Healthcare is evolving fast in the Middle East and Africa, and technology is leading the charge. From artificial intelligence (AI) assisted triage to mobile imaging and helium-free MRI, medtech innovations are helping hospitals work smarter, reach more patients and deliver care sustainably.

Here, Vivek Kanade, MD of Siemens Healthineers Middle East & Africa, talks to Gulf Business about how these tools are improving outcomes and also transforming healthcare into a driver of economic growth and long-term wellbeing.

Healthcare is increasingly being viewed as an economic growth driver in the GCC. How can medtech innovation directly support long-term population wellbeing while easing pressure on national healthcare budgets?

Across the Middle East and Africa, healthcare systems are facing a dual challenge: rapidly growing demand driven by demographics and chronic disease, alongside the need to manage costs sustainably. Medtech innovation plays a critical role in addressing both.

Technologies that enable earlier diagnosis, faster decision-making and more efficient care pathways help shift healthcare from a cost burden to a long-term economic investment. For example, advanced imaging combined with AI can detect disease earlier, reduce unnecessary repeat scans, shorten hospital stays and support more targeted treatment. This not only improves patient outcomes but also lowers downstream costs for health systems.

Equally important is operational efficiency. Digital tools that optimise workflows, manage imaging demand and support clinical decision-making allow healthcare providers to do more with existing resources.

In regions where budgets must stretch across large and diverse populations, this efficiency directly translates into resilience, productivity and long-term population wellbeing.

Workforce shortages and clinician burnout are becoming structural issues. How realistic is AI-driven triage in offloading clinical workloads, and what needs to change inside hospitals for it to work at scale?

AI-driven triage is not a future concept. It is already delivering measurable impact when implemented thoughtfully. Across radiology and diagnostics, AI can prioritise urgent cases, automate repetitive tasks and support faster reporting, allowing clinicians to focus their expertise where it matters most.

However, for AI to scale successfully, hospitals must move beyond viewing it as a standalone tool. Integration into clinical workflows is essential, alongside strong data governance, clinician trust and appropriate training. AI works best as a clinical assistant, not a replacement, augmenting human decision-making while preserving accountability and quality of care.

In the Middle East and Africa, where specialist shortages are particularly acute outside major urban centres, AI-enabled workflows can significantly extend clinical capacity. The key is pairing technology adoption with organisational change, leadership commitment and a clear focus on patient outcomes.

Moving from reactive treatment to preventive care requires a different technology backbone. What infrastructure is essential to enable predictive tools such as digital patient twins, and where do regional health systems still fall short?

Predictive care depends on connected data, interoperable systems and advanced analytics. Technologies such as digital patient twins require high-quality imaging, longitudinal patient data, AI-enabled analysis and secure digital platforms that can integrate across departments and care settings.

Many health systems in the region have made strong progress in digitisation, but challenges remain around interoperability, data standardisation and scaling innovation beyond flagship hospitals. Preventive care also requires investment in population-level screening and analytics, not just acute care infrastructure.

The opportunity for the Middle East and Africa lies in leapfrogging legacy models, building integrated digital ecosystems that support prediction, prevention and personalised care from the outset, rather than retrofitting systems later.

Access remains uneven outside major cities. How can innovations like helium-free MRI and mobile diagnostics help close regional care gaps while still making economic sense for providers?

Access is one of the most pressing healthcare challenges across the Middle East and Africa. Innovations such as helium-free MRI, mobile imaging and point-of-care diagnostics are designed specifically to address this.

Helium-independent MRI systems significantly reduce infrastructure requirements, making advanced imaging viable for smaller hospitals and remote locations. Mobile X-ray and ultrasound solutions bring diagnostics directly to patients, reducing travel, delays and referral bottlenecks.

When combined with digital connectivity, including mobile labs and drone-enabled sample transport, these technologies allow providers to expand reach without duplicating high-cost infrastructure. This makes economic sense while advancing equitable access to care, particularly for underserved communities.

Sustainability is no longer optional in healthcare. How do technologies such as low-dose CT for cardiac care contribute to long-term system resilience without compromising diagnostic quality?

