The UAE has recently announced an ambitious plan to collaborate with several top global technology companies to jointly build a super artificial intelligence data center named "Stargate UAE." This project is not only massive, with a planned total power of 1 gigawatt, but also marks the UAE's forward-looking layout in the global artificial intelligence field.
In this project, partners include well-known enterprises such as OpenAI, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank. The state-owned AI company G42 of the UAE will be responsible for construction, while OpenAI and Oracle will handle operations. Notably, the UAE plans to introduce the most advanced GB300 system in this project, with NVIDIA providing critical technical support. According to the plan, the first 200-megawatt AI cluster is expected to begin operation in 2026, equivalent to the operational capability of 1,400 high-performance servers.
Image source note: Image generated by AI
The UAE government has not only demonstrated its determination in AI infrastructure through this project but also announced that it will become the first country in the world to pay for ChatGPT Plus subscriptions for all its citizens. This means that all residents of the UAE can use this advanced AI service for free, highlighting the government's emphasis on promoting the popularization of technology. Interestingly, the "Stargate" project in the UAE will cover a range of 2,000 miles and serve nearly half of the global population.
Despite the timing of this initiative coinciding with the intensification of global AI competition, the UAE government remains optimistic about cooperation with the U.S. The Trump administration had already lifted a restriction allowing the export of advanced AI chips to countries including the UAE in the Middle East. Although there are currently no clear alternative policies, the U.S. side has indicated that it will establish a working group with the UAE to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
As various countries around the world are increasingly investing in AI infrastructure, the UAE aims to enhance its technological strength and international influence through this "Stargate" project. In the future, OpenAI also plans to cooperate with other countries to promote the construction of more "Stargates," jointly advancing the development of global AI technology.