UAE Media Council chairman invites Elon Musk to BRIDGE Summit Abu Dhabi
Abdulla Al Hamed and Tesla founder explore global media and technology partnerships in California talks
ABU DHABI – Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office, the UAE Media Council, and BRIDGE, met with Elon Musk, CEO of X, SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink, at Tesla’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California.
The meeting set the stage for wide-ranging cooperation in media and technology ahead of the inaugural BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2025.
Al Hamed extended an invitation to Musk to join the first edition of the BRIDGE Summit, billed as the world’s largest debut media gathering. The event is expected to attract influential voices from technology, media, and innovation to explore the future of digital content and global media ecosystems.
Focus on innovation
The discussions concentrated on artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, data centres, and digital transformation. Musk described these as “engines of the 21st century economy” and stressed that clean, affordable energy would shape the pace of future innovation.
Al Hamed said the UAE is strategically positioned to lead in these sectors thanks to its clean energy availability and robust infrastructure. Musk credited the UAE’s leadership for early investments in AI and advanced technology, highlighting the roles of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan in placing the nation at the forefront of global transformation.
Robotics and AI
During a visit to Tesla’s Optimus robotics lab, Musk showed Al Hamed the next wave of industrial and social robotics. The two leaders also discussed the importance of global standards for the ethical use of AI in media, covering content creation, distribution, and regulation.
Talks included Musk’s forthcoming AI model, Grok 5, which he described as “more powerful, curious, and adaptive” than previous versions. Musk believes Grok 5 will align more closely with human creativity and act as a strategic partner in addressing global challenges, reflecting Al Hamed’s call for AI to evolve from a tool into a partner for development.
Expanding cooperation
Both sides explored cooperation in media and AI labs, youth-focused educational content, and sustainability initiatives linking technology with storytelling. Musk outlined the role of Starlink in boosting connectivity across the Middle East and Africa and revealed plans for a new AI centre, scheduled to open later this year.
Al Hamed said the UAE is building an integrated media ecosystem combining innovation, technology, and social values. He emphasised that global partnerships accelerate adoption of new solutions and deliver sustainable impact.
Looking ahead to December, Al Hamed described the BRIDGE Summit as a platform for bold ideas and unconventional solutions. Designed to bring together policymakers, media leaders, and innovators, the summit will explore how AI and emerging technologies can rebuild trust in media and redefine its role in global development.