M42 and TELUS Health partner to bring AI-powered employee wellness to UAE workplaces

Two major health tech companies are joining forces to change how UAE employers approach worker wellbeing. M42's Digital Health Solutions and TELUS Health announced a partnership that will bring AI-powered employee assistance programs to businesses across the region.

The collaboration marks a shift from traditional reactive healthcare to predictive, personalized wellness solutions. The program will offer more than 40 modules covering emotional support, lifestyle guidance, and wellbeing resources - all delivered in local languages to better serve the diverse UAE workforce.

How does it work?

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) combines M42's digital health infrastructure with TELUS Health's global wellness expertise. Workers can access support through multiple modules that address different aspects of their health and wellbeing.

The system uses AI to personalize recommendations and interventions for each employee. This means the platform can identify potential health issues early and suggest preventive measures before problems become serious.

M42 brings its existing digital health portfolio to the partnership, including Malaffi - the region's first Health Information Exchange - plus e-prescription systems and virtual hospital platforms. This infrastructure provides the technical backbone for delivering wellness services at scale.

Why does it matter?

Employee wellness programs directly impact business performance. Companies using these systems typically see reduced absenteeism, improved workplace focus, and measurable gains in productivity and employee engagement.

"By combining TELUS Health's global expertise with M42's digital health solutions, we are delivering a truly AI-powered employee assistance program tailored to the needs of employees in the UAE," said Kareem Shahin, CEO of M42's Digital Health Solutions Platform.

The approach also addresses healthcare costs. By catching health issues early and promoting preventive care, employers can reduce expensive emergency interventions and long-term treatment costs. Workers benefit from better health outcomes and more convenient access to care.

The context

The UAE has been pushing to become a global hub for health innovation, with significant government investment in digital health infrastructure. This partnership aligns with the country's broader strategy to modernize healthcare delivery.

"The UAE and the region are experiencing a fundamental shift in how organizations approach employee wellbeing," explained Mohamed El-Demerdash, President of TELUS Health. The collaboration positions both companies to capitalize on growing demand for workplace wellness solutions.

TELUS Health brings international experience from similar programs in other markets, while M42 provides deep knowledge of regional healthcare needs and cultural considerations. The combination could create a template for employee wellness programs across the Middle East.

The partnership also represents a broader trend toward precision medicine and AI-driven healthcare. Both companies plan to explore next-generation AI solutions that could further improve care efficiency and access for employees throughout the region.