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Global life sciences company Arcera organized a high-level summit in Abu Dhabi bringing together healthcare leaders, government officials, academics, and industry experts to explore the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The artificial intelligence in healthcare summit, held at New York University Abu Dhabi, focused on developing strategies to enhance medical systems across the Middle East and globally through effective AI deployment.
The event took place during UAE Innovation Month, an initiative designed to strengthen the Emirates’ position as a global innovation hub. According to the organizers, participants from leading entities including ADQ Holding, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, Dubai Health, Deloitte, Microsoft, IQVIA, Pure Health, and Salesforce attended the summit.
AI in Healthcare Discussion Focuses on Practical Implementation
The summit addressed moving artificial intelligence in healthcare from theoretical concepts to practical applications that improve clinical outcomes, enhance system efficiency, and expand patient access to personalized care. Additionally, discussions emphasized that healthcare system resilience now extends beyond crisis management to encompass integrated ecosystems for research, development, and manufacturing supported by collaborative partnerships between government agencies, academic institutions, private sector companies, and regulatory bodies.
Isabela Afonso, Chief Executive Officer of Arcera, emphasized during the event that strengthening healthcare resilience requires investment in scientific depth, digital infrastructure, and human capital development to ensure both immediate and long-term patient outcome improvements. She explained that Arcera’s commitment stems from a long-term vision for building a healthy and sustainable future.
Digital Technology as Enablement Tool
According to Afonso, the company views artificial intelligence and digital technologies as enablement tools supporting various aspects of the healthcare ecosystem including research, discovery, manufacturing, supply chains, and customer engagement. She stressed that achieving genuine benefits from these technologies depends on building trust, establishing clear governance frameworks, and fostering collaboration among different stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jaap Kalkman, Chairman of Arcera’s Board of Directors, indicated that the company’s strategic development reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to establish itself as a global center for sustainable healthcare. He noted that ADQ Holding focuses on building a healthcare sector characterized by competitiveness, technological advancement, and sustainability.
Dr. Kalkman affirmed that the company’s investment in innovation, talent development, and future capabilities ensures construction of an advanced healthcare sector that not only meets market needs but contributes to shaping its future. However, he emphasized that responsible AI implementation requires careful attention to regulatory compliance and ethical considerations.
Academic Role in Responsible AI Adoption
Arlie Petters, Vice President of New York University Abu Dhabi, highlighted the important academic role in adopting modern technologies, confirming the university’s commitment to developing knowledge and innovation to achieve tangible positive impact. In contrast to purely commercial approaches, he stressed that educational institutions must lead evidence-based discussions about technology’s societal impact.
Petters stated that hosting pivotal events of this nature reflects the university’s role as a global center for research, education, and dialogue concerning technology’s influence on society. He expressed the institution’s pride in collaborating with Arcera and various healthcare ecosystem stakeholders to establish a responsible, evidence-based approach to artificial intelligence deployment.
The summit aligns with UAE national strategies in artificial intelligence and digital health, which aim to support responsible innovation and build globally competitive healthcare capabilities. Participants did not announce specific timelines for implementing the discussed AI initiatives, though ongoing collaboration between stakeholders is expected to continue throughout the year.
