In a joint effort between USA and UAE, a plan has been announced to build the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center named “Stargate UAE” in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Stargate UAE project is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. It is set to become the world’s largest AI data center complex outside the United States.
How the project is?
The “Stargate UAE” project will span 10 square miles and aims to develop infrastructure with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts. In its first phase, the project targets the construction of infrastructure with a capacity of 1 gigawatt, of which 200 megawatts is expected to be operational by 2026.
The project is being led by UAE-based technology firm G42. It is supported by partners including U.S.-based companies OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco Systems, and Japan’s SoftBank Group, which will strengthen the project’s infrastructure and progress.
The data center will utilize NVIDIA’s state-of-the-art Grace Blackwell GB300 AI server, currently the company’s most advanced AI server technology. Approximately 1,400 servers will be deployed for this project, requiring around 100,000 NVIDIA chips. According to TrendForce’s analysis, each such server uses 72 chips and consumes approximately 140 kilowatts of power.
Progress Of the Project
Through the “Stargate UAE” project, government agencies and commercial entities in the UAE will be able to connect with the world’s most advanced AI models, facilitating significant progress in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Oracle’s Chief Technology Officer and Chairman, Larry Ellison, stated, “This will be the first platform in the world that allows every government agency and commercial organization in the UAE to connect their data with the most advanced AI models in existence.”
This initiative will enable both the UAE government and private sector organizations to directly access cutting-edge AI technologies.
Today, we joined forces with @OpenAI, @Oracle, @nvidia, @Cisco, and @SoftBank_Group to launch Stargate UAE.
— G42 (@G42ai) May 22, 2025
Stargate UAE will deliver 1GW of high-performance compute at the heart of the 5GW UAE–US AI Campus – designed to support the most demanding AI workloads and power… pic.twitter.com/5JHT77YdEM
To implement the project, a key agreement was signed under the leadership of former U.S. President Donald Trump. This agreement lifted previous restrictions on the export of AI chips. As a result, the UAE will be able to import up to 500,000 advanced AI chips from Nvidia annually, aiding in the development of its AI infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Commerce will also establish a special executive team to ensure the project complies with U.S. national security standards.
The project is part of OpenAI’s larger Stargate initiative, which aims to expand global AI infrastructure. Stargate LLC, the joint venture behind the initiative, was established in January 2025 and includes partners such as OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and the investment firm MGX. The initiative aims to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. by 2029. Clearly, the Stargate project is part of a global initiative.
Future Impact and Significance
The Stargate UAE project marks a major step toward establishing the United Arab Emirates as a global leader in artificial intelligence technology. It is not only significant for the UAE but also a major milestone in the development of AI in the broader Middle East region.
The project is expected to attract multibillion-dollar investments and, with the involvement of major U.S. companies like Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI—as well as the easing of chip export restrictions—it will strengthen UAE-USA tech partnerships. This could influence global competition with tech powers like China and others.
If successful, the project will open new horizons for the global AI industry and stand as a powerful example of international technological collaboration.
Key Project Information
- Name: Stargate UAE AI Data Center
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Start Date: 2026
- Initial Capacity: 200 megawatts (by 2026)
- Final Capacity: 5 gigawatts
- Area: 10 square miles
- Number of Initial Servers: 1,400
- Number of Chips: Approximately 100,000 Nvidia chips
With the implementation of this project, the UAE is poised to secure a prominent position on the global AI map and lay the foundation for technological leadership in the coming decade.
Does the United States want to position the UAE as a global hub for AI data centers? What is your opinion on this?
