Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures in the artificial intelligence landscape, is once again under scrutiny—this time over his alleged association with Saudi Arabia’s highly controversial NEOM megacity project.
The $500 billion (£375.80 billion) initiative, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has captivated the world with its futuristic ambitions and veil of secrecy. Now, Altman’s name has reportedly surfaced in connection with NEOM’s advisory operations, prompting renewed debate about transparency, influence, and the complex intersection of technology and geopolitics.
While Altman’s public focus has largely centered on AI infrastructure and OpenAI’s international expansion, recent reports suggest that he may have played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping NEOM’s digital and technological strategy. According to Arab News, NEOM’s advisory board is composed of global experts across technology, sustainability, and urban planning—though the full roster of contributors has never been publicly disclosed.
Strategic Influence or Silent Partnership?
Speculation surrounding Altman’s involvement intensified after a July 2025 review of NEOM’s flagship project, The Line, led to internal audits and a broader strategic reassessment. As reported by CNBC, NEOM stated that such “strategic checks are common practice” but refused to comment on the participation of specific advisors. The timing of these reviews, however, has fueled questions about whether Altman’s role extended beyond technical consultation into areas of policy influence and strategic direction.
Altman was previously listed as a member of NEOM’s advisory board, though neither he nor OpenAI has issued a public statement confirming any ongoing relationship. In a recent interview with Stratechery, Altman discussed AI’s role in designing and managing the cities of the future—remarks that some analysts interpreted as an indirect reference to NEOM’s long-term vision.
International transparency advocates and policy observers have called for greater disclosure regarding NEOM’s governance, partnerships, and the involvement of prominent global figures. Given NEOM’s massive scale and geopolitical implications, critics argue that the participation of high-profile tech leaders should be publicly documented to ensure accountability.
This lack of clarity has led to mounting speculation over whether Altman’s association is purely technical—focused on digital infrastructure—or part of a broader strategic collaboration aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda.
AI, Ethics, and Geopolitics
The possibility of Altman’s connection to NEOM raises pressing ethical questions about the deployment of AI technologies in authoritarian or opaque political environments. While NEOM markets itself as a model of sustainability, innovation, and economic transformation, critics contend that the project could also serve as a mechanism for surveillance and social control.
OpenAI has long emphasized its commitment to ethical and transparent AI development. Yet partnerships—formal or informal—with governments accused of human rights violations risk undermining that reputation. Analysts caution that even advisory or consultative roles can carry reputational and ethical risks, particularly when linked to initiatives criticized for limited freedom and accountability.
What We Know—and What Remains Unclear
As of now, there is no official confirmation of Altman’s current status within NEOM’s advisory ecosystem. His name is absent from publicly available documents, and NEOM’s leadership has maintained silence regarding external contributors. Nonetheless, the convergence of AI, urban innovation, and recent strategic reviews has led many observers to believe that Altman’s influence may extend further than publicly acknowledged.
Whether his participation constitutes a conflict of interest or a strategic partnership remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that NEOM’s combination of secrecy and ambition continues to attract intense global scrutiny—and the possibility of Sam Altman’s involvement adds yet another layer of intrigue to the evolving relationship between AI, power, and politics.
Ayush Kumar Jaiswal is a writer and contributor for MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, a platform dedicated to covering the latest developments, trends, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on India’s role in the global AI landscape. His work primarily revolves around delivering insightful and up-to-date news, analysis, and commentary on AI advancements, policies, and their implications for India’s technological future.
As a tech enthusiast and AI advocate, Ayush is passionate about exploring how AI can transform industries, governance, and everyday life. His writing aims to bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and a broader audience, making AI accessible and understandable to readers from diverse backgrounds.
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