Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), notes that the core shift in modern healthcare is precision, and how hospitals deploy new technologies to deliver specialist care. According to Dr Al Kaabi, precision is not just about surgery, but also about diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey.
At SSMC, a flagship hospital for serious and complex care in the UAE, robotic surgery is redefining the operating theatre. The hospital views robotic platforms as an extension of clinical expertise, rather than a standalone technological showcase. Dr Al Kaabi explains that robotic surgery enables greater precision in complex procedures, less invasive surgery, and faster recovery for patients.
Scaling Operations and Driving Regional Access
The growth of SSMC’s robotic surgery programme illustrates clinical adoption and patient demand for minimally invasive surgical options. Since launching in 2020, the hospital has completed over 1,380 robotic-assisted procedures, with the programme now delivering over 500 surgeries annually. In the first half of 2026, the programme recorded a 42 per cent surge in volume.
This momentum has yielded tangible benefits for the patient experience. By minimising surgical trauma, reducing pain, and lowering complication risks, robotic-assisted techniques allow patients to regain independence far sooner. In 2026, 49 per cent of robotic procedures at SSMC were performed as same-day surgeries, allowing patients to return home within hours.
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Dr Al Kaabi notes that patients are more concerned about recovering well and getting back to their lives quickly and safely, rather than the specific technology used. The hospital’s approach is to ensure every patient receives the safest and best outcome, whether that involves robotic surgery or not.
Investing in Clinical Talent and Trust
Dr Al Kaabi stresses that maintaining clinical standards during rapid technological expansion requires equal investment in medical personnel. The hospital continues to invest in education, mentoring, and the development of clinical talent through the SSMC Training Academy. Since September 2025, the academy’s continuous learning initiatives have directly upskilled 23 surgeons.
Dr Al Kaabi believes that technology should challenge clinicians to become better, not different. Clinical judgement, compassion, and experience remain at the heart of every decision. As the integration of surgical robotics deepens, Dr Al Kaabi emphasises that the ultimate test of medical innovation remains human-centred.
Broadening Specialty Applications
Expansion into orthopaedics and neurosurgery now complements the existing robotic portfolio, allowing surgeons to address complex spine and joint conditions with enhanced accuracy.
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Such growth is supported by a cadre of internationally trained specialists who combine local expertise with exposure to leading surgical platforms, ensuring patients receive world-class care without leaving the region.
Dr Al Kaabi reflects, “It’s easy to become excited by advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital health. But patients don’t remember the technology they encountered. They remember how they were treated, how they were listened to, and whether they felt cared for during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.” He concludes, “If technology creates more time for clinicians to focus on their patients, enables better conversations, or helps people recover with greater confidence, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Patients should never have to choose between advanced technology and compassionate care. They deserve both. The future of surgery isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about giving exceptional clinicians even greater capability to transform lives.” Brand View allows our business partners to share content with Arabian Business readers.The content is supplied by Arabian Business Brand View Partners.
