At World Health Expo 2026 in Dubai, Zaid S. Al Khayyat, managing director of AKI, outlined how the diversified group is leveraging its integrated healthcare ecosystem to drive better patient outcomes across the UAE and the wider region. With operations spanning diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, retail pharmacy, wellness and advanced logistics, AKI has positioned itself as a key player in the country’s expanding healthcare landscape.
In conversation, Al Khayyat highlighted the importance of partnerships, digital innovation and operational excellence in supporting the UAE’s ambition to become a global medical hub.
How is AKI Healthcare leveraging its integrated ecosystem—from preventative care to advanced logistics—to drive better patient outcomes, and what are some early indicators of success?
AKI has long been at the forefront of the holistic healthcare and wellness industry, enabling people across the region to lead healthier lives. Our founder and chairman, Dr. Saad F. Al Khayyat, is a surgeon by education. We have always believed in putting people first while building systems that set high standards and keep pushing them even higher.
We do this by approaching healthcare as a truly connected ecosystem
Whether it is preventative care, advanced diagnostics or pharmaceuticals, we show up with real scale, real capability and real impact. Today, we provide cutting-edge diagnostic tools through our AKI Medlab business, deliver trusted medications through AKI Pharma, bring wellness and care directly to communities through BinSina Pharmacy, and help elevate personal fitness and wellness journeys through Befit Middle East. These operations are all underpinned by AKI Logistics capabilities, which help us move faster, scale smarter and operate more efficiently.
What specific innovations or strategic collaborations discussed at World Health Expo 2026 do you see having the greatest potential to transform healthcare delivery in the UAE and the wider region?
The rapid pace of technological advancement was visible everywhere, from AI-supported digital health solutions to breakthroughs in biotech and biomanufacturing. These hold great promise in the UAE, considering the nation’s forward-thinking investments in digital infrastructure and innovation. The next frontiers of wellness, healthy ageing and longevity were also previewed in great detail at the Expo, and are topics we see as increasingly important to our region.
More broadly, World Health Expo 2026 is a valued forum to engage the entire healthcare community at once. We were grateful to spend time with AKI’s current partners, who continue to collaborate with us, challenge us and grow with us, as well as with new potential partners. The future of healthcare transformation will ultimately be built on strong partnerships, with everyone working together to create a more connected model of care.
With the UAE’s ambition to become a global medical hub, how is AKI positioning itself to attract or support international healthcare partners beyond the region?
Healthcare has always been at the heart of AKI’s story. As we have grown into a diversified group of more than 12,000 people, our healthcare capabilities have expanded alongside the UAE’s ambition to build a world-class healthcare system.
Part of that expansion has come from AKI’s dual commitment to the highest global standards as well as personalised care that is community-centric and people-first. This combination allows us to translate international innovations into solutions and services that resonate with those living in the region.
Meanwhile, continued investment in our logistics infrastructure enables us to scale volumes across increasingly complex operations and handle specialised, healthcare-sensitive items, including deep-freeze gene therapy products and radioactive materials.
Given the rapid evolution of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, how is AKI balancing legacy operational strengths with innovation to stay competitive and patient-centric?
Our roots in healthcare go back to 1965. Precision, reliability and genuine care have been hallmarks of our business. Where we are today is a testament to the trust that AKI has built over many decades with our international partners and local communities.
But the world has changed a lot since then. That is why we never stand still. We keep pushing ourselves to do better, to think smarter and to create meaningful impact in people’s lives every single day. With a legacy rooted in excellence and a constant focus on innovation, we are able to stay agile in a highly dynamic industry. We can embrace new ideas quickly and remain competitive in every domain we choose to enter.
By doing so, AKI continues to play a vital role in shaping the region’s healthcare landscape, aligned with the UAE’s vision to be a global medical hub.