Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, Neuralink, is bringing its pioneering brain-computer interface (BCI) research to the Middle East. In collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Neuralink has announced the launch of its first regional clinical trial, named UAE-PRIME.
The trial will focus on helping individuals with motor and speech impairments regain communication and control through thought—using Neuralink’s implantable brain-computer technology.
Founded in 2016, Neuralink aims to create direct interfaces between the human brain and computers to treat neurological conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, and potentially much more. Elon Musk envisions a future where BCI technology not only restores lost function but also enhances human capabilities.
The UAE-PRIME trial marks a significant global expansion for Neuralink, which has previously conducted trials in the United States. By leveraging Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s neurology and neurosurgery expertise, the trial will gather valuable clinical insights from a new patient population and contribute to broader international applications.
“This is an important step toward making our groundbreaking technology available worldwide to transform the lives of millions affected by debilitating neurological conditions,” Neuralink stated in a recent LinkedIn post.
The company has also opened a patient registry for those interested in participating, signaling the beginning of what could be a transformative chapter in the region’s medical innovation landscape.
