Elon Musk’s Neuralink Begins UAE-PRIME Brain Chip Trial in Abu Dhabi.
Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has launched its first clinical trial outside the United States. The study is taking place in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Known as the UAE-PRIME trial, the initiative is designed to help individuals with severe motor and speech impairments communicate and control devices using only their thoughts.
Neuralink is partnering with UAE and Cleveland Clinic! https://t.co/HeEufumqoc
— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 15, 2025
What is the UAE-PRIME Trial?
Neuralink’s device is a small brain implant that records neural activity and translates it into digital signals. For patients who can no longer move or speak, the technology offers a new way to interact with the world.
This trial will explore how individuals with conditions like ALS, spinal cord injuries, or stroke-related paralysis may regain the ability to communicate by thinking: no keyboard, no speech required.
“For people who’ve lost their voice or movement, this could mean getting their independence back,” said a Neuralink spokesperson.
Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has become a growing center for global healthcare innovation, particularly in the field of medical technology.
According to Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the collaboration aligns with the region’s goal of attracting ethically guided, cutting-edge research.
“This partnership puts us at the forefront of next-generation medicine,” Mr. Al Mansoori said.
The UAE’s efficient regulatory structure and strong healthcare infrastructure made it an ideal host for Neuralink’s international debut.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Leads the Way
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has made history as the first hospital outside North America to conduct a Neuralink trial. Known for its expertise in neurology and neuroscience, the hospital will oversee the trial’s implementation and patient care.
Dr. Jorge Guzman, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, called the initiative a significant milestone.
“This is about restoring dignity and rewriting what’s possible in neurorehabilitation,” Dr. Guzman said.
The Bigger Picture
In previous U.S. trials, Neuralink successfully implanted its device in patients, one of whom was able to move a cursor on a screen using only thought.
The UAE-PRIME trial represents the next phase, testing the technology in a global context, with local support and clinical oversight.
With neurological disorders on the rise, experts say brain-computer interfaces could soon play a central role in restoring lost functions and improving quality of life.
Participants in the trial will go through a multi-stage process: evaluation, implantation, and long-term follow-up.
All stages will be supervised by top neurologists and overseen by the Department of Health to ensure ethical and medical compliance.
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