- OpenAI has partnered with G42 to build a 1-gigawatt AI data centre in Abu Dhabi, aiming to enhance AI infrastructure in the region, with the first phase of the project set for completion by 2026.
- The project supports the UAE’s goal to become a global leader in AI, with plans to make an enhanced version of ChatGPT available across the country and secure permission to import up to 500,000 AI chips annually.
What happened: OpenAI partners with G42 to build world’s largest AI data centre in Abu Dhabi
OpenAI has partnered with G42, a UAE technology firm, to develop a massive AI data centre in Abu Dhabi. Named “Stargate UAE,” the facility will have a capacity of 1 gigawatt, making it one of the most powerful AI data centres globally. The first 200 megawatt phase is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Construction will be funded by G42, while OpenAI and Oracle will manage operations. Other collaborators include SoftBank, Nvidia, and Cisco.
This project is part of a broader initiative to establish the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence. As part of the agreement, an enhanced version of ChatGPT will be made freely available throughout the UAE. Additionally, the UAE has secured approval to import up to 500,000 AI chips annually, bypassing previous U.S. restrictions.
The Stargate UAE project is also linked to a larger $100 billion AI infrastructure plan, with commitments from both the UAE and the U.S. to develop equivalent AI capabilities in each other’s countries.
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Why it’s important
This collaboration between OpenAI and G42 underscores the growing global competition in AI and data centre infrastructure. The project will not only boost the UAE’s technological prowess but also contribute to its ambition of becoming a central hub for AI innovation. By increasing AI chip imports and enabling access to advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT, the UAE is positioning itself to lead in the digital economy.
Moreover, the Stargate UAE project sets the stage for further advancements in AI infrastructure, helping to meet the increasing demand for high-performance computing needed to power emerging AI technologies. The collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating digital transformation globally.
