7Sense's sight technology for the blind was on display to visitors on the second day of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
7Sense's sight technology for the blind was on display to visitors on the second day of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
7Sense's sight technology for the blind was on display to visitors on the second day of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
7Sense's sight technology for the blind was on display to visitors on the second day of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Estonia leads the way for digital health care drive


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

Estonia is leading the way in how the world could one day become 100 per cent digital, with health care the most likely industry to improve as a result.

On day two of Arab Health 2025, delegates from the Baltic state, which has a population of about 1.3 million, were displaying the latest developments in a digitalised society that has become a beacon for the rest of the world.

The foundation stone for Estonia’s digital ecosystem has been in place for more than 20 years, with almost all government services now online, and records held securely for users and government departments to access with a few smartphone finger swipes.

Estonians can now access all government services through a portal using a single, centralised log-in, connecting them to an entire online network, from education and employment records, to marriage and divorce.

But it is in the healthcare sector, where the country is 100 per cent digital, that the results are proving most transformative. With patient permission, doctors can access entire medical history, from dental records to prescriptions and scan results.

Agreements are also in place for records to be shared among neighbouring countries under agreed partnerships, allowing Estonians to collect medication in nations such as Latvia and Finland.

Model nation

Estonia's data-driven network came first in last year's Digital Health Index by Bertelsmann Stiftung, making it a model that is being replicated not only in the UAE but across the world.

“Digitalisation started in 1996 when the government actually took the decision to bring computers to all schools and everybody got access to some first level programming,” said Reet Reinart-Okugbeni, a leading R&D expert at Estonia’s Applied Research Programme.

“It has been very gradual but it has prepared the country for this process. Now you can access most of your health history from this one platform. We can access records from our mobile phones to see the different appointments we've taken and the different kind of prescriptions we were prescribed.”

Reet Reinart-Okugbeni, of Estonia’s Applied Research Programme, was speaking on day two of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Reet Reinart-Okugbeni, of Estonia’s Applied Research Programme, was speaking on day two of Arab Health 2025 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The digital process uses emerging technology and digital tools that can help diagnose ailments in the home and better manage patient flow through health systems. By cutting the need for physical movement, processes can be more easily automated, preparing health systems for advancements in technology.

"Our fully integrated digital health system empowers every citizen with secure access to their online health records, seamlessly connecting data from healthcare providers across the nation,” said Maria Belovas, Estonia’s ambassador to the UAE. “This initiative exemplifies how a collaborative approach between state-backed innovation and private-sector expertise can revolutionise healthcare accessibility and enhance efficiency.”

The country is also developing home-grown solutions to tackle everyday health challenges for Estonians. Estonia’s pioneering e-prescription system, Helmes, connects doctors, pharmacies and patients to enhance efficiency, while the National Health Record, Nortal, uses blockchain security for data integrity, ensuring transparency in all digital systems.

Superbrain

Another Estonian device is the Superbrain headset by Tallinn company, 7Sense. The €9,000 ($9,384) device uses patented haptic technology that helps blind people safely navigate the outside world, similar to a guide dog.

A number of cameras monitor the surrounding area, creating soft touch-like sensations to warn users of objects and hazards.

“This device allows the blind to feel the surrounding environment with the sense of touch, they can feel the surrounding objects, motion and speed,” said Madis Paev, co-founder of 7Sense. “Usually if you hand something to a blind person, you have to take their hand and put the object there. With this device they can actually understand where the object is.”

The headset has been designed and manufactured in Estonia, from where it is also being sold. It is also being used in Germany and the UK.

Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, chief executived of Integrated Health Solutions platform M42. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, chief executived of Integrated Health Solutions platform M42. Chris Whiteoak / The National

What about the UAE?

The UAE is fast catching up with the digital success of Estonia and is leading the way in its own transformation in Gulf countries.

“In Abu Dhabi I can comfortably say we are 100 per cent digitised through our Health Services platform, Malaffi,” said Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, chief executive of integrated health solutions platform M42. “All of the hospitals are connected, as are the labs and pharmacies.

“So if you see a physician in Cleveland Clinic AD and then later a physician in NMC, we can see your journey digitally, what has been ordered, what has been prescribed and what tests you have gone through. This is providing optimal care to the patient and expediting care delivery. It is also minimising harm and impacting healthcare expenditure because we're not repeating tests.”

Innovation and the use of AI is also a key part of the digital transformation across many of the UAE’s private facilities, including at Saudi German Hospital.

The hospital group recently partnered with iO Health to integrate AI in all its operations, including clinical decision-making and to optimise resources.

It also aims to simplify complex healthcare pathways, improve patient engagement and also hand doctors the most advanced tools for more precise treatments.

“This is a pivotal step in our journey toward a fully digitalised healthcare ecosystem,” said Dr Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO of Saudi German Hospital, UAE.

“By integrating AI into our operations, we are not just improving efficiency; we are transforming the way healthcare is delivered in the UAE.

“Our focus is on creating a system that empowers patients, supports clinicians, and ensures better health outcomes.”

