The UAE is deepening its engagement with US frontier tech through two potential partnerships with Elon Musk’s companies — one in aviation and the other in neurotechnology.

#1- Emirates in talks with SpaceX for in-flight Starlink internet: National carrier Emirates is in talks to equip its widebody fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter. If finalized, the agreement could see Starlink deployed across Emirates’ 250 aircraft and more than 300 jets currently on order — a major endorsement for the satellite internet service in global aviation.

But key obstacles remain: Starlink is not yet authorized for use in the UAE and is not currently certified for Emirates’ Airbus A380 fleet. It also does not function over Chinese or Russian airspace — both of which are on Emirates’ route map — raising additional technical and regulatory questions.

Negotiations are also ongoing over pricing, with discussions reportedly including a flat fee per seat, regardless of occupancy. Emirates could still opt for an alternative provider such as Viasat, sources said.

#2- UAE to host Neuralink’s first clinical trial outside the US: The UAE will host the first international human trials for Elon Musk’s brain-chip company Neuralink, the company announced in a post on X. The trial will implant Neuralink’s coin-sized wireless brain chip in quadriplegic patients, enabling them to control digital devices using brain signals, The National reports. It will be conducted in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health under the UAE-PRIME program.

What does Neuralink do again? The chip is designed to help restore lost motor and communication functions by creating a direct link between the brain and computers. While initially aimed at treating severe neurological conditions, Neuralink says the technology could eventually enhance cognitive interaction and expand into everyday applications.

The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi looks to position itself as a global hub for health innovation, according to a statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Any development would not be Musk’s first venture in the Emirates, having already explored cooperation with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on developing a Dubai Loop transport system.

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