OpenAI, Cisco, and Oracle Partner for UAE Data Center

OpenAI Expands Stargate Project to the UAE

Confirming earlier reports, OpenAI is extending its substantial Stargate data center initiative to the Middle East.

The company revealed Stargate UAE on Thursday, detailing plans for a 1GW data center complex located in Abu Dhabi.

Initial deployment is anticipated in 2026, with 200MW of capacity expected to become operational. This development will be undertaken in collaboration with key partners.

Key Partnerships

• G42
• Oracle
• Nvidia
• Cisco
• SoftBank

According to a statement published on OpenAI’s blog, Stargate UAE is positioned to deliver essential AI infrastructure and computational resources within a 2,000-mile radius.

“This represents the inaugural collaboration stemming from OpenAI for Countries,” OpenAI explained. “This new global program is designed to assist governments in developing sovereign AI capabilities in alignment with the U.S. government.”

The partnership will enable the UAE to become the first nation globally to offer nationwide access to ChatGPT, extending the technology’s reach to citizens across the country.

Competition in AI Infrastructure

The announcement of Stargate UAE coincides with a similar declaration from Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI. Musk stated that xAI intends to construct the world’s first AI training cluster with a capacity of one gigawatt.

This signifies growing investment and competition in the development of large-scale AI infrastructure globally.

The expansion of Stargate to the UAE underscores OpenAI’s commitment to broadening access to its AI technologies internationally.