Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is accelerating its artificial intelligence plans, with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sitting down with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to talk about future cooperation.
The talks focused on deepening cooperation between OpenAI and Emirati institutions, especially in AI research and applied fields, the UAE state news agency reported. Officials pointed out that the tie-up is part of the UAE's long-term vision to develop an integrated AI ecosystem to assist in its development plans and shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
The UAE has been spending big on artificial intelligence, from building one of the world's biggest AI data centers to designing a new Arabic-language AI model to serve regional markets. The nation is also using its strategic ties with the United States to win cutting-edge technology partnerships.
In May 2025, the UAE and the U.S. entered into an agreement to build one of the world's largest campuses for artificial intelligence outside the U.S., a deal announced during President Donald Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi. This recent meeting with OpenAI reaffirms the Gulf state's determination to become an international hub for artificial intelligence innovation.
