In a historic move set to redefine the global AI landscape, OpenAI has announced the launch of Stargate UAE, the world’s largest AI data centre, in partnership with G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank. This marks OpenAI’s first-ever sovereign AI partnership with a nation, placing the UAE at the forefront of global artificial intelligence innovation.
A One-Gigawatt AI Cluster to Power the Future
Expected to go live by 2026, the data centre will boast a one-gigawatt AI computing cluster, making it the most powerful AI infrastructure in the world. Stargate UAE is designed to serve a 2,000-mile radius, potentially giving access to half of the global population.
The UAE will also become the first country to enable ChatGPT nationwide, offering AI-powered tools and services across government, education, energy, transportation, and healthcare sectors.
Investment of the Century
OpenAI has stated that Stargate UAE will be the cornerstone of a $500 billion investment initiative over the next four years, focused on developing advanced AI infrastructure in the United States as well. This builds on the UAE’s broader commitment to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S., aimed at supporting economic growth, job creation, and maintaining America’s technological edge.
“Stargate UAE is a reflection of our long-term vision to build frontier-scale compute capacity around the world for safe, secure, and broadly beneficial AGI,” said OpenAI in a statement.
Strategic Collaborations and Global Vision
This ambitious initiative is being executed in collaboration with top-tier technology players including:
- G42: UAE-based AI and cloud computing leader
- Oracle: Enterprise cloud and data solutions
- NVIDIA: World leader in GPU and AI hardware
- Cisco: Global networking and security infrastructure
- SoftBank: Multinational conglomerate with deep investments in technology
These partnerships ensure not only cutting-edge infrastructure but also secure and ethical deployment of AI services.
OpenAI for Countries: A New Diplomatic Frontier
This development is the first phase of OpenAI’s new initiative — “OpenAI for Countries” — which aims to partner with 10 key regions and nations to deliver sovereign AI capability.
Starting next week, Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, will embark on an Asia-Pacific roadshow to explore similar collaborations with other interested countries.
Geopolitical Context and Global Leadership
The Stargate announcement comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, during which several AI and technology deals were unveiled. The UAE’s collaboration with OpenAI is being seen as a strategic move that positions the nation as a global AI powerhouse, reinforcing its national agenda for digital transformation.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Facility: World’s largest AI data centre — 1 GW compute cluster
- Partners: OpenAI, G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, SoftBank
- Investment: $500 billion by OpenAI in the U.S. + $1.4 trillion UAE-US tech investment
- Reach: Covers up to 50% of global population
- Vision: Secure, sovereign AI infrastructure for nations
- Initiative: “OpenAI for Countries” program launching across Asia-Pacific
Stargate UAE is not just a data centre — it’s a symbol of the next digital frontier, uniting national strategy with cutting-edge AI to shape the future of global technology.
