Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink is partnering with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to launch the Middle East’s first clinical trial, “UAE-PRIME,” exploring how individuals with motor and speech impairments can control devices and communicate through thought alone.
Neuralink, the neurotechnology firm founded by Elon Musk, has announced the launch of its first clinical trial in the Middle East—dubbed 'UAE-PRIME'—at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, aims to test how individuals with motor and speech impairments can use brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to communicate through thought.
The trial underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global hub for advanced health sciences, AI-driven innovation, and medical tourism. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers state-of-the-art neurosurgical and neurological facilities, aligning with the UAE’s long-term strategy to attract high-tech research and development.
This trial positions the UAE at the forefront of neurotechnology, attracting global investors, medical talent, and tech entrepreneurs. The economic spillover includes increased occupancy in high-end residential developments, demand for executive housing, and growth in wellness-oriented community planning.
Neuralink’s UAE-PRIME initiative signals a pivotal moment for regional investment strategies. Abu Dhabi’s embrace of frontier technologies offers real estate stakeholders a unique opportunity to align with transformative healthcare innovation and long-term infrastructure expansion.