This marks the beginning of a strategic partnership involving G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank Group, all coming together under the banner of international AI leadership.
In a landmark announcement that could redefine the global AI landscape, a coalition of leading technology companies and the United Arab Emirates government unveiled Stargate UAE, a next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure cluster set to rise in Abu Dhabi. The launch marks the beginning of a strategic partnership involving G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank Group, all coming together under the banner of innovation, collaboration, and international AI leadership.
The event, held in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was a momentous occasion reflecting the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Also in attendance were H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence; and H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Council, alongside numerous senior officials and industry leaders.
A Milestone in AI Infrastructure
Stargate UAE will be built and operated as part of the newly established UAE–US AI Campus, which spans 10 square miles and will ultimately house 5 gigawatts of data centre capacity. The Stargate component itself will begin with a 1-gigawatt compute cluster, designed by G42 and operated jointly by OpenAI and Oracle. It will become operational with a 200-megawatt cluster by 2026.
The project aims to deliver nation-scale compute capabilities that will power breakthroughs across a wide spectrum of fields, from healthcare and education to energy and transportation. Cisco will provide AI-ready networking and zero-trust security, while NVIDIA will supply its cutting-edge Grace Blackwell GB300 systems to support the intense computational requirements. SoftBank Group, a key investor in digital infrastructure, brings its global strategic vision to the project.
Forging a Global AI Future
Stargate UAE stands as the first international extension of OpenAI’s Stargate platform, part of the organisation’s broader “OpenAI for Countries” initiative. This initiative seeks to democratise access to frontier AI technology by working with allied nations to build secure, sovereign infrastructure.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said, “By establishing the world’s first Stargate outside of the US in the UAE, we’re transforming a bold vision into reality. This is the first major milestone in our OpenAI for Countries initiative. It’s a step toward ensuring some of this era’s most important breakthroughs—safer medicines, personalised learning, and modernised energy—can emerge from more places and benefit the world.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, underscored the strategic significance of the UAE–US partnership: “This initiative is about building a bridge – rooted in trust and ambition – that helps bring the benefits of AI to economies, societies, and people around the world.”
The campus will also include a science park, serving as a hub for innovation, sustainable compute research, and AI talent development. Powered by a mix of nuclear, solar, and natural gas energy, the facility will aim for minimal carbon emissions, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to climate-responsible innovation.
A Platform for Digital Sovereignty
Stargate UAE also supports the broader US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, a framework launched to deepen collaboration on safe, secure, and responsible AI development. The UAE will reciprocate by expanding digital infrastructure investments in the US, including the proposed Stargate US, under the new America First Investment Policy.
Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Chairman and CTO, highlighted the platform’s potential for national self-reliance in digital innovation: “This first-in-the-world platform will enable every UAE government agency and commercial institution to connect their data to the world’s most advanced AI models. It sets a new standard for digital sovereignty.”
Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, echoed the transformative nature of the project: “AI is the most transformative force of our time. 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.”
A Vision Backed by Action
The global scale and ambition of Stargate UAE are matched by the calibre of its partners. Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, hailed the UAE’s leap forward: “Bold investments, trusted partnerships, and national ambition can create a more connected, more joyful, and more empowered world.”
Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, added, “By embedding our secure AI-optimised networking fabric for this international deployment, we’re building smart, secure and energy-efficient networks that will turn intelligence into impact at global scale.”
As construction begins, Stargate UAE represents more than just infrastructure—it is a statement of intent. It signals the UAE’s transition from a consumer of advanced technologies to a global creator and collaborator in shaping the AI-driven future.
Through this initiative, the UAE is not just hosting the tools of tomorrow—it is helping build the foundations of a future where artificial intelligence serves humanity, drives progress, and bridges nations.
