Elon Musk's Neuralink to launch brain chip trial in Abu Dhabi

The ‘UAE-PRIME’ trial is in partnership with Dept of Health Abu Dhabi

Last updated: May 17, 2025 | 04:00

1 MIN READ

The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, seeks to establish a direct interface between the human brain and computers.

X.com/neuralink

Abu Dhabi: Neuralink, Elon Musk's neurotechnology company, is launching its first clinical trial in the Middle East at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi. The company announced the 'UAE-PRIME' trial will explore how individuals with motor and speech impairment can use thought to control devices and communicate.

Neuralink aims to develop implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to treat a range of neurological conditions. The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, seeks to establish a direct interface between the human brain and computers. Musk, known for his involvement in other futuristic ventures like SpaceX and Tesla, envisions that Neuralink's technology could eventually enhance human capabilities and help treat conditions like paralysis and epilepsy.

Musk, who is also CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and social media platform X, shared news of the partnership on his X profile.

The company has previously conducted trials in the U.S., and this new trial in the UAE marks a significant step in expanding its research globally. The UAE-PRIME trial will leverage Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's expertise in neurology and neurosurgery. It will also allow Neuralink to gather data in a new population, potentially leading to broader technology applications.

“This is an important step towards making our groundbreaking technology available worldwide to transform the lives of millions affected by debilitating neurological conditions,” Neuralink said in a LinkedIn post. Neuralink has invited interested people to join its patient registry.

Dhanusha GokulanChief Reporter

Dhanusha is a Chief Reporter at Gulf News in Dubai, with her finger firmly on the pulse of UAE, regional, and global aviation. She dives deep into how airlines and airports operate, expand, and embrace the latest tech. Known for her sharp eye for detail, Dhanusha makes complex topics like new aircraft, evolving travel trends, and aviation regulations easy to grasp. Lately, she's especially fascinated by the world of eVTOLs and flying cars. With nearly two decades in journalism, Dhanusha's covered a wide range, from health and education to the pandemic, local transport, and technology. When she's not tracking what's happening in the skies, she enjoys exploring social media trends, tech innovations, and anything that sparks reader curiosity. Outside of work, you'll find her immersed in electronic dance music, pop culture, movies, and video games.