Bupa Arabia Takes a Digital Leap Toward Vision 2030 With Care Without Borders

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, Executive Medical Director of Bupa CareConnect

What are the key drivers behind Bupa Arabia’s participation in the MENA Telehealth & Virtual Care Expo 2025, and what strategic goals does the company aim to achieve through this regional platform?

Bupa Arabia’s participation in the MENA Telehealth & Virtual Care Expo 2025 reflects our long-term commitment to leading healthcare innovation and digital transformation. As a Gold Sponsor, our presence underscores our role as a key player in shaping the future of healthcare across the region. This platform enables us to forge global partnerships, demonstrate our AI-powered capabilities, and reinforce our position as a trusted partner in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals—specifically in access, quality, and efficiency of care.

How does the Bupa CareConnect platform reflect Bupa Arabia’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector?

CareConnect is Bupa Arabia’s innovation engine—bringing to life our vision for a smart, patient-centric healthcare system. From our AI-driven claims automation to our virtual-first care pathways, CareConnect represents our dedication to reimagining healthcare with a focus on accessibility, convenience, and measurable outcomes. It’s a model designed to reduce complexity for patients while maximizing clinical value.

What are the most notable digital health innovations Bupa Arabia will showcase, and how do these offerings set the company apart in the Saudi healthcare market?

We are proud to showcase several digital-first solutions at the Expo, including:

• Our Digital Clinic Pod—a mobile solution that brings virtual consultations to remote or high-traffic areas.
• AI-powered care management systems that deliver personalized, proactive support for chronic conditions.
• A streamlined digital claims platform that accelerates reimbursements while improving accuracy.
  

What sets Bupa Arabia apart is our ability to integrate these technologies within a fully insured ecosystem—ensuring seamless end-to-end care that’s patient-first, not system-first.

In what ways are Bupa Arabia’s AI-powered solutions enhancing care delivery, particularly in managing chronic conditions and early diagnosis?

AI is central to our care delivery model. We use predictive analytics to identify at-risk patients, automate medical authorizations, and proactively guide members through wellness journeys. For chronic condition management, our systems offer early detection alerts, real-time health monitoring, and customized care plans—all aimed at improving outcomes, reducing hospital visits, and enabling patients to live healthier lives.

What impact has CareConnect had on patient outcomes and quality of life? Will Bupa be sharing performance data or case studies during the expo?

Since its launch, CareConnect has supported over 200,000 patients and reduced average time-to-care by 35%. Our virtual consultations have a satisfaction rate exceeding 90%, and members managing chronic conditions have shown improved adherence to care plans by over 40%. These metrics, along with anonymized case studies, will be shared during the event to illustrate how CareConnect is redefining modern healthcare delivery.

Can you elaborate on the new technology partnerships Bupa Arabia signed at the Expo? How will these collaborations enhance its digital healthcare ecosystem?

We’ve signed four new strategic agreements with global leaders:

• GOQii (India): preventive AI coaching and remote health monitoring
• Comarch (Poland): advanced telemedicine and remote diagnostics
• Nuralogix (Canada): non-invasive vital signs monitoring via facial scan
• We Healthify: gamified health engagement and behavioral wellness
  

These partnerships enrich our ecosystem with best-in-class technologies—creating a more connected, predictive, and personalized care experience for our members.

How does Bupa Arabia’s digital health strategy align with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in improving quality of life and modernizing healthcare delivery across the Kingdom?

Our digital health strategy is deeply aligned with Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality. By removing friction points such as pre-authorizations empowering virtual care models, and integrating AI-driven insights, we’re enabling a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system—one where every citizen and resident has the right tools to lead a healthier life.

How is Bupa Arabia fostering trust among customers and healthcare providers through its digital platforms, and are there plans to scale these solutions locally or across the region?

Trust is built through transparency, reliability, and clinical excellence. Our digital platforms are secured with world-class data protection standards, and our processes are governed by regulatory compliance and ethical AI usage. We maintain open communication with providers and ensure a feedback loop with members to continuously improve experiences. As for scalability—yes, our solutions are designed with future expansion in mind, and we’re actively exploring regional deployment opportunities where digital care can make the greatest impact.