Group 42 and OpenAI Executives Chart U.S.-U.A.E. AI/Tech Relationship at GITEX
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(L to R)  U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright and G42 Group Chief Global Affairs Officer Talal Al Kaissi. 

In a major highlight of GITEX Global 2025, Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, joined Talal Al Kaissi, Group Chief Global Affairs Officer at G42, for a dynamic fireside chat on the main stage, offering deep insights into the fast-evolving U.S.-U.A.E. advanced technology partnership.

Their conversation followed a high-profile dialogue between Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, who explored the global trajectory of artificial intelligence and the role of visionary leadership in shaping an AI-powered future. Peng Xiao highlighted recent developments in the U.A.E.’s push to become an AI leader, including:

  • Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) launching a “7 to 70” program that targets the whole U.A.E. population with AI upskilling.
  • G42 and Microsoft’s Responsible AI Institute in Abu Dhabi that brings global thought leaders together to discuss the impact of the AI revolution on the world.
  • The U.A.E.’s rapid development of AI infrastructure, including the U.S.-U.A.E. Stargate project announced during President Trump’s visit to the U.A.E. in May 2025.

Mr. Xiao concluded, “We in the U.A.E. believe the best way to address this unknown [of the future of AI] is to try it… and we put humans at the center of this revolution.”

Sam Altman remarked that the technology of today would have been unimaginable five years ago, and emphasized that it is a privilege to work in the most important technology of this century for the betterment of humanity. He added, “The U.A.E. has been an important partner on showing what can be done [with AI] for a nation.” 

Continuing with the theme of the global AI transition, Mr. Sebright and Mr. Al Kaissi discussed developments in the U.S.-U.A.E. advanced AI partnership, emphasizing:

  • The United States’ goal of “winning the AI race” and how partnership with the U.A.E. is key to this. Mr. Al Kaissi noted, “Winning is not just about having the most advanced chips or bleeding edge technology. It is about creating something usable that captures global market share and mindshare.” He argued the U.A.E. can help diffuse U.S. technology to this end.
  • G42’s role as a key partner and enabler to scale U.S. technology globally, especially to markets across the Global South. On the U.S.-U.A.E. AI Acceleration Partnership & the 5GW U.A.E. Stargate Project, Mr. Al Kaissi argued that the project – the first phase of which is scheduled to come online in 2026 – is key to both exporting U.S. technology and building equitable access to AI globally.
  • The U.A.E.’s commitment to safely deploying U.S. technology. Mr. Al Kaissi noted G42’s commitment to building the “gold standard” for protecting proprietary U.S. technology. “Like with cybersecurity, these safeguards will need to be continuously evolving to stay ahead,” Mr. Al Kaissi added.
  • The U.A.E. is a country “punching above its weight” as a champion of AI and through the AI revolution the U.A.E. will transform from being an exporter of energy to an exporter of AI technology while diversifying its economy and integrating AI into focal sectors such as healthcare and life sciences, energy, space, and defense. 

Both leaders agreed in conclusion that the best path forward for U.S. technology leadership is through trusted, strategic partnerships with the U.A.E. as a leading example.

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is a crucial enabler of the U.S.-U.A.E. AI Acceleration Partnership. We will continue the conversation between Danny and Talal through our Tech Working Group, which convenes industry leaders this week to further bilateral technology investment and advancement.

To learn more about the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s technology programming, please contact Maggie Paddock atmpaddock@usuaebusiness.org.