DUBAI: The healthcare system will be more accessible, innovative and resilient in future by harnessing newly emerging technologies, according to the UAE’s Health and Prevention Minister Abdulrahman Al Owais, who was speaking at the World Governments Summit here on Thursday.

“Technology and innovation will play a crucial role in reshaping healthcare to meet the needs and expectations of our communities,” Al Owais said at the opening of the summit’s Global Health Forum.

In his speech, Al Owais said: “The last couple of years have seen groundbreaking advancement and innovation that have changed the face of many sectors, and healthcare is no exception.

“The potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, and precision medicine has enhanced early detection, diagnosis, and minimally invasive interventions.”

The minister acknowledged the significance of integrating traditional medicine with modern scientific advancements.

“The rise of technology has placed integrated medicine at the leading edge of healthcare innovation by seamlessly blending the time-honored practice of our heritage with the possibilities of modern science in a world where chronic diseases are on the rise.”

Al Owais reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to leveraging these advancements, citing the nation’s “forward-thinking leadership, robust infrastructure, and strategic investments in healthcare technology.”

He highlighted the UAE Vision 2031 plan, which mandates the adoption of advanced technology across all hospitals, as a testament to the country’s proactive approach to fostering a high-tech, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.

Beyond technological investments, the minister emphasized the importance of partnerships, both at the national and international levels.

He said collaborations between government and the private sector, along with global alliances, were vital to strengthening emergency preparedness, enhancing supply chains, and promoting knowledge exchange.

Closing his address, Al Owais echoed the words of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who believes that technology should serve as a bridge to progress, security, and stability for all.

“Let us challenge ourselves to think boldly and act with urgency to create a world where healthcare is not just advanced, but also deeply human,” he said.