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.

The specialized unit, designed to deliver life-saving stroke treatment directly at the site of emergencies, is being deployed for the first time during Hajj 2025. Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, executive director of Ajyad Hospital and emergency medicine consultant, described the initiative as a “revolutionary step in stroke care.”

“The mobile unit eliminates the need to transport patients to a hospital,” Dr. Al-Harthi told local media. “It allows rapid access to difficult areas and immediate intervention, improving survival rates and patient recovery.”

Equipped with a CT scanner, intravenous contrast system, clot-dissolving drugs, and high-speed internet with a 360-degree live camera, the unit allows real-time monitoring by consultants located remotely, ensuring swift diagnosis and treatment. Each unit operates with a highly trained team consisting of a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, radiologist, emergency nurse, and paramedic.

A collaboration between Health Holding Co., the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, the initiative was rolled out under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Dr. Al-Harthi confirmed that the unit treats one patient at a time, typically completing diagnosis and treatment within 15 minutes.

One notable case involved a 60-year-old pilgrim from Uganda who collapsed inside the Grand Mosque. Displaying symptoms of a stroke — including slurred speech and paralysis — he was rushed to the mobile unit, where he underwent immediate scanning and clot-dissolving therapy. His condition stabilized within minutes, and he was later transferred to King Abdulaziz Hospital for follow-up care. Within 48 hours, the patient showed significant improvement and expressed a desire to continue his pilgrimage.

“This case underscores the critical value of early stroke intervention in protecting brain function,” Dr. Al-Harthi said, lauding the coordination among government agencies that made the initiative a reality.

The mobile unit was most recently deployed to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital, as part of a broader strategy to deliver top-tier medical services across key Hajj locations, enabling pilgrims to complete their spiritual journey in safety and dignity.

Every year, Saudi Arabia mobilizes approximately 50,000 healthcare and support professionals who work around the clock to serve millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites.