October 3, 2025
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to explore collaboration in AI, aiming to boost innovation and digital transformation.
The United Arab Emirates is once again positioning itself at the forefront of global technological innovation. On his latest diplomatic and economic agenda, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a high-profile meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to discuss deepening collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.
The meeting underscores the UAE’s commitment to harnessing AI as a central pillar of its national development strategy while cementing its status as a global hub for digital transformation and innovation.
According to official statements, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation between OpenAI—the pioneering company behind ChatGPT—and the UAE’s government and private sector. The two leaders explored opportunities to apply AI solutions across sectors including education, healthcare, finance, energy, and governance.
President Sheikh Mohamed stressed that AI must be developed in a way that balances innovation with responsibility, ensuring that its applications support sustainable development and long-term human welfare. Altman echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for international partnerships to ensure AI benefits all societies.
The UAE has long been an early adopter and investor in artificial intelligence. In 2017, it became the first country in the world to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Since then, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have launched numerous initiatives, from AI research labs and smart city projects to AI-powered public services.
The UAE National AI Strategy 2031 aims to position the country among the top leaders in AI globally. By fostering partnerships with leading technology firms like OpenAI, the UAE seeks to:
Enhance digital competitiveness.
Drive innovation-led economic diversification beyond oil.
Build AI-driven solutions for healthcare, mobility, and climate change.
Empower youth and future generations with AI education and training.
OpenAI, founded in 2015, has become one of the most influential companies in the global technology landscape. Its development of ChatGPT and other generative AI models has sparked a wave of AI adoption across industries. For the UAE, collaborating with OpenAI could accelerate its ambitions to become a regional and global center for AI research and deployment.
Sam Altman’s visit is part of his broader mission to establish strategic ties with governments and institutions worldwide, ensuring AI development is guided by responsible governance frameworks.
This meeting also comes against the backdrop of global competition in artificial intelligence. Major economies such as the U.S., China, and the EU are racing to define the rules and capture economic advantages from the AI revolution. The UAE’s proactive stance and willingness to partner with global leaders give it a unique role in shaping AI’s future.
By leveraging partnerships with top innovators like OpenAI, the UAE can strengthen its economic resilience, attract top global talent, and create AI-driven solutions to regional and global challenges.
The meeting between President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlights a growing synergy between the UAE’s ambitious national AI strategy and OpenAI’s mission to build beneficial artificial intelligence.
As discussions move forward, the partnership could lead to groundbreaking projects that not only transform the UAE’s economy but also contribute to global AI development. This collaboration underscores the UAE’s position as a bold leader in technology, innovation, and future-oriented governance.
