Work

Towards Sustainable Health Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Role of Artificial Intelligence—A Systematic Review, Challenges, and Future Directions

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical services in Saudi Arabia offers a substantial opportunity. Despite the increasing integration of AI techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, there persists an issue in the thorough comprehension of their applications, advantages, and issues within the Saudi healthcare framework. This study aims to perform a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) to assess the current status of AI in Saudi healthcare, determine its alignment with Vision 2030, and suggest practical recommendations for future research and policy. In accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, 699 studies were initially obtained from electronic databases, with 24 studies selected after the application of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that AI has been effectively utilised in disease prediction, diagnosis, therapy optimisation, patient monitoring, and resource allocation, resulting in notable advancements in diagnostic accuracy, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes. Nonetheless, limitations to adoption, such as ethical issues, legislative complexities, data protection issues, and shortages in worker skills, were also recognised. This review emphasises the necessity for strong ethical frameworks, regulatory control, and capacity-building efforts to guarantee the responsible and fair implementation of AI in healthcare. Recommendations encompass the creation of national AI ethics and governance frameworks, investment in AI education and training initiatives, and the formulation of modular AI solutions to guarantee scalability and cost-effectiveness. This breakthrough enables Saudi Arabia to realise its Vision 2030 objectives, establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18020905

Authors: Kholoud Maswadi, Ali Alhazmi

Institution: Jazan University

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Subfield: Health Informatics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896