How AI is decoding multi-omics data to boost health and longevity in Saudi Arabia

National initiatives like the Saudi Genome Program are driving the development of a knowledge-based healthcare system aligned with Vision 2030. (Photo: Vision 2030)
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Updated 18 April 2025
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How AI is decoding multi-omics data to boost health and longevity in Saudi Arabia

  • The Kingdom is investing heavily in AI, genomics, and biotech to build a future where healthcare is predictive — not just reactive
  • Saudi firm Rewind is leading the country’s shift to AI-powered omics diagnostics, transforming how diseases are prevented

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embracing the future of healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence and omics-based diagnostics to deliver personalized, preventive care. This is part of a broader transformation that frames longevity not just as an individual aspiration but a national priority.

Central to this transformation is the integration of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics disciplines into clinical practice — powered by AI. Leading the charge is Rewind, a Saudi Arabia-based company using the technology to pioneer proactive, individualized care.

“At Rewind, we harness the power of AI and omics technologies to shift healthcare from a generalized, reactive model to one that is deeply personalized and proactive,” Dr. Walid Zaher, the founder of Rewind, told Arab News.

“AI is the engine that makes this vast data actionable. It identifies patterns, predicts health risks, and recommends the most effective interventions for each individual.”

He said that “such a dynamic, data-driven approach” enables healthcare to be “as unique as the patient it serves.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Integrating AI with omics-based diagnostics supports early disease detection and predicts health risks.

• In cancer care, AI and genomics are used together to match patients with the most effective targeted therapies.

• Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK are making major investments in the integration of AI and omics.

Omics refers to a group of biological fields ending with the suffix “-omics,” each examining a different layer of biological data on a system-wide scale. Together, they offer a comprehensive view of how the body functions.

Transitioning from this broad understanding to actionable insights requires AI’s ability to analyze trillions of variables across DNA, protein expression, metabolic changes, and epigenetic shifts. This capability allows practitioners to intervene earlier and more accurately than ever.




Dr. Walid Zaher, the founder of Rewind. (Supplied)

“Omics-based diagnostics have already begun to make a profound impact on patient outcomes,” said Zaher.

“The precision enabled by genomics and multi-omics technologies allows us to detect diseases at their earliest molecular stages — often well before any clinical symptoms appear.

“Beyond disease detection, multi-omics approaches help in monitoring disease progression and response to treatments. The result has been an increase in patient satisfaction, as they experience better health outcomes and more personalized care.”

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to health innovation is evident in both its infrastructure and ambition. National initiatives like the Saudi Genome Program and investments through the Hevolution Foundation are driving the development of a knowledge-based healthcare system aligned with Vision 2030.

“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has made healthcare innovation a strategic priority,” said Zaher. “The government has invested heavily in infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research, particularly in AI, genomics, and biotechnology.”

This focus is positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global longevity economy, according to Dmitry Kaminskiy, a co-founder and managing partner of Deep Knowledge Group.




Dmitry Kaminskiy, a co-founder and managing partner of Deep Knowledge Group, speaking about longevity in Spain in June 2022. (Supplied)

“Saudi Arabia and its GCC counterparts are strategically positioned to be not just participants but global pioneers in the longevity economy,” Kaminskiy told Arab News.

“With Vision 2030, the Kingdom has set the foundation for integrating economic diversification, healthcare innovation, and AI governance — all key components of a national longevity strategy.”

Kaminskiy, who has authored multiple books on AI and healthspan, believes that AI has shifted from a supporting role to something far more central to the field.

“We are now witnessing a paradigm shift where AI is not just an assistant but the architect of next-generation healthcare platforms,” he said. “Just as fintech redefined personal finance, AI will redefine personal health.”

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in mainstreaming AI and omics-based care into national systems. Zaher of Rewind noted that overcoming these hurdles will require both technological and cultural shifts.

“Integrating AI and precision medicine into a national healthcare system comes with several challenges, the most pressing of which is the need for a robust data infrastructure,” he said.

“Healthcare data is often fragmented or siloed, making it difficult to create a cohesive system that AI can utilize effectively.”

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Another critical challenge is training healthcare providers to engage with this new era of medicine.

Zaher said the integration of AI and precision medicine into clinical practice demands “a level of technological literacy that has yet to become widespread across the healthcare workforce.

“We need targeted training programs that equip providers with the skills to interpret AI-generated insights and translate them into actionable, patient-centered care,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kaminskiy said establishing ethical data governance will be vital to ensuring progress.

“Data is the lifeblood of AI-powered longevity,” he said. “But it is not just the amount of data that matters — it is the ownership, security, and ethical governance of that data that will define the winners in this domain.”

The Hevolution Foundation is playing a key role in funding and shaping the longevity research agenda in the region.

According to Zaher, it is “poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating global healthspan science by providing the funding and resources necessary to drive innovation in aging research.

“Through supporting projects that focus on extending healthspan and preventing age-related diseases, Hevolution is helping to set a global standard for longevity science,” he added.

As Saudi Arabia expands its investment in AI-driven healthcare and global collaborations deepen, the boundaries between technology, biology, and medicine are blurring — bringing the goal of healthy aging closer to reality.
 

 


Saudi MOH issues health awareness kit for Hajj season in 8 languages 

Updated 16 May 2025
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Saudi MOH issues health awareness kit for Hajj season in 8 languages 

  • Kit includes tips to avoid heat exhaustion
  • MOH also issues list of health requirements for pilgrims

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has released a health awareness kit for the forthcoming Hajj season in eight languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The kit contains comprehensive awareness content in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.

"The multilingual approach aims to reach the widest possible audience of pilgrims arriving from various countries around the world," the report said.

Among its key components are guidelines for preventing heat exhaustion, including recommendations on using umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure and the importance of regularly drinking adequate amounts of water, which contributes to promoting the safety and well-being of pilgrims and ensuring a healthy Hajj season. 

The kit also includes health guidelines, awareness videos, social-media posts, and printable materials designed to promote preventive measures and healthy behaviors. 

The MOH has likewise issued a list of health requirements and recommendations, specifying that all pilgrims must undergo vaccination for meningococcal meningitis.

It likewise requires vaccinations for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), poliomyeletis, yellow fever, for pilgrims, depending on their conditions or which country they are coming from.

The MOH advised that pilgrims, "especially those with chronic diseases, ensure they carry documents that confirm their health condition, along with an adequate supply of the medications they take, which should remain in their original packaging."

It further recommended that pilgrims "update their vaccinations against essential diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox, and mumps, in addition to the mandatory vaccines mentioned.

The kit can be downloaded from this link: https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Updated 15 May 2025
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

Updated 15 May 2025
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Updated 15 May 2025
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Updated 15 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.