Sustainability and clinical excellence are increasingly inseparable. Technologies such as photon-counting CT enable significant radiation dose reduction while delivering higher image quality and diagnostic confidence, particularly in cardiac and complex imaging.

Lower dose protocols enhance patient safety, reduce repeat imaging and support long-term system resilience by lowering energy use and operational costs. At scale, these efficiencies contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals without compromising clinical outcomes.

For healthcare systems under pressure to deliver more with less, sustainable MedTech innovation is not a trade-off – it is a strategic enabler of future-ready care.

As the spirit of giving takes center stage this Ramadan, Careem has partnered with Hala to launch a limited-time “Tip Matching” initiative designed to directly boost the earnings of delivery and ride Captains across the UAE.

Running from February 18 to March 19, the initiative will see Careem match every customer tip of Dhs10 or more, at no additional cost to the customer. The matched amount will go directly to Captains, including Hala Taxi Captains operating through the Careem platform, effectively doubling their tips during the Holy Month.

Read more-Ramadan 2026: Salik tariffs, public parking and metro timings in Dubai

Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and co-founder of Careem, said the initiative reflects the company’s core values and appreciation for its workforce.

“Captains are the heartbeat of Careem. They serve our communities with relentless dedication, often while fasting during Ramadan,” Sheikha said. “This year, we are doubling the impact of our customers’ kindness: 100 per cent of every tip goes directly to our Captains, and Careem will match it dirham-for-dirham. Rooted in our value of being ‘Generous,’ this initiative is a tangible way to honor the spirit of the Holy Month and improve the lives of our captains.”

How the tip matching feature works

Under the program, when a customer tips Dhs10 or more after completing a ride, delivery, or Hala Taxi trip booked through the Careem app, the company will automatically match the tip amount. Both the original and matched tips are transferred instantly to the Captain’s Careem Pay account, allowing immediate access and bank transfers.

Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative across Dubai’s transport sector.

“Hala Taxi Captains are an integral part of the Careem platform, and this initiative ensures they directly benefit from the increased generosity seen during Ramadan,” Nuseibeh said. “Tip Matching is a meaningful way to support captains on the road, helping them earn more while continuing to deliver a reliable service for passengers across Dubai during the Holy Month.”

Captains share their stories of impact

For many captains, tips represent more than supplemental income, they are life-changing contributions.

Muhammad Shahbaz, a Careem Captain for five years from Gujrat, Pakistan, described how his earnings have shaped his family’s future.

“I built my own house, and all four of my children are getting a good education. I even brought my brother to Dubai to work on the Careem app so he could have the same opportunities,” Shahbaz said. “When someone tips me, I know exactly where that money is going, straight to my family’s future.”

Adeel Muhammad, who has been a captain for seven years, shared a similar story of progress and responsibility.

“I’ve been on Careem since 2018. In that time, I built a double-story house back home, put all four of my children in school, and I take care of my mother’s medical needs,” he said. “Every ride, every tip, it all adds up. It’s how I provide for the people who depend on me.”

Broader Ramadan support initiatives

Beyond Tip Matching, Careem and Hala will distribute daily Iftar meals to captains across the UAE, ensuring those breaking their fast while on duty can do so with a warm meal.

The companies said the initiative reflects their year-round commitment to supporting captains through flexible earning opportunities, insurance programs, and continued investment in their well-being.

Customers can participate in the Tip Matching initiative by downloading or updating the Careem app and booking rides, Hala Taxi trips, or placing orders through Careem Food, Quik, Shops, or Box during Ramadan.

Dubai Holding has partnered with Nord Anglia Education to expand premium international education in Dubai.

Under the collaboration, Dubai Holding will develop purpose-built school facilities for Nord Anglia Education to operate, with the first campus planned for Dubai Production City.

The school will offer a British curriculum and serve families in neighbouring communities, including Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Living, and Tilal Al Ghaf. Additional K-12 schools are envisioned across other Dubai Holding master-planned communities in the coming years.

In line with Dubai Holding’s diversification strategy

Omar Karim, CEO of Dubai Holding Investments, said the partnership “marks a significant milestone in our strategy to diversify our investment portfolio into high-value sectors. By integrating Nord Anglia’s educational excellence into our communities, we’re creating sustainable value while strengthening Dubai’s attractiveness and global position.”

