OpenAI to Build World’s Largest AI Data Centre in Abu Dhabi – Stargate UAE

Monday, 26 May 2025

Abu Dhabi is set to become the epicenter of global artificial intelligence.

In a groundbreaking announcement, OpenAI revealed plans to launch the world’s largest AI data centre in the UAE capital under the banner Stargate UAE, making it the first international deployment of OpenAI’s Stargate infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

Project Name: Stargate UAE
Location: UAE–US AI Campus, Abu Dhabi
Partners: G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, SoftBank
Launch Date: First 200MW cluster to go live in 2026
Capacity: Total 5GW across a 10-square-mile facility
Power Sources: Nuclear, solar, and natural gas
Purpose: AI compute, research, talent development, and global access
Special Integration: Full rollout of ChatGPT services across the UAE

🇦🇪 Presidential Endorsement & Strategic AI Vision

The agreement was signed in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and former US President Donald J. Trump.
The data centre marks a milestone in the UAE’s ambition to lead the global AI race, enabling wider access to intelligent technologies and innovation.
The initiative is a vital component of the UAE–US AI partnership, accelerating international collaboration in artificial intelligence.

Stargate UAE: The Specs

1-Gigawatt Compute Cluster – Operated by OpenAI and Oracle
Latest AI Tech: NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GB300 systems
Secure Infrastructure: Cisco’s zero-trust architecture & AI connectivity
Science Park: To fuel innovation, research, and education

“By establishing the world’s first Stargate outside the US in the UAE, we’re turning a bold vision into reality,” said Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

Global Impact: A Hub Within 2,000 Miles of Half the World’s Population

The facility’s strategic location will offer AI compute capacity across a massive region, potentially reaching up to half of the global population.
Designed to be low-latency and high-performance, the campus is expected to empower governments, corporations, and research institutions to build next-gen AI applications faster and more efficiently.

UAE to Offer ChatGPT Plus to All Residents

The UAE will become the first country in the world to offer ChatGPT services nationwide.
All residents will get access to ChatGPT Plus, enhancing productivity across sectors including:
- Government
- Education
- Healthcare
- Energy

More Than a Data Centre: A Future-Ready AI Ecosystem

The UAE–US AI campus is not just about machines—it’s a science and innovation hub:
- Talent development programs
- Sustainable infrastructure research
- Commercial AI solution deployment
This aligns with OpenAI’s broader mission of democratizing access to powerful AI tools.

Strengthening UAE–US Tech Ties

Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, called it a “significant step” in deepening UAE–US AI cooperation.
The project also represents OpenAI’s commitment to building globally distributed, secure, and sustainable AI systems.

What’s Next?

More Stargate campuses are expected in other strategic regions, but Abu Dhabi’s Stargate UAE is the flagship.
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, this initiative ensures the UAE remains a global front-runner in AI development, policy, and infrastructure.