OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that artificial intelligence should not be allowed to make important decisions about humanity’s future, even as advanced AI models become increasingly capable of performing complex tasks and competing with some of the world’s leading scientists.
ABU DHABI: OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman has highlighted the rapid development of artificial intelligence, saying that modern AI systems have made remarkable progress in scientific research, office work, and other professional activities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in the United Arab Emirates, Altman discussed the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on human society.
According to Altman, AI technology has advanced significantly since the beginning of 2026. He claimed that earlier this year, artificial intelligence models were not capable of matching the performance of the world’s most intelligent scientists.
However, he said that recent developments have allowed advanced AI models to perform better than leading scientists in many areas.
Altman also explained that artificial intelligence has become much more effective at completing office-related tasks.
At the beginning of the year, AI systems struggled to handle many routine professional activities, but newer models can now complete a substantial portion of such work.
He suggested that these improvements could significantly change how businesses, offices, research organizations, and other industries operate in the coming years.
Humans Must Remain in Control of AI Decisions
Despite the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, Altman emphasized that humans must remain responsible for decisions affecting their lives and future.
He warned against gradually allowing AI systems to decide what is best for humanity without meaningful human involvement.
According to the OpenAI chief, artificial intelligence should be developed as a tool that supports people rather than a technology that controls their choices.
He stressed that human judgment, creativity, and accountability must remain central to the development and use of advanced AI systems.
Altman explained that although artificial intelligence can help people solve complicated problems, analyze information, and complete difficult tasks, it should not replace human responsibility in major decisions.
His remarks highlighted the importance of maintaining human oversight as AI becomes more powerful and increasingly integrated into everyday life.
Artificial Intelligence Could Transform Jobs and the Global Economy
Altman also discussed the potential effects of artificial intelligence on employment and the global economy.
He indicated that AI technology could bring major changes to workplaces as advanced systems become capable of performing tasks traditionally completed by human employees.
Artificial intelligence is already being used for activities such as analyzing information, preparing documents, supporting research, and assisting with administrative work.
As the technology continues to improve, businesses may increasingly rely on AI-powered tools to improve productivity and reduce the time required to complete certain tasks.
However, Altman emphasized that the growing use of artificial intelligence should not reduce the importance of human creativity, decision-making, and accountability.
His comments suggest that the future of work may involve closer cooperation between humans and intelligent machines rather than allowing technology to operate without human supervision.
Rising Electricity Demand Is a Major Challenge for AI Development
During his address, Altman also identified energy availability as one of the biggest challenges facing the artificial intelligence industry.
He explained that advanced AI systems require powerful computing infrastructure, including large data centers that consume significant amounts of electricity.
As artificial intelligence becomes more capable and widely used, the demand for computing power and energy is expected to increase.
According to Altman, technological improvements may help overcome several challenges in AI development, but electricity generation and the physical resources required to support computing infrastructure will remain major concerns.
He pointed out that expanding energy production involves significant financial costs, infrastructure requirements, and resource limitations.
These challenges could affect how quickly companies develop and deploy increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.
Altman’s remarks highlighted the growing connection between artificial intelligence, energy production, and future technological development.
The Future of AI Should Remain Human-Centered
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has raised important questions about how much responsibility should be given to intelligent machines.
AI systems are becoming increasingly useful in education, healthcare, business, scientific research, and everyday professional activities.
While these developments could create new opportunities and improve efficiency, they also raise concerns about human control, accountability, and the responsible use of technology.
Altman believes that artificial intelligence should continue to serve humanity by helping people make better decisions and perform tasks more effectively.
However, he warned that society should not gradually surrender control over its future to automated systems.
His message emphasized that regardless of how advanced artificial intelligence becomes, people must retain the authority to make important decisions and remain responsible for the consequences.
The OpenAI chief’s comments underline a central challenge facing the technology industry: developing increasingly powerful AI systems while ensuring that human interests, creativity, and decision-making remain at the heart of technological progress.