Abu Dhabi, UAE, Deploys AI in Operating Theatres as Doctors Can Review Surgical Recordings

Abu Dhabi has begun deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology in around 100 hospital operating theatres as part of an effort to build a data- and AI-driven health system.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health is connecting operating theatres across hospitals using Johnson & Johnson’s Polyphonic surgical technology platform. The programme forms part of the emirate’s long-term strategy to build an AI-native health system.

“We are not a classic and traditional health ministry,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Deputy Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, in an interview with Semafor on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

The technology will record video and audio from the operating theatre while also collecting patient data, such as medical imaging results and monitoring readings.

The AI system will be deployed in hospitals operated by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, PureHealth, Mediclinic, and NMC Healthcare.

In the initial phase, the platform will function as a learning tool for surgeons. Doctors will be able to replay their operative recordings, share clips of procedures with colleagues, and evaluate mistakes and successes during operations.

Additionally, pre-operative briefings, which have previously been conducted via WhatsApp or manual notes, will be digitised and stored in a single integrated system.

In the longer term, Johnson & Johnson aims for the system to provide real-time surgical guidance to surgeons, akin to cockpit navigation in an aircraft.

Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Scientist Peter Schulman said the technology could help doctors identify the patient’s anatomical structures before incision, reducing the risk of injury during surgery.

The ultimate aim is to create a connected operating theatre where all medical devices and data sources can communicate directly with the surgeon.