UAE state oil company announces OpenAI partnership

UAE state oil company ADNOC has announced a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, making it the first energy firm to deploy the advanced artificial intelligence platform. This strategic collaboration was disclosed at the UAE's premier oil industry event, ADIPEC, where OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was in attendance. The UAE, a top AI player in the Middle East, is eager to lead globally in this rapidly evolving field.

ADNOC's managing director and CEO, Sultan Al Jaber, remarked that the partnership will explore how AI can benefit energy, following the rise of ChatGPT. OpenAI's cutting-edge reasoning models will integrate extensive data from ADNOC's wells, reservoirs, and facilities with financial considerations to optimize full-field development plans.

Additionally, the partnership will involve collaboration with Emirati AI company G42, chaired by the UAE president's brother. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. The UAE has been heavily investing in AI since 2017, establishing the world's first AI minister and unveiling a national AI strategy. G42, founded in 2017 with backing from Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, employs over 23,000 people and offers various AI products.

The US recently approved the export of advanced Nvidia chips to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, providing a boost to the region's AI sector. Last year, Saudi state oil firm Aramco invested $2.6 billion into Humain, a Saudi AI company, to scale up and meet growing demand.