Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has officially launched its first clinical trial in the Middle East, known as UAE-PRIME. This trial will take place at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

Abu Dhabi will be the first international site outside of North America for this clinical trial, marking a significant milestone for the Fremont, California-based company. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasized that Neuralink’s UAE-PRIME clinical trial represents a pivotal moment for the future of healthcare.

“In collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are proud to enable the safe and responsible advancement of brain-computer interface technology, offering renewed hope to individuals living with severe neurological conditions,” Al Mansoori stated. He also highlighted that this partnership showcases Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation in health and life sciences, aimed at accelerating breakthrough technologies that are ethically governed and accessible to patients globally.

Neuralink’s LinkedIn post announced, “We’re launching our first clinical trial in the Middle East at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi!” This trial seeks to explore how individuals with motor and speech impairments can use their thoughts to control devices and communicate.

According to Neuralink, this initiative is a crucial step towards making their pioneering technology available worldwide, with the aim of transforming the lives of millions affected by debilitating neurological conditions. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi expressed pride in being the first hospital outside North America to collaborate with Neuralink on the UAE-PRIME trial, stating, “This milestone reflects our leadership in medical innovation and our commitment to transforming lives.”

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi noted that the UAE is continuing to position itself as a global launchpad for transformative health technologies and next-generation care.