In a major milestone for neurotechnology in the Middle East, Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, is initiating its first clinical trial in the region. The Neuralink brain chip trial in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward in the company’s global research efforts.
A collaborative project between Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Department of Health Abu Dhabi is being carried out under the name UAE-PRIME. This trial will explore how Neuralink’s implantable device can assist individuals with motor and speech disabilities in interacting with digital systems using only their thoughts.
Established in 2016, Neuralink is developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) designed to address various neurological disorders such as paralysis and epilepsy, with future ambitions to enhance human cognition through seamless digital integration.
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Neuralink emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating it is a move toward offering its innovative technology to people around the world who are affected by severe neurological challenges.
The UAE-PRIME initiative follows earlier human trials conducted in the United States and marks the company’s entrance into the Middle Eastern medical research landscape. The collaboration benefits from the clinical expertise at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, particularly in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery, and will gather data from a broader and more diverse patient group.
Elon Musk, who is also at the helm of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social platform X, shared the news through his X.com profile, further increasing international attention on the UAE’s role in advancing healthcare innovation.
As part of the trial’s launch, Neuralink has opened a patient registry, encouraging individuals with qualifying medical conditions to register their interest in participating in the study.
