Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reportedly tried to interfere with a major artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure deal in the Middle East, according to a source familiar with the matter, as confirmed to CNBC.
While the exact details and parties involved in the deal were not fully disclosed, the move reportedly raised strategic concerns over the growing global competition for AI dominance and the geopolitical implications of foreign infrastructure investment in emerging technologies.
The alleged intervention by Musk underscores his ongoing and vocal concerns regarding artificial intelligence development and deployment. In recent years, Musk has consistently warned about the dangers of unchecked AI advancement, calling for stronger regulation and scrutiny of AI models and the companies building them. His involvement in various AI-related efforts, including OpenAI—of which he was a co-founder before parting ways—and his own AI initiative xAI, reflect his broader interest in guiding the direction of AI technologies.
This latest revelation suggests that Musk is also willing to take active steps, even behind the scenes, to influence where and how significant AI resources are deployed worldwide, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions such as the Middle East. The source did not elaborate on the methods Musk used to derail the deal or the specific motivations behind his efforts, though his broader tech and security concerns might have played a role.
The Middle East, including countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has recently been investing heavily in AI infrastructure and skill development, aiming to establish strong footholds in the global AI ecosystem. These efforts appear to have drawn the attention and concern of key industry players in the West, particularly around strategic technologies and data control.
At present, neither Musk nor the potential participants in the Middle East AI deal have publicly commented on the matter.
This development adds to ongoing debates around the governance of artificial intelligence, the role of powerful individuals in shaping international tech policy, and the need for transparency in cross-border technology investments and influence.
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