OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman called the UAE the world’s most forward-looking country for artificial intelligence adoption, speaking at an oil industry conference in Abu Dhabi where his company signed a series of deals in the energy sector.

Altman made the remarks during a panel at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, known as ADIPEC 2026. He addressed agreements announced that week involving OpenAI, the Emirati state oil company ADNOC and the technology group G42, saying the partnership between the three parties would help shape and enable the energy sector through artificial intelligence.

ADNOC said on Monday it would become the world’s first energy firm to deploy OpenAI Frontier, an advanced artificial intelligence platform. The company presented the alliance as the first of its kind in the world in the energy sector and announced it in Abu Dhabi while Altman was in the country.

Altman has argued that artificial intelligence could transform the global energy industry by helping companies develop new technologies, improve operational efficiency and address complex engineering challenges, even as growing AI adoption drives demand for electricity. The remarks came as he discussed OpenAI’s expanding relationships in the UAE, including its collaboration with ADNOC and G42 to explore advanced AI applications in the energy sector.

“Abu Dhabi and the UAE are setting a bold, global standard for AI integration across both the public and private sectors to make sure the benefits of AI reach everyone,” said Altman.

He has previously drawn a clear line between OpenAI’s regulatory philosophy and that of rival Anthropic, arguing that the broader benefits of artificial intelligence justify accepting a degree of risk and that the technology should remain widely accessible rather than restricted to a single powerful actor. During the Abu Dhabi panel, Altman said AI could reshape science, energy and work but that humans should remain in control.