Robotic-assisted surgery is revolutionizing healthcare in the UAE, led by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s advanced program. With over 400 procedures in 2024, including groundbreaking kidney transplants and cancer surgeries, robotics is enhancing precision, reducing recovery times, and improving outcomes—positioning the UAE as a global leader in patient-centered, tech-driven medical innovation.
Technology is revolutionizing healthcare on a global scale, with robotic-assisted surgery driving a new era of patient care. In the UAE, a nation that has rapidly emerged as a hub for innovation, robotics is playing a pivotal role in advancing medical care. The integration of robotic systems in surgical procedures is not only enhancing precision and minimizing recovery times but also paving the way for new possibilities.
Robotic-assisted surgery combines the expertise of highly trained surgeons with state-of-the-art technology to perform intricate procedures with enhanced control and accuracy. Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System enable minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery times and surgical complications compared to traditional approaches.
At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, robotic surgery spans multiple specialties, from urology and oncology to general surgery.
For patients, this means shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and quicker recoveries. In the UAE, where the healthcare landscape is guided by innovation and accessibility, the potential of robotics extends beyond immediate patient outcomes. The evolution of tele-surgical systems, for example, promises to bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in remote areas to benefit from advanced procedures performed by specialists located miles away. As the technology matures, the upfront investment in robotics is increasingly offset by long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Dr. Waleed A. Hassen, Department Chair of Urology at the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said: “The UAE is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of healthcare innovation. Robotics not only redefines what is possible in surgery but also addresses broader challenges, such as accessibility and cost efficiency. This technology is transforming healthcare into a more inclusive and patient-centered model. Our investment in robotics is driven by our commitment to delivering patient first care driven by precision and minimally invasive care.”
In 2024 alone, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed over 400 robotic-assisted surgeries, demonstrating the versatility and transformative impact of robotic systems. A defining milestone was the UAE’s first simultaneous robotic kidney transplant for both donor and recipient. The groundbreaking procedure showcased the ability of robotic systems perform simultaneously on both donor and recipient at the same time, reducing recovery time while maintaining high surgical precision.
Other achievements included, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed a robotic bilateral kidney transplant on a 78-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease. Similarly, robotic-assisted hernia repairs allow for more precise reconstructions, reducing patient discomfort and recovery duration. In addition, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic colleagues in the U.S. have conducted three robot-assisted kidney transplants for the first time in the UAE, marking a significant milestone for the regional healthcare landscape.
Oncology also benefits from robotic technology. The hospital performed the first robotic mastectomy providing greater accuracy for complex breast cancer surgeries, enhancing safety and surgical precision.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Robotic Surgery Program is one of the most advanced in the region. These include urologic surgeries like kidney and prostate operations, gastrointestinal procedures such as colorectal and weight-loss surgeries, and gynecologic surgeries including hysterectomies. The program also handles complex cancer treatments and kidney transplants with minimally invasive techniques. Since its launch in 2015, it has expanded to cover more specialties and train the next generation of robotic surgeons.
The hospital’s efforts align with the UAE’s broader healthcare goals of becoming a global leader in medical innovation. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies not only elevates local standards of care but also attracts international patients seeking world-class medical treatment. These advancements are fostering a dynamic healthcare ecosystem in the region, driven by collaboration among hospitals, government agencies, and technology partners.
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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi collaborates with government agencies, educational institutions, and technology partners to contribute to a dynamic healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes innovation and patient-centered care. As the UAE continues to embrace robotics and artificial intelligence, the region is poised to set new benchmarks for innovation in healthcare. With its ability to close gaps in accessibility, reduce costs, and enhance patient experiences, robotics is not just transforming how care is delivered—it’s reshaping the future of medicine.
Looking ahead, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi plans to deepen its integration of robotics with artificial intelligence, enabling predictive analytics to improve surgical decision-making, reduce complications, and further personalize patient care.
