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Imagine a retina scan that reveals heart disease or a miniature chip that mimics a human organ. These aren't sci-fi concepts but real medical innovations powered by AI, unveiled at Dubai's World Health Expo (WHX) to chart the future of healthcare.

By integrating artificial intelligence and machine capabilities, several medical entities have come up with innovative concepts which could redefine healthcare in the country.

The three-day exhibition — formerly known as Arab Health — is being held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City and brings together 4,300 exhibitors from over 180 countries.

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Innovative medical techniques on display at WHX

Here are five of the most groundbreaking things not to miss at the exhibition: 

1. Organ on a chip

Imagine condensing an organ into a chip. That is what Chinese company Xellar is exhibiting at WHX. The system uses human tissue components purchased from commercial sellers and tests them in micro-devices, with AI enhancing the accuracy to 95 per cent and above.

The complexity of the organ determines the type of chip used, with simpler organs like the heart using smaller chips and more complex ones like the liver using larger ones. The technology allows for the recreation of diseases in the chips, enabling personalised drug testing. The development of new disease models can take from a few weeks to nine months, and this is the first time the technology is being showcased in the UAE.

This machine by Xellar prints organs on a chip to speed up clinical trials and give 90 per cent accuracy

2. Wellness Pod

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has unveiled a new wellness pod that helps visitors relax. The compact structure which houses one person is equipped with dim lights and calming music. Users can choose between three modes — calm, grounding and boosting — and spend two minutes inside the pod.

Once they press start, the lights dim and the user is taken through a guided relaxation technique which involves breathing slowly and letting go of unwanted thoughts. DHA is trialing this system and if successful, plans to roll it out across government offices and malls

This wellness pod allows users to choose between calm, grounded and boosted modes

3. AI retina scan

Imagine being able to look into a camera and getting all the information about possible eye illness you could develop as well as any cardiovascular issues. That is being made possible by an AI retina scan introduced by the Emirates Health Services (EHS).

The AI system which looks like a binocular asks users to look into it for roughly about 30 seconds during which their eyes are scanned for glaucoma, cataract and other eye conditions. According to a spokesperson, the scan will also be able to detect any underlying cardiovascular diseases or liver conditions years before they occur. A detailed report will be sent to the user’s phone for future reference.

The AI retina scanner can detect eye conditions as well as cardiovascular and liver diseases

4. Remote robotic intervention

A robotic arm which is controlled remotely by doctors at a hospital and can offer life-saving assistance in patients in remote areas is already in use in the UAE. The system is installed in Al Jeer in Ras Al Khaimah, according to a spokesperson for EHS and is saving lives in the northern coastal settlement.

This robotic arm is helping save lives in remote areas of UAE by offering timely medical intervention

5. AI-powered hiring assistant

An AI-powered hiring assistant Maitha is making it easier for the EHS to hire nurses. The system screens CVs, conducts interviews and shortlists the best candidates, cutting down the time taken to hire significantly.  

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