UAE MoHAP launches an AI system to measure sugar and cholesterol using a mobile camera

Imagine checking your cholesterol and blood pressure with nothing but your phone's camera. Sounds like sci-fi, right? Not anymore. The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has unveiled "Biosigns," a groundbreaking AI-powered system that turns ordinary smartphones and tablets into powerful health monitoring devices.

Launched at Arab Health 2025, the Middle East's premier healthcare event, this innovation is set to change how people track their well-being — no lab visits, no needles, just a quick scan with a camera.

How does it work?

At the heart of Biosigns is artificial intelligence. By analyzing subtle changes in skin color and blood flow, a smartphone camera captures real-time data and converts it into precise health readings. In seconds, users get insights into their heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and even more complex indicators like cholesterol, hemoglobin, and glycated hemoglobin. The secret? Advanced mathematical models that have been scientifically validated for accuracy.

As Sarah bin Shaheen, Director of the Smart Health Department, puts it, "The technology delivers immediate and accurate results while adhering to the highest standards of privacy and security."

Why does it matter?

Beyond its impressive tech, Biosigns is a game-changer for preventive healthcare. Instead of relying on scheduled lab tests, users can monitor key health indicators anytime, anywhere. This translates to fewer hospital visits, lower healthcare costs, and faster decision-making.

"It's not just about convenience," says HE Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector. "This system strengthens preventive healthcare, improves efficiency, and enhances the digital health ecosystem."

The smart application integrates seamlessly with approved health platforms in the UAE and directly connects to the unified health record system. That means healthcare providers can access real-time data, leading to faster diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

The context

The Biosigns launch isn't happening in a vacuum. It's part of a larger digital transformation sweeping through UAE's healthcare sector. Alongside it, MoHAP has also rolled out the Smart Audit Project — an AI-driven tool that evaluates hospital blueprints, ensuring they meet international safety and quality standards.

"AI is shaping the future of healthcare," notes Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector. With the ability to detect design flaws with 70% accuracy, the system minimizes human error and streamlines licensing processes.

From real-time health monitoring to smarter hospital planning, MoHAP is steering UAE's healthcare system toward a future that's not just digital but also more efficient, accessible, and proactive.

As Dr. Hessa Mubarak, Director of Control, Audit, and Inspection, emphasizes, "This is just the beginning. We're rolling out these projects in phases to maximize impact and ensure long-term success."

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