Riyadh’s Global Health Exhibition to showcase the SEHA Virtual Hospital

The upcoming Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh is set to unveil a groundbreaking innovation in healthcare this October — the world's largest virtual hospital. This immersive exhibit will give attendees a unique opportunity to experience advanced healthcare technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) firsthand.

From simulated patient scenarios to critical decision-making exercises, this event will showcase the future of healthcare, allowing participants to learn and practice in a cutting-edge environment.

How does it work?

At the heart of the exhibition is the SEHA Virtual Hospital, a facility that aims to bring healthcare into the digital age. This virtual hospital, which opened in 2022, offers a range of virtual services — including urgent care, specialized medical consultations, and even home-based care. What sets it apart is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet-of-things (IoT) technologies.

For example, AI algorithms prioritize urgent patient cases and analyze medical images in real time, enabling rapid diagnosis of conditions like strokes and lung diseases. Furthermore, the IoT technology allows for continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, such as heart failure, especially those in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Why does it matter?

Beyond showcasing advanced technology, the SEHA Virtual Hospital is about redefining how healthcare services are delivered globally. As healthcare demands grow and populations age, virtual hospitals like SEHA are positioned to play a critical role in meeting these needs. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and faster diagnostic capabilities mean that more people, especially those in rural or underserved areas, can access high-quality care without the need for physical hospital visits. The benefits are clear: shorter stays in intensive care units, quicker diagnostic times, and faster access to treatments.

"The model of virtual services being pursued in Saudi Arabia is a benchmark for best-in-class care which makes positive use of today's technology," said Rachel Sturgess, group director of Tahaluf, the exhibition's organizer.

The context

The SEHA Virtual Hospital was launched in response to the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare systems around the world were stretched to their limits, the need for remote and scalable healthcare solutions became more apparent than ever. SEHA has since partnered with over 200 hospitals across Saudi Arabia, providing critical support and transforming how care is delivered. By integrating virtual hospital visits with electronic health records and remote pharmacy management, the facility is helping to create a more efficient and accessible healthcare system. The Global Health Exhibition aims to highlight this transformative shift, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare where virtual services are an integral part of everyday care.

"We are thrilled to be showcasing a part of that future to over 100,000 health stakeholders at this year's event," added Sturgess.