UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Elon Musk on December 20, 2025, for talks centred on artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and the UAE's ambition to become a global innovation hub. The meeting took place at Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi and brought together some of the country's most senior leaders.
Who Attended the Sheikh Mohamed–Elon Musk Meeting
The discussions were attended by a high-level UAE delegation, underscoring the strategic weight the country places on AI and emerging technology cooperation. Senior figures present included:
- Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed — Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed — Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence - Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed — Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, National Security Adviser, and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council - Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed — Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court
Elon Musk, CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, has a longstanding relationship with the Emirates, having previously addressed the World Government Summit in Dubai in 2017 and 2023.
AI, Space, and Quality of Life on the Agenda
The conversation focused on the latest developments in artificial intelligence and how these technologies can be harnessed to improve quality of life and support global progress. Space exploration and sustainable development also featured prominently in the discussions.
Both sides stressed the importance of international partnerships and knowledge exchange to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions — and to strengthen countries' ability to respond to future challenges.
Musk praised the UAE's forward-looking vision and its ongoing commitment to technological advancement.
Sheikh Hamdan Shows Musk Around Dubai
Ahead of the formal Abu Dhabi meeting, Sheikh Hamdan personally drove Musk through Dubai's streets, documenting the visit on Instagram. The Crown Prince of Dubai described the encounter as a "multifaceted discussion on space, technology and humanity."
The visit highlighted Dubai's role as a living demonstration of smart-city innovation — a point not lost on Musk, who has long cited the Emirates as a benchmark for government-led tech adoption.
UAE AI Strategy and Global Ambitions
The meeting with Musk is the latest signal of the UAE's aggressive push to position itself as a world leader in artificial intelligence. Sheikh Tahnoon's presence — as head of the country's AI and Advanced Technology Council — pointed to the meeting's policy dimension beyond diplomatic formality.
The UAE has invested heavily in AI infrastructure, talent pipelines, and sovereign technology partnerships over recent years. Discussions with figures such as Musk feed directly into that strategy, opening doors for collaboration across space, energy, and autonomous systems.
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