OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has called for humans to remain in control of increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems, warning that decisions about society’s future should not be left to technology companies alone.
Speaking during a discussion at the opening of Adipec 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Altman said rapid advances in AI were creating important questions about safety, accountability and the responsibility of developers to ensure the technology served human interests.
He acknowledged that more capable AI systems could disrupt employment and change how people work, with some existing roles becoming increasingly vulnerable to automation. However, he said technological progress would also create new opportunities and require individuals, businesses and governments to adapt.
Altman stressed that AI developers had a significant responsibility to manage the risks associated with increasingly intelligent systems. Decisions about how the technology is developed and used, he said, should remain in human hands.
The OpenAI chief executive described the UAE as one of the world’s most forward-looking adopters of artificial intelligence, pointing to its early investments and commitment to integrating the technology into government, businesses and everyday services.
His remarks came as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) announced an agreement with OpenAI and Abu Dhabi-based technology group G42 to introduce advanced AI capabilities into its energy operations.
Adnoc to deploy OpenAI Frontier
Under the agreement, Adnoc will become the world’s first energy company to deploy OpenAI Frontier, according to the company’s announcement. The partnership, guided by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will focus on field development, well management and commercial operations.
The companies aim to use AI to make energy systems smarter, safer, more secure and productive. Altman said the collaboration would provide an opportunity to examine how advanced AI tools could address complex operational challenges across the energy industry.
The agreement also builds on the existing relationship between OpenAI and G42, supporting Abu Dhabi’s plans to expand AI adoption across major economic sectors.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, said at the opening ceremony that the partnership would help demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence for the energy industry.
Energy demand and wider AI applications
Altman also addressed the growing energy requirements of artificial intelligence, noting that expanding computing capacity would require substantial infrastructure and electricity.
He said AI computing had become considerably more efficient in recent years, even as demand for the technology continued to increase.
Beyond energy, Altman highlighted AI’s potential to accelerate scientific research, improve healthcare, widen access to education and raise productivity across industries.
The discussion reflected the growing role of artificial intelligence in major sectors while underscoring the need to address its effects on employment, energy consumption and public safety.
