Four hospitals operated by Aster DM Healthcare have been recognized in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 list, which highlights 350 hospitals worldwide that are leading the way in digital innovation.
Representing the UAE, Aster Hospital Al Qusais (#267), Aster Hospital Mankhool (#309), and Medcare Hospital Al Safa (#248) were included in the ranking. Aster Hospital Al Qusais earned a spot for the second consecutive year. In Saudi Arabia, Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh (#341) also secured a place on the list.
The 2026 ranking introduced a ribbon system to recognize performance levels in smart hospital capabilities. Aster Hospital Mankhool and Aster Hospital Al Qusais each received two ribbons, while Aster Sanad Hospital and Medcare Hospital Al Safa were awarded one ribbon each.
Advanced technologies
The recognition underscores Aster’s push to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into its healthcare delivery. The group has introduced robotics-assisted surgeries across specialties, launched myAster, the region’s first fully integrated healthcare super-app, and developed SmyleAI, an AI-driven dental and aesthetic planning platform. Its hospitals also use AI-powered documentation tools and IoT-enabled infrastructure to streamline clinical workflows.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said the recognition reflects decades of work in combining digital transformation with patient care. “Having four of our hospitals recognized among the World’s Best Smart Hospitals reflects how far we have come in uniting digital transformation with compassionate care, while staying committed to building systems that are future-ready, resilient, and patient-centric,” he said.
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, added that the acknowledgment highlights the organization’s goal of reimagining healthcare through innovation. “For us, a smart hospital is not just about enhancing patient care but also about empowering doctors, nurses, and staff with tools that make their work safer, more efficient, and more fulfilling,” she said.
The World’s Best Smart Hospitals rankings are produced by Newsweek in collaboration with Statista, drawing on surveys of healthcare professionals and assessments of hospitals’ adoption of new technologies.
The recognition comes as the global smart hospital market is expected to surpass $140 billion by 2030, driven by investments in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital health systems.
