UAE to use AI to curb smoking, related diseases in high-risk smokers including youth

Dubai: The UAE will begin using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to identify smokers at risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases in a major step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and reducing tobacco-related illness.

This is part of a wide-ranging agreement signed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi, aimed at leveraging innovation to improve public health and combat tobacco use, especially among youth.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at MoHAP’s headquarters in Dubai by Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, and Preeti Futnani, Country Chair and General Manager at Sanofi, in the presence of officials from both sides.

The MoU supports the development and delivery of WHO-approved training programmes to equip healthcare professionals with behavioural therapy techniques for smoking cessation, alongside AI-driven tools that help identify high-risk individuals before complications arise.

The initiative forms part of the UAE’s comprehensive efforts to curb the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, among youth in schools and universities. It will be done by integrating AI and emerging technologies into awareness campaigns to reach younger audiences more effectively.

The agreement is designed to support the early detection of noncommunicable diseases and address their key risk factors. This includes reducing the incidence of chronic respiratory illnesses by tackling tobacco use — the primary cause of conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and bronchial asthma.

In addition to early intervention, the partnership aims to raise national awareness about the health dangers of smoking, while reinforcing the foundations of a world-class, prevention-focused healthcare system that promotes wellbeing and longevity.

The MoU also bolsters respiratory disease research in collaboration with national health and academic institutions. This includes conducting surveillance and analytical studies, clinical trials, and publishing peer-reviewed scientific literature.

To further support the health workforce, the agreement will provide accredited training workshops on AI applications and behavioural counselling, enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver targeted smoking cessation support.

Additionally, the partnership will support educational and community events, including school programmes and sports initiatives that promote anti-tobacco messages and healthy lifestyles.

Dr Hussain Al Rand stressed the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it aligns with national goals to build a world-class preventive health system and improve quality of life.

He said: “The agreement will support the expansion of innovative programmes for early detection of noncommunicable diseases, enhance chronic respiratory disease prevention, strengthen integrated awareness plans, and empower medical professionals to apply international best practices in behavioural therapy for tobacco cessation.”

These efforts aim to improve the overall performance of the healthcare system.

Dr Al Rand noted that added that the agreement will strengthen medical research development through collaboration with academic institutions and the private sector to establish evidence-based, sustainable solutions for preventing chronic diseases and tobacco-related health complications.

It will also support the integration of AI technologies to identify high-risk populations and deliver advanced training for healthcare workers to reduce noncommunicable disease rates and promote healthy lifestyles. “We will spare no effort to consolidate the UAE’s position as home to one of the most advanced healthcare systems globally, in line with the goals of the “UAE Centennial 2071,” added Dr Al Rand.