Arab Health 2025 - in pictures

  • Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference, which is celebrating its 50th year. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference, which is celebrating its 50th year. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The latest medical devices and diagnostic scanners were on display at the exhibition. Pawan Singh / The National
    The latest medical devices and diagnostic scanners were on display at the exhibition. Pawan Singh / The National
  • An infant incubator on display at the event. Pawan Singh / The National
    An infant incubator on display at the event. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Arab Health Conference runs until Thursday. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Arab Health Conference runs until Thursday. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Significant focus has been placed on technology during the conference. Automation will be integral across all future medical operations. Pawan Singh / The National
    Significant focus has been placed on technology during the conference. Automation will be integral across all future medical operations. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the first day of the Arab Health Conference. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A helmet mask for breathing in an ICU is displayed on the second day of Arab Health 2025 at the conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A helmet mask for breathing in an ICU is displayed on the second day of Arab Health 2025 at the conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Safety needles on display at the Dubai conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Safety needles on display at the Dubai conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Cyberdyne's active exoskeleton with bioelectrical signals at the Arab Health Conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Cyberdyne's active exoskeleton with bioelectrical signals at the Arab Health Conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Stan%20Lee
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Gelb%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 285bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: TBA

On sale: Q2, 2020

UAE%20Warriors%2045%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%0DMain%20Event%0D%3A%20Lightweight%20Title%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAmru%20Magomedov%20def%20Jakhongir%20Jumaev%20-%20Round%201%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-Main%20Event%0D%3A%20Bantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERany%20Saadeh%20def%20Genil%20Franciso%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20150%20lbs%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWalter%20Cogliandro%20def%20Ali%20Al%20Qaisi%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERenat%20Khavalov%20def%20Hikaru%20Yoshino%20-%20Round%202%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EVictor%20Nunes%20def%20Nawras%20Abzakh%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EYamato%20Fujita%20def%20Sanzhar%20Adilov%20-%20Round%201%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELightweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAbdullo%20Khodzhaev%20def%20Petru%20Buzdugen%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20139%20lbs%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERazhabali%20Shaydullaev%20def%20Magomed%20Al-Abdullah%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ECong%20Wang%20def%20Amena%20Hadaya%20-%20Points%20(unanimous%20decision)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EKhabib%20Nabiev%20def%20Adis%20Taalaybek%20Uulu%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20Heavyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBartosz%20Szewczyk%20def%20Artem%20Zemlyakov%20-%20Round%202%20(TKO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key recommendations
  • Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
  • Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
  • Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
  • More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
US%20federal%20gun%20reform%20since%20Sandy%20Hook
%3Cp%3E-%20April%2017%2C%202013%3A%20A%20bipartisan-drafted%20bill%20to%20expand%20background%20checks%20and%20ban%20assault%20weapons%20fails%20in%20the%20Senate.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20July%202015%3A%20Bill%20to%20require%20background%20checks%20for%20all%20gun%20sales%20is%20introduced%20in%20House%20of%20Representatives.%20It%20is%20not%20brought%20to%20a%20vote.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20June%2012%2C%202016%3A%20Orlando%20shooting.%20Barack%20Obama%20calls%20on%20Congress%20to%20renew%20law%20prohibiting%20sale%20of%20assault-style%20weapons%20and%20high-capacity%20magazines.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20October%201%2C%202017%3A%20Las%20Vegas%20shooting.%20US%20lawmakers%20call%20for%20banning%20bump-fire%20stocks%2C%20and%20some%20renew%20call%20for%20assault%20weapons%20ban.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20February%2014%2C%202018%3A%20Seventeen%20pupils%20are%20killed%20and%2017%20are%20wounded%20during%20a%20mass%20shooting%20in%20Parkland%2C%20Florida.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20December%2018%2C%202018%3A%20Donald%20Trump%20announces%20a%20ban%20on%20bump-fire%20stocks.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20August%202019%3A%20US%20House%20passes%20law%20expanding%20background%20checks.%20It%20is%20not%20brought%20to%20a%20vote%20in%20the%20Senate.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20April%2011%2C%202022%3A%20Joe%20Biden%20announces%20measures%20to%20crack%20down%20on%20hard-to-trace%20'ghost%20guns'.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20May%2024%2C%202022%3A%20Nineteen%20children%20and%20two%20teachers%20are%20killed%20at%20an%20elementary%20school%20in%20Uvalde%2C%20Texas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20June%2025%2C%202022%3A%20Joe%20Biden%20signs%20into%20law%20the%20first%20federal%20gun-control%20bill%20in%20decades.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GRAN%20TURISMO
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Neill%20Blomkamp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Harbour%2C%20Orlando%20Bloom%2C%20Archie%20Madekwe%2C%20Darren%20Barnet%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

THE DETAILS

Kaala

Dir: Pa. Ranjith

Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar  

Rating: 1.5/5 

Sunday's games

All times UAE:

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace, 4pm

Manchester City v Arsenal, 6.15pm

Everton v Watford, 8.30pm

Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm

Janet Yellen's Firsts

  • In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve 
  • In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers 
Updated: January 29, 2025, 6:46 AM