The UAE has taken a major step in healthcare innovation with the launch of ‘Synthetic Memories’, a new artificial intelligence therapy designed for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. The initiative, introduced at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai, is the first of its kind in the region.
Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation in partnership with Emirates Health Services, the project uses advanced AI tools to recreate personal memories that may have begun to fade. By stimulating recall through customised images and videos, the therapy seeks to improve emotional engagement and quality of life for elderly patients.
How the therapy works
The project merges AI technology with cultural authenticity. Families share personal stories and details, which are combined with archival material and local imagery from the UAE’s history. Historians and specialists then verify the cultural context before the information is processed by AI models.
The outcome is a personalised visual journey that reconnects patients with important life moments. Trained psychologists guide the therapy sessions, ensuring the approach is applied within safe and professional frameworks.
A new phase in dementia care
Early results have shown encouraging outcomes. Patients responded positively during therapy, showing stronger emotional connections and more meaningful communication when exposed to personalised visual content.
Dr Ammar Hamid Al Bana, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, said the initiative represents a new phase in treatment. He explained that synthetic memories offer more than clinical support; they create emotional experiences that help patients reconnect with themselves and their past.
Innovation rooted in human needs
Abeer Tahlak, Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation, described the project as an example of how technology can be designed to serve society. She said the initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of improving quality of life through innovative solutions.
Dr Noor Al Muhairi, Director of the Mental Health Department at Emirates Health Services, noted that ‘Synthetic Memories’ provides a new therapeutic pathway. By merging advanced science with emotional care, it offers a patient-centred approach that strengthens recovery and psychological stability.
Cultural memory as therapy
One of the most distinctive features of the project is its integration of national heritage into therapy. Using archival images from the UAE’s pre-Union era, therapists create connections between patients’ personal and cultural memories. This approach ensures treatment remains deeply local, while also preserving identity and heritage for future generations.
Building a global model
Workshops held at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital have already received strong engagement from mental health professionals. The project was first introduced earlier this year during Arab Health 2025 and is now being applied in clinical trials.
By combining science, heritage, and patient-centred care, the UAE is building a model that could shape dementia treatment both locally and internationally. Emirates Health Services and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation continue to expand the scope of AI-powered healthcare solutions, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in forward-looking healthcare.
As trials continue, the focus will remain on enhancing patient experiences, strengthening family connections, and introducing new therapeutic tools into the UAE’s healthcare system.
With ‘Synthetic Memories’, the UAE is setting a new benchmark in dementia care, showing how artificial intelligence can be applied with cultural sensitivity and human compassion.
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