Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) has performed more than 1,260 robotic-assisted surgeries since launching its robotic surgery programme in 2020, highlighting the growing use of advanced technology in complex and minimally invasive care.
The programme, which began with a single robotic platform and four procedures, now supports multiple surgical specialties, including thoracic surgery, urology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery and general surgery. The hospital currently performs more than 500 robotic-assisted procedures annually.
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Recent procedures include single-port robotic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis and emergency robotic urology surgery. The programme is supported by internationally trained robotic surgeons, with all bariatric and thoracic surgeons and 80% of general surgeons trained in advanced robotic-assisted techniques. SSMC now has four robotic systems for general surgery, alongside two platforms for orthopaedic procedures and a dedicated system for neurosurgery acquired in 2026.
Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, said: “The growth of our robotic-assisted surgery programme reflects the strength of our multidisciplinary teams and our commitment to advancing complex care through innovation and clinical excellence. Over the past few years, robotic-assisted surgery has become an integral part of how we approach some of the most complex procedures, enabling greater precision while supporting minimally invasive treatment pathways for our patients. As the programme continues to grow, our focus remains on expanding clinical capabilities, strengthening outcomes-driven care and contributing to the future of advanced surgery in the UAE.”
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Robotic surgery volumes increased by 42% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Procedures rose from 87 to 131 in the first quarter and from 119 to 161 in the second quarter. The hospital is also using its SSMC Training Academy to support continued education and knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals, helping expand robotic surgery expertise across the UAE and the wider region.
