Dubai Health Insurance Conference Explores AI's Role in Enhancing Sector Efficiency

Dubai hosted the ninth Health Insurance Conference 2025, bringing together over 200 experts and decision-makers from across the region. The event focused on how artificial intelligence and blockchain technology are reshaping health insurance, while officials announced strong growth projections for the UAE's health insurance market through 2026.

The conference tackled key technical challenges facing the industry today. Sessions covered how AI can help manage risks and prevent insurance fraud, plus how blockchain technology could streamline claims processing and policy pricing. These aren't just theoretical discussions - the UAE is actively working to implement these technologies across its health insurance sector.

Khalid Mohammed Al-Badi, chairman of the UAE Insurance Authority, said the government views insurance as crucial for economic and social development. He pointed to health insurance's vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic as proof of how essential comprehensive coverage has become.

The numbers back up the optimism. Hussein Al-Sharbihi, executive director of the UAE Insurance Authority, said several factors are driving growth: steady population increases, an aging demographic, expanding mandatory health insurance coverage to all emirates, and growing medical tourism. The UAE's economic diversification strategies are also boosting healthcare infrastructure to meet international standards.

Abdul Mohsen Jaber, who heads the Health and Life Insurance Committee, expects 2025 and 2026 growth rates to exceed previous years. Higher employment rates mean more people qualify for mandatory health insurance. The government is also extending coverage requirements to new groups, including residents and visitors, while tightening oversight to ensure companies properly insure their employees and families.

For 2026, the insurance authority plans to focus on three main areas: improving sector efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and supporting financial sustainability. They're particularly interested in AI and machine learning solutions that can speed up approvals and claims while reducing operational errors.

The push toward digitization includes developing apps and websites that let policyholders manage their own insurance policies. This shift reflects broader trends in the region, where governments are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and smart city initiatives.

The UAE's approach matters beyond its borders. As other Gulf countries watch the Emirates expand mandatory health coverage and integrate new technologies, successful implementation could serve as a model for regional health insurance reform. The conference highlighted how smaller markets can move faster on innovation compared to larger, more established insurance systems.