How digital health is driving more connected care in Saudi Arabia

Digital health tracking is increasingly embedded in everyday routines. Around 60% of respondents tracked health digitally in the past year, while 78% tracked health either recently or previously. This level of engagement exceeds the overall survey average of 57%. 

Consumers in Saudi Arabia draw health information from a combination of healthcare professionals, AI-enabled tools and social media channels. The survey found that 67% consult healthcare professionals frequently or very frequently, 69% use AI tools for health information and 40% use social media for health information.

How consumers in Saudi Arabia combine digital and clinical information sources

Saudi Arabia recorded the highest frequency of AI usage among surveyed markets, with respondents more likely than those in any other surveyed country to use AI tools frequently or very frequently. Saudi Arabia also led the surveyed countries in frequent consultation with healthcare professionals.

Momentum in digital tracking remains strong. Among individuals who track health digitally, 53% started within the past year. The tools used include smartphone health applications, blood pressure monitors, smart scales, glucose monitors and at-home testing kits.

Tracking behavior spans a wide range of health indicators. Weight is tracked by 64% of respondents who track health, while 23% track macronutrient intake. These figures indicate a broader approach to health awareness compared with other markets surveyed.

At-home diagnostics extend this trend. Among respondents in Saudi Arabia who track health digitally, 22% use blood glucose monitoring at home, representing the highest level reported across the countries surveyed. Use of other at-home tests was also higher than in many peer markets.

The survey report links this level of digital engagement with growing interest in proactive health management. As individuals adopt a broader range of tracking tools and at-home health technologies, opportunities are emerging to connect consumer-generated insights with care delivery, supporting earlier intervention, preventive care and more personalized healthcare experiences.

Digital tools are also influencing how health information is accessed and used. As AI-enabled platforms become more deeply integrated into everyday health journeys, their influence extends from tracking and monitoring to behaviors, decisions and interactions with healthcare professionals.

AI is becoming an important tool for self-directed health management and healthcare decision-making in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are using AI tools to research health concerns, better understand symptoms and inform decisions about seeking care.

AI-enabled information is translating into health action. The survey reports changes in physical activity for 61% of respondents, diet or nutrition for 58% and sleep habits for 48%. Among respondents who changed each behavior, 50%, 54% and 53%, respectively, cited AI tools as an information source.

How AI is influencing health behaviors and healthcare interactions in Saudi Arabia

The influence of AI continues through the care journey. Nearly half of respondents, 45%, reported that AI-based research influenced their decision to seek medical advice. A further 86% had requested or considered requesting a test, treatment or prescription based on information obtained through AI tools.

More than half of respondents, 55%, said AI informed the questions they asked healthcare professionals. The same percentage reported that AI influenced them to challenge or discuss recommendations received during consultations.

The findings describe consumers as taking a more active role in healthcare discussions and decision-making while complementing professional medical advice. Digital insights are informing choices related to physical activity, nutrition and sleep, and consumers are becoming more engaged during consultations. Healthcare interactions are becoming more collaborative, with individuals seeking additional information, asking more informed questions and taking a greater interest in treatment and care options.

As adoption grows, the report identifies the integration of AI-generated insights within trusted clinical pathways as important for giving consumers access to information that is accurate, reliable and supportive of positive health outcomes. The strong use of AI-enabled tools and social media reflects demand for accessible, real-time health information. Together with continued consultation of healthcare professionals, these trends point to a population actively seeking information from clinical and digital sources.

As digital technologies and AI become more prominent in healthcare, trust remains a foundational element of consumer engagement. Healthcare professionals continue to be the most trusted source of health information and guidance, providing an anchor for the adoption and effective use of emerging technologies.

The survey found that 89% of respondents trust healthcare professionals, while 84% feel comfortable engaging in discussions about health concerns, treatment options and care decisions. Consumers continue to value professional guidance and view digital technologies as tools that complement clinical care.

Consumers are also navigating a complex information landscape. Health information now comes from healthcare professionals, AI tools, social media platforms, health applications and online communities. This access can support a more active role in health management, while requiring consumers to evaluate information that may be fragmented, inconsistent or difficult to interpret.

Growing volumes of personal health data from wearable devices, health tracking applications and at-home diagnostic tools add to this complexity. Translating data points into meaningful insights and informed healthcare decisions can be challenging without appropriate guidance and context.

The survey found that 65% of respondents are uncertain about which health information to trust online, and 55% feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available. At the same time, 78% agreed that AI tools help them better understand health issues and support decision-making.

Consumers also show a strong readiness to share personal health data when it can contribute to improved healthcare experiences and outcomes. The survey found that 88% are willing to share health data generated through wearable devices and digital health applications.

Nearly 46% said their healthcare professional is actively using data collected through wearables or health tracking applications, compared with a global average of 30%. Between 75% and 83% expressed comfort with the use of AI across the patient journey, from booking appointments to making treatment recommendations.

The report also examines consumer acceptance of emerging therapies. It found that 15% of respondents currently use GLP-1 therapies, 13% have used them previously and 19% are considering future use. Reported motivations include improving physical appearance, supporting mental wellbeing, reducing future health concerns, and enhancing mobility and daily functioning.

Healthcare professionals remain the primary point of access for GLP-1 therapies, with approximately 66% of respondents obtaining them through healthcare professionals. The report also found that 30% obtain them through informal sources such as friends or family, highlighting the need for strong governance, clinical guidance and patient education for safe and appropriate use.

More broadly, trust, willingness to share health data and openness to innovation are emerging as key enablers of healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are engaging with digital technologies and new models of care while continuing to rely on healthcare professionals as trusted advisors.

Summary

The EY Future of Health Survey shows how consumers in Saudi Arabia are combining digital tools, AI-enabled information and professional medical guidance across the healthcare journey. Digital tracking supports proactive health management, while AI influences behaviors and clinical conversations. Strong trust in healthcare professionals, openness to health data sharing and acceptance of innovation create a foundation for more connected and personalized care. The findings also point to the importance of digital health literacy, responsible data use and appropriate governance frameworks.