UAE President Meets OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Discuss Strengthening Artificial Intelligence Collaboration

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi on 27th September, 2025. Their discussions centered on opportunities to enhance cooperation between OpenAI and its UAE counterparts, focusing particularly on artificial intelligence research and its practical applications. This collaboration reflects the UAE’s ambition to build an integrated AI ecosystem, supporting the country’s development plans and aspiration to create a knowledge-based economy. The UAE aims to strengthen its global leadership in the field of artificial intelligence and foster innovation and cooperation across both the public and private sectors. The OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, commended “the UAE’s artificial intelligence vision and its global partnerships in this key sector.” In recognition of his leadership in AI, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence awarded Sam Altman its first honorary doctorate. The meeting was attended by prominent figures, 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; and Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, along with several senior officials. Team V.4-EM-UAE