In a sci-fi-meets-reality twist, a Chinese startup has just opened the world’s first AI-powered clinic in Saudi Arabia — and yes, it has an AI doctor diagnosing patients on its own. The clinic, launched by Shanghai-based Synyi AI in partnership with Almoosa Health Group, is running a trial in Al-Ahsa where a virtual doc named “Dr. Hua” takes patient complaints via a tablet and spits out diagnoses and treatment plans.
The AI system doesn’t just rely on text input — it also analyses ECGs, X-rays, and other medical scans with help from human assistants. After the consultation, a human doctor signs off on Dr. Hua’s prescription, but without directly seeing the patient. In emergencies, of course, real doctors step in. According to Synyi AI, the error rate during early testing was just 0.3%.
AI takes the lead, but not without doubts
While this is a bold move toward automating healthcare, not everyone’s convinced that AI is ready to replace real doctors. Singapore’s National University Hospital consultant Ngiam Kee Yuan says even the best AI systems still don’t perform like a proper GP. Synyi AI’s CEO Zhang Shaodian admits the tech is still in trial mode, but believes full regulatory approval in Saudi Arabia could come within 18 months.
For now, Dr. Hua only handles respiratory issues — about 30 diseases including asthma and sore throats. But plans are in place to expand that to 50 diseases across dermatology and gastroenterology within the year. And Synyi isn’t stopping here — it’s already teaming up with more hospitals in Saudi Arabia to roll out more AI clinics.
Chinese med-tech companies eye the Middle East
Synyi AI is part of a broader push by Chinese health-tech firms looking to scale up globally. Companies like Fosun Pharma and XtalPi are setting up shop in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to test and deploy cutting-edge health innovations. These include robotics labs, gene therapy initiatives, and telemedicine services.
In China, AI is already being used for online consultations — but still in a supporting role. Platforms like Medlinker have built tools like MedGPT that claim to match human-level diagnostic accuracy, though they’re not commercially live yet.
A cheaper, faster alternative in pricey healthcare systems
Zhang says AI clinics could be game-changing in regions where healthcare is expensive or under-staffed. In countries like Saudi Arabia, where doctor visits cost more than in publicly funded systems like China’s, AI could slash costs and speed up treatment.
