MINI REVIEW article
Front. Med.
Sec. Healthcare Professions Education
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: Saudi Arabian Perspective
1. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
2. Department of Neurosurgery, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping medical education by enhancing learning efficiency, personalization, and assessment. In Saudi Arabia, national investments in digital health and education under Vision 2030 have created a favorable environment for AI integration. However, the adoption of AI in medical education must be carefully balanced to preserve essential humanistic elements such as empathy, mentorship, and interpersonal communication. Methods: This narrative review examines the current state of AI applications in medical education in Saudi Arabia. A structured literature search was conducted across peer-reviewed databases and relevant grey literature to identify studies published in English or Arabic within the past five years. Data were extracted, critically appraised, and synthesized narratively to highlight key applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions. Results: AI applications in Saudi Arabian medical education include adaptive learning platforms, simulation-based training, virtual and augmented reality, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-supported assessment tools. These approaches have been associated with improved learner engagement, knowledge retention, and personalized educational experiences among medical students, residents, and trainees. Despite these advances, formal integration of AI-related competencies—such as data literacy, algorithm interpretation, and ethical AI use—remains limited within current curricula. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence has significant potential to transform medical education in Saudi Arabia and support the development of a future-ready healthcare workforce. While national initiatives and investments have accelerated AI adoption, further research, faculty development, ethical governance, and curriculum reform are required to ensure responsible, effective, and human-centered implementation
Summary
Keywords
artificial intelligence, healthcare, machine learning, Medical Education, Saudi Arabia
Received
02 January 2026
Accepted
16 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Al-Jehani and Mousa. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Hosam Al-Jehani
Disclaimer
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.