DUBAI: Dubai Health has launched a pioneering pilot initiative for a Virtual Intensive Care Unit (ICU), leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize critical care through continuous patient monitoring. The system was showcased during GITEX 2025, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to integrating
Cutting-edge technology into healthcare.
The pilot is currently operational at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, where sophisticated cameras and data analytics are employed to detect early indicators of patient distress and promptly notify medical personnel.Ahead of GITEX Global 2025, Dubai Health announced its plans to demonstrate this innovative AI-powered technology that aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services within the emirate.How the Virtual ICU OperatesHend Majed Al Abbar, Director of Dubai Health’s AI Enablement Department, explained that the Virtual ICU combines AI-enabled cameras with the Salama electronic medical records system. These cameras track patient movements, facial expressions, and skin coloration in real time, triggering
alerts for any unusual changes.
The ten-bed pilot program is remotely overseen by specialists based at Washington, D.C.’s National Children’s Hospital, facilitating continuous supervision and knowledge sharing. The system is scheduled to be fully operational by December 2025, with potential plans to expand to other ICUs across Dubai’s healthcare facilities based on pilot outcomes.
Advantages for Critical Care
By merging visual data with clinical information, the Virtual ICU aims to enhance patient safety and enable rapid clinical responses, ultimately shortening hospital stays and increasing survival chances. It also continuously monitors vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure, detecting even subtle physiological shifts instantly.Al Abbar emphasized that the technology is designed to assist healthcare professionals rather than replace them: “AI helps us identify distress early, act swiftly, and improve outcomes for our critically ill patients.” Similar virtual ICU models have been successfully implemented in leading hospitals across the United States.
Other AI Innovations
Dubai Health is also testing Virufy, an AI-based mobile application that analyzes cough sounds and breathing patterns to predict respiratory illnesses. Currently being evaluated at Nad Al Hamar and Al Barsha Clinics in collaboration with Dubai Future Solutions’ Prototypes for Humanity initiative, the data collected will determine its accuracy before broader deployment.Additionally, GITEX features Agentic AI for MBRU Admissions, a virtual assistant powered by generative AI that offers 24/7 support to prospective students at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. This tool handles inquiries related to registration, scholarships, and admission requirements via chat and phone, streamlining the application process.
These initiatives exemplify Dubai Health’s dedication to advancing AI integration across its healthcare ecosystem, aligning with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33 and Digital Strategy to foster innovative digital health solutions.
