Saudi Arabia is outpacing global peers in AI and digital health adoption, says EY MENA’s new report, launched at LEAP 2026

 Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global frontrunner in the adoption of digital health and artificial intelligence (AI), according to the new EY report “Navigating the Future of Health in Saudi Arabia”. Launched today at the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh, the research reveals that a young, digitally connected population and significant healthcare modernization are driving unprecedented consumer engagement in proactive health management across the Kingdom.

The survey of 1,002 Saudi respondents, conducted as part of a global study of nearly 7,700 consumers across 10 countries, highlights how rapidly the digital health landscape is shifting. Notably, 69% of the Kingdom’s consumers actively use AI tools as sources of health information, the highest rate among all surveyed countries. In addition, 78% of Saudi respondents track their health digitally, well above the global average of 57%.

Ahmad Ahmad, EY MENA Government and Infrastructure Leader, says: 

“The mature state of Saudi Arabia’s digital health landscape presents healthcare organizations and policymakers with a prime opportunity to connect groundbreaking innovation with trusted clinical care. Strengthening digital health literacy, promoting responsible use of health data and embedding AI within appropriate governance frameworks can help enhance patient experiences, improve outcomes and boost the efficiency of the Kingdom’s healthcare system.”

EY research demonstrates that AI-enabled insights are translating directly into healthier lifestyle adjustments. Across Saudi Arabia, AI tools have prompted 61% of the respondents to change their physical activity, 58% to alter their diet and 48% to modify their sleep habits. 

In parallel, these digital tools are reshaping patient-doctor dynamics. Approximately 45% of the Kingdom’s consumers state that AI-powered research influenced their decision to seek professional medical advice, while 86% have requested or considered a clinical action – such as a test, treatment or prescription, based on AI-generated information.

Fadi Smeirat, EY MENA Healthcare and Life Sciences Consulting Leader, says: 

“In Saudi Arabia, technology has evolved from a passive tracking tool into an active partner on the consumer’s wellness journey. By blending deep clinical trust with an unmatched willingness to embrace AI and share personal health data, the Kingdom’s confident entry into a new era of collaborative, predictive and personalized healthcare can provide valuable lessons for the rest of the world.”

This digital-first attitude is also driving strong clinical integration. An overwhelming 88% of Saudi consumers expressed a willingness to share their wearables and health app data with providers. This trust is mutual. Nearly 46% of the Kingdom’s respondents say their healthcare professionals actively utilize data collected from wearables, substantially surpassing the global average of just 30%. Furthermore, 75% of respondents are comfortable using AI across the entire patient journey, from scheduling appointments to receiving treatment recommendations.

Crucially, technology adoption in Saudi Arabia does not come at the cost of clinical relationships. Trust in healthcare professionals remains exceptionally strong at 89%, proving that consumers view AI as a powerful complement to – rather than a replacement for, clinical knowledge.