A new report reveals that digital health adoption across Saudi Arabia has outpaced global benchmarks, driven by high consumer engagement and technological integration. The study by EY MENA, titled Navigating the Future of Health in Saudi Arabia, was presented at the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh. It surveyed 1,002 Saudi residents as part of a global research project involving nearly 7,700 participants across 10 countries.
According to the findings, 69% of Saudi consumers actively use artificial intelligence tools to obtain health information, representing the highest rate among all surveyed countries. Furthermore, 78% of respondents in the Kingdom track their health metrics digitally, compared to a global average of 57%.
Impact on Daily Lifestyle Habits
The survey demonstrated that insights generated by artificial intelligence directly affect patient behaviors. Specifically, digital tools prompted 61% of Saudi respondents to modify their physical activity routines. In addition, 58% adjusted their nutritional diets, while 48% altered their sleep patterns based on automated recommendations.
Digital tools also play an expanding role in consultations. Approximately 45% of consumers in the Kingdom noted that research powered by algorithms influenced their choice to seek medical advice. Moreover, 86% requested or evaluated clinical procedures, such as diagnostic tests, treatments, or prescriptions, after reviewing automated health information.
“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.”
Ahmad Ahmad, EY MENA Government and Infrastructure Leader
Drivers of Digital Health Adoption
Rapid digital health adoption has also strengthened data exchange between patients and medical professionals. Approximately 88% of Saudi respondents reported a willingness to share information gathered from smart devices and health applications with doctors. On the provider side, 46% of consumers stated their physicians actively evaluate data from wearable technology, exceeding the global rate of 30%.
Consumer comfort extends throughout clinical interactions. Around 75% of participants confirmed their comfort in applying digital tools from appointment scheduling to therapeutic recommendations.
“In Saudi Arabia, technology has evolved from a passive tracking tool into an active partner on the consumer’s wellness journey.”
Fadi Smeirat, EY MENA Healthcare and Life Sciences Consulting Leader
Clinical Trust and Patient Relations
Despite the rapid increase in software usage, medical relationships remain central to the sector. Trust in physicians stands at 89% in the Kingdom, indicating that 89% of consumers consider digital tools a complement to medical expertise rather than a replacement. Consequently, advancing digital health adoption continues to align with clinical governance frameworks across national healthcare institutions.
