Two major health technology players are reshaping how employers in the UAE think about workforce wellbeing. M42’s Digital Health Solutions Platform and TELUS Health have announced a strategic partnership to roll out AI-powered Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to businesses across the region.
The collaboration signals a decisive shift from reactive healthcare models toward predictive, personalized wellness ecosystems. Rather than stepping in only after issues arise, the joint platform is designed to anticipate health risks and intervene early. The program will feature more than 40 modules spanning emotional wellbeing, lifestyle management, and broader health resources—delivered in multiple local languages to reflect the UAE’s diverse workforce.
How the program works
At its core, the EAP integrates M42’s advanced digital health infrastructure with TELUS Health’s global expertise in employee wellness solutions.
Employees will be able to access a range of digital modules tailored to different dimensions of health—mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Artificial intelligence drives the personalization engine, analyzing user inputs and behavioral patterns to recommend targeted interventions. This enables early identification of potential risks and promotes preventive action before conditions escalate.
M42 contributes a robust digital backbone to the initiative. Its portfolio includes Malaffi—the region’s first Health Information Exchange—alongside e-prescription systems and virtual hospital platforms. This integrated infrastructure supports secure, scalable delivery of digital wellness services across enterprises.
Why it matters for employers
Employee wellbeing is increasingly tied to business performance metrics. Organizations that implement structured wellness programs often report lower absenteeism, improved concentration, stronger engagement, and measurable productivity gains.
“By combining TELUS Health’s global expertise with M42’s digital health solutions, we are delivering a truly AI-powered employee assistance program tailored to the needs of employees in the UAE,” said Kareem Shahin, CEO of M42’s Digital Health Solutions Platform.
The financial case is equally compelling. Preventive care and early intervention reduce reliance on costly emergency treatments and long-term medical management. For employers, this translates into lower healthcare expenditure. For employees, it means improved health outcomes and more convenient, on-demand access to care.
Strategic context
The partnership aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital health innovation. Significant public and private investment in health data infrastructure, AI, and virtual care platforms has laid the groundwork for scalable, tech-enabled healthcare delivery.
“The UAE and the region are experiencing a fundamental shift in how organizations approach employee wellbeing,” said Mohamed El-Demerdash, President of TELUS Health.
TELUS Health brings international experience from deploying similar programs in mature markets, while M42 contributes regional insight, regulatory alignment, and cultural understanding. Together, the companies aim to establish a scalable model that could influence workplace wellness strategies across the Middle East.
More broadly, the initiative reflects a growing momentum toward AI-driven healthcare and precision wellness. Both organizations have indicated plans to explore next-generation AI capabilities to further enhance efficiency, access, and personalization—potentially setting a new benchmark for employer-sponsored health programs in the region.
