UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum meet with Elon Musk in Abu Dhabi on December 21, 2025. PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

The UAE continued to reinforce its position as a global hub for technology and innovation as President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held separate high-level meetings with American entrepreneur Elon Musk on Sunday (December 21). The discussions, held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, focused on the rapid evolution of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, space exploration, and digital innovation, and how these can be leveraged to improve quality of life and support sustainable global development.

Meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met Musk in Abu Dhabi to discuss shared interests in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on how innovation can drive societal progress and address future challenges. The two leaders highlighted the strategic importance of international partnerships, stressing that collaboration and knowledge exchange are essential to accelerating digital transformation and enabling nations to adopt cutting-edge solutions effectively. They also underscored the need for cooperation between governments, specialised institutions, and global technology leaders to ensure that innovation remains human-centred and inclusive, contributing to global stability and long-term prosperity. The meeting was attended by senior UAE leaders and officials, including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council; and several ministers and senior government officials.

Meeting with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed in Dubai

Later that day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met Musk at his majlis in Nad Al Sheba, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. The meeting explored global technological transformations, with discussions centring on space, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, and how these innovations can support inclusive development and improve quality of life worldwide. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted how the UAE and Dubai have emerged as leading global destinations for technology and innovation, supported by forward-looking legislation, advanced digital infrastructure, and strong partnerships with major global technology companies. The talks also reviewed Dubai’s and the UAE’s ambitious strategies for advancing artificial intelligence and future technologies to enhance economic competitiveness and set global benchmarks in innovation. “Pleased to meet Elon Musk in Dubai, where we exchanged insights on the space sector, accelerated technological developments, and AI applications, supporting pathways of inclusive development and improving the quality of life,” Sheikh Hamdan said. He added that Dubai is working to strengthen its position as “the global capital of the digital economy, through a sustainable future system that puts humans at the heart of development and establishes promising opportunities for future generations.” Sheikh Hamdan said he “very much enjoyed a multifaceted discussion with Elon Musk on space, technology and humanity,” adding that he was excited about what lies ahead. Musk, for his part, praised the UAE’s forward-looking vision, commending its achievements in technology, artificial intelligence, and space exploration, and expressed his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the country and its people. The Dubai meeting was also attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. ICA/Expat Media
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