Malek Al Malek, CEO of Dubai Holding Asset Management, added: “High-quality education is a critical part of our ambition to create future-ready urban centres. Our role in developing these campuses will help meet the growing needs of our communities and provide students with a learning experience that fosters innovation, creativity and global citizenship.”

Read: Dubai tightens teacher hiring and conduct rules in private schools

Nord Anglia Education network to benefit Dubai students

Nord Anglia Education, which operates 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, said the partnership would give Dubai students access to its Global Campus online platform, connecting them with more than 100,000 peers worldwide.

Students will also benefit from global experiences such as expeditions to Tanzania and Switzerland, as well as high-level regional sports and performing arts programmes.

Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of Nord Anglia Education, said: “Our collaboration with Dubai Holding will enable us to create new opportunities for families seeking premium international education. Nord Anglia’s personalised approach prepares students for the world of work and helps young people develop the confidence, creativity and collaborative mindset needed to succeed in the future.”

The partnership also leverages Nord Anglia’s collaborations with global institutions, including UNICEF, The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and IMG Academy, integrating social impact, performing arts, STEAM, sports and wellbeing into everyday learning.

Dubai’s private education sector has seen strong growth in recent years, supported by government strategies such as the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33) and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aim to provide world-class learning opportunities aligned with international standards.

Nord Anglia’s existing Dubai campuses, Nord Anglia International School Dubai and Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, are highly ranked internationally and have consistently achieved strong IB, A-Level and GCSE results, with graduates progressing to the world’s top 100 universities.

Read: Dubai Holding sells 24% stake in Empower to DEWA for Dhs5.18bn

Read: Mubadala to acquire $600m stake in Nord Anglia Education

Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time and one of the most meaningful months for families. Homes feel fuller, routines slow down, and conversations stretch long past iftar. It’s a time when money naturally becomes part of family life openly and visibly. Spending changes, priorities shift, and decisions around saving, giving, and planning are discussed more freely.

Drawing on her own experience of growing up with these traditions, Amina Taher, chief marketing officer at Wio Bank, reflects on how Ramadan creates everyday moments that quietly shape healthier financial habits. These lessons aren’t formal—they’re woven into real life, through shared routines and celebrations that help children and young adults understand money, responsibility, and independence in ways that feel natural and achievable.

Planning iftar shows how money decisions are shared during Ramadan

Iftar begins long before sunset. Families talk about menus, shopping lists, and guest numbers. Deciding whether to cook at home or order in introduces budgeting without it feeling like a chore. As gatherings grow and Eid prep begins, costs become visible. Parents explain how expenses are divided and why priorities matter. These conversations show children that money decisions are collaborative—not just handled by one person—and that compromise is part of financial planning.

Reading the fine print becomes part of everyday life

Ramadan brings tempting offers: discounts, subscriptions and delivery deals. These moments create natural opportunities to talk about why slowing down and checking details matter.

For teenagers and young adults, learning to read the fine print early helps them spot hidden fees and understand terms, skills that will serve them well when making bigger financial decisions later in life, like choosing who to bank with, who to take out loans from, where to invest, or which services to trust.

It’s a reminder that confidence with money isn’t just about how much you earn, save, or spend; it’s about knowing what you’re agreeing to and making choices with clarity.

Charitable giving links money to values

Giving sits at the heart of Ramadan, whether through zakat, donations, or quieter acts of support that strengthen both family and community bonds. These decisions are often discussed openly at home, allowing families to talk about intention, responsibility, and impact rather than focusing purely on numbers. When children see how giving is planned and prioritised, they begin to understand that money reflects values as much as spending power.

Preparing for Eid introduces patience, planning, and choice

Eid is one of the most anticipated moments of the year, especially for children. Clothes are chosen carefully, gifts are planned, and excitement builds as the end of Ramadan approaches. Families often set money aside in advance, deciding what to prioritise and where to spend a little more. When kids receive Eidiya, encourage them to decide: spend now, save for something bigger, or split between both. These choices make saving feel purposeful, not restrictive.

