How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

Special How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support
The Tombot Inc. hyper-realistic autonomous dog robot companion for the elderly and those unable to have a living pet dog is demonstrated during CES Unveiled ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support
  • AI advancements make therapy pets a viable alternative for those unable to own real animals due to allergies or living constraints
  • Despite their potential, AI-powered companions face challenges due to cultural perceptions, cost, and data privacy

RIYADH: Pet ownership has long been associated with positive mental well-being, from the company and affection animals provide their owners to the health and social benefits offered by regular walks and interactions.

Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations, including those being treated in hospital or suffering anxiety on commercial flights.

In fact, pet ownership and interactions with animals are regularly touted by doctors to help address a range of mental health issues and improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive function.

A 2024 review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlighted animal-assisted therapy’s measurable impact on reducing stress and promoting good mental health across diverse demographics and settings.

However, for those who suffer from allergies or who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet at home, this may not be an option.

Now, thanks to new advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, a synthetic form of animal-assisted therapy has emerged with the potential to transform the healthcare landscape.

“The future of using pet-like AI-driven robots for therapy has great potential,” Imed Gallouzi, chair of the Center of Excellence for Smart Health at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.

“For individuals dealing with mental health issues, AI therapy pets could provide privacy, immediate reactions to crises, and even companionship to alleviate loneliness.”

AI therapy pets could also be integrated with other smart health solutions. “These devices could link with wearable technology and remote monitoring tools to offer personalized treatment plans,” said Gallouzi.

For example, an AI pet could sync with a wearable device to monitor a patient’s heart rate and alert healthcare providers to any irregularities.

Such AI advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions have come at a critical time.

The World Health Organization recently warned that mental health disorders are a major contributor to the global disease burden, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.




Illustration from the WHO's "world mental health report" 

Mental health issues among young people are a growing concern in Saudi Arabia. A 2023 study based on the Saudi National Mental Health Survey revealed that at least 40.1 percent of young Saudis had experienced a mental health condition at some point in their life.

Despite the prevalence of these issues, the study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, found that just 14.47 percent of young people with mental health issues had received treatment for their condition.

The Kingdom has sought to prioritize the well-being of its citizens as part of the Vision 2030 reform agenda. In 2022, it allocated 4 percent of its healthcare budget to mental health issues — far above the global average.

But for AI-programmed robotic pets to catch on as an effective therapy tool, Noor Al-Faraj, a data AI and automation expert at IBM, says the technology must exhibit sufficient emotional intelligence and offer the right response.

“For these pets to really work, they need to understand human emotions on a deeper level,” Al-Faraj told Arab News.




Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East. (AFP)

“Imagine an AI pet that notices your heart rate increasing and reacts with a calming purring sound or a soft nudge. It’s about combining emotional intelligence with physical presence to feel real.”

Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East.

One of the main hurdles is cultural perceptions. Indeed, the very concept of pet ownership — particularly of dogs — differs significantly in Arab cultures compared to Western norms.

“In our Arab culture, imagining that pets — let alone robotic pets — could contribute to health is a relatively new idea,” said Gallouzi.




Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Another challenge to the adoption of AI pet therapy is technical infrastructure, as their effectiveness will likely depend on a reliable cloud-driven system or one that requires advanced internet connectivity.

Cost and accessibility also pose significant barriers. The technology would likely be prohibitively expensive for the average user. Indeed, research published in Emerging Technologies Quarterly in 2021 highlighted the high cost of advanced AI solutions in emerging markets.

Data privacy is also a critical issue, as AI therapy pets require the collection of sensitive personal information to function effectively.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Equipped with sensors, AI, and machine learning, robotic pets can respond to touch, voice, and movement. 

• Research shows AI-powered pets can reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental well-being.

• Studies estimate one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

• The global market for robotic pets was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 9.5 percent annually (Grand View Research).

Al-Faraj says strict privacy measures are needed to ensure public trust, as concerns over data protection could hinder the technology’s uptake.

Similarly, ethical concerns surrounding AI therapy pets require attention. “If someone starts relying on an AI pet too much, it could make them pull away from real relationships, which would defeat the purpose of emotional support,” said Al-Faraj.




World Health Organization illustration

Given these drawbacks, it seems unlikely these AI companions will replace human therapists altogether — at least not any time soon. But mental health practitioners would be wise to keep up with developments.

“AI will never replace doctors, but professionals who don’t understand AI might find themselves out of work in the future,” said Gallouzi.

Creating a market for AI therapy pets in Saudi Arabia will require significant investments in education and infrastructure.

“We need to train professionals in AI and smart health technologies to prepare the next generation of experts,” Gallouzi added.

Although impressed by these developments, Al-Faraj is not yet convinced that real animals can be substituted by AI therapy pets, no matter their sophistication.

She said: “They’re unpredictable, warm, and have this way of connecting with us that feels almost magical.”

 


US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh
Updated 6 min 22 sec ago
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US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

US Secretary of State arrives in Riyadh

RIYADH: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first tour of the Middle East as Washington’s top diplomat. 

Rubio’s plane earlier took off from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, bound for Riyadh, where he is set to meet Saudi leaders including his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. 

Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia in preparation for direct talks between US and Russian officials in the coming days to seek an end to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The trip follows last week’s telephone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump said they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.”


SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Updated 17 February 2025
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.

The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.

 


Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

 

 


Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
  • Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN

MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.

Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.

Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.

He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.


Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • During the call, areas of joint cooperation and regional and international developments were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, areas of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them were reviewed, and regional and international developments were discussed. 

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability.