Saudi Arabia opens the world’s first AI-powered doctor clinic, led by China’s Synyi AI, marking a major step in autonomous healthcare innovation.
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| The world's first AI-led clinic has opened in Saudi Arabia, where Synyi AI’s “Dr. Hua” diagnoses patients, paving the way for AI in frontline healthcare. Image: Collected |
AL-AHSA, Saudi Arabia, May 18, 2025:
In a historic leap for digital health, Saudi Arabia has become home to the world’s first AI doctor clinic, developed by Chinese medtech startup Synyi AI. Located in the eastern region of Al-Ahsa, the groundbreaking pilot program allows artificial intelligence to independently diagnose and prescribe treatments to patients, signaling a shift toward AI replacing human doctors in initial care.
Launched in April in collaboration with Almoosa Health Group, the clinic features a virtual doctor named “Dr. Hua.” Patients interact with Dr. Hua via tablet, describing symptoms, which the AI follows up with targeted questions. Human medical assistants help collect clinical data and images—like cardiograms and X-rays—which the AI then analyzes to deliver a diagnosis and treatment plan. A licensed human doctor reviews and signs off the plan without seeing the patient, remaining available only for emergencies.
“This is the final step—letting AI diagnose and treat patients directly,” said Synyi AI CEO Zhang Shaodian. According to Synyi, the AI showed an error rate of less than 0.3% during testing.
So far, a few dozen patients have accessed the service free of charge during the trial phase. The program is generating diagnostic data to be submitted to Saudi health regulators, and Zhang is optimistic that approval for commercial rollout will be secured within 18 months.
Currently, Dr. Hua is limited to respiratory illnesses like asthma and pharyngitis, covering 30 conditions. Plans are underway to expand that scope to include 50 diseases in dermatology, gastroenterology, and other areas.
While the innovation is drawing international attention, skepticism remains. “Even the most advanced AI systems still fall short of functioning like a primary care practitioner,” said Ngiam Kee Yuan of Singapore’s National University Hospital.
Despite concerns, Synyi’s venture is part of a broader trend of Chinese health tech companies entering the Middle East. Firms like Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical and XtalPi are also establishing partnerships and labs in the region, bringing AI, gene therapy, and robotics to new markets.
Founded in 2016 and backed by investors like Tencent, Synyi AI has partnered with over 800 Chinese hospitals to manage medical data and assist in diagnoses. Saudi Arabia marks its first overseas expansion.
Zhang sees enormous potential for AI in regions where healthcare access is limited or costly. “In places with few doctors, AI can multiply medical efficiency tenfold,” he said.
As regulators consider the implications, industry leaders stress the need for balance. “AI in medicine directly impacts lives,” said Dylan Attard, CEO of MedTech World. “We need strong safety measures, but also room for innovation.”