UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on September 27, 2025, highlighting the countrys ambition to become a global leader in AI. According to Reuters, the talks focused on deepening collaboration between OpenAI and UAE institutions. Discussions included the creation of necessary infrastructure in the country, including the construction of large data centers, as well as joint work on developing advanced AI models for the Arabic language. The meeting did not conclude with the signing of specific agreements but laid the groundwork for a long-term partnership. In recognition of his contributions to technology, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) awarded Sam Altman its first-ever honorary doctorate. This visit is part of the UAEs broader strategy to attract leading tech players and invest billions in building a knowledge-based economy.
UAE President Meets OpenAI CEO to Discuss Strategic AI Partnership
