The UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received Mr. Sam Altman, Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities to enhance cooperation between OpenAI and UAE-based institutions, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) research and its practical applications.
Supporting the UAE’s AI Ambitions
The discussions aligned with the UAE’s strategic ambition to build an integrated AI ecosystem that supports national development plans and advances the country’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy. The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in AI while fostering innovation and partnerships across both public and private sectors.
Recognition for AI Leadership
During the visit, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) awarded Mr. Altman its first honorary doctorate, acknowledging his influential leadership and impact in the field of artificial intelligence. The OpenAI CEO commended the UAE’s comprehensive vision for AI and its growing network of international partnerships in this vital sector.
Senior Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by several prominent UAE leaders and officials, including:
- H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
- H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser
- H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs
- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President
- Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office
- Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
- Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi
A number of other senior officials also attended the meeting, underscoring the UAE’s high-level commitment to advancing its AI initiatives.-WAM
