Saudi Arabia opens first AI doctor clinic with Chinese firm

With an impressive error rate of under 0.3%, Dr Hua manages 30 respiratory conditions, including asthma and pharyngitis
An undated image. — iStock
An undated image. — iStock

In an astonishing incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into the healthcare sector, Saudi Arabia has opened the world's first AI doctor clinic.

The pioneering clinic, launched in April 2025, stems from a collaboration between Shanghai-based Synyi AI and Almoosa Health Group, situated in the eastern Al Ahsa region.

The clinic is equipped with an AI-powered virtual doctor named “Dr Hua,” marking Synyi AI’s maiden foray in Saudi Arabia after its successful inclusion in China, where it has collaborated with over 800 hospitals since 2016.

With consultations carried out via tablets, patients are required to enter their symptoms to consult the AI-driven doctor. The AI then poses follow-up questions, analyses diagnostic data like ECGs and X-rays, and prepares a treatment plan, which is then reviewed by a licensed human doctor, as reported by ProPakistani.

Zhang Shaodian, CEO of Synyi AI, highlighted this as a transformative step: “AI has traditionally assisted doctors. Now, we are taking the final step, allowing AI to diagnose and treat directly.”

With an impressive error rate of under 0.3%, Dr Hua is currently capable of managing 30 respiratory conditions, including asthma and pharyngitis, with plans to cover 50 more diseases of various categories within a year.

During its trial phase, the service is free and enables the collection of diagnostic data for evaluation by Saudi health authorities.

After regulatory approval, Synyi AI is expected to implement this AI clinic in other hospitals across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.