DUBAI, UAE — In a development that has dominated social media feeds across the Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, was seen personally driving tech billionaire Elon Musk through the streets of the city on Sunday.
The high-profile rendezvous, documented on Sheikh Hamdan’s official Instagram account (@faz3), represents a major milestone in the UAE’s strategic partnership with Musk’s tech empire. The meeting, held at the Crown Prince’s majlis in Nad Al Sheba, focused on the accelerating role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and space technology in shaping the next decade of human progress.
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The Personal Touch: Fazza and the Tech Mogul
The images shared with millions of followers went beyond standard diplomatic protocol. In a rare and candid display, both Sheikh Hamdan and Elon Musk were captured walking into the majlis while holding the hands of their sons—a gesture signaling a relationship that is as personal as it is professional.
“I very much enjoyed a multifaceted discussion with Elon Musk on space, technology, and humanity,” Sheikh Hamdan noted following the meeting.
As the UAE’s Minister of Defence, he emphasized that Dubai remains a premier global testbed for the world’s most ambitious ideas, ranging from sustainable transport to ultra-high-speed satellite connectivity.
Strategic Alignment with Dubai’s D33 Agenda
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI. The high-level attendance underscores how tightly these discussions are aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the city’s economy by 2033 through a heavy focus on digital transformation.
For Musk, whose companies like Tesla and SpaceX are already deeply integrated into the UAE’s infrastructure, Dubai offers a regulatory environment that is uniquely agile and “pro-innovation.” The discussions reportedly touched on the future of the Dubai Loop underground transit project and the next generation of satellite-based data solutions to power the region’s digital economy.
A Presidential Summit in the Capital
The billionaire’s visit extended to Abu Dhabi, where he was received by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting at the presidential level confirms that the UAE views Musk’s ventures as vital strategic partners in the nation’s long-term “post-oil” roadmap.
Accompanied by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, the President and Musk discussed the ethical deployment of AI and the strategic importance of international knowledge exchange. The leaders highlighted that global collaboration is the primary engine needed to solve humanity’s greatest challenges, from clean energy transitions to the digitalization of government services.
Shaping the Future of the UAE Tech Landscape
For the local business community and tech-savvy residents, this visit signals a new era of high-tech investment. As Musk continues to seek global headquarters and testing grounds for his diverse portfolio—from robotics to advanced satellite systems—Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and pro-business policies make it a natural hub.
The meeting serves as a clear reminder that the UAE is no longer just following global trends; it is actively shaping them. As the city continues to court the world’s most influential innovators, the line between science fiction and the daily reality of the Emirates continues to blur.
Other photos of the visit:
