In a landmark development for global AI infrastructure, a consortium of technology powerhouses has announced plans to build one of the world's largest artificial intelligence facilities in the United Arab Emirates.
The Stargate UAE project, unveiled on May 22, 2025, brings together OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and Emirati firm G42 to construct a massive AI campus in Abu Dhabi. The announcement came during President Donald Trump's Middle East tour and represents the first international iteration of the U.S. Stargate AI infrastructure initiative announced in January.
The ambitious project will span an impressive 10 square miles with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts—enough to power a major city. At its core will be a 1-gigawatt compute cluster built by G42 and jointly operated by OpenAI and Oracle. The facility will utilize Nvidia's cutting-edge Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, while Cisco will provide connectivity infrastructure and security solutions. The first phase, a 200-megawatt AI cluster, is scheduled to go live in 2026.
"With Stargate UAE, we are building the AI infrastructure to power the country's bold vision – to empower its people, grow its economy, and shape its future," said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in the announcement. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, described the project as "a step toward ensuring some of this era's most important breakthroughs—safer medicines, personalized learning, and modernized energy—can emerge from more places and benefit the world."
The initiative represents a significant financial commitment, with sources indicating that G42's investments could total $20 billion, split between the UAE and U.S. projects. As part of the agreement, the UAE has committed to matching every dollar invested in Stargate UAE with an equal investment in U.S. AI infrastructure.
The project also marks the first major milestone in OpenAI's recently launched "OpenAI for Countries" initiative, which aims to help allied nations build sovereign AI capabilities in coordination with the U.S. government. Under the partnership, the UAE will become the first country to enable ChatGPT nationwide, giving all residents access to OpenAI's technology.