Case Study: Mobily’s Pioneering Role in Saudi Arabia’s Digital Health Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector has undergone a significant transformation in alignment with Vision 2030. At the heart of this evolution lies a robust public-private partnership between Mobily, one of Saudi’s leading telecommunications providers and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Mobily has positioned itself not only as a digital enabler but as a strategic investor in health innovation, infrastructure, and care delivery.

From the outset, Mobily committed its full technological and operational capacity to support the Health Sector Transformation Programme. This commitment reflects the company’s belief in the strategic vision of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the MoH’s transition from a service provider to a regulator and enabler. With this backdrop, Mobily has played a critical role in ensuring the healthcare ecosystem is digitally empowered, seamlessly integrated and person-centred.

Laying the Groundwork for Digital Health

Mobily’s contributions began with significant investments in infrastructure, including high-speed 5G networks, fibre optics, secure data centres, cloud computing and cyber security. These assets laid the groundwork for digital health initiatives across Saudi Arabia. A key strategic pillar was enabling access to health services—especially for underserved or remote populations—through virtual care platforms, telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnostics.

As of 2024, Mobily-supported platforms such as Nafis (formerly the Saudi Health Information Bus) serve over 12 million beneficiaries, a stark increase from just 3 million in 2011. This growth highlights Mobily’s ability to scale digital health infrastructure to meet national needs efficiently.

Innovation for Impact: Smart Hospitals and Virtual Care

A major milestone was Mobily’s automation of over 100 hospitals, utilising advanced Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and cloud infrastructure. This enabled unified health records, streamlined patient administration and integration of clinical and medical systems. Mobily’s technology facilitated early interventions, reduced medical errors and optimised care workflows—critical steps toward a modern, outcomes-focused healthcare model.

In parallel, Mobily introduced smart ambulances integrated with real-time data and AI to route patients to the nearest, most suitable healthcare facility. Through telemedicine, many patients now access consultations from home, significantly reducing unnecessary hospital visits. These services exemplify a shift from reactive to proactive and preventive healthcare.

AI and Health Intelligence

Mobily also harnessed artificial intelligence and machine learning to support health screening, diagnostics and decision-making. AI-powered virtual assistants and diagnostic tools reduced the burden on clinical staff by prioritising high-risk cases and flagging anomalies within imaging and pathology. For instance, with over 90% of pathology cases being negative, AI helped pathologists focus attention on the critical 10%, enhancing speed and accuracy.

The launch of the Health AI Companion further enabled predictive analytics based on global risk benchmarks, offering real-time insights to healthcare providers and supporting strategic health planning.

A Holistic Vision for Health: Beyond Hospital Walls

In line with the philosophy of “Health in All Policies,” Mobily recognised that healthcare outcomes are shaped beyond hospital walls. Collaborations extended into sectors such as education, food, and transport, addressing broader social determinants of health. Innovative solutions such as 3D rehabilitation and virtual reality therapies were introduced to assist in patient recovery and limb reconstruction.

Mobily’s systems also enabled real-time public health surveillance, enhancing the Kingdom’s ability to monitor, detect, and respond to outbreaks. All initiatives were underpinned by intelligent data collection and modelling, ensuring decision-makers at every level—from hospitals to health clusters—could respond effectively to emerging needs.

Building the Future of Health Together

Mobily’s efforts represent a model of successful public-private collaboration in digital health. By leveraging its technological capabilities and aligning them with national health priorities, Mobily has become an essential partner in reshaping healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders from across the globe are invited to learn more, share ideas and explore collaborative opportunities at the Global Health Exhibition 2025. This landmark event will showcase pioneering innovations, facilitate strategic partnerships and accelerate the future of global health.

Join us at the Global Health Exhibition 2025—where vision meets action.