UAE President Meets OpenAI CEO to Discuss AI Collaboration

On September 27, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, in Abu Dhabi to explore avenues for collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI). The discussions centered on strengthening partnerships between OpenAI and UAE institutions, focusing on AI research and practical applications.

This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s ambition to establish an integrated AI ecosystem, supporting the country’s development plans and its drive to build a knowledge-based economy. The UAE is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including the development of one of the world’s largest AI data centers and the launch of a new Arabic-language AI model.

In May, the UAE and the United States signed an agreement to build one of the largest artificial intelligence campuses outside the U.S., announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global player in AI technology.