Last updated on October 26, 2025
Yes. The UAE permits the use of holograms in remote surgery under its telehealth regulations, provided the technology is non-autonomous, physician-controlled, and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority or relevant emirate authority.
When Surgeons Go Virtual
Picture this: a surgeon in Abu Dhabi performs a delicate procedure on a patient in Fujairah—without ever leaving their office. Instead of scrubs and scalpels, they use a robotic interface and a holographic display. In the UAE, this isn’t science fiction. It’s regulated healthcare.
The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in medical innovation, and remote surgery using advanced technologies—including holograms—is part of its strategic vision. But like all things futuristic, it comes with a framework of rules.
The Legal Backbone: Telehealth Standards
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) outlines the legal and operational requirements for remote healthcare in its Standards for Telehealth Services Version 3. These standards define telehealth as the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. Among the six key areas covered is Telerobotics and Robot-Assisted Services, which includes remote surgery.
According to the DHA, telerobotics involves non-autonomous, remote-assisted robotic medical devices operated by a licensed physician. The physician must be physically located at a remote site and in full control of the surgical task. This ensures that the holographic interface or robotic system is a tool—not a decision-maker.
Holograms in the Operating Room
While the standards don’t explicitly use the term “hologram,” they encompass technologies that transmit bidirectional images and data in real time. This includes augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and holographic projections used to visualize anatomy, guide instruments, and enhance surgical precision.
The use of such technologies is permitted as long as they are integrated into a licensed telehealth system, comply with patient consent protocols, and meet cybersecurity and data protection standards. The DHA requires all telehealth services to be licensed, and facilities must demonstrate compliance with safety, quality, and ethical guidelines.
Federal Oversight and Innovation
The UAE’s broader legal framework supports this innovation. Federal Law No. (4) of 2016 on Medical Liability and its executive regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 40 of 2019) provide the legal basis for remote medical interventions. These laws emphasize physician accountability, patient safety, and informed consent—cornerstones of any surgical procedure, holographic or otherwise.
The UAE also promotes healthcare innovation through its national strategies, including the Fifty-Year Charter and the Dubai Health Strategy. These initiatives encourage the adoption of advanced medical technologies to improve access, reduce costs, and enhance outcomes.
Licensing and Compliance
To use holograms in remote surgery, healthcare providers must:
- Be licensed by the DHA or relevant emirate authority
- Use approved, non-autonomous robotic systems
- Ensure real-time physician control and oversight
- Obtain informed patient consent
- Comply with cybersecurity and health data regulations
Failure to meet these standards can result in penalties, license suspension, or legal liability under UAE medical laws.
See more on UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Sources
Standards for Telehealth Services Version 3 – Dubai Health Authority
https://dha.gov.ae/uploads/112021/74c7d6c7-7128-4b51-ae89-fe2f85d68da6.pdf
2021-08-22
DOH Standard on Tele-Medicine – Department of Health Abu Dhabi
https://www.doh.gov.ae/-/media/0272CB2B824D41D6B4A2A5C78EBD94F9.ashx
2020-09-16