L to R: Peng Xiao, group CEO of G42, and Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI/Image: Getty Images
In a high-stakes announcement sure to reverberate across global technology and government circles, Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, will join virtually for a landmark conversation with Peng Xiao, group CEO of G42, at GITEX GLOBAL 2025. The session — titled “From early adoption to AI-native nations: Shaping the next era of intelligence” — is slated for Tuesday, 14 October at 9:00 AM on the Main Stage in Hall 25 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Seats are limited.
This rare pairing of one of the world’s foremost AI architects with a leading Gulf-based technology executive underscores the shifting focus from corporate AI leadership to national AI strategies — a key theme at this year’s event.
Altman’s involvement brings star power and deep technical credibility: OpenAI remains one of the most closely watched labs in the sector, with its advances shaping the trajectory of large-language models, generative AI, and the broader AI ecosystem. Peng Xiao, meanwhile, leads G42 — a UAE-based conglomerate deeply invested in AI infrastructure, national AI systems, and regional digital sovereignty.
G42 has previously signaled ambitious plans to push the UAE and the broader MENA region toward AI leadership. Peng Xiao has described the company’s philosophy as being “inquisitive by nature” while maintaining “purposeful focus” to address society’s most complex questions.
Together, the dialogue promises to explore not just the next breakthroughs in AI, but how nations can architect themselves for an era when intelligence becomes a foundational asset, akin to energy or infrastructure.
