Application of artificial intelligence in medical education: Saudi Arabian perspective

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping medical education by enhancing learning efficiency, personalization, and assessment. In Saudi Arabia, national investments in digital health and education under Vision 2030 have created a favorable environment for AI integration. However, the adoption of AI in medical education must be carefully balanced to preserve essential humanistic elements such as empathy, mentorship, and interpersonal communication.

This narrative review examines the current state of AI applications in medical education in Saudi Arabia. A structured literature search was conducted across peer-reviewed databases and relevant gray literature to identify studies published in English or Arabic within the past 5 years. Data were extracted, critically appraised, and synthesized narratively to highlight key applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions.

AI applications in Saudi Arabian medical education include adaptive learning platforms, simulation-based training, virtual and augmented reality, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-supported assessment tools. These approaches have been associated with improved learner engagement, knowledge retention, and personalized educational experiences among medical students, residents, and trainees. Despite these advances, formal integration of AI-related competencies-such as data literacy, algorithm interpretation, and ethical AI use-remains limited within current curricula.

Artificial intelligence has significant potential to transform medical education in Saudi Arabia and support the development of a future-ready healthcare workforce. While national initiatives and investments have accelerated AI adoption, further research, faculty development, ethical governance, and curriculum reform are required to ensure responsible, effective, and human-centered implementation.