In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, discussed his vision for Saudi Arabia to adopt AI-driven health technology for all citizens. He proposed that every Saudi should have access to a real-time AI-powered health dashboard to track metabolic markers, predictive disease risks, and optimize lifestyle strategies.
At the Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh, Prince Khaled emphasized the importance of incentivizing longevity-focused research and development (R&D), calling for governments to treat health-tech startups similarly to defense contractors, funding and fast-tracking innovations that could extend the healthy lifespan of populations.
Prince Khaled challenged the traditional view of aging, asserting that it should not be seen as the onset of disease but rather as the failure of medicine to address the root cause of aging. He criticized the current healthcare system for focusing too heavily on treating disease instead of investing in technologies that prevent it. He argued that a healthier population should be viewed as an economic accelerator rather than a financial burden.
The CEO proposed that Saudi Arabia could become a global hub for biotech and longevity research, leveraging AI and biotech to create personalized longevity plans for individuals. He called for a shift from a reactive healthcare system to a proactive one that predicts and prevents health issues before they arise.
Prince Khaled also envisioned the creation of a “longevity-first city” in Saudi Arabia, where AI and biotech would play a central role in public health, regenerative medicine, and age-reversal therapies. His ultimate goal is for Saudi Arabia to lead the world in longevity technologies, enabling its citizens to live healthier, longer lives while boosting the nation’s productivity and economic growth.
In conclusion, Prince Khaled stated, “The countries that prioritize longevity will dominate the global economy,” emphasizing the transformative potential of AI-driven healthcare in shaping the future.
