OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls UAE the world’s most forward-looking country in AI adoption

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described the UAE as the world’s most forward-looking country in artificial intelligence adoption, highlighting its ambitions to integrate the technology across industries.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2026), Altman discussed agreements involving OpenAI, ADNOC and G42, saying the partnership would help advance AI applications across the energy sector.

Altman said AI is already changing how people work, with tools such as ChatGPT helping employees perform tasks more efficiently. He added that some users are increasingly treating AI as a colleague or team member.

He identified scientific discovery as one of the technology’s most significant areas of potential, noting that AI systems had recently begun solving mathematical problems that had previously remained unresolved. He said similar capabilities could be applied across scientific disciplines and to complex challenges in energy production.

Regarding AI’s energy requirements, Altman said the energy consumed per query was declining as the technology became more efficient. However, lower operating costs were also encouraging greater AI usage.

He said he hoped AI applications in the energy sector would deliver benefits that outweigh the energy required to operate the technology, ultimately helping expand global energy availability.

Addressing the impact of AI on employment, Altman said the technology could already perform many tasks associated with certain white-collar roles but expressed confidence that societies would adapt to the changes.

He also emphasized the continued importance of human creativity and judgment, arguing that people should retain control over decisions.

Altman said AI should remain a tool that serves people rather than a system entrusted with making decisions about their future.