OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss strengthening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a report from Reuters citing the UAE state news agency.
The talks reportedly focused on expanding cooperation between OpenAI and Emirati counterparts, with an emphasis on advancing AI research and developing practical applications. Officials said the partnership aligns with the UAE’s long-term ambition to build an integrated AI ecosystem that supports national development plans and the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
The UAE, a major oil producer, has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure. The country is currently developing one of the world’s largest AI data centers and an Arabic-language AI model. In May, it signed an agreement with the U.S. to establish one of the largest AI campuses outside the United States, highlighting its close ties with Washington.
The UAE’s efforts come as competition heats up in the Middle East for AI dominance. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are building data centers at scale. As of early 2025, Saudi Arabia’s existing data center capacity exceeds 300 megawatts, compared to the UAE’s 250 megawatts. Future projects further tilt the balance toward Riyadh, which has 2,200 megawatts in planned capacity versus the UAE’s 500 megawatts, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.
Regional rankings by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) show Israel leading in AI preparedness, followed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Other Gulf states, including Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, lag significantly behind.
The meeting also comes at a time when OpenAI is expanding its global reach. The company recently launched the latest version of its flagship product, ChatGPT, as part of Altman’s broader vision to make intelligence “abundant.” This push is backed by major industrial investment, including Nvidia’s planned $100 billion commitment to bolster OpenAI’s computing capacity—a deal that cements both companies as central players in the global AI race.