Managing money together builds confidence and independence

Ramadan opens space for honest conversations about household finances. Young adults may start contributing, while kids see how decisions are made.

While Ramadan lasts for one month, the habits it encourages and lessons learned, sharing decisions, reading the fine print, linking money to values, stay long after it ends. It’s a powerful reminder that financial education doesn’t start with rules; it starts at home and within the community, through real moments shared.

Dubai’s toll gate operator Salik is implementing revised toll charges and timings during the Holy Month of Ramadan 2026, adjusting peak and off-peak rates to reflect changes in traffic patterns.

Based on the meeting of the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee, the Council of Fatwa has announced that Ramadan will be observed starting Wednesday, February 18.

Under the temporary schedule, motorists will be charged Dh6 when passing through Salik gates between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Outside those hours, from 7.00 am to 9.00 am and 5.00 pm to 2.00 am, the toll will be Dh4, while travel will be free between 2 am and 7 am.

On Sundays, excluding public holidays and major events, a flat Dh4 fee will apply during paid hours, with no charge between 2.00 am and 7.00 am.

The adjusted structure aligns with altered working hours and commuting patterns during Ramadan, when travel typically shifts later into the morning and increases before iftar.

The Ramadan pricing builds on Salik’s variable toll system introduced in 2025, which differentiates charges based on time of day to manage congestion and smooth traffic flows.

The revised tolls will apply across all Salik gates in Dubai for the duration of Ramadan 2026.

Public parking timings and tariff

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority also announced revised working hours for its services during the Holy Month. The updated schedule covers Customer Happiness Centres, vehicle technical inspection centres, Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport and public parking.

Public parking tariffs will apply in all parking zones from Monday to Saturday during two periods, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.

Multi-storey parking facilities will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said Dubai Metro Red Line and Green Line stations will operate from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 am to 12:00 midnight. On Friday, services will run from 5:00 am to 1:00 am the following day.

On Saturday, trains will run from 5:00 am to 12:00 midnight, and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight.

Dubai Tram will operate from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am to 1:00 am the following day, and on Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am the following day.

Public buses, marine transport, Customer Happiness Centres

For Dubai Bus services, passengers are advised to check the S’hail application for updated schedules during Ramadan.

For marine transport services, customers can check the authority’s website for the latest timings.

Customer Happiness Centres in Deira, Al Tawar, Al Manara and Al Kifaf will operate from Monday to Thursday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and on Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The Al Barsha centre will operate from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, while the Umm Ramool centre will operate around the clock, 24 hours a day.

Centres at Tasjeel Al Qusais, Tasjeel Al Barsha, Tasjeel Al Warsan and Al Mutakamela Al Quoz will operate from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. On Friday, they will operate from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 4:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. Between 4:01 pm and 7:59 pm, only technical inspection services will be provided.

Service provider centres, vehicle technical inspection

At Tasjeel Jebel Ali, working hours from Monday to Thursday and Saturday will be from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Friday from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Tasjeel Hatta will operate from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon on Friday. Al Riyada will operate from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon on Friday.

Between 4:01 pm and 7:59 pm, only technical inspection services will be available throughout the week.

Centres including Tasjeel Al Qusais, Tasjeel Al Barsha, Tasjeel Al Warsan, Al Mutakamela Al Quoz and Cars Al Mamzar will operate from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. On Friday, they will operate from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. Between 4:01 pm and 7:59 pm, these centres will provide technical inspection services only, without vehicle registration services.

The same hours apply to Al Mutakamela Al Awir, Wasel Nad Al Hamar, Wasel Al Jaddaf, Wasel Arabian Center, Cars Al Mamzar, Cars Deira, Al Mumayaz Al Barsha, Al Mumayaz Al Mazhar, Tajdeed, Tasjeel Motor City, Tasjeel Arab City, Shamil Al Qusais, Shamil Al Adhed, Shamil Nad Al Hamar, Aber and Al Jawdah.

Tasjeel Al Awir, AutoPro Al Mankhool, Tasjeel Al Twar, Al Yalayis, Shamil Al Muhaisnah and Discovery Gardens will operate from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. On Friday, they will operate from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. On Sunday, technical inspection services only will be available from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.