Leading this transformation is Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, founder of the pioneering health-tech startup SDM, which recently launched the Saudi Automated Mammogram Image Analysis (SAMIA) system—an advanced AI solution designed to identify breast cancer within minutes.

Dr. Al-Hazzaa explained that October was chosen for SAMIA’s launch to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, underscoring the commitment to promoting early detection and saving lives.

The startup SDM, incubated at The Garage in the King Abdullah City for Science and Technology, initially focused on diagnosing diabetic retinopathy through retinal imaging.

Now, it has expanded its expertise to include breast cancer diagnostics, marking a new milestone in Saudi Arabia’s medical innovation journey.

SAMIA uses AI algorithms trained on thousands of mammogram images from Saudi patients. This localized data gives it an edge over foreign technologies, ensuring greater accuracy and sensitivity when screening women in the Kingdom.

Unlike traditional mammogram procedures that often require patients to wait days or even weeks for results, SAMIA delivers detailed, annotated analyses within minutes.

The system identifies suspicious areas, grades the findings, and sends instant reports to physicians, significantly reducing waiting times and anxiety for patients.

Early detection plays a crucial role in improving survival rates. According to the Ministry of Health, more than half of breast cancer cases in Saudi Arabia are diagnosed at a late stage, compared to only 20 percent in more advanced countries.

This delay contributes to higher mortality and treatment costs. However, technologies like SAMIA are helping to change that narrative by enabling faster, more precise screening and promoting preventive healthcare.

Dr. Omar Iskanderani, Assistant Professor and Chairman of Radiotherapy and Tumor Boards at King Abdulaziz University, highlighted the broader benefits of AI in cancer treatment.

He explained that AI enhances accuracy, improves treatment planning, and increases efficiency through real-time analysis of complex medical data.

“With AI, we can offer more personalized care, automate quality control, and ensure consistent, high-quality treatment—even in regions with limited medical resources,” he noted.

He added that early detection can reduce treatment costs by up to 30 percent and significantly improve survival rates, with some studies suggesting up to a 95 percent survival rate when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages.

Moreover, AI-driven diagnostics like SAMIA support doctors by reducing workloads, allowing them to focus on more complex patient care while AI handles preliminary image analysis.

Dr. Al-Hazzaa emphasized that AI is not meant to replace doctors but to enhance their efficiency. “Artificial Intelligence will never take the place of a physician—it will augment their work,” she said.

“Instead of requiring multiple specialists in one center, AI enables each radiologist to see more patients and make quicker decisions without compromising quality.”

SAMIA’s success also relies on strong partnerships with organizations across the Kingdom. The Saudi Cancer Foundation, led by Mai AlJabr, played a vital role in promoting SDM’s technology in the Eastern Province.

The Ahyaha Society in Madinah supported the initiative by providing mammogram images, while Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University contributed by offering data from over 1,500 patients for the proof of concept phase.

The integration of AI into Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improved quality of life, in line with Vision 2030.

Through initiatives like SAMIA, the Kingdom is not only advancing medical technology but also creating a model for other nations to follow—one that combines compassion, innovation, and science to save lives.

As Saudi doctors continue to harness AI for healthcare, the launch of SAMIA stands as a beacon of hope for women across the Kingdom and beyond, proving that technology and humanity can come together to make early detection faster, treatment more effective, and outcomes brighter.

Under the inspiring theme “Invest in Health,” the event brings together experts, innovators, and thought leaders from more than 130 countries to share ideas and showcase cutting-edge advancements shaping the medical world.

The Makkah Health Cluster’s participation is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to healthcare transformation in alignment with Vision 2030.

This national vision emphasizes the modernization of healthcare systems, integration of advanced technologies, and creation of a sustainable health infrastructure that benefits citizens and residents alike.

The cluster’s innovative use of artificial intelligence stands as a powerful example of how smart technologies are making healthcare faster, more efficient, and more patient-centered.

One of the cluster’s most celebrated innovations at the exhibition is the iSelfie project, a revolutionary AI-based health assessment tool that utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) technology.

This innovative approach allows for the rapid evaluation of a patient’s vital signs by simply analyzing facial features through a camera, making the process non-invasive, accurate, and highly efficient.

Traditionally, emergency departments required an average of seven minutes per patient assessment; however, with iSelfie, that time has been cut down to just two minutes.

This represents a 70 percent reduction in time, dramatically improving emergency department efficiency and patient flow.

The cluster’s efforts are not only focused on innovation but also on cost-efficiency and sustainability. Through the introduction of its smart vital signs project, Makkah Health Cluster plans to implement AI-powered solutions across 14 hospitals and 15 primary healthcare centers.

This initiative is expected to save SR120,000 ($32,000) annually by replacing traditional Dynamap devices with automated digital tools.

Beyond the financial savings, the initiative aims to enhance workflow management, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time providing direct patient care instead of manual data collection and monitoring.

Moreover, this transformation has a significant impact on workforce optimization. By incorporating AI automation, the project is projected to reduce nursing costs by SR15.3 million annually and enhance operational efficiency by up to 50 percent, all while maintaining high-quality healthcare standards.

These advancements reflect how digital transformation is empowering healthcare institutions to deliver better outcomes with fewer resources, making healthcare more sustainable in the long run.

The integration of AI within healthcare is one of the core priorities of Vision 2030, which envisions a digitally advanced, patient-driven health system.

The innovations presented by Makkah Health Cluster directly support this mission by improving accessibility, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and promoting self-care through technology.

These projects are reshaping how healthcare is delivered in Saudi Arabia—making it more proactive, predictive, and personalized.

The Global Health Exhibition serves as an essential platform for global collaboration, featuring over 100 dialogue sessions and workshops dedicated to the future of healthcare.

Topics range from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to health investments and sustainable medical practices.

Experts and participants from around the world are engaging in meaningful discussions about how AI can redefine patient care, streamline hospital management, and address pressing healthcare challenges across different regions.

Makkah Health Cluster’s participation highlights the Kingdom’s growing influence in global health innovation.

By sharing its pioneering projects and success stories, the cluster demonstrates how Saudi healthcare institutions are becoming models of excellence, blending innovation with compassion.

These initiatives underscore a collective vision—one that looks beyond traditional healthcare systems toward a smarter, healthier, and more connected future.

Ultimately, the Makkah Health Cluster’s showcase at the Riyadh expo reflects not only technological progress but also a deep commitment to improving lives.

Through AI-driven innovation, efficiency gains, and dedication to patient-centered care, the cluster is helping Saudi Arabia position itself as a global leader in digital health transformation, paving the way for a new era of accessible, intelligent, and sustainable healthcare solutions for all.