Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s ARPI Inc. to advance AI-powered electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation technology. The agreement, signed during the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit on October 21, 2026, aims to enhance early detection of cardiovascular diseases and improve clinical decision-making.
In the presence of H.E. Lee Won-ik, the South Korean Ambassador to the UAE, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO of Burjeel Holdings, the MoU was formalized by Dr. Ashiq Moideen of Burjeel Hospital and Joonghee Kim, CEO of ARPI Inc. This collaboration aligns with Burjeel’s transformation strategy, Burjeel 2.0, which focuses on enhancing clinical excellence and expanding complex care capabilities through innovative technologies.
Focus on AI-Driven Cardiac Diagnostics
Central to the partnership is ARPI’s ECG Buddy, an AI-driven solution designed to assist healthcare professionals in analyzing ECGs. This technology aims to identify cardiac rhythm abnormalities and provide insights into potential cardiovascular risks. The collaboration will involve pilot implementations and clinical validation within Burjeel’s facilities to assess the technology’s effectiveness and clinical benefits.
Burjeel Hospital has recently enhanced its capabilities in advanced cardiovascular medicine, notably by introducing one of the region’s first AI-powered catheterization laboratories. This facility, equipped with Siemens Healthineers’ ARTIS icono.vision platform, supports complex interventional cardiology and minimally invasive treatments, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive cardiovascular care.
Clinical Validation and Future Prospects
Under the MoU, Burjeel and ARPI will conduct both retrospective and prospective clinical validation studies using anonymized ECG data. These studies will evaluate the technology’s diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and overall clinical utility within local healthcare settings. The partnership also opens avenues for joint clinical research and knowledge exchange between experts in the UAE and South Korea.
Dr. Georgie Thomas, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Burjeel Hospital, emphasized the importance of early diagnostic signals in cardiac care, stating, “AI can help physicians recognize key diagnostic signals earlier and make more informed decisions.” He highlighted the need for rigorous evaluation to ensure that technological advancements translate into improved patient outcomes.
Regulatory Approvals and Implementation Plans
ARPI’s ECG Buddy has already received regulatory approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and holds CE certification. The technology is currently utilized in over 150 hospitals across South Korea, processing approximately 300,000 ECGs monthly. Joonghee Kim, CEO of ARPI, expressed optimism about the partnership, noting its potential to enhance cardiovascular care in the UAE.
A joint working group comprising clinical, research, regulatory, IT, and business representatives will oversee the proposed studies and assess the necessary regulatory requirements. Should the clinical validation prove successful, the organizations may explore broader implementation across Burjeel facilities and potential opportunities throughout the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
This collaboration underscores Burjeel Holdings’ commitment to integrating advanced clinical capabilities with emerging technologies, aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of specialized cardiovascular care.
For further details, refer to Gulf Today.
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