in Thuwal. 

His Highness announced a partnership between KSCDR and the KCSH, centered on research led by faculty member, KAUST Professor Robert Hoehndorf, in collaboration with Dr. Deepak Edward from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Prof. Paul Schofield from the University of Cambridge, UK. This joint research project focuses on integrating genetic and computational approaches informed by AI-based methods to identify the underlying genetic causes of rare eye diseases in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. 

The conference also featured the expansion of an agreement between KAUST and the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) to enhance cooperation on AI and digital innovation, including joint efforts in collaborative research, leveraging advanced technologies, and enhancing local capacity to address national health priorities. The partnership aims to advance regulatory science through cutting-edge technologies, knowledge sharing, and collaborative training programs.  

Alongside this, Dr. Abdullah bin Zarah, CEO of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC) together with President Sir Edward Byrne, AC announced the signing of a collaborative agreement to partner in clinical research trials to address priority health conditions and to co-develop innovative health projects. This partnership is pivotal for promoting clinical research and data-driven innovation, which is essential for advancing health solutions both within Saudi Arabia and globally. 

Other notable speakers included Eng. Nizar Al Hariri, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Minerals, Dr. Mahmoud AlYamany, Head of NEOM Health and Wellness, and the President of KAUST, Professor Sir Edward Byrne. The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, also addressed the audience virtually. 

During the two-day conference, KCSH faculty delivered presentations showcasing their recent advances in smart-health-focused topics. The presentations and device exhibitions highlighted innovation in topics spanning the breadth of smart health subjects, including one health, healthy aging, regenerative technologies, smart sensing and diagnostic technology, and bioinformatics and computational biology. Further, a critical panel discussion was held with experts from NEOM Health and Wellbeing and KAUST professors on autism and how AI and sensors can be used to aid